Peloton Walking Class Ultimate Guide

Getting in your cardio is important, but sometimes you just don’t feel like running or cycling.

Walking classes are the perfect solution to this problem because they’re shorter than a run and have less impact on your joints. They’re the perfect workout if you’re just starting to work out, coming back from an injury, or taking an active recovery day.

In this blog post, I’ll go over all the different types of walking classes that Peloton offers, and how to get started!

What are Peloton Walking Classes?

Peloton Walking Classes are similar to the running classes, except use walking instead! They’re usually interval-based and lead by one of the treadmill instructors.

As Chase Tucker says, “Don’t sleep on power walking”. These workouts can be TOUGH and as good of a workout as a run. I started doing these workouts when I was 3 weeks postpartum and they’ve definitely snuck up on me with how tough they can be!

Peloton currently has 5 different types of walking classes: power walk, hike, warm-up/cool-down, music, and walk and run.

Different Types of Classes

Power Walk

A power walk class is a class that has different intervals of walking speeds. Sometimes the classes will include intervals with inclines, but the inclines aren’t (usually) as big as they are in Hikes. Power walking classes more focus on speeds and alternating between a casual walk and a power walk

Hike

Similar to a power walk, a hike class is an interval class but instead of increasing the speed these classes increase the incline. Don’t be fooled by these classes – even though you’re walking, these classes can be HARD! I’m often dripping in sweat after these classes and easily burn over 200 calories.

One downside to these classes is that since they’re still being taught on the original Tread, the insutrcotrs will call out inclines your treadmill (including the new Peloton Tread) might not have. I’ve done a few classes this week where the instructor will call for a 15 incline but the new Tread will only go to 12.5. It’s kind of annoying since Peloton no longer sells a treadmill that can go to that incline, so most new users will have the new Tread.

To modify, I’ll just increase my speed at the 12.5 incline.

Walk + Run

I’m really surprised these classes fall under walking, to be honest. These walks are interval classes where you’ll run and walk for a set amount of time – like 45 seconds walk, 45 seconds run. I really like these classes for active recovery days or when I’m getting back into running, like after having a baby or coming back from injury.

The difficulty in these classes greatly varies. Some classes are mostly running – usually a Wilpers class- where he’ll have longer running intervals with minimal walking breaks. Some other classes are even intervals with time equally spent between running and walking.

Warm Up/Cool Down

Warm up and cool down classes are quick 5 or 10 minutes classes that can help you prepare for a class. They usually involve some dynamic stretching on the tread. These are great for before a walking or running class.

Music

Music classes are classes that have a music theme – like 2000s Pop, 90’s hip hop, etc. I’ve found most of these classes follow the same pattern are a power walk by doing intervals of walking and power walking for a set amount of time.

Related Post: Peloton Beginner’s Guide

How Long are Classes?

The walking classes range in length from 5 minute warm ups to 60 minute long classes. I’ve found that most of the classes usually fall under the 20 minute length.

My favorite class to take is a 30 minute class – I find it’s not too long and not too short. It’s usually set up as a 4-5 minute warm up, 24 minute workout and 1 minute cool down.

Walk Instructors

The instructors for Peloton walking classes are the treadmill instructors:

Adrian Williams

Andy Speer

Becs Gentry

Chase Tucker

Daniel McKenna

Jermaine Johnson

Jess Sims

Jess King

Kirsten Ferguson

Marcel Dinkins

Marcel Maurer

Matt Wilpers

Matty Maggiacomo

Olivia Amato

Rebecca Kennedy

Selena Samuela

Susie Chan

Robin Arzon

Tobias Heinze

My personal favorite walking instructor is Chase Tucker. I love the format of his classes and his playlists!

Power Walks vs. Hikes

One of the biggest questions I had when I first started doing walking classes was what exactly is the difference between a power walk and a hike? I quickly learned that in hikes the focus is really on incline, while power walks focus more on walking speeds.

Hikes will usually get you into higher inclines – oftentimes maxing out the treadmill – while Power walks will only get maybe to a high incline for a brief amount of time. One of the hikes I recently did was with Chase Tucker and he had us hold a 12.5 incline for over 9 minutes straight!

How Hard are the Classes?

Walking classes can vary in difficulty and can be customized to be as easy or difficult as you’d like. The instructors will give you incline and speed ranges, but it’s up to you on how hard you make the workout.

Benefits to Walking Classes

Walking is a great way to get in your cardio. Since classes are usually under an hour, they’re perfect for when you have limited time or just don’t feel like running! Walking is low impact which means it’s easier on the joints than running . You can also control your speed and incline to make the classes as easy or difficult as you’d like.

I really love doing these walking workouts when I’m coming back from injury or need an active recovery day. I recently had a baby and have been using these classes to slowly get back into working out during the postpartum period.

Downside to Walking Classes

One of the downsides in my opinion is that the classes are taught on the original Tread and instructors still call out the inclines of that tread. The new (and only) Tread that’s on sale only has an incline that goes to 12.5 vs. 15 like the original, so you almost feel like you’re missing out on part of the workout when you can’t get to that incline.

To make up for it, I’ve been doing max 12.5 incline and increasing my speed.

Peloton Outdoor Walks

Peloton also has outdoor-specific walks! Instead of under the regular walking section, the outdoor walks are under the “Outdoor Section”.

You could also do any of the tread walking classes outside, but it’s hit or miss if distance will record. I’ve heard some Apple users had been able to get these classes to track distance (I believe they use an Apple Watch to do this), but Android users are unable to.

The Outdoor specific classes will be able to track distance for iPhone users (this feature is still coming for Android).

Equipment Needed

The beauty of these classes is that you don’t need any special equipment! All you need is a treadmill – any brand will do! Or, you could even modify these workouts and do them outside and not need a treadmill.

Related Post: My Peloton Treadmill Delivery Experience

Final Thoughts

I really enjoy these classes and find it’s a nice change of pace for when you’re looking to do something different. I’ve been doing a ton of these since having my baby and it’s been a great low impact workout. If you’re looking to change up your training and try something new, I highly recommend checking out Peloton’s walking classes!