Here are the best Peloton instructors for both beginners and advanced plus my favorite Peloton classes for different moods!
We got our Peloton Bike back in September of 2020. You can read all about the why and how in this post with my initial Peloton Review. We converted a dusty corner of our basement into a Fitness Room a few months later, and together these two have been game changers for our home fitness routine.
While I don’t love all of the instructors, I definitely have favorites for different energy levels and moods! Here’s my list of the best Peloton instructors by type.
The Best Peloton Instructors
I know instructors and classes can be very personal, but here are my opinions on the best Peloton Instructors for everybody!
Best Peloton instructors for beginners
Cody Rigsby (because he’s so much fun!), Matt Wilpers (because he’s all about form and cues) or any of the low impact rides (to ease in!)
Best Instructor for when you’re ready to laugh
Cody Rigsby is full of humor and sarcasm. I also love his music – he plays a lot of top pop hits. He’s my favorite for everyday, and I think he’s the favorite of the majority of riders for this reason. His XOXO rides are my fav!
Instructor for when you want to grind out a super hard workout
Turn on an Alex Toussaint hip hop workout. My favorites are the Club Bangers! The Beyonce ride he did with Tunde was awesome.
Instructor for when you need a positivity boost
Ally Love and Tunde Oyeneyin are both great for days when I need some positive thoughts. Jess Sims is my favorite for a balance between positivity and pushing yourself!
Instructor for when you want a hard workout with a dose of honesty
Robin’s classes are my favorite when I need to be honest with myself. She doesn’t let you get out easy, and always pushes for your best effort. Robin is the best of the Peloton instructors overall I think! For music + motivation + workout design altogether.
Best Peloton instructors when you need an advanced ride
Try a Power Zone Ride with Matt, Dennis, or Ben. They take cycling seriously!
Instructor for when you need a rest day
Take a country ride! If you see me in a country class, you can bet I’m just there to move my legs and am not cranking the resistance up at all. Ally does country classes : )
For when you want some glitter in your workout
The Jess King Experience or Kendall Toole are both usually wearing glitter lotion and full of dance energy. I will admit that I don’t love a lot of the more “girly girl” instructors but these two I do like!
Best Peloton Instructors for Strength
Adrian Williams and Jess Sims are my favs! Jess’s Flash 15 classes are the best.
The Best Peloton Classes
I love the bootcamp classes!
As I mentioned above, I have to force myself to add weights in, and the bootcamp classes go back and forth between weights and cycling so that it’s all built into one class. It’s a great way to get a two-for-one workout! Jess Sims and Cody are my favorite instructors who teach bootcamps.
The 10-15 minute strength workouts are great too
These are fabulous to add to a 20 or 30 minute cycle. It’s crazy to me how for years I did hour-long group ex workouts at the gym because that’s all that was offered (well, between 45 and 60 minutes). These days I want my whole workout to be one hour – including a flash shower! 30 minutes of cardio and 15 of strength plus a stretch and a shower is perfect. No more, no less!
But if you need a super fast workout, Jess Sims Flash 15s are awesome!
I love to add these to a short cycle, but they are designed to be an all-in-one workout on their own. Part HIIT, part strength, they are FAST paced and I’m a big fan!
Yoga + meditation + stretch
I’m still working my way through some of these (per my workout summary) so drop your favorites below! I love the 5 minute meditations to end workouts.
Theme Classes
LOVE any theme classes! The Lady Gaga class was epic. Outkast themed ride was great. The Greatest Showman singalong. The holiday classes were awesome. I love a good sing-along! Honestly I think they could do more themed classes!
Check out all the class options and styles here.
How to Stack Peloton Workouts
I know how awesome weight training is, but I don’t really love doing it as its own workout.
What I have realized is that I love weights on top of a nice sweaty warmup. Thus, my favorite combination of workouts is a 30 minute bike ride plus a 15 minute weight class. And sometimes a 5-10 minute stretch on top. I used to do this with Aaptiv too. I’m much happier mentally with 20+15+10 over a 45 minute straight though.
The way the Peloton app asks you if you’d like to add weights or stretch onto each of your rides makes it so easy to add a little extra on.
There is also a way to stack Peloton workouts before you even start so they flow seamlessly from one to the other. I haven’t been using that as much because I like to choose in the moment, but the app keeps getting better and better.
Is the Peloton Bike worth it?
1,000% yes!
Neither one of us were big cyclists prior to getting the bike, so you might wonder if we’ve used it more, less, or the same as we thought. While I don’t cycle every day, I’ve used the Peloton bike screen and app consistently five days a week since September. Thomas uses it 3-4 days a week, so combined we’ve been totally happy with the investment.
