How to "Hack" the Peloton Bike Experience Using the App

Like many people, when COVID hit, I was struggling to find a fitness solution that didn't involve a gym. When we moved to our new home, we were about a half-hour to the closest gym, so even in a post-pandemic world, I needed a closer-to-home option. 

We looked at getting a Tonal initially, but our middle of nowhere internet wouldn't support their interface. In fact, since there is no hardwired option, even with our new fiber internet, it would be questionable. (Tonal equipment designers....I would love a LAN input option!)

The other option is Peloton. I looked at investing in the bike. I couldn't justify that purchase for a couple of reasons. First of all, is the cost of the bike itself (starting at $1,500 up to $2,500 for the Bike+) plus the ongoing charge each month ($39.00).  That's a pretty big purchase for something I've never used before. I actually perfer weightlifting, so that's a large portion of my budget on one activity.  

I started researching Peloton "hack" solutions. Solutions that would give me a similar experience as the bike, but at a significant price reduction with the app. After a couple of months using my setup, I think I have tweaked it so it's pretty darn close to the actual Peloton experiance. 

Before I go into all the equipment, I do want to point out what you're missing in the app experience v. the bike. You will not be able to get your total output score since that's a measurement of speed and cadance. The app only has access to the cadence if you have a sensor. Since you do not have an output score, you can not partipate in the leaderboard during live classes. (Yes, you can join live classes on the app and you have access to an extensive on demand library). You can not use the scenic ride option available on the bike. I believe you still can get a call out for a milestone since the app does track how many rides you've taken, but I think bike users get preference. Also, instructors will call out numbers for resistance and you won't be able to set your resistance exactly how they instructed. I don't find this an issue because I want to adjust the resistance to match my own effort and fitness level. After a few classes, I got the hang of how many times to turn my own resistance knob to make the ride more challenging. 

Bike: $244.00

A popular option with app users is the Sunny Bike. I considered it, but ultimately went with the PooBoo bike. First of all, it was on sale as part of Prime Day for only $244.00. It has a magentic fly wheel so it's a smoother quieter ride than bikes that use felt pads for resistance. I liked the color of the bike (obviously not a huge factor but a bonus). So far I'm happy with the bike. The only negative thus far is the components aren't the strongest I've seen. There is some give when adjusting the seat and handlebars. I do have to tweak the seat every couple of weeks. 

Cadence Sensor: $39.99

In order to get your cadence to appear on the screen of the Peloton app, you will need a remote bluetooth cadence sensor. The most popular option is the Wahoo sensor. The only querk I have found is you must pedal a few minutes before you try to pair the sensor with the Peloton app. I attached it to the inside of my pedal using the sticker provided and it hasn't budged. 

Peloton App: $12.99 per Month

Currently the monthly subscription to the Peloton app is $12.99. I say "currently" because bike users just experienced a price increase last week. I haven't seen a price increase annouced for the application, but I wouldn't be surprised if one is coming soon.

These are all you need to get started cycling. The total cost of this set-up is only $283.99. The monthly cost going forward is just the app fee of $12.99. 

These are the additional accessories I added to enhance my experience:

Bike Seat: $43.00

I upgraded the bike seat for a more comfortable riding experience. The YLG bike seat was recommended by Rosey Beeme and is fantastic. It may not be completely fair to consider this in the final cost since I would have purchased it for the Peloton bike either way. 

Heart Rate Sensor: $40.00

If you would like to see your current heart rate on the screen during a class and use Peloton's heart rate metric "Strive Score," you need something to measure your heart rate. I have an Apple watch, but as of now, the connection between the two interfaces is unusual. If you start a Peloton workout, it will start a workout on the watch and will count your exercise minutes. You can see your heart rate on the watch, but it will not appear on the app screen. The Apple watch will not record your heart rate for your Strive Score. I bought this heart rate sensor for another fitness class, but it pairs well and works great with the app.  Now I just look like a crazy person wearing two watches, but oh well. That's a bonus of being at home.

Television: Free

There's many ways you can view the classes. I've used an iPad and my phone with no issues. The bike I listed above has a built in stand that works for both. There was a free tv available to me, so I decided to use it in our little gym. I do like having a large screen that works great for both cycling and weight lifting classes.

HDMI Adaptor: $41.92

If you use the Peloton app on a streaming stick, you will see the class and hear the music. However, you will not see your cadence or heart rate on the screen. It's pretty simple when you think about it. Both the cadence or heart rate connect to the app via bluetooth. If you use an app straight from the streaming service (not your phone), the bluetooth sensors can't pair with the streaming stick. You must mirror the app from your phone. 

