Staying at home during the COVID-19 social distancing isn’t stopping me from getting in my spin class. You’re probably familiar with the Peloton home exercise equipment which is web enabled so you can do classes. Those classes are also available for streaming via the Peloton Digital App for smart phones and tablets. The app uses AirPlay and Chromecast natively for casting to other devices.
There’s a 30-day trial which will get one through the current 15-day stay the fuck home period. I have an old Roku TV so no Airplay or Chromecast. There is a work around. I downloaded Mirror for Roku to my iPad and installed it there and on my Roku. From there I connected the iPod to the TV. Once that’s done, you open your Peloton App. Voila. Classes on the biggest screen in my house were a go.
There’s a caveat to the work-around. There’s latency (tech speak for lag) between the iPad and the TV. It’s not a problem if you mute the iPod.
I took two spin classes and a mini stretch class and they were good. Almost as good as in-person at the studio. You can see how many others are logged in to the class so you get a very slight sense of community. You can see which artists are on the playlist when you’re choosing a class. That’s cool. I haven’t found a class with a set list I’m excited about yet.
The volume of the music in the class is adequate. You can clearly hear the instructor, so it’s appropriate. It does not replace the louder surround sound of in-person. But, it couldn’t could it.
The 20 and 30 minute interval classes I took were tough enough. I worked harder than I typically would when using my road bike on the bike trainer in my living room.
I’m happy I’ve got this option – I give it 9/10. Alas, I threw my back out on 3/17 and haven’t been able to get on my bike. The positioning is too painful. I’m sad I won’t be making as good a use of the 30 day trial as I’d like. C’est la vie. At least I’m getting in some walks. I’m doing what I can and I’m grateful I can do it. Those (admittedly annoying) platitudes I throw around continue to apply. Something is better than nothing. Every little bit counts. Give yourself credit where credit is due. Etc.
Stay safe and healthy my friends. We will get through this pandemic and we’ll feel so much better if we keep up with our health as best we can.