So, what are the best weights for Peloton? Well, it depends on how you plan to use them. As far as I can see, there are three scenarios when you might be looking for weights to use with Peloton classes.
Why do you need weights with a Peloton
Firstly, there are weights for the Peloton bike. However, you may be one of the people who asks, “What are the Peloton bike weights for?” I’ll get to that shortly.
Secondly, there are Peloton Tread weights. Or rather, dumbbells to use with the Peloton Tread.
Finally, you’ll need handweights or dumbbells for bootcamp classes. Starting in 2020 Peloton is offering bike bootcamp classes and Tread bootcamp classes. These are classes that combine aerobic, cardio work on the bike or Tread and strength training.
Here’s my new post on all you need to know about Peloton bootcamp classes for bike and Tread.
Strength classes on Peloton
Finally, there are strength classes you can take without ever owning a piece of Peloton equipment. For example, I explain this in my review of the Peloton digital app. That is, how you can be a part of Peloton for just $13 a month for the app or a digital subscription alone.
However, since the most popular Peloton right now is the Peloton cycle, let’s get started with the best weights for the Peloton bike.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for must-have accessories for your Peloton cycle or bike plus, please check out my number one top post on the best accessories.
Best weights for Peloton bike
When you buy a Peloton bike, you have the option of upgrading to a package that includes dumbbells. These are one, two or three-pound dumbbells or hand weights. These are the only weights for Peloton bikes. That is, they are the weights that fit in the rack on the back of your bike.
We have three-pounders for our Peloton bike. We got them for “free” when we updgraded to the “works” package when we bought our bike. The “works” costs $249 more than the basics package and also includes one pair of shoes, one set of headphones, one heart rate monitor and one bike mat.
For the new Bike+ or bike plus, you’ll want to get an even bigger array of hand weights. That’s because with the new swivel screen, you’ll be able to take bike bootcamp classes. For these you’ll need more than just the three pound weights that come with the “works” package that we got.
What are the Peloton bike weights for
What do you need the Peloton bike weights for? Well, there is a rack on the back of your bike, underneath the seat, to hold hand weights. You’ll use these for “arms” classes done on the bike.
In my old gym they would call these “pump and pedal” indoor cycling. However, on Peloton, these might be an intervals and arms class–which combines spinning intervals with arm work–or a straight-out arms class. Arms classes are usually only 10-minutes long, but let me tell you: three pounds can get very heavy after 10 minutes of work.
If you want to buy your own dumbbells to use with your Peloton bike, keep this in mind: the rack on the Peloton bike can accommodate dumbbells that are at least five-and-a-half inches long, and with a weight “head” with a two-and-a-half inch diameter “head.” Anything bigger or wider–the head, that is–may not fit in the Peloton weight rack.
Where you can buy the best Peloton weights
Certainly, you can buy your weights from Peloton. But, you don’t have to.
So, if you’re looking for Peloton weights for sale, you can find similar weights on Amazon or at Dick’s Sporting Goods, which offer drive up or curbside pickup. But for absolute convenience, I highly recommend buying your weights from Amazon.
Fitness Republic Solid Steel Dumbbell Rack Holder, Neoprene Dumbbells Pairs (2lb, 4lb, 6lb, 8lb, 10lb) with 5 Tier Rack Combo Fitness Alley Neoprene Dumbbells A Frame Rack - Free Weights Hex Hand Weights - Gym Exercise Dumbbell Pairs Set wit A Frame Rack (3 Tier Rack & 15lb, 17.5lb, 20lb Dumbbells) Fitness Alley 180 LB Neoprene Dumbbell Weights Set for Home Gym 8 Pairs Coated for Non Slip Grip- Neoprene Hand Weight Pairs- Hex Weights Neoprene Dumbbells Combo (3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17.5,20 lb)Peloton Weights Amazon
Peloton weights for sale on Facebook
Finally, if you’re on a budget, here’s a hack for finding Peloton weights for sale: look on your local Facebook Marketplace. Not only do I see used Peloton bikes for sale on mine, but there are tons of people selling weights on Facebook. All kinds of weights for sale.
Of course, if you do buy weights to use with your Peloton from Facebook Marketplace, be safe when getting them. Meet in a public place, and use a secure payment method.
Best weights for Peloton Tread
Just like when you buy the Peloton cycle and upgrade to get “free” weights, when you buy the Peloton Tread, you can upgrade your package to include hand weights. They call them free weights. But you can only choose five pound weights.
Here’s why I don’t think the Peloton Tread weights are worth it. When you do any Peloton bootcamp or strength classes, you’ll really need much heavier weights. Or rather, having five pound weights will be great. But most classes include either light or medium weights, or medium and heavy weights.
Here is my post on the best, must-have accessories for the Peloton Tread.
Weights for strength and bootcamp classes
So, basically, you’re going to need two sets of weights, at the very least for doing Peloton tread bootcamp or strength classes with weights. Or at least two different weight hand weights or dumbbells.
For example, when I started doing the Andy Speer strength program, I never touched the weights from my Peloton bike. Those are those aformentioned 3 lb weights. Instead, I used my five pound dumbbells, my eight pound dumbells and my 10-pound dumbbells. We also have 12-pound and 15-pound hand weight dumbbells but I’m not that strong yet.
So if you’re wondering “What weights do I need for my Peloton?” there are a few answers to that question.
