Namaste Strong: A Beginner's Guide to Peloton Yoga [Reviewed]
Alex McRae- 17 Min To Read
- 03 Sep, 2023
Peloton yoga was not something I could have done when we got our first Peloton bike in 2016. Peloton yoga was not very popular at the time. One teacher offered yoga classes on demand, but she wasn’t my cup.
We are now in 2018, when Peloton introduced three new yoga instructors to us: Aditi Shah and Kristin McGee. They were, in my view, the reason that Peloton yoga is worth doing. They were all familiar with the yoga mat and brought their own personalities to the class, just like the Peloton Tread and Peloton Bike instructors. You could also mix it up.
New Peloton yoga instructors
Peloton introduced two new teachers shortly after the launch of its online yoga program. These were Denis Morton, one of my favorite instructors on bikes (I love his dad jokes and his musical taste)-and Ross Rayburn. They added Chelsea Jackson Roberts in 2020.
In 2021, Peltoon had added more yoga teachers, including some who practice in other languages. Kirra Michel, a native Australian, teaches English. Mariana Fernandez teaches English and Spanish. Nico Sarani is a yogi who teaches English and German classes.
You finally had a full team of yoga instructors, which made this long-time yoga enthusiast (and Peloton OG biker) super happy. Finally, I am able to write my Peloton yoga review.
Some common questions about Peloton yoga
Peloton has yoga. This is the first obvious question. It does. Peloton offers yoga classes in a variety of formats, as I mentioned previously. Peloton’s yoga offerings grew from just a handful of On Demand classes to a complete series in 2018. But that was only in 2018. These include beginner, intermediate and advanced yoga classes. The classes can be as short as 5 minutes or as long at 75 minutes, or one hour and fifteen minutes.
Peloton yoga basics library
Peloton yoga basics is another option. This is basically a list of poses you can expect to do in any Peloton yoga class, or any other yoga class.
The yoga basics library is great for anyone who has been practicing yoga since a long time. The yoga basics library is a fantastic way to learn from a yoga instructor one-on-one if you haven’t been able to afford it.
How to locate the Peloton basics Library
A friend recently commented on how to find the Peloton basics Library. It was something I assumed everyone knew how to do. Evidently, I was wrong.
So I created a video explaining how to find the Peloton yoga basics library on your smartphone (or any other tablet device). You will also find Tips & Tricks on how to locate the Peloton yoga basics library via the Peloton website.
You simply open the yoga classes via the website or app, then choose the filter. Select “Class Type”, then scroll down to Yoga Basics, and voila! The Yoga Basics Library. Next, choose the yoga basics class that interests you.
Peloton chair yoga
Peloton yoga also offers chair yoga and desk yoga. You can do it at your desk at home or at work, or even in a chair in your hotel room. ).
Peloton Yoga Clothing
Peloton Yoga Clothing
Baleaf is a maker of padded bicycle shorts. They also have a wide selection of yoga clothes.
The company sent me clothing recently to use in my yoga practice. I absolutely love it. I received two great shirts and two pairs of leggings.
Baleaf clothing is a great way to bring new life to your yoga routine.
Save 15% by using code LEAH15 when you check out.
High Rise Ergo Lined, Pocketed Workout Leggings 28 inches High
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Breathable Mesh Crop Tank Top
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Medium Support Padded Strappy Longline Sport Bra
Save 15% by using code LEAH15 during checkout.
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5’’ High Rise Butt Lifting Pocketed Yoga and Workout Shorts
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High Rise Pocketed Leggings with Over-The-Heel Detail
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Prenatal and postnatal Yoga with the Peloton Family
Peloton recently added a series of family-oriented yoga classes to its yoga library. This includes yoga classes for kids and teens, as well yoga classes for moms who are pregnant or post-partum. All of these classes are taught by Kristin McGee, instructor. This makes perfect sense to me as a mother of three kids.
Are Peloton yoga classes good?
They are, I believe. They are included in my bike subscription, which is a major reason why they are. I don’t have to pay an additional fee to attend a yoga class at a studio. They are all free to me at home.
It is amazing to take a class in a yoga studio that is closed off from the outside world. In New Jersey, there were yoga teachers who used essential oils to help me relax and breathe. They also might do a scalp massage during savasana/shavasana. This kind of work is not possible for the Peloton yoga classes. However, I can still bring lavender oil to a Peloton yoga class.
Do you offer Spanish yoga classes at Peloton?
You are in luck. Yoga classes are the only Peloton Spanish classes currently. In 2021, Mariana Fernandez was the first Spanish-language teacher at Peloton.
Mariana doesn’t only teach Peloton yoga in Spanish, however. She also offers yoga classes in English.
Peloton also hired Nico Sarani to teach yoga in German. She also joins a small group of German-speaking cyclist instructors.
Some Peloton yoga classes move fast
The only problem I have with the classes is their speed. I prefer a slower class that moves slowly and holds my poses longer. Peloton owners who have practiced yoga have shared their experiences with me. They all said the same thing: they move too fast.
For this reason, I have tended to stick to beginner classes. Denis Morton, one my favorite instructors on bikes, began offering yoga classes and then added beginner yoga classes.
Which is the best Peloton Yoga teacher?
Your personality and your preference for yoga will determine who you consider the best teacher. These are my thoughts about the best Peloton yoga instructors and the types of classes they teach.
Kristin McGee, Zen in Ten
Kristin McGee is a great teacher and I love Zen in Ten. Kristin McGee’s meditation classes are very focused on mantras, which I have found to be a great benefit.
One class had this mantra: “Sky above.” Earth below. Peace within." I attended that class and heard her use the mantra once. However, I have returned to it numerous times in the months that followed on my own. It works well for me, as does most mantras she gives.
Peloton chair yoga and Peloton desk yoga
These classes are exactly what they sound like. These classes allow you to do yoga at your desk, or in a chair. My husband was a Peloton student through this “gateway”. When he was on business trips, he started desk yoga. He was never one to like stretching. He now loves yoga and desk classes.
I do, too. I prefer to do chair yoga or desk yoga with Anna Greenberg. Anna has a way of explaining how to do the poses in a non-traditional manner, whether you are sitting at your desk or in a chair. Anna teaches many other types of yoga. If I need to do a 5- or 10-minute desk-style yoga, I will filter the app to Anna’s name.
There are many options for Peloton Yoga
This is my review for the Peloton digital application. This is how I do my Peloton yoga classes through the app, and then broadcast them on my TV.
You’ll also find standing, desk, and chair yoga under the Yoga Anywhere option by Peloton. Yoga Anywhere will appear as an option when you filter by type.
Standing yoga with Peloton is not the only type of standing class available. These are just a few of the many standing classes available.
Peloton Yoga for Beginners
The traditional yoga classes that you can find on the Peloton app include intermediate, advanced and beginner levels. Because I prefer a slower flow to my yoga classes, I stick with beginner yoga classes.
Denis Morton is my favorite teacher for beginning yoga. Denis is also one of my favorite instructors on the bike. I love his dad jokes and his musical tastes. I am married to someone who enjoys telling dad jokes, so riding with Denis or practicing yoga together makes me feel right at home.
Yoga basics
Instructor Ross Rayburn is a great teacher for yoga basics. Ross teaches a yoga basics class on the pigeon position. It’s actually a pigeon poses _pre_class. Although it’s only 10 minutes, I have bookmarked it in my app. Bookmarking?-and then go back to it again and again. Why?
Ross’s teaching style is my favorite. He continues to teach me about good yoga form. Third, pigeon can be a great hip opener as well as a stretch for your glutes. This kind of stretching is essential for me as someone who rides at least five times a week.
Ross’s “Hamilton” Peloton yoga class is still on my to-do list. However, it’s on my list!
Meditations for sleep
The Power of Sleep is one of the most recent classes available on the Peloton App. This two-week program includes 14 classes in sleep meditation. Each instructor of Peloton yoga teaches at least one class. These sleep meditations are mainly led by Ross Rayburn or Aditi Shah.
This is my review on the Peloton meditation classes.
How can you do Peloton yoga on TV?
You could also stream all the Peloton yoga classes directly from your bike. If you were unsure, you’d have to keep looking at the bike screen. You can watch the Peloton yoga classes live on TV. You have two options.
Smart TVs are your screen
You can first “cast” your bike screen onto a nearby television. Peloton bike riders do this casting to be able to look up at the screen while they ride, rather than down at it. This is due to the rigidity of the Peloton handlebars as well as the fact that the screen does not swivel. This is a topic for another blog post, which I am currently finishing. You can “cast” using either a device like a FireStick.
