Peloton's latest Peloton Strength Plus app and its original Peloton app will add kettlebell classes to their roster, the fitness tech company announced Tuesday. Kettlebells are different from dumbbells in training because of the weight distribution. This is an opportunity for those new to kettlebell training or those already experienced with it to learn how to use them more efficiently in their workouts.
Classes will be taught by Peloton pros Jess Sims, Andy Speer, Katie Wang, Logan Aldridge, Rebecca Kennedy, Jermaine Johnson, Joslyn Thompson Rule and Assal Arrian.
"It's something exciting to learn and be a beginner again because it requires learning a new skill, and a kettlebell swing, for example, when done correctly, is one of the most magical experiences that you can have," Sims, pictured above, told me during a one-on-one kettlebell session.
Peloton's kettlebell training program will focus on kettlebell strength and conditioning, as well as a combination of kettlebell strength and conditioning, plus kettlebell basics. Each program will focus on different aspects of kettlebell training. Kettlebell strength will mainly focus on strength exercises with some ballistic movements. Kettlebell conditioning will focus on ballistic movement and bodyweight movements with some weight-bearing strength exercises.
"I do a lot of movements in class that are similar to kettlebell movements like snatches, cleans, swing cleans, Turkish get-ups, so it felt like a natural transition to add kettlebells to our program," Sims says.
If you're a newbie to kettlebells, you'll want to take advantage of the basics classes, which explain the fundamentals of kettlebells and teach you the different techniques required to use them efficiently. "All the instructors had the same kettlebell training and prior experience, so that matters most because we don't want our members taking my class and hearing how to coach swings differently than another instructor," Sims says.
For now, you can expect 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-minute-long kettlebell classes, because a little goes a long way with this piece of equipment. "Kettlebells snatch your soul because they're a conditioning tool, and you're getting strength, but you also get the ballistics, so you're more winded doing an AMRAP [as many rounds or reps as possible] that you might not get with dumbbells," Sims says.
Former D1 football player and certified personal trainer Dre Mayes created a strength training program for Peloton with the help of Peloton instructor Jess Sims.
Peloton members in the US will also have access to a unique strength training program featuring former D1 football player and certified personal trainer Dre Mayes. "At Peloton, we are always innovating and exploring new ways to bring fun and meaningful content to our members," says Sims about the new addition, adding that she hopes to continue improving their classes based on member feedback.
If you're interested in checking out these classes, you can sign up for the Peloton Strength Plus app ($10 per month) or the Peloton app ($13 per month), available for iOS and Android. If you're an all-access, guide or app plus member, the kettlebell classes are already included in your package.