Peloton FAQ: Common Questions Users Ask Plus Answers

I’ve just updated this Peloton FAQ article. Why? Because people have come to me looking for the answers to many more Peloton questions since I first wrote this post. So it has expanded since then.

I know that when I first entered the Peloton world, I could have benefitted from a Peloton FAQ. With Peloton you need to get up to speed on lots of words, phrases, lingo, acronyms, abbreviations, and more.

I’ve had my Peloton since 2016. Therefore, now I understand what different Peloton words and phrases mean.

However, I realize that if you’re new to the Peloton ecosystem, you might not have any idea what instructors are talking about during class. Or, maybe you met Peloton users in the wild. Then, that person asked what your leaderboard name was or what tags you follow.

Peloton FAQ

So, I’ve created this Peloton FAQ or frequently asked questions. I’m providing the definitions or explanations for some of the most common Peloton terms that can confuse new users.

FAQ about the Peloton Leaderboard

What is the leaderboard, aka the LB? Well, if you watch golf or racing or “Dancing with the Stars,” then you know exactly what a leaderboard is. Basically, the leaderboard is a board (usually) that shows the position of certain competitors in a race or competition.

On the Peloton, the Leaderboard is the overlay on the screen (or the app) on the right hand side that shows your position in class as well as the position of everyone else in the class with you.

How does the Peloton leaderboard work

The leaderboard shows you everyone that’s in class with you for a live ride, or when you’re doing a ride on demand. You can also make the leaderboard show the “all time” LB for a class–meaning everyone who has ever taken that class.

Your position on the leaderboard is based on your output. Keep in mind that many bikes are calibrated differently. So your output compared to your “competition” really means nothing. Honestly, I don’t understand riders who are always trying to be number one on the Peloton leaderboard.

Think your Peloton bike needs to be recalibrated? This article can help.

FAQ about Peloton instructors leaderboard and usernames

Many of the current Peloton instructors have a habit of popping up in class with you. You might even get a high five from them.

So, how do you know if they are, legit, the Peloton instructor you think it is? Well, I’ve tracked down the leaderboard names or usernames for nearly all of the current Peloton instructors.

List of Peloton instructor leaderboard names

Here is an alphabetical list of most of the Peloton instructors and their leaderboard names that I could confirm.

Note: if you follow instructors on Instagram, you’ll notice that their usernames on the Peloton leaderboard are the same ones you’ll find on social media. So, if my list, below, isn’t complete, I would suggest searching using their Twitter or Instagram handles.

• Ben Alldis: BenAlldis
• Olivia Amato: olivia_amato
• Robin Arzon: RobinArzon
• Hannah Corbin: HannahCorbin
• Christine D’Ercole: IAMICANIWILLIDO
• Cliff Dwenger: clifforddwenger
• Hannah Frankson: HannahFrankson
• Becs Gentry: BecsGentry
• Anna Greenberg: agreenberg
• Callie Gullickson: ItscallieG
• Leanne Hainsby: LeanneHainsbyUK
• Chelsea Jackson Roberts: CJRLovesYoga
• Rebecca Kennedy: RKSolid
• Rad Lopez: radlopez
• Kristen McGee: krimcgee
• Daniel McKenna: theirish_yank
• Ally Love: AllyMissLove
• Emma Lovewell: emmalovewell
• Matty Maggiacomo: mattymaggiacomo
• Denis Morton: Denis__Morton
• Tunde Oyeneyin: tune2tunde
• Cody Rigsby: codyrigsby
• Bradley Rose: bradley_rose
• Selena Samuela: selenasamuela
• Aditi Shah: diti22
• Jenn Sherman: JennSherman
• Jess Sims: jesssims
• Andy Speer: AndySpeer23
• Kendall Toole: fitxkendall
• Alex Toussaint: MrToussaint25
• Adrian Williams: AdrianWNYC
• Matt Wilpers: MWilpers
• Sam Yo: SuperYOda

Want to find famous celebrities on Peloton? This article lists their usernames.

