By Editor,Sophie Hines

Copyright dailymail

When Peloton invited me to a top secret new launch at its studios in Covent Garden, I was very intrigued about what the new arrival might be. Could Peloton be bringing its high-tech rowing machine over from the US, or perhaps launching a fitness mirror like the ones I’ve seen springing up in the UK fitness industry?

In fact, what was unveiled to a small group of journalists in central London was a heavily enhanced of Peloton’s bikes and treadmill in the UK, with a whole host of new technology and features thrown in. As the brand’s CEO Peter Stern has said ‘this is more than an upgrade; it’s a relaunch.’ Here’s what you need to know…

The machines themselves have had a major overhaul

You might think of Peloton’s three machines available in the UK (Bike, Bike+ and Tread) as purely for cardio exercise, but according to the team ‘two million members are now actively strength training on the platform’. With this in mind, the equipment has been redesigned to make it easier to cross-train (i.e. do cardio and strength training) with one machine.

A big change is the screen itself, which is now able to swivel all the way round so you can easily rotate it to follow a strength or pilates class using the space in front of your Peloton machine (a simple change, but actually very useful). Peloton also says that ‘all models come with enhanced audio, superior processors and upgraded WiFi and Bluetooth for quicker, more reliable connectivity.’

However it’s with the Bike+ that things get really impressive. It has a built-in camera that can count your reps and track your form during strength training workouts, correcting you or recommending a weight change where necessary. There’s also Sonos-tuned speakers, voice control and (apparently one of the most requested features from Peloton users) a built-in fan; great news during those sweaty cycling sessions.

The company is using AI to offer a more personalised workout plan

Are you training for a marathon? Trying to get abs? Hell-bent on losing a few pounds? When you have specific goals, you often need a more targeted exercise routine, which is why Peloton is launching ‘Peloton IQ’, an AI-driven system to provide personalised plans and guidance.

As well as suggesting classes based on your goals and level of fitness, it can also track your progress and offer real-time insights. One of the big developments is that Peloton will now link with third-party wearable data from Garmin, Fitbit and Apple Health, which means if you go for a run outside using your smart watch this data can all be incorporated into your overall exercise record on Peloton.

This is not just for new bikes and treadmills either. Peloton IQ is available immediately across all Peloton connected fitness equipment, including both original (via software update) and new models.

Peloton is linking up with other companies to offer physio and wellness guides

At the event there was lots of emphasis on Peloton users’ overall wellbeing (not just working up a sweat). This has led to various new partnerships, including link-ups with:

The Hospital for Special Surgery, a leader in orthopedics and rheumatology. They will be offering injury recovery and prevention programmes through Peloton, focusing on common injuries such as runner’s knee.

Halle Berry’s Respin Health and Peloton will co-create an eight-week programme, curating Peloton classes that specifically target symptom relief and overall quality of life improvement for perimenopause through post menopause. This will be available in the coming weeks.

The Peloton x HYROX collection will continue to expand, with new class offerings that support Members’ training for upcoming global HYROX events featuring Instructors Robin Arzón, Andy Speer, Logan Aldridge, and Marcel Maurer.

Additionally, Peloton has acquired Breathwrk, a wellness app specializing in breathing exercises.

The prices are changing (for current members, as well as new ones)

Here is the potentially less popular bit: Peloton announced that it’s monthly membership prices will be rising. As they put it, ‘Peloton will adjust the price of its All-Access Membership from £39 to £45 and App+ Membership from £24 to £28.99 effective in October.’

As for the prices of the new machines themselves, the cross training bike is £1,599, the cross training bike+ is £2,299 and the cross training tread is £3,499, plus £45 a month membership for each.

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