The majority of people who are interested in purchasing a Peloton bike or tread are not really thinking about weights, but Peloton is a full circle workout and weights may be very beneficial if you are looking to get the most out of the membership. Often when you buy a Peloton bike, upgrade packages include accessories such as dumbbells. When the bike arrives, upgrade or not, there is a little rack at the back to hold a set of small weights. Are they necessary?
You do not need Peloton weights; other brands will suffice. Weights are part of Peloton’s longer spin classes, strength training, and Bootcamp. The weights used for the 5-10 minutes of the spin class are 1-3 pounds. Heavier weights are recommended for floor workouts.
Peloton is a full-body at-home fitness program. There are other quality bikes and treadmills out there that are available at a more affordable price point. While the Peloton equipment is a good build, the real investment is access to a wide range of top-notch classes with engaging and knowledgeable instructors. Thus, the dumbbells are part of Peloton’s aim to keep your whole body healthy and strong.
When Are Weights Used With Peloton Workouts?
Peloton uses strength or resistance training for a variety of their workouts. For spin classes that are generally 45 minutes or more, there is a 5-10 minutes portion where small dumbbells between 1-3 lbs are used. Peloton Tread has weights up to 5lbs available, although for safety issues, it is typically recommended users get off the tread first before using.
Those taking part in the Peloton standalone app or accessing other Peloton classes, such as Bootcamp, will also use dumbbells for part of their workout. Depending on which Peloton classes you select and your own personal fitness, the dumbbells are between 10 – 25 pounds. However, people can use lighter or heavier weights if they desire.
I personally love the strength workouts that Peloton offers, although you do not need to purchase specific Peloton weights, I do recommend purchasing a variety of weights so that you can get the most out of the membership and get a full body workout. The options are seemingly endless when it comes to strength classes within the Peloton digital and all-access membership.
What Type Of Dumbbells Do I Use With Peloton?
You do not have to use Peloton dumbbells with any of the classes. However, the bike rack has limited space and will only accommodate dumbbells that are 1-3 pounds. Bigger dumbbells will have to be stored elsewhere. A neoprene or vinyl coated weight is best to avoid clanging if kept on the bike. To store on the rack, they also need to be 5.5 inches in length and the head no larger than 2.5 inches.
Peloton classes and the bike rack do best with weights that have a flat edge, such as a square or hexagon shape. This prevents them from rolling around on the bike and makes it easier for certain moves when on the matt. As mentioned previously, for non-spin classes, heavier dumbbells, from 10-25, will be useful.
Lastly, adjustable dumbbells sound like a practical purchase, as they save space and can adjust in weight to suit your fitness and workout. However, users have found them clunky and unwieldy to use in certain classes, especially when on the bike. They also make adjusting the weight mid-class difficult. If you have a few sets laid out already, setting one pair down and grabbing the next is easier.
8 Excellent Dumbbells & Hand Weights To Use For Peloton
Peloton sells their own dumbbells that you can purchase. They also include a set of weights with certain packages when buying a bike. These packages often include shoes, headphones, and a matt, too. However, even customers who have a set of dumbbells may want more weight options. Again, these can be purchased from Peloton, but it is not mandatory.
I personally purchased the 3 pound weights directly through Peloton for the bike so that they would fit perfectly, as I knew I would frequently take spin classes that required lighter weights and I wanted to ensure that it would be easy to take them off the rack while in the middle of the spin class and put them back without any fuss, and they have worked great for me.
If you are planning on purchasing multiple heavier weights for Pelotons strength workouts I recommend an alternative to the Peloton weights as purchasing multiples of the Peloton weights will get very pricey. See the photo below.
We’ve put together our two favorite non-Peloton dumbbells. In addition to the standard dumbbells with a flat edge, we’ve also added three for those that do better with a strap. While you can’t set these down for pushups, they are excellent for people with certain chronic conditions or in rehabilitation from an accident or illness.
1 – Amazon Basics Neoprene Coated Dumbbell
Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbells have the least fancy name or branding of our top eight. Yet, these are firm favorites. They are comfortable to use, don’t roll around, and fit well in the hand. However, do not buy these for the flimsy stand.
2 – BalanceFrom Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbell
BalancFrom Rubber Encased Hex Dumbbells are an excellent option for people going beyond 10lbs. They are sturdy, but the rubber will be nicer to your floors. We still recommend using a matt, but solid metal can be hard on some floors, even with a matt. The handles have a nice texture which helps you keep your grip even when sweaty.
Best Weight Set For Peloton Strength Workouts
If you are looking for a beautiful set of weights so you can really up your strength game while utilizing Pelotons strength workouts, then look no further! Get strong with these amazing sets of heavier weights!
This set of weights from Inspire is what I currently own and absolutely LOVE! I use them every day while doing Pelotons strength workouts. The stand works wonderfully and takes up minimal space and the weights range from 5 pounds and go up to 30 pounds which is perfect for majority of Peloton’s strength classes.
Here is a similar more affordable option of weights with the same style space saving rack. They have amazing reviews and the only difference is that this set goes up to 25 pounds instead of 30 which for majority of people should be more than enough for Peloton’s strength workouts.
Conclusion
Weights are not a must with Peloton, but they will be used for a portion of many classes. Those who want to join in with the weight sections may use whichever weights they like best. People are welcome to use the Peloton dumbbells or find another brand. However, weights that won’t roll, such as the hex shape, are ideal. But if you have grip issues, consider an easy grip style.