Who was the first Peloton instructor?

I understand that in 2014, Jenn Sherman reached out to Peloton founder John Foley about working with Peloton. Then, he hired her as one of the first Peloton instructors. Soon thereafter Robin Arzon joined the company.

Peloton classes On Demand

I knew the term ‘on demand’ from having cable TV. Basically, something you want to watch that was recorded previously but you can queue up and press ‘play’ when it’s convenient for you. On Peloton it’s the same.

Every class that is broadcast live is recorded and placed in an On Demand library. Sometimes instructors record classes exclusively for On Demand.

Encore classes

What’s the FAQ about Encore classes? An Encore is a class that’s been previously recorded. However, it is being rebroadcast like a live class. Therefore, it will show up on the Peloton schedule with live classes.

When it does, the class will say “Encore” underneath it, instead of “Live.” Fun fact: when looking at the Peloton schedule on your Bike, you can toggle a switch to hide all Encore classes. This is a handy trick if you want to ride Live only.

Here is my blog post that explains how the Peloton class schedule works.

FAQ: What’s a High Five?

When you’re in a class with other people–on the bike, on the Peloton app, on the Tread–you can double tap on a person’s picture to send them a high five. You do this as a sign of support or ‘you go girl (or guy)’ just to be friendly.

Peloton Tags

What are Peloton tags? It’s short for hashtags.

You can add up to 10 hashtags to your profile. This allows you to find people who have similar interests, live nearby or even went to the same college as you did. When you’re a Power Zone Team, you’ll usually get a unique tag for your team.

Where do I find my Peloton tags?

You need to go into your profile settings to add tags. However, you need to do this on the Peloton hardware–aka the Bike or Tread–or the Peloton website. As of this writing, I have not been able to figure out how to work with my tags when I access Peloton through the app or my Roku TV.

When you’re in a ride with other people who share your tags, the hashtag will show up in blue under their profile on the Leaderboard. Again, this color change only shows up on classes taken on the hardware.

How do I add hashtags to my profile

As I mentioned you need to go into your profile on the Peloton on the bike or Tread to add hashtags or tags to your profile. However, Peloton has just added the ability to add tags in the app, too. Here’s how you do it.

One, in the Peloton app, tap Profile at the bottom. Two, underneath your profile picture you’ll see any hashtags that you’ve previously added. Tap that. Three, the next screen will give you three options for adding tags:

1. My tags
2. Search or create (meaning search or create new tags)
3. Explore

What “My Tags” means

When you’re in your profile and see the option for “My Tags,” it shows you the tags that you’ve added to your profile. You’re only allowed to add 10 tags to your profile at a time. In other words, you can only have a total of 10 tags maximum.

However, you cannot delete tags here, if you’ve reached your maximum. I’ll explain how you can do that shortly. Anyway, you would think that the app would have the functionality like Gmail or even the class stacks and be able to tap a tag or swipe left to have the option to delete. Nope, that doesn’t exist.

What “Search or Create” tags means

When you tap on “Search or Create,” you’re given the option to type in the name of the tag. As Peloton explains, “Tags are up to 20 letters or numbers with no spaces.”

I decided to search for tags related to my alma mater–NYU. I typed in NYU and got a bunch of results. One of them seemed appropriate–NYUalum. When I tapped on it to add to my profile, I was given the option to delete one of my existing tags so there would be room for it to fit.

How do I know that I could delete an existing tag? Because an “X” showed up in a circle next to it. That says to me, tap here and delete.

I decided to tap on the name of my last Power Zone team, which I no longer need since the challenge is over. When I did, the app asked me if I wanted to replace the tag with the new one and confirm by tapping the big red “Replace” button. So, I did. Then, I got a confirmation screen that this new tag was added with a big check mark.

What “Explore” tags means

When you tap the “Explore” tags option, you get a list of tags that are classified in four ways:

1. Trending
2. Featured
3. Friends
4. Popular

This way you can find popular and trending tags, obviously, or, more importantly, find the tags that your friends are following, too. 