If anything I’ve been cycling a little too much!
This surprises me because like I said, I wasn’t much of a cyclist before.
But the kicker is that cycling is low impact. Every time I have the choice between something high impact like running outside or doing a jumpy HIIT workout, I choose a bike ride. While high intensity once I get going, easing into a cycle workout has a snowball effect. I start off seated and end up standing and sweaty.
Working out at home
We got some shades for our fitness room – so nice for those early morning rides when it’s still dark out.
I thought I would do more rides first thing in the morning, but it’s hard getting out of bed no matter where you go! When my days are super busy or when the kids were home from school, however, it’s great to get a workout finished before sunrise and start the day with a shower.
It’s also great that unlike the gym, Thomas and I can each get in a workout in such a short amount of time. There’s no driving to the gym or time chatting in the locker room so we’re so efficient. You might think that with home workouts we’d be more likely to skip it without the social commitment, but it’s quite the opposite. I don’t know that I have ever backed out of a short and quick workout because it’s just so darn easy.
I honestly have no idea what we will do when this pandemic ends and we’re cleared to go back to the gym. Thomas says he’s all in (for the sauna and childcare) but I’m not sure it will be worth the cost, especially now that the boys are older. We shall see!
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
So jealous! I want a Peloton bike too! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Lauri says
I don’t have the bike but I’m obsessed with the app. If you haven’t tried a tread bootcamp, I think you would love them! Jess Simms tread bootcamp classes are hard and awesome!!
Kath Younger says
I haven’t yet but it’s on my to do list! I always seem to choose bike over tread
Lisa A. says
Kath you have to do a Saturday 60 Tread Bootcamp with Jess Sims
Kath Younger says
Ok!!
Kate says
I am so excited to get my bike! We ordered it in November and unfortunately have had shipping delays. I am bookmarking these instructors though. Can’t wait to ride!
Kath Younger says
Yay!!
Rebecca says
I love Matty’s treadmill classes, but he also does great strength classes. He and Cody have been best friends for like 20 years or something, so it’s a similar dose of laughing and positivity. His themed classes (especially Mara!!) are the best! (I use the digital app with my non-Peloton treadmill and my outdoor bicycle set up on a trainer…it’s not perfect, but works really great for just $12.99/month!)
Sarah says
I have the exact same instructor favorites as you. Aditi Shah is the best for yoga followed by Kristen McGee.I do power when I want to sweat and flow to unwind.
Alex says
So interesting that I have almost completely different favorites from you (Cody might be the one intersection!). Ally and Robin are both a little too “rah rah” for me and I’ve realized I prefer the more low key motivator (Denis and Emma are some of my standbys)…the one exception being Jess King who I avoided for a long time because I just assumed she would be too extra, but now I think all of my PRs are in her classes. She’s a beast and sometimes you just need EDM and glitter, I guess! If you haven’t tried her Sweat Steady classes you should! Also, I have gotten into Power Zone training which is awesome if you’re into structure and seeing steady improvement.
This conversation is also one of the reasons Peloton is killing it these days – you and I do not have the same instructor preferences at all, but we both can get exactly what we like. LOVE the stacking feature too. I’m definitely a pandemic Pel-evangelist.
Kath Younger says
🙂
Hilary says
I agree with Emma and Denis! I really love Jess Sims and Tunde too. And I think everyone loves Cody – he’s who I choose when I am not in the mood to work out because he distracts me right away with his personality.
Strongly recommend Emma’s crush your core program as a little extra 5-10 minute bonus.
Erin says
Power zone training instructors are the best.
Ella says
Love this post! I am also a passionate peloton-er. If there’s a day that you want a killer sweat and you love constant changes of intervals/resistances/cadence, give Olivia a try! She’s adorable and relentless and the rides fly by. A bit deathly, but so gratifying. Maybe try a 20 minute one of hers first to get her style!
Kath Younger says
Will do!!
Heather says
I tried Jess Sims for the first time the other day on a 20 minute strength work out – STILL SORE. So good!
Kath Younger says
Haha yes she is good!!
Crista says
80’s and 90’s rides are the best! Totally into Ben or Emma these days 🙂
Tracy says
I think my favorites change every day and what mood I’m in. My current favorites are Emma & Olivia. Emma is more low key and Olivia is just SO good. I have to be ready to ride hard if I take one od Olivia’s classes! She’s tough in a good way! I also like Denis M. He’s mellow but motivating and he doesn’t yell at you! I love, love, love a good country ride. I wish there were more of them!!
