Over the past two years the Peloton bike has been extremely popular in the United States. For a little under 2,000 dollars one can get a bike shipped to your door and you can experience the Peloton experience from the comfort of your own home. Quite a large price tag for a bike that doesn’t go anywhere! In my clinical experience, typically people that are overweight and looking to start more cardiovascular workouts are recommended to try the stationary bike as an introductory workout. But does it really work? Specifically, does it work for women?
In a new study researchers tested the effects of a three month indoor cycling routine of fifty five minute workouts performed three times a week comparing overweight and healthy weight women (control). During these workout sessions, subjects spent the first five minutes warming up then forty five minutes executing four intensity intervals (60-75% was spent at max heart rate) and then concluding with a five minute cool down and stretch. The results showed that after the conclusion of the program the overweight women, in conjunction with a controlled diet, had metabolic changes that resembled those of the control group (Ratajczak et. al, 2020). These changes were in their ability to metabolize lipids, an increase of oxygen metabolism, an increase in HDL levels, increased muscle mass and a decrease in inflammatory markers (Ratajczak et. al, 2020). Even the control group saw heath benefits with an increase in their HDL levels and a significant decrease in their triglycerides (Ratajczak et. al, 2020). These results are incredible, however the diet changes might have also had an effect on the results as well.
Of course, my main issue with solo exercise is staying motivated. Something about an instructor yelling at me to pedal faster keeps me moving for those long forty five minutes of a group cycling class. It is important to note that this research was done using a Schwinn Evolution cycle bike not a Peloton bike. However if Peloton needs human research subjects - I am available for the graduate student discount!
Ratajczak, M., Skrypnik, D., Krutki, P., & Karolkiewicz, J. (2020). Effects of an Indoor Cycling Program on Cardiometabolic Factors in Women with Obesity vs. Normal Body Weight. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(23), 8718. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238718
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ReplyDeleteHi Katie. This is a great post!
ReplyDeleteDuring the quarantine and COVID pandemic, I would always drive to the neurological clinic because I worked there as a medical scribe. Every morning, I would see the Peloton truck on the I-25 highway as well. Then, I started to hear more about Peloton from the NPs, PAs, and MDs who I assist. They had a Peloton in their home and enjoyed the ease of exercising in their living room since their gyms were closed at the time.
I do agree with you that it is difficult to be motivated to workout by yourself. That is what I asked them as well and they noted that Peloton has a feature where you can connect with your friends on Peloton to work out at the same time and with the same workout video.
I found a 2021 research study by Lim & Hyun that found the positive reinforcement of exercise and how it promotes a healthier lifestyle. It starts with a little bit of motivation and snowballs into a healthy lifestyle!
Lim, E. J., & Hyun, E. J. (2021). The Impacts of Pilates and Yoga on Health-Promoting Behaviors and Subjective Health Status. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(7), 3802. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073802