Featured, well, I’m not sure what the criteria is for the tags that Peloton decides to feature. Because on the day I was writing this article, the featured tags were #BeersAfter, #BunsofAnarchy, #TeamSlackers and many more.

You can see how many Peloton members are in each of these tags, including the featured ones. And that’s confusing because the tags aren’t even listed in descending order by number of members. I mean, #PeloDoctors with 26,199 members was right above #SweatSquad with 7,918 members. Where’s the logic there?

Peloton FAQ: What is Just Ride mode

If you want to ride your Peloton bike but you don’t want to take a class, per se, you have two options. One, you can log onto one of the scenic rides. (Here’s my review of Peloton scenic rides.) Two, you can start Just Ride mode.

What is Just Ride mode? Exactly as it sounds. You start Just Ride mode and pedal away. Cadence, resistance and output all work during a Just Ride-ride. There’s nothing on the screen–just the metrics.

Why would you use Just Ride mode

Just Ride mode is a great option if you want to move your legs but you don’t want to commit to a class. Or, if you need to do work at home or get on a Zoom call–but you also want to keep your Peloton streak going–you can put your SpinTray on your bike, start Just Ride and off you go.

Where is Just Ride on the Peloton?

How to find and start Just Ride mode? One, look at the bottom of the Peloton home screen. See the icon and the word “More Rides”? Tap that. Two, there you’ll find the two aforementioned, non-class options: Scenic Rides or Just Ride. Tap on Just Ride to enable Just Ride mode.

A Just Ride-ride will count towards your total rides. So be mindful that you don’t “waste” a milestone on Just Ride.

What is Peloton Lanebreak?

New for 2022: There is now a third option is “More Rides” and it’s called Lanebreak. Lanebreak is the Peloton video game that lets you play while working out. Think of it like Guitar Hero meets the Peloton bike.

Lanebreak rides count just like any ride you take. See my profile, below.

Please check out this review of Peloton Lanebreak for more info on this video game on the bike.

FAQ: How to pause a recorded Peloton class

For the longest time, whenever anyone asked how to pause a Peloton class, the answer was, you can’t. Well, at least you couldn’t on the Peloton bike. Now you can. This article on the Peloton pause button goes into more details about pausing classes.

FAQ: Is there a Peloton weight limit, height limit or age limit?

Officially, not only is there a Peloton weight limit but also a limit with height and age. That is, Peloton says the bike and Bike Plus can support weight up to 297 pounds. However, I know people who weigh more than that and let’s just say they were not limited in how they used their bike.

As far as a height minimum and maximum, again Peloton says 4’11” is the height minimum and 6’5″ is the height maximum. I cover short riders on Peloton in this blog post about the shortie tribe.

Finally, you may wonder if there is an age limit for Peloton. The company likes users to be at least 14 years old. However, my article on Peloton for kids gives you more information on how the youngest users can safely benefit from Peloton.

FAQ: What is the Peloton Strive Score?

This article explains everything you need to know about the Peloton Strive Score, including how to enable or disable it.

FAQ: Does Peloton have a camera

UPDATE: Peloton has discontinued the ability to video chat.

So, why, you may be asking, does the Peloton have a camera? Because, if you want, you can video chat with a follower while you are taking the same class.

FAQ: Can you use Peloton without the Internet

The answer to the question about using Peloton without Internet is both yes and no. Yes, you can use your Peloton without Internet, as long as you can hotspot your phone to the bike or Tread. I’ve done this at times when my Internet went out.

The other yes for using Peloton without Internet is using the Peloton app. You can use the Peloton app on your phone or tablet, as long as it has a data plan.

In fact, I do this nearly every day–use the Peloton app without Internet. I’ve taken Jess Sims’ 30-minute 90s walk probably 63 times. I listen to it when I walk my dogs each morning. In case you didn’t know, it’s all what she calls Jock Jams.

Finally, it’s clear that if you do not have Internet or can’t hotspot your phone, then, no, you cannot use your Peloton without Internet.