I’m pretty sure we won’t return to the gym post pandemic. My husband & I have really learned to love working out at home. You’re right about the time efficiency. I think we may add an elliptical next!
Heather N says
Hi! Since this is about instructors I’ll chime in here.
Took another readers advice and purchased the Schwinn IC4 as a more budget friendly option and have paired it with the Peloton app and have nothing but praises. Works perfectly, just have to adjust for the difference in resistance. As I am getting older (wink,wink) and have had some back problems/surgery and neuropathy and pain in my leg and foot running was not really an option anymore. I’m a home workout kind of gal, so this in my living room has been a game changer as far as my fitness is concerned.
So far, Tunde is my favorite, but also enjoy Alex. I appreciate rides that have a great beat to keep me going! My husband likes Alex the best, but has told me he finds Tunde’s workouts push home harder.
Switching up my strength workouts tonight from my usual routine and going to try some from the Peloton App, so guess I’ll find a fav instructor for strength soon!
Erin DeVan says
You didn’t mention any of the actual cyclists. You need to do POWER ZONE with Christine ( a master cyclist champion), Matt Wilper, Denis Mortan, and Olivia. There is an 8 week Power Zone program and I highly recommend it.
Tracy says
Hi Erin. Where do you find the power zone program?
Cheryl says
Now that you have your Peloton and are all in on bike riding, you’ll have to get good outdoor bikes for everyone and start planning your vacations around bike trails like James and I do! Going to Philly in November for a convention? Let’s tack on some extra days and hit some trails in PA in winter 🙂 I love seeing the various family groups out on the trails. So much good stuff to see out there when you’re riding on greenways and rail-trails! While we do love getting our miles in, we also love seeing the things we come across on our rides like gators, herons, turtles, wildflowers…. the list goes on and on!
Kath Younger says
Yes, once Birch can ride a bike that would be fun! We did the Virginia Creeper when I was in high school and it’s one of my favorite travel memories! Maybe that will be a good one to start with the boys.
Elizabeth says
Would love to know which 15 min strength options you like! I usually add on the suggested 10 min arms after a class by that same instructor, but would love to branch out a bit.
Kath Younger says
The Jess Sims Flash 15 classes are GREAT for strength/HIIT all in one. I like all of the strength so far!
Elizabeth says
Just want to put in a plug for the more cost effective option of buying a non-peloton bike and using the peloton app. I didn’t want to wait 4+ months for a bike (and didn’t want to pay $3k) so I bought a Sunny bike in December and a wahoo cadence monitor and use the Peloton app for $12.99/mo. If you search youtube you can see a lot of videos espousing this peloton hack. I’ve loved it and this was a great way to dip my toe into spinning at home for less than $500.
Love Cody, Alex and Christine as spin instructors. Haven’t tried yoga or strength yet but plan to.
Kelly says
Do you still do Ifit on your treadmill? I am in love with Ifit and it has all the same stuff as Peleton – treadmill runs outdoor and studio classes, cycling outdoor and studio classes, rowing outdoor and studio classes, strength, yoga, barre, pilates, HITT, etc. Just finished reading your beat the blues posts, one of my favorite ways to beat the blues is to do an Ifit walk (or run) on a beautiful tropical beach. Also right now working my way thru the Serengeti NP walking series every afternoon, which looks so sunny and warm and beautiful!
Question, can you get the Peleton software on your Nordic Track treadmill tablet? Or do you only use Ifit when on your treadmill?
Question, do you wish you had gotten the rotating screen for the bike, or can you see the screen well enough when off the bike doing strength, etc?
Kath Younger says
I don’t pay for iFit anymore because I mostly use my tread for walking these days! I used to love those beach runs though : )
I don’t think you can get the Peloton software on the tablet since it doesn’t have an app store to download them. I would just use an iPad or my Pelo screen (from behind).
The rotating screen would have been really nice, but I didn’t think it was worth $500 (which was the diff in price at the time) so we didn’t get it. The screen is fine to see from a 45 degree angle in my workout room.
Kelly says
The tablet in your treadmill should be able to download any app. I have the 2450 commerical with the 14″ tablet, but I think the software works the same way. Go to settings and tap 10x quickly in a blank area, wait 5-7 seconds, tap 10x quickly again and you will get to the basic tablet set up. Swipe up from bottom of screen and tap the circle, then tap the circle with 6 dots and you should be able to go to the browser and download any app, including peleton. Google this you may find better info on folks who have done this with your exact model.
Kelly says
Kelly says
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvoS8kWa-ro
even better video