If you have a device that does a direct mirror from your phone, then you can view the cadence and heart rate. Due to that slow internet issue I mentioned above, I connect my phone to the TV via a HDMI cable and this adaptor. This set-up also has the added benefit of having two screens to view the class on. I have found this especially really helpful with yoga classes. I have my phone on the mat for lower poses. This adapter also allows you to charge your phone at the same time. 

Clip In Pedals: $70.00

After using the cage pedals that came with my bike for a few months, I decided it was time to upgrade to clip in pedals. I bought these pedals and so far have been happy with them. It only took about 15 minutes to install them with a simple wrench. 

Clip In Shoes: $100.00

This is a pretty subjective cost. You can find cycling shoes starting at $30.00 up to hundreds. I picked these particular shoes, because they are knit and breathable plus they have good reviews. This cost is much like the bike seat. Even if I decided to go with the Peloton bike, I would still need shoes. 

Rolling Cart: $28.99

The last thing I added to my set-up was a simple rolling cart. I used the cart to hold the remote, ear buds (I use those when the kids are sleeping), water bottle and light weights. The square design of this one means it fits nicely behind my bike when I'm not riding.

If you're still reading this ridculous long post, the final cost for my set up with all the added enhancements is $607.90 which includes the $143.00 for my seat and cycling shoes . The ongoing cost per month is $12.99.

Non-Cycling Classes

Since we have already covered everything in such detail, here's even more equipment you can consider. I enjoy the non-cycling classes Peloton offers as well. For the strength training, I have free weights in 5lbs, 10lbs, 15lbs and a set of adjustable weights that go from 4 to 70 pounds. I have mats on the ground to absorb shock. For yoga classes, I have a yoga mat, yoga blanket, bolstor (this one is awesome and the company has been amazing with follow up education), and yoga blocks. We also go a treadmill second hand, but honestly I haven't tried the tread classes yet.

Daily Goodie Box Review

Hello!

I was contacted by the friendly people at Daily Goodie Box to review one of their boxes. Their boxes are unique because they are completely free. No shipping, no credit cards ever. You just have to give your opinion of the products.

The box I happen to get was more health conscious than I normally gravitate towards. That being said, it was a good introduction to products I may not have tried on my own.

Even if the products are free, the presentation of the box is much like other subscription boxes. It was fun to get the box in the mail and open it up.

While they contacted me to review their box, all the opinions are my own.

  

The first product was Herr's Popped Chips. They were very good. I would definitely grab these again if I saw them in the store. They had good flavor, and I liked how light they were.

Okay, so I'm a coffee snob. Like I only drink one kind of coffee I order online. So, I tried Coffee Block's butter coffee when I ran out of my go to coffee (which, if you're wondering, is Cameron's) Err. Not a huge fan. Now, to be fair I don't drink butter coffee normally, so I can't compare it to that, but compared to regular coffee it was too gritty. It was better warm, but once I let it get cold (I often drink cold coffee because I'm a mom...and life happens around here)....yikes.

The Just Chill Rio Berry was pretty good. I liked how it was slightly sparkling, and I could taste berry and maybe a bit of lavender? It was really cold since the box sat outside for a couple of hours. I think it was even better, because it was really cold.

This Xylichew  gum was very very popular with my kids. I thought it tasted like typical gum, but without that other junk.

The Vermont Smoke and Cure Beef Sticks are delish. I have seen these at check outs before, and I'll definitely grab them again.

Just like the beef sticks, I'm a big fan of these Gorilly Goods nuts. They had a curry taste which was just the right amount of spice. It also kept the kids from stealing them. Double win!

These Aloha greens were okay as far as powder goes. I've dabbled in these types of powders before, and this one tasted about on par with those. I might not purchase them again just because I don't generally use powders.

The Dream Water sleep powder was tried by my husband because I am nursing and try to avoid anything like this. He said it was pretty good and did help him sleep...but to be honest, he doesn't have a problem sleeping. Even when a baby is crying in the room next door.

I was a bit scared to try this. I like Fig Newtons, but was afraid that a "good for you" version would just be really gross. (Not a fan of the Naked brand for that reason) I was pleasantly surprised by the Fig Bar. Now, my kids weren't so sure about it. They also haven't tried Fig Newtons, so maybe it's just a taste thing in general.

I am a big fan of the Nellie's All Natural Laundry Soda. I have used other all natural soaps in the past, because I cloth diapered my oldest and normal detergents are really hard on the diapers and baby bums. Nellie's worked quite well and I like not putting chemicals into the ground.

The last item I got was the Jack n' Jill Natural Toothpaste. It actually worked out pretty good, because my son doesn't like mint or bubble gum flavoring. That seems to be the only flavors available in main stream toothpaste. So, he's been using this toothpaste off and on again since we got it. I was afraid it wouldn't foam up or do whatever it is toothpaste does. I've tried all natural soaps in the past that didn't bubble up so it was hard to spread them around. This toothpaste actually does a pretty good job.

