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Home fitness equipment companies like Peloton vs Keiser have thrived during the pandemic, but some are wondering about the fate of home fitness companies post-pandemic.
In other words: as, or when, more gyms open, will people continue live streaming workouts, or will they ditch them for traditional cardio and strength training in the physical gym?
Jillian Michaels, fitness guru and advocate for Peloton, argues that there’s room for both fitness at home and physical gyms.
In fact, it’s quite possible that the popularity of home fitness may retain, even if more are headed to gyms. I know that I don’t always have time to go to the gym–and gyms can be just as pricey, or more, than monthly fees for virtual lessons.
But, pandemic aside, there’s no doubt that Peloton and Keiser are popular fitness equipment companies.
This review will address the differences between Peloton vs Keiser, and I’ll tell you, compared, which company is your better go-to. Let’s begin with the main differences.
Contents
Main Differences Between Peloton vs Keiser
The Main Differences Between Peloton vs Keiser are:
- Peloton has excellent workout streaming options, whereas Keiser has a limited app
- Peloton sells bikes and treadmills, whereas Keiser sells bikes, ellipticals, cross-trainers, and strength training equipment
- Peloton equipment comes with a 12-month warranty and workout membership, whereas Keiser comes with a longer warranty but no workouts
What are the benefits of home fitness programs?
Home fitness programs or equipment from Peloton and Keiser offer great ways to get your workouts in at home, at any time, and may even motivate you to keep a more regular routine–perfect for any resolution. Here are my top pros of at-home fitness programs.
Safe Conditions
Working at home can mean a safer workout. For one, it’s an alternative to going outside–and while I’m a fan of outdoor running and hiking, there are days it simply isn’t practical. In cases of inclement weather.
Plus, if your schedule means you can only work out at night or early morning, it’s a great alternative to heading outside, especially if you don’t have a reliable gym.
More Likely to Stay Consistent
Joining a gym may be one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, but it’s also one of the least followed through. In other words, many join gyms but stop regularly attending.
While much of this can be attributed to setting too stringent of goals, another part is likely that it just takes more time and effort–there’s a big difference between fitness equipment in your home, reminding you, and able to use it at any time–vs having to pack and drive to a gym.
More Time
Crunched schedule? As a busy person myself, I understand–but it’s especially true of parents trying to juggle work, family, and their personal health. At-home fitness equipment can mean being able to sneak in a workout while still being close by and keeping an eye on everything. And the time you’ll save traveling to the gym could free you up to even just a few more moments of relaxing.
No Judgement
We’ve all been there: suffering from self-esteem, or feeling uncomfortable headed to the gym. Whether it’s a matter of comparing yourself to others, or just not being ready to be in the gym in person, I love home fitness programs as a way to work out and train in the privacy of your home.
Sense of Community
It seems counterintuitive, but working at home can give you a better sense of community than regular gym sessions. While it’s true you can take group fitness classes, they are often expensive or not convenient.
What I love about programs offered through Peloton and Kiser is that they offer community support and even challenges– but you decide how involved you want to be. It’s a way to feel connected, at your own pace.
You could Save Money
This one comes with a big asterix, but it’s possible you could save money in the long run. If you’re just buying equipment and not signing up for classes, that’s especially true.
Even if you do buy in live streaming classes or use the best fitness apps, it’s possible they will be cheaper, especially if you usually have not only a regular gym membership, but opt for individual fitness classes.
Are there any disadvantages to home workouts?
Of course, working out from home isn’t the be-all and end-all. For some, going to a physical gym, or getting outside, is going to be the better bet.
Discourages Outdoor Exercise
There are numerous benefits to working out outside, from the boost of vitamin D; to regulating sleep-wake cycles and even moderating your mood. I also love getting outside to see new things and enjoy the different seasons.
While technically you could workout outdoors, in most cases home equipment is hard to move, and, with the live-streaming classes, it just isn’t very practical.
Safety Concerns
In some ways, home workouts can be a safe alternative to, for instance, going outside, but it’s also true, pre and post-pandemic, that there can be more safety concerns than if you went to a physical gym.
In a physical gym, you’re surrounded by other people. And for something like powerlifting, you likely have spotters for safety nearby. If you have health conditions, it’s always a good idea to check with a doctor before starting a fitness routine, but that’s especially true if you’re working out alone.