Connect your laptop and TV
You can also stream classes from your laptop via streaming. Our laptop is used to view TV in our home. Our TV is network television. We also have Hulu Live and add-ons for Netflix and HBO. We already have an HDMI cable connected to the TV.
A Smart TV is a smart TV
Third, get a Smart TV. We treated ourselves to a Roku SmartTV this Black Friday. The TV can stream all our favorite streaming channels and the Peloton app can be used on it. No more fiddling around with an HDMI cable and my laptop in order to take classes.
Stream from a tablet or handheld device
You can also stream classes from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This will be placed at the top your mat. It works well, as I’ve seen it work when I was traveling. However, streaming to a TV is a better option.
Free trial of Peloton Yoga
When you sign up for the Peloton digital app subscription , you can get Peloton yoga for free for 30 days. You’ll also receive the other classes offered by Peloton-strengthening, running, stretching and more. The app-only subscription costs $12.99 after 30 days.
You don’t need to sign up for a free yoga trial if you already have a Peloton Tread or a Peloton Tread. Yoga is included in your subscription package and is an integral part of owning Peloton gear.
Accessories for Peloton Yoga
You will need some yoga accessories if you plan to do yoga at home. Here are my favorite yoga accessories:
- Gaiam yoga mat
- yoga blocks
- yoga strap
Many instructors mention the use of a yoga blanket. They fold it up and place it under their knees. They can also use it as a bolster. They may use the folded blanket in restorative yoga classes.
Gaiam yoga mats
Recently, I spent a lot on a thicker Gaiam yoga pad and a beautiful yoga blanket. I purchased them on Gaiam.com. This review will explain how each accessory works.
Find out my top Peloton accessories.
Peloton yoga accessories
These items were not sold by Peloton for yoga. If you have recently traded in your original Peloton bike to get the new Bike Plus you might be eligible for a free Peloton yoga or toning accessories kit. This kit includes:
- Reversible Workout Mat
- Resistance bands
- Yoga Blocks (2)
- Yoga Strap
Although the company claims that this kit is $149, I couldn’t find where you could purchase it. This is why I have included Amazon links to Gaiam products.
Peloton yoga mat
Amazon’s Best Mat for Peloton: Gaiam
In this review of the best Peloton mat, I mentioned that I use a Gaiam Yoga mat for my Peloton practice. Amazon has many Gaiam yoga mats.
Amazon’s Gaiam yoga mats are thick. Some are up to 6 feet long, while others are 72 inches. Many come with a strap or a yoga towel. One is designed for children who do yoga. Here are some mats I recommend.
You can also find Gaiam yoga block on Amazon. There are Gaiam blocks made from foam and cork.
I have included some Gaiam yoga socks, which you can purchase on Amazon. These socks can also be used for barre classes which Peloton now offers.
Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium Reversible Extra Thick Non Slip Exercise and Fitness Mat for All Types Of Yoga, Pilates,&Floor Workouts. Boho Folk, 6mm
Yoga Mat Classic Print by Gaiam Non Slip Exercise Mat for All Types Of Yoga, Pilates,&Floor Workouts. Whirling Whisper, 4mm
Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat, Navy 72"L x 24’W x 1/4” Thick
Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat, Navy 72"L x 24’W x 1/4" Thick
Soft-Grip Yoga Mat by Gaiam - Microfiber Towel Top and Rubber Backing Dual-Sided Yoga Mat&Exercise Mat for Hot Yoga.
Gaiam Essentials Thick yoga mat Fitness&exercise mat with easy-cinch yoga mat carrier strap, teal, 72"Lx24"Wx2/5 Inch thick
Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat, Exercise Mat for Kids - Yoga for Babies with Fun Prints - Playtime for Babies Active&Calm Toddlers Young Children Owl
Natural Cork Yoga Block
Gaiam Essentials Yoga block (Set of 2) - Supportive Latex Free Eva Foam Soft Non Slip Surface for Yoga, Pilates and Meditation, Deep Purple
Gaiam Yoga Socks Anklets - Grippy Ankle Warmer Socks for Yoga Barre, Pilates and Dance - Bermuda Blue
Peloton yoga blocks
There are two options when it comes to yoga blocks that you can use for your Peloton Yoga practice. You can choose a block made from solid foam. You can also get a cork block.
Yoga blocks were made of both materials in my old yoga studio. Foam blocks were lighter and slightly larger than the cork blocks. The cork blocks, on the other hand, were lighter and smaller.
