Why I Won’t Be Buying Peloton’s Xbox Kinect (aka Peloton Guide)

When Peloton started teasing that they’d start introducing some new strength products I was super excited! I’m normally a runner, but I know how important it is to add in strength training.

I started strength training back when I did bootcamp at my Lifetime Fitness, and then continued on at Orangetheory. I don’t lift super heavy, but I do find that the added strength training with my cardio does help me not only tone, help me run faster, and also not get as injured as much. So I’m a fan.

I will be the first to admit that my form for a lot of moves is absolute crap. This is why I’ve always needed a trainer or someone to yell at me when my form starts to slip (which is pretty often). So when Peloton said a strength product was coming to the Peloton lineup I got so excited! In my head, I was imagining something like a Tonal, with a whole weight system, strength training program, and everything.

I had actually been holding off on even considering a Tonal because I was so hopeful Peloton would come out with something like it (and I’d rather keep to the Peloton ecosystem than add in yet another subscription). I absolutely love my Peloton equipment and everything Peloton so was holding out for them to release something I could add to my gym.

But then the Guide was announced.

The Guide

The Peloton Guide was announced a few weeks ago as a device that connects to a TV that can show you your form compared to the instructor. The camera will track your movements as well as show you on-screen with the instructor.

Does this remind anyone else of an Xbox Kinect?

The device hasn’t been officially released yet, but from the press release and teaser page I’m so underwhelmed. The guide doesn’t come with any weights or anything special – it literally is a little camera that looks just like an Xbox Kinect for $495 (plus the cost of the TV you have to get if you don’t have one in your workout room).

Why I Won’t Be Getting the Guide

I’ve already pretty much made up my mind that I won’t be getting the guide since it kind of seems unnecessary. This camera feature seems like it should be something that could be added into the bike or the tread since they already have cameras in them (I’m also not tech-savvy at all so no idea if this is possible).

I also don’t want to have to get a separate TV for my workout room now just to do strength workouts. I’m fine with doing them from my bike screen.

Overall this product is just so underwhelming, especially when you compare it to other products on the market like Tonal and Mirror. Peloton didn’t have to come out with an all-in-one product like Tonal (although they really should), but something a little fancier than an Xbox Kinect would have been nice. This seems like a feature my bike or tread should already be able to do.

Final Thoughts

I’m happy to see that Peloton is coming out with a strength product, but unfortunately, the Guide is a disappointment when you compare it to other products on the market. I’m hoping that this is just the first of many strength products coming out and eventually we’ll see a Tonal-like product. I still love Peloton and am hoping this is just the beginning!

Author

  • Ali Van Straten

    Ali Van Straten is the founder and journalist of Champagne and Coffee Stains. She is a Peloton expert, certified running coach and certified nutrition coach. Champagne and Coffee Stains provides information and resources on Peloton Interactive, running and recipes.

    View all posts https://www.champagneandcoffeestains.com

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *