Discovering innovative applications that simplify everyday life can be incredibly satisfying. However, an overwhelming amount of technology can lead to a sense of disorganization. This has been particularly true for managing fitness and health routines. For daily updates, a smart scale provides weight insights, syncing with a nutrition app, Apple Health, and the Peloton platform. Regular gym visits include utilizing the Apple Watch for cardio tracking, alongside the Strong app for weightlifting logs. At home, Peloton serves as a hub for cycling, stretching, yoga, and more. The extent of applications can feel quite cumbersome.

Recently, the discovery of an underappreciated feature within the Peloton app proved to be a game-changer: the capability to log workouts outside of Peloton. This means a reduction in dependency on multiple applications, allowing for centralized tracking that is both convenient and cohesive.

How to Log Non-Peloton Workouts Using the Peloton App

Upon launching the Peloton app, a menu at the bottom presents five options: Home, Classes, Track, Community, and You. While most users likely navigate to Classes for guided workouts, a dive into Track can yield helpful insights.

Selecting Track prompts a screen titled Track an Activity. The presented options will vary based on personal usage but often include practical selections like Outdoor Walking, Cycling, and Strength Training. Tapping on More Options reveals additional categories such as running, yoga, cardio, and meditation. Once a workout type is chosen, it’s recorded as a “Just” class in workout history—like Just Ride or Just Walk.

This feature mirrors the Apple Watch’s built-in Workouts app. Choosing any activity on Peloton brings up a screen with a timer, start and pause functions, a location-sharing prompt (to enhance accuracy), calorie tracking, and heart rate updates. This setup aligns closely with what the Apple Watch also offers.

The functionality becomes particularly advantageous when paired with a heart rate monitor or wearable device, which significantly improves the accuracy of calorie and heart rate estimations.

Why Centralized Tracking is Beneficial

One primary reason to consolidate data is clarity. Engaging with the Peloton bike regularly while also instructing in-person spin classes necessitates a simple way to compare performance across both formats. Tracking in-person sessions via the Peloton app allows for a clearer comparison of cardiovascular outputs, aiding both fitness goals and professional development.

Moreover, the data obtained tends to be richer. Recently, while using the Peloton app for a lifting session, heart rate metrics and effort levels were monitored. The result was a comprehensive overview showcasing heart rate fluctuations throughout the full workout duration, a Peloton-specific “strive score,” and a detailed breakdown of time spent in various heart rate zones. Different activity types yield unique data visuals. For instance, a Just Walk workout generates a route map and pace elevation statistics, while strength exercises automatically sync with both the Peloton and Apple Health apps, contributing to daily activity and calorie metrics.

This brings forth another advantage to this integrated approach. Utilizing apps is not only about monitoring progress but also instilling accountability. Meeting preset health goals through Apple Health and maintaining a consistent Peloton activity streak serves as motivation. Although these objectives might seem trivial, they motivate action, especially on days when the temptation to be less active arises.