Fact 1: Peloton is more than just a bike company
While it is well-known for its premium stationary bikes, Peloton actually offers more than just cycling workouts. The brand has broadened its range, innovating fitness through high-energy workouts that can be accessed right from home. With a subscription, members receive access to an array of classes besides biking, including yoga, running, strength training, stretching, and even meditation.
Fact 2: Peloton means "Group" in French
The word "Peloton" is originally a French term, which means platoon or main group of riders in a bicycle race. The idea behind the brand's name is that Peloton aims to create a collective and supportive community of fitness enthusiasts, even while they workout from their own individual spaces.
Fact 3: Peloton is a billion-dollar brand
Peloton has seen exponential growth since its inception in 2012. As of 2021, its market cap sits at over $40 billion, a testament to its increasing popularity and outstanding performance in the fitness and tech industry.
Fact 4: The Peloton Bike has a leadership board
One of the unique features of Peloton— and a key reason it's a hit among its users— is the live leaderboard displayed during classes. This feature allows users to view their performance in comparison to others undertaking the same class worldwide, promoting a sense of competition and camaraderie.
Fact 5: Peloton started on Kickstarter
Peloton's journey started when the founders launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2012. They raised over $300,000 from the crowdfunding campaign, which helped them bring the innovative Peloton bike to the market.
Fact 6: Peloton's subscription base is massive
As of 2021, Peloton has around 4.4 million subscribers. That's a massive community of people that use Peloton's interactive exercise equipment and digital platform for their daily workouts.
Fact 7: Peloton has its own production studio
Peloton's classes don't come from any ordinary gym. The company has its very own production studio in New York where it films as many as 12 classes a day. They also opened a second studio in London.
Fact 8: The community aspect is a core feature
Peloton consistently emphasizes the community aspect of its brand. Besides the in-class leaderboard, users can follow friends, join groups, and participate in various challenges that foster a sense of community and collective progress.
Fact 9: Peloton has celebrity followers
Numerous celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen DeGeneres, and Hugh Jackman, have reportedly used Peloton bikes. With such high-profile endorsers, it's no wonder the brand has steadily gained recognition worldwide.
Fact 10: Peloton's app is a stand-alone product
If you don't own a Peloton bike but you want a taste of their workouts, you're in luck. Peloton's standalone app can be used on any mobile device and gives access to thousands of live and on-demand classes at a fraction of the cost of a bike.
Fact 11: Peloton expanded beyond the bike
In 2018, Peloton branched out from their famous bike and introduced a new product—the Peloton Tread. The high-end treadmill offers guided runs, walks, and total body workouts.
Fact 12: Peloton bought Precor to boost production
In 2020, Peloton purchased the fitness equipment manufacturer Precor to boost domestic production and reduce wait times for its high-demand products. The deal was worth $420 million.
Fact 13: The company faced a major recall
In 2021, Peloton faced a serious challenge when it had to recall both of its treadmill models due to safety issues. The company was commended for handling the situation promptly and providing customers with refunds and repair options.
Fact 14: Peloton has a partnership with Adidas
Peloton teamed up with Adidas in 2021 to release an exclusive line of workout clothes. The collection was created with the input of top Peloton instructors, who also promoted the line to their followers.
Fact 15: Peloton provides discounts for healthcare workers and teachers
Recognizing the crucial roles played by these professionals, particularly amid the pandemic, Peloton offers special discounts for healthcare workers, teachers, and military personnel.
Fact 16: Peloton membership goes beyond one person
A single Peloton subscription can actually be used by the whole household. Multiple profiles can be created under one membership, allowing families to train together or compete against each other.
Fact 17: Peloton bikes use clip-in pedals
To ensure a smooth, optimized ride, Peloton’s stationary bikes utilize clip-in pedals. These offer the advantage of greater stability, more effective power transfer, and promote proper pedalling technique.
Fact 18: The Peloton scoring system is called Output
Peloton uses a unique metric called output, which is essentially the total work you've done during your ride. It's calculated using your speed and resistance and is a measure of how hard and fast you're pedalling.
Fact 19: Peloton offers scenic rides
For those who get easily bored staring at their living room wall while working out, Peloton offers a solution. The app includes various scenic ride options, facilitating virtual rides through beautiful landscapes and cityscapes.
Fact 20: Peloton Donates to Charity
Through its “Peloton Pledge”, the company has committed $100 million over the next four years to fight racial injustice and inequality. They also partner with various organizations for charity rides and events, showcasing their dedication to social good.