FAQ: What to do when Peloton not showing cadence or resistance

Have you logged on to do a ride, only to discover that your Peloton is not showing cadence or resistance? Or that the Peloton is not showing metrics at all?

Yeah, this has happened to me, too. There are three fixes that I’ve found that seem to work.

Check for Peloton system update

One, start by exiting the ride you’re in. Then, look at the bottom of the screen.

Is there a system update showing on the bottom of the screen? That is, do you need to update the Peloton software? It’s usually shows with an exclamation point with circling arrows around it. 

If so, then you need to update the system software. This could be the sole reason that cadence and resistance or any metrics aren’t showing on your Peloton.

Shut down your Peloton bike

Two, if there isn’t a system update showing, let me ask you: when was the last time you fully shut down your bike? I know a common question that people ask is if they should shut down or turn off their bike in between rides. I always do. That’s because I think it’s a good practice. 

So, if it’s been a few days since you shut down your Peloton, go ahead and do that. Then start it back up and go back into your ride. Is it fixed? Are the metrics finally showing? Great.

Unplug your Peloton cycle like a modem

Three, if none of the above options work, think about your Peloton bike like a modem. You know how unplugging a modem, counting to 30 and then plugging it back in seems to fix all problems?

Yeah, well, remember that your Peloton is a fancy computer device. Technically, the screen or tablet is an Android device. So try the modem trick to restore metrics.

I’m confident that one of these three solutions will fix the problem of the Peloton not showing cadence or resistance or metrics overall. However, if I’m wrong, then I would suggest reaching out to Peloton support.

How to cast your screen to a Peloton

This article can help you with step-by-step instruction to cast your Peloton to a TV.

FAQ: Can you use a Peloton membership on multiple bikes

There are two ways of answering the question, “Can you use one Peloton subscription on multiple bikes?” If you have more than one Peloton bike in your home, household or family, then, yes, you can use one Peloton subscription on multiple bikes. But, it’s a yes with a caveat.

If more than one person signs into two or more bikes at the same time–on the same subscription–only one person can ride. In other words, only one subscription at a time can be active on a Peloton bike.

On the other hand, if you and your children or significant other want to be able to ride classes together, you’ll each need to have separate subscriptions. This applies to the same kind of hardware only. So, two Peloton bikes riding at the same time–either in the same place or just simultaneously–will need to pay for separate subscriptions.

Similarly, two Peloton Treads being used at the same time will need separate subscriptions.

However, a single Peloton subscription can be used on a piece of hardware and the Peloton app or website or channel on a Roku TV at the same time. You will not get kicked off for using a bike or Tread and an online version of Peloton classes simultaneously.

So you can share a Peloton membership. You just can’t share it and use it at the same time when riding the bike while someone else rides another Peloton.

FAQ on Peloton: What does the person icon mean on a Peloton class preview

This little person icon in the upper left corner of a Peloton class preview is new. And it’s been confusing.

At first people thought it meant that people were currently taking the class. Because, as you can see from, below, there is a number next to the icon. Now I know that the person icon shows how many of my friends or the people I follow have taken this same class.

You’ll also notice that check mark next to the person icon. That check mark shows that you’ve previously taken this class. In older iterations of the Peloton app, it would tell you how many times you’ve taken a class. Now you just see the checkmark.

However, there is a person icon when you’re taking a class that does tell you how many people are in a class with you. You’ll see it on the upper right hand side of the class screen, when you use the Peloton website or Peloton app. I’ve circled an example, below.

For example, when I was doing a Ben Alldis stretch class this morning, shown below, the person icon had the number 15 next to it. That told me that there were 15 other people taking that stretch class, too. Basically, that’s your leaderboard on the app or website. 

You can tap that icon and it will expand to show you exactly who is in class with you. Also, this is where you can send high fives to your classmates via the website or app.

FAQ: What is Tabata vs HIIT?

Both Tabata and HIIT are interval classes or workouts. In fact, HIIT stands for High Intensity Interval Training. 