FabFitFun Box Review

Hello!

We're finally past that grey week between Christmas and New Years, and it's time to get back to work! Back in November I saw a sponsored ad on Instagram for the FabFitFun Monthly Subscription Box and was actually intrigued. Normally I find sponsored ads irritating, because they ruin the steady stream of cute puppies and cute babies on my Insta.  (Is that the proper usage of slang? I'm trying to be hip and cool, but a mom of three that loves Harry Potter is bound to struggle.)

I went searching for reviews and there was tons of positive ones, but they were all from people that had gotten the box for free. I don't know about you, but no matter how many times a blogger says that free stuff doesn't influence their decision, I don't really believe it. Free stuff is always better, right?

So, here's my review of their new Editor's Box, and I paid for it, so you know I'm telling the truth. Well.....I did use a coupon code since it was my first one, but you get the idea.

I had a couple of friends ask what this was. The FabFitFun is a subscription box like others you may have seen (BirchBox, Ipsy, Sock of Month, BooklyBox, Bark Box, Nerd Box...there's literally a subscription box for everything) As the name may suggest, it's full of items that are either beauty related (the fab part), health related (the fit part) or just fun. Instead of doing a monthly subscription, they do a box every 3 months (each season). The box I got was the Editor's Box so it was a mixture of the "favorite" (aka leftover) items throughout the year's other boxes. So it wasn't quite as seasonally themed as some of the other ones are. Nothing in the box is a sample size..it's all full size. Also, they promise each box has a retail value of at least $200.00. So, for $49.99 (or $39.99 with a coupon), it's a pretty good deal.

I decided to try it out because 1) it's a pretty good deal, 2) I thought it would be a fun treat for myself every couple of months, and 3) I'm no longer getting Christmas card mail and I need something to fill the hole left in my heart from not getting cheerful happy mail.

Now that I have broke down what this box is all about, let's take a look at what I got in my 2016 Editor's Box.

Here's what the box looked like when it arrived. OoooAhhhh.

Opening the box it was all nicely wrapped up. I'm a fan of a good packaging job. 

Yeah...I'm not going to use that gift card for Hello Fresh. Please see last post about my utter disdain for all things cooking related.

The first item was a dainty gold necklace that said "dream." I'm a sucker for a dainty necklace so I'm happy with this.

I'm also a sucker for a blanket scarf. Just ask my husband about the scarf rack behind our bedroom door. Blanket scarves are the best. It's like you're lounging around in your house with a blanket over you except it's fashionable and hides the food stains I have created down the front of all my shirts. 

Although I never know what to wear these scarves with. Just solids? Mix with stripes? I'M LOST PEOPLE. HELP.

Hair oil stuff. I have no idea how to use this. I shall use the Google machine to figure out this mysterious ointment.

Lip gloss. I don't wear lip stuff like ever (except my one tube of Lipsense that I really do like) Hopefully this isn't like a neon green color.

Ooo..it's kinda dark. The color is "Lucky" It's actually very very nice. See obligatory selfie below.

Lotion. Smells good. It fulfills what I require of lotions.

Coffee cup. Ah. I love coffee cups. I would dedicate half of the kitchen I rarely use to coffee, and its associated drinking apparatuses if I could. Husband hates my ever growing cup collection. He's just jealous of my affection for coffee.

Mineral Peel Face stuff. I do have to say out of all the things I got out of this box, this is surprisingly my favorite. I don't do a whole lot face cleansing wise (I also don't wear make-up...I'm trying to be authentic. Ha! Mostly just lazy and cheap) so this was a surprising favorite. It smells good and it seems to really work. (Oh and please don't comment about how I should try R + F. I don't have the money, time, or interest for that. I don't want to waist your time pitching to me.)

Nail Polish. I have nothing witty to add here. It goes on your fingers or if you're my son, you're entire foot.

I have to admit, when I saw this color, I was kinda like, "Welp, there has to be some things I'm not going to like in the box." So I tried it out on my daughter. It's actually surprisingly neutral on, and I was digging it. My daughter, however, did not because it was neon colored with sparkles. 

Coloring book. I have like a million of these, and I am still happy to get them. They are really great for vacation or camping when I'm avoiding technology.

So here's the lip gloss. I'm actually really liking the color. I've thrown it into my purse to put on when I remember. 

Selfies aren't really my thing. Don't I look half asleep? Ah, I probably was half sleeping...you know. Baby and all. Here's the scarf. I like it. Still...send help on how to wear it. Please.