Peloton-Inspired Workout Planner Schedule Calendar PDF Printable
Peloton-Inspired Workout Planner Schedule Calendar PDF Printable
I designed this Peloton-inspired workout planner calendar because I found that I was great at getting my cardio on my Peloton--through cycling classes or walking on the Peloton app, for example--but I was neglecting the rest of my fitness routine, meaning strength and stretching.
Once I created this planner, which is now available on Etsy, and could fill in which classes I was going to do each week, I got better at actually following through. This is from someone who has had the Peloton since 2016.
I find that writing down my workout plans as my fitness tracker on this calendar works better for me than putting them in a digital calendar, where I can simply ignore the notification.
Page 1 of this PDF is Monday through Wednesday.
Page 2 is Thursday through Sunday.
If you want to follow me on the Leaderboard, I'm #Leah_is_Pawsome
Here is my blog post that explains more about this calendar.
Best weights for Peloton strength
As I mentioned there are arms classes that you do on the bike. For instance, if you get the three-pound weights like I have, you’ll be fine and all set. However, if you’re interested in doing any of the Peloton bootcamp or stength classes, you’ll need a better array of dumbbells.
Comparing the original Peloton versus the Bike Plus? This blog post can help.
And like I just said, like the Peloton bike, the Peloton Tread is sold with differing packages. The essentials, works and family packages all come with hand weights, but the max weight is five pounds. They also come with resistance bands though I’ve yet to take a strength class where those bands are used. Maybe I haven’t taken enough Peloton strength classes yet.
Resistance band classes
Peloton members looking to use those aforementioned resistance bands–you’re in luck. Peloton recently launched resistance band workouts.
They’ve timed this with the release of the new Peloton Bike Plus. Therefore, one of the incentives for older bike users to trade in and trade up to the new bike is a free toning package that includes those resistance bands.
Finding resistance band classes on Peloton
So, how do you find the resistance band classes? By scrolling through the Peloton digital app.
Firstly, open the app. Secondly, click on Strength. Next, click on the filter, which brings up the different class themes. After that, look for “Resistance Band.” Finally, tap “Resistance Band” to see the class offerings.
What kind of resistance bands to buy
It’s important to note that these classes seem to use resistance bands with handles. If, like me, you’ve been in physical therapy in the past, then you’re familiar with dynabands, which can be used as resistance bands.
I guess you could wrap them around your hands to get the same effect as having handles. Nonetheless, I’ve tracked down a few places where you can buy resistance bands with handles.
Best Weights for Peloton: Resistance Bands
TheFitLife Exercise Resistance Bands with Handles - 5 Fitness Workout Bands Stackable up to 110 lbs, Training Tubes with Large Handles, Ankle Straps, Door Anchor Attachment, Carry Bag and Bonus eBook
What weights to buy
Anyway, for the bootcamp classes or even Andy Speer’s strength program, the five pounders that you got with your Tread are a good start. But they’re not enough.
So, what weights to get with Peloton? I would suggest you have the following:
- 5 lb
- 8 lb
- 10 lb
- 12 lb
- 15 lb
- 20 lb
Like I said in our Peloton room, we have dumbbells going up to 15 pounds. These are pairs of dumbbells and they’ve been super helpful while doing bootcamp or strength classes.
You’ll need light weights if you’re going to do the Tunde arm challenge.
Note: these weights do not fit on the Peloton bike weight racks. We keep them stacked on the floor.
Again, I’ve created an exclusive shopping page over on Amazon, with links to recommended products.
What is considered light, medium and heavy weights
This is a great question. And the answer varies based on your body and strength.
For example, when I take strength training classes with instructors like Rad Lopez or Adrian Williams, they refer to light weights as being 15 pound weights. Well, sure, for you guys–strong men.
For me? Fifteen pounds is my heavy weights. My light weights are either five pounds or eight pounds, depending on how strong I’m feeling that day. Finally, for me, medium weights are 10 pounds.
What weights should I buy
So, if you’re a woman like I am and are just starting on your strength training journey, I would invest in five pound, eight pound and 10 pound weights. You can always add 10 our 15 pound weights as you get strong.
Finally, if you’re a guy looking to buy light, medium and heavy weights, I’m guessing you should take your cues from instructors like Rad and Adrian. Owning 15 pound, 25 pound and 30 pound weights would make sense.
TRX Dumbbell Weights
TRX Dumbbells
My daughter Annie turned me on to these TRX dumbbells. She loves them because they come in weights ranging from 5 pounds to 50 pounds. They go up in five-pound increments.
Note: the TRX store sells them individually. So, make sure you put two per weight in your shopping cart.
You can save 15% off your TRX Training order with my exclusivie Coupon Code: LEAH15TRX
Peloton classes that do not need weights
As I wrote in my recent review of the Peloton bootcamp classes, there are some strength classes in the “bodyweight” category. What that means is that you do not need hand weights, resistance bands or dumb bells to do this strength training.
One such series of classes is Emma Lovewell’s “Crush Your Core” course. Lovewell introduced Crush Your Core in 2019. It is a four-week series of core classes that you, um, crush with increasingly difficult moves.
When you filter strength classes, look for the bodyweight category if you want to workout without having to use hand weights or resistance bands.
FYI, there are no Peloton strength classes that use kettle bells. I know a lot of people ask about that.