When the world shut down, Peloton opened a new one. The sleek, high-tech bike and its lineup of magnetic instructors turned bedrooms and basements into personalized spin studios. It gave people the power to sweat, connect, and build consistency without ever leaving home.
But while Peloton inspired a fitness revolution, it also came with a steep price tag: bikes start near $2,000, and subscriptions add another $44 per month. For many, that kind of wellness isn’t realistic.
Here’s the good news: you don’t need luxury equipment to build strength, discipline, or community. Exercise is preventive medicine. It lowers blood pressure, manages blood sugar, and protects the heart.1 And for Black and Brown communities, where chronic conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes are more common, making movement accessible is a matter of health equity.2
If you’re ready to start or restart your fitness journey, here are five Peloton alternatives that bring energy, connection, and accountability to your living room, without breaking your budget.
1. Echelon Smart Connect Bike — $$ (Starting at $499)
If Peloton is the celebrity trainer, Echelon is its equally talented, budget-friendly cousin. The Smart Connect series offers several models that pair seamlessly with the Echelon Fit App, streaming thousands of live and on-demand classes each week.3
You’ll get detailed performance metrics like, cadence, resistance, calories burned, and a leaderboard to keep you motivated.3
Why it works: The app includes cycling, HIIT, strength, Pilates, and yoga, making it a true one-stop shop for at-home fitness. The community is energetic and inclusive, perfect for riders who thrive on friendly competition but prefer realistic prices.
2. YESOUL S3 Indoor Exercise Bike — $$ (Starting at $399)
The YESOUL Smart Bike delivers a connected, studio-style cycling experience without the luxury price tag.4 Starting at around $399, it offers smooth magnetic resistance, a sturdy frame, and Bluetooth compatibility that pairs easily with the YESOUL Fitness App.
The app includes live and on-demand rides, scenic virtual routes, and performance tracking for cadence, calories, and resistance.4
Why it works: YESOUL makes interactive home fitness accessible. The bikes are quiet, compact, and designed for everyday riders who want the accountability and energy of live classes without committing to a premium subscription. With free shipping, a 14-day return policy, and a one-year warranty, it’s one of the best value-for-quality options for anyone starting (or restarting) their at-home fitness journey.
3. Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike — $$$ (Around $799)
Known for its durability, the Schwinn IC4 offers studio-quality performance at a mid-range price. It connects with a variety of apps like, Peloton Digital, JRNY, and Zwift, so you can experiment with multiple platforms without committing to one subscription.5
Why it works: The IC4 provides a smooth, nearly silent ride and easy-to-adjust magnetic resistance. The Bluetooth connectivity tracks all your stats, and the sturdy frame makes it great for households with multiple riders.5 It’s a timeless option for people who want flexibility and quality without paying for the brand name.
4. NordicTrack S24 Studio Bike — $$$$ (Around $1799)
For those who want a little adventure in their workout, NordicTrack’s S24 Studio Bike brings the world to your doorstep. Its adjustable incline and decline simulate real-road riding, and the immersive iFIT platform offers global routes guided by world-class trainers.6
Why it works: Imagine pedaling through the Swiss Alps or the beaches of Ghana, all from home. iFIT automatically adjusts resistance and incline to match the terrain, helping build endurance while keeping workouts exciting. The first month of membership is free, and the scenic visuals make exercise something to look forward to.
5. Peloton Digital App — $ (No bike required; $12.99/month)
Yes, Peloton itself can still be one of the best Peloton alternatives. The Peloton App gives you access to its full library of workouts, including cycling, strength training, yoga, running, and even meditation, using whatever equipment you already own.7
Why it works: You get the same world-class instructors and motivational energy without investing in expensive gear. All you need is a basic stationary bike, treadmill, or open space. It’s one of the most affordable ways to tap into the Peloton experience and build an at-home routine that fits your life and schedule.
Why Movement Matters More Than the Machine
The real secret behind Peloton’s success isn’t just the technology, it’s the consistency. Movement, when done regularly, changes everything. It strengthens the heart, improves circulation, stabilizes blood sugar, and eases anxiety and depression.
For Black and Brown communities, where access to gyms or safe outdoor spaces can be limited, these affordable options turn wellness into something personal, practical, and sustainable. Every pedal, stretch, or squat is an act of prevention and power.
A Call to Move
Your body doesn’t need perfection, it needs participation. Whether you’re dancing in your living room, walking your neighborhood, or spinning in your kitchen, every moment of movement adds years and vitality to your life.
Start where you are. Choose what feels good. And most importantly, don’t do it alone.
Download the NOWINCLUDED App to join a community of people just like you, getting active, sharing wins, and supporting one another on the journey to better health. Once you join, tell us: how will you be prioritizing fitness this week?
References
- Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
- Ellis, K. R., Hecht, H. K., Young, T. L., Oh, S., & Thomas, S. (2020). Chronic Disease Among African American Families: A Systematic Scoping Review. Preventing Chronic Disease. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd17.190431
- Echelon. (2025). Echelon Connect Bikes. Retrieved from Echelon: https://echelonfit.com/collections/connect-bikes?sort_by=price-ascending
- Yesoul. (2025). Yesoul Exercise Bikes . Retrieved from Yesoul Fitness: https://yesoulfitness.com/collections/bikes
- Schwinn Fitness. (2025). Indoor Cycling. Retrieved from Schwinn Fitness: https://www.schwinnfitness.com/schwinn-indoor-cycling-bikes/
- NordicTrack. (2025). Exercise Bikes. Retrieved from NordicTrack: https://www.nordictrack.com/category/exercise-bikes
- Peloton. (2025). Peloton App. Retrieved from Peloton: https://www.onepeloton.com/app
