As 2020 draws to a close, it’s safe to say it’s been a year. But despite all the uncertainty and topsy-turviness in the world, it’s important to, as Robin Arzón said in her Turkey Burn Ride, “search for the light.” In that spirit, here’s a look back at just some of the year’s most memorable moments in Peloton classes—because we'd need a whole book to hit them all! (Psst, remember to bookmark this page so you can return to them again and again!)
Cody Rigsby Dishes Out Advice
In the “Before Times,” when you could still book classes in the studio and see your fellow Pelofamily members sweating in the background, Cody Rigsby launched what is by now a legendary, extremely fun and still-running series called XOXO, Cody. These 30-minute rides allow the beloved instructor to espouse on his favorite subjects, including celebrity gossip and the realities of 21st-century romance, with his trademark hilarity. The best part: rider questions! Included in the answers are rock-solid nuggets of advice, such as a reminder to pay frequent compliments to your romantic partner, a.k.a.: “When was the last time you gassed up your boo?” You definitely don’t want to miss the 9/10/20 class, which had a completely butt-themed playlist. Get on board!
A Change of Scenery
In the springtime, when the studio shut down due to the spread of Covid-19, Peloton instructors showed a ton of heart, grit and grace as they led classes from their own homes. Says Member Maggie D., “Robin’s first ride from home was memorable for me because after so many weeks in lockdown, it made me feel like part of the world again. I must have given out dozens of high fives, and I received dozens in return. It was such a nice sense of community and so necessary for my mental and emotional health.”
The novelty of the chance to peek in on instructors’ home lives made for a lot of unexpected and funny moments: London instructors Leanne Hainsby and Ben Alldis—surprise!—teaching from the same home and changing the décor on their bookshelf to represent their unique personalities. Matty Maggiacomo, running Tread classes from his parents’ basement with the ceiling panels removed so he could fit without hitting his head, his parents standing by with encouraging signs like spectators at a marathon. And who could forget the sweetness of Sienna Grace, Jess Sims’ dog, wandering into the frame for a little love every now and then?
New Class Types with Familiar Faces
Bike Bootcamp, barre, Pilates, oh my! This year we focused on incorporating more strength training into our cardio routines, and these new class types made it fun and easy to do so. Not to mention, they were among some of our most-requested by Members. We went to the "shoe store" in Bike Bootcamp, felt the burn with micro movements in barre and worked on serious core stability in Pilates, all of which complements our cycling and running perfectly. Here's to getting even stronger in 2021!
Peloton became even more of a family affair with all-new Fit Family* classes, perfect for families with kids aged 5 and up. During Gratitude Week this year, we were treated to a very special edition featuring Jess Sims with special guest Alex Toussaint, and two furry friends you had to stick around until the end to meet.
*All “Peloton Family” classes must be taken using an adult’s Peloton member login and under adult supervision.
And who could forget beloved cycling instructor Jess King making the move to the Tread? (Don't worry, she's still teaching on the Bike!) After having a dream about teaching on the Tread, she made it a reality and we got to experience her Premiere Run in September. It was everything we imagined and more.
Peloton Instructors Speak Up
As demonstrators filled the streets to protest racial injustice, Peloton instructors poured their hearts and souls into meaningful classes to amplify their own message. Epic among them was Tunde Oyeneyin’s Speak Up Ride from 6/3/20. With a different energy than any other class, her class was powerful and unlike anything else shown on the platform—a must-ride. “Peloton hired an instructor that looks like me within a month of me getting my Bike. That representation and Peloton’s support of Black Lives Matter really convinced me to be a Peloton supporter for life,” says Peloton Member Charisse S. “I broke down on Tunde’s Speak Up ride about colorism and the bullying she endured. Never cried on the Bike until then.”
Similarly essential to understanding the moment is Alex Toussiant’s 30-minute 2000s Hip Hop Ride from 6/5/20. It was a raw, powerful expression of everything he was feeling as he let it all out on that Bike. (Be prepared for a lot of 120 cadence!) But more than just a therapy session, it was inspiring and ultimately hopeful: “We’re going to do better together, Peloton,” Alex said.
Really, any time Peloton instructors speak up for the things they believe in, it’s going to be a ride you don’t want to miss. Case in point: Kendall Toole’s World Mental Health Day Ride from 10/10/20 honoring “the highs, the lows, the struggles, the challenges of what goes on internally and not just that mask we show the rest of the world.” Her words brought awareness to a taboo subject and tears to the eyes of many Members. Pro tip: Pair the class with Anna Greenberg’s equally great World Mental Health Day Slow Flow from 10/10/20 and Chelsea Jackson Roberts’ World Mental Health Day Meditation from 10/10/20 for an even deeper experience.
And in a more subtle way, Christine D’Ercole’s tribute to the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg from her Power Zone ride on 9/20/20, symbolized by the dramatic collar she wore, spoke volumes without the instructor even having to say much on the subject.
Working Out in Costume
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the yearly Halloween extravaganza, when instructors bust out their best costumes. Matty, for example, did a hilarious 30-minute run as a frightening New Jersey mom, “Mara Thonna,” without breaking character (check out Mara’s Holiday Run from 12/09/20, too). We don’t say this lightly, but: ICONIC.
And let’s not forget about Hannah Frankson dressing up in full Carnival regalia for her 30-minute Carnival Celebration Ride on 8/29/20 to recreate the parade through the streets of Notting Hill, London. Now that’s what we call glam!
Making the Most of Every Moment
Sometimes it’s the little things in class that impress us the most. We leave you with some key visuals of instructors working hard and having an insane amount of fun this year.
Adrian Williams blasts off to space in his 30-minute HIIT Cardio Class from 10/15/20. (This man never met a plyo he didn’t love!)
Jess Sims holds a squat for approximately 10,000 counts (okay, 35 seconds) in her Beyoncé Bootcamp from 11/14/20.
Jess King dons full sequins (down to the cycling shoes!) for the Jess King Experience on 10/29/20.
And, of course we wouldn’t forget Robin’s pregnancy announcement! During a special 30-minute Together We Ride Class on 9/11/20, the queen broke the big news—with a little help from her husband, Drew.
Ready to relive these memorable moments? Try out all of these classes—plus many more—on the Peloton App.