When it comes to Peloton Tabata vs HIIT classes, here’s what I know: according to the Cleveland Clinic, I’m right that both are kinds of interval training. However, Tabata is much more specific in how those intervals are organized.

For example, a Tabata class usually has a strict 2 to 1 or 2:1 ratio of work to recovery. So, if you push for 20 seconds, you rest for 10 seconds. If you push for 40 seconds, you rest for 20 seconds. And so on.

On the other hand, while a HIIT workout may have elements of Tabata in it–a ratio of work to recovery, it is not as specific. In HIIT classes, intervals and recovery periods can be of varying lengths.

FAQ: What does EMOM and AMRAP mean

You’ll hear the acronym EMOM and AMRAP primarily in Peloton strength classes or bootcamp workouts. Here’s what each means.

EMOM stands for Every Minute on the Minute. That is, you’re doing a series of moves, with movement starting at the top of each minute. 

AMRAP stands for As Many Reps as Possible. So, for example, today I did a 30-minute Bike Bootcamp class with Robin Arzon. The floor section of class ended with an AMRAP. That AMRAP involved moves like push ups, tricep kickbacks and wide presses. As soon as you finished one set of each of the moves, you started again until time was up. It was a real burner!

FAQ on a Peloton Crew or Tribe

What is a Peloton crew or tribe? This is a group of people who are fans of a certain instructor.

For example, the #boocrew are Cody Rigsby fans. Why? Because Cody calls everyone “boo.” 

You will find lots of crew or tribe-related tags associated with people’s profiles. Some examples include:

• CDETribe (for Peloton instructor Christine D’Ercole
• JSSTribe (for Peloton instructor Jenn Sherman)
• Yougettocrew (for Peloton instructor Jess Sims)
• Pushpushcrew (for Peloton instructor Hannah Frankson)
• 80screw ( for people who like music from the 1980s)

By the way if you are a fan of certain instructors and their favorite phrases, check out my post on Peloton quote gifts.

Boocrew Products

For a sample of some of the gifts from Etsy I include for the #boocrew, here you go.

Peloton homecoming FAQ

What is Peloton homecoming? It is an annual event in New York City. It is a time when Peloton users can gather together to ride, run and workout with their favorite instructors.

This article answers all your questions about the homecoming event.

Peloton PR

In Peloton land PR is “personal record.” Some people might refer to it as PB for personal best. To me PB is just an abbreviation for peanut butter.

Basically, it’s when your total output on a class that was the same length (i.e. 45-minute ride) is higher than your previous output. Then, you have a PR. When you earn a PR, you’ll get a yellow star badge for your achievements.

Does Peloton have captions?

You can enable closed captions or subtitles on Peloton. This includes the hardware (Bike and Tread), the app, a Smart TV and the Peloton website. 

This article explains how to turn subtitles on and off.

Output on Peloton

Have you ridden with instructor Denis Morton yet? He always says, “Cadence and resistance come together like Voltron to create output.”

Basically, as you’re riding, the cadence (your leg speed) and the resistance (the knob you turn to make pedaling harder or easier) are combining to create the output (your power), the number in the middle. 

Output is the metric that riders use on Power Zone rides. Unfamiliar with Power Zone training? Here is my blog post that explains Power Zone.

Peloton achievement badges FAQ

If there’s one thing Peloton has excelled at, it is incentivizing working out. How? By giving out badges.

You get badges when you achieve a PR, you get badges when you hit a daily or weekly streak, and you get badges when you hit a milestone, such as your 100th ride or your Century Ride.

I do a real deep dive on badges in this blog post about Peloton milestones.

Final thoughts on this Peloton FAQ

I hope that this Peloton FAQ has helped you become more familiar with Peloton lingo. If I have missed any phrases or terms, please post a comment. Then, I will update this post accordingly.

Finally, if you are new to Peloton, please visit my post on Peloton for beginners. If you’re wondering about Peloton’s return policy, this article will help. And do subscribe to my email list for the latest info from me on everything Peloton.