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Comment by grumple | Hacker News Reader

I've never taken a spin class, but what does an instructor do in one? Isn't this just a matter of "go faster, go slower" like with typical preset options on cardio machines? Are these people really getting paid this much to hype up participants, and why doesn't a prerecorded video work just as well?

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Pay the $20 and take a spin class sometime. Crossfit also has some similarities. There is a group aspect that motivates, pushes and pulls people along.

The instructors are 1 part DJ, 1 part program designer, 1 part hype person, 1 part personality, 1 part community leader, etc...

Recorded videos work fine, all (I think) Peloton classes are available in the back catalog.

I'm pretty self motivated (I power lifted for years, which is a huge grind), but my cardio work has always been more intense and effective when instructor led.

Never done Peloton, but I think the instructors will call out people by name to say they're doing great or "congrats on your 100th ride", stuff like that. I imagine that kind of live feedback can be very motivating. Even if you aren't personally being addressed, just knowing that the instructor can see you and is working out along with you is a very different feeling than watching a recording, and feelings are all that matter if you're looking for motivation.

Also, hyping people up is hard, and building a dedicated audience is harder. They pay a lot because if the popular instructors leave, so will the users.

I think the instructors will call out people by name to say they're doing great or "congrats on your 100th ride"

While I find that works well in a private class setting "Great job Brenda! You're really improving!" since hundreds, even thousands of people take Peloton classes, you have a very low chance of acknowledgement and the teacher spends a lot of time reading off "Congrats on the 100 rides spf100! Thanks for coming to my class WineGirl21231! 1000 rides for Luv2RideMan12!"

"But nobody rocks like 'Springfield'"

https://youtu.be/fiaWwjZS50s?t=101

I have always asked myself why a prerecorded video doesn't work just as well, it sure seems like it should, especially in these 1:10000 classes. Personally, and apparently for many others, it just doesn't. I really have no idea why, I can pontificate that it has to do with being on a schedule, or when they say your name or encourage you directly, but in the moment those things don't seem valuable. That being said it does certainly seem to nudge me to more action, which in exercise seems worth it if you can afford the price.

I don't own a Peloton, but I do spin classes, live online yoga classes and run and bike on my own. I will probably buy a Peloton if prices come down on the secondary market as the pandemic ends.

A significant portion of Peloton's appeal is that all the live classes are recorded. I personally haven't taken a single live class. But the thing about even the recorded content is that there has always been at least 3-4 people also doing the class at the same time, and the ability to see.their.progress vs your own and the ability to high five are both pretty motivational,.and you are always able to see.your previous PR, and power output. The other.thing about the Peloton recorded courses is that because they were recorded live, they still feel live when you are taking it at a later period.

I was skeptical too at first, now you'll have to pry my Peloton bike from my dead cold hands. It's been a game changer for me.in terms of fitness.

Fitness instructors at the Peleton level are influencers who draw their own audiences. It’s actually kinda nuts; one of their top instructors used to be one of my regular instructors at the local spin gym I used to go to. I didn’t think she was anything special but apparently she has like a million followers on Instagram. This is just one hustle for someone making a career as a fitness guru.

That, plus DJ, motivational speaker, and (for in-person classes) often a friend.

At Peloton's scale, I imagine recordings would work just as well. But, the instructor does the same things. For live classes with smaller groups, there can be a lot of 1-on-1 interaction.

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