Gaiam also sells yoga blocks. At least, the size part. The cork blocks are slightly smaller in size than the foam blocks.
Foam vs cork yoga blocks
Blocks are there to support you, so weight doesn’t matter. They aren’t meant to be lifted as a way to build muscle, like dumbbells. You may still have a preference for a particular material, so I included this explanation in my review of yoga blocks.
The cork yoga blocks, for example, are 100% recycled cork. This is great information if you are concerned about sustainability in your yoga accessories.
Yoga blocks by Gaiam
Peloton Yoga Basics: Blocks
Yoga Essentials Block
Cork Yoga Brick
Peloton yoga mat
Peloton does not make a yoga mat. A Peloton mat can be purchased with your Tread accessories bundle. The mat is designed for strength and stretching on the ground. Although one side may be sticky, it is similar to a yoga mat. I haven’t tried it so I can’t comment on that.
Manduka yoga mats are also highly recommended. They come with a lifetime guarantee, which is why I find them intriguing. In this blog post, I have covered Manduka mats and 31 other products with lifetime guarantees in this article about Amazon products with a lifetime warranty.
Lucky me, I got a Manduka PRO yoga mat for my birthday. I also reviewed the yoga mat here.
This blog post is about the best mat for peloton .
Manduka yoga mats
Amazon Manduka
Manduka PROLite Yoga&Pilates Mat, Indulge - 71"
Manduka PROLite Yoga&Pilates Mat, Indulge - 71"
Manduka PRO Yoga mat - Premium 6mm thick mat, eco-friendly, Oeko-Tex certified and free of all chemicals. High Performance Grip, Ultra-Dense Cushioning, for support and stability in yoga, Pilates, gym, and other general fitness activities.
Peloton yoga mats
As I said, I used a Gaiam Yoga mat for my Peloton practice. Gaiam recently released a towel yoga mat that absorbs sweat. It and other yoga mats are highlighted here.
Towels and yoga mats
Peloton Yoga Basics: Towels and Mats
Peloton Yoga Basics: Towels and Mats
Grippy Yoga Mat Towel
Yoga Mat Towel
Towel for Active Dry Yoga Mat
Here’s my post about the best yoga towels and sweat towels for workouts.
Peloton yoga blanket
Peloton doesn’t sell the gray and mottled blanket that you might have seen yoga instructors use in class. I have been asked by readers what type of yoga blanket Peloton instructors use in class. Peloton does not sell these blankets so I cannot be certain.
But, I did some research and found the following. The solid Mexican deluxe yoga blanket is used by the Peloton instructors, according to YogaDirect. It was on Amazon and the photos are almost identical to what you will see in class.
Below are some examples of yoga blankets, including the YogaDirect blanket I mentioned. I believe this is the yoga blanket that Peloton instructors use during their yoga classes.
Yoga blankets
Peloton Yoga Basics: Blankets
Amazon
Traditional Mexican Woven Blanket
Traditional Mexican Woven Blanket
Manduka Dense Wool Yoga Workout Recovery Blanket 82x60 in, Sediment
Boho Blanket Reversible blue/grey Mandala - Meditation, Yoga,&Living Quality, Woven, Tapestry, Indoor or Outdoor Rug. Great for beach/travel/picnic blankets, sofa/couch and bohemian bed throws
Peloton yoga bolsters
Peloton instructors often use a bolster in restorative yoga classes. A bolster can also be called a pillow.
It’s designed to provide support and comfort. During meditation classes, many people will also use a pillow or bolster.
These are some bolster options to help you with your Peloton Yoga practice.
Yoga bolsters
Peloton Yoga Basics: Bolsters
Rectangular Bolster
Yoga Meditation Buckwheat Bolster Pillow Cushion
Yoga Meditation Buckwheat Bolster Pillow Cushion
Manduka Enlight Lean Rectangular Yoga Bolster, Thunder
Final thoughts about Peloton yoga
The free Peloton yoga trial is a great way to continue your yoga practice and get access to other fitness options. It’s been great to be able do yoga at my home. Again, it doesn’t 100% replace the in studio experience but it is a very good substitution-especially for working out at home.
Yoga can be a great way for Peloton pains and aches from tight muscles.
Peloton may also be misspelled by some.
These are the spellings that I have seen:
- peleton
- pelaton
- peliton
- pelton
- pelatron
- pentalon
- pendleton
It is simply so that you are aware it is P-E-L-O-T-O-N.