Can be Expensive
Equipment alone from Peloton and Keiser require an investment and add in additional features and plans, and you can start spending a lot of money, especially if you previously did low-cost exercise on your own, like working out outside and with affordable equipment like resistance bands.
Is Peloton or Keiser a better option?
Now I’ll take a look at two of the most popular home fitness equipment companies– Peloton and Keiser. While both companies have some compelling options, there are also some clear differences. Here’s how they compare.
What fitness equipment does Peloton vs Keiser sell?
Peloton has far fewer options, though that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing– it depends on what fitness equipment you’re shopping for.
Peloton
Peloton sells both treadmills and stationary bikes. For each, you have the option of either a standard or upgraded model. All bikes and treadmills come with memberships for their fitness programs for a limited time, plus a 30-day free trial and 12-month warranty.
Keiser
Like Peloton, Keiser sells stationary bikes, but also other exercise equipment, including weight racks; performance and functional trainers; specialty force and stretching equipment; a series of strength equipment for the upper and lower body, as well as squats and legs; and recumbent and elliptical trainers.
I also love that they have a wheelchair accessible trainer. All products come with a 10-year warranty on the frame and 90 days on minor details, such as paint and upholstery.
Winner: Keiser
If you’re only interested in stationary bikes or treadmills, then there’s nothing wrong with Peloton, but if you need strength equipment, you’ll have to look to Keiser. I love the variety and different options and the more extensive limited warranties offered by Keiser.
Who has a better treadmill or elliptical?
For at-home fitness and cardio, treadmills are one the best pieces of equipment, whether you’re looking for the best treadmills for walking or for running and even hiking. While not as intensive of a workout, meanwhile, elliptical machines can be great for cross-training and low impact exercise.
Peloton
Peloton carries its standard treadmill and an upgraded option. I love that you can add to and customize with additional features, such as heart rate monitors and even strength training sets for a full-body workout. Sleek, modern, and impressive in many ways, they do also come with a hefty price tag.
Tread
The Peloton Tread is their standard treadmill, with a 68” running belt and manual knobs for adjusting your incline and speed. For live-streaming classes, there’s a respectable 23.8” HD touchscreen. It retails at $2500, base price, though they do offer to finance as well. Delivery, assembly, and 12-month warranty is included.
Tread Plus
The Tread Plus is the upgraded treadmill option. The most important upgraded feature is the new belt: in place of a traditional running belt, you’ll get a shock-absorbing belt, which can reduce your risk of injury.
I also like the additional 8 inches of running space for those who are taller. The touchscreen is slightly larger as well, but the base price is an eye-watering $4295.
Keiser
Keiser doesn’t carry a traditional trainer, but they do have a series of cardio machines, including a cross trainer and an elliptical. For the closest comparison possible, I’ll focus on their elliptical machine.
Strider Elliptical Machine
The Strider Elliptical Machine is compact, suited for smaller homes or apartments, and driven by quiet magnetic resistance and incremental resistance tuning for a more catered workout.
Padding and adjustable height make a more comfortable workout, while you can also monitor your heart rate, time, distance, and calories burned. It’s Bluetooth compatible and does have a phone/ tablet holder, but it doesn’t come with classes or a touchscreen.
This retails for $2,050 and comes with their standard warranty and a 30 day return period.
Winner: Keiser
While it’s not completely equal to compare an elliptical vs bike, I give Keiser the edge here. In some ways, you’re downgrading on the modern sleek appeal-and that great HD touchscreen-but if classes aren’t your main concern and you’re looking for great equipment, there’s more to love, with Keiser’s comfortable design, great reviews, and silent magnetic resistance. Of course, if you’re set on a treadmill, Keiser doesn’t carry any.
Who has a better stationary bike?
I also love stationary bikes as a great cardio workout. They’re low impact, good for your heart, and suited for all fitness levels.
Peloton
Peloton offers an original and upgraded bike– and for the price, many may find the automatic updates, since they are already spending a good deal of money, maybe worth upgrading to the Bike Plus.
Bike
Peloton is best known for its famous Peloton bikes, and for good reason. Not only do they look impressive, but they also offer some excellent features. The original Peloton Bike features stable steel construction, meant to be durable.
Resistance magnetics makes for a smooth ride, while the ergonomic design is great for anyone with a history of muscles or joint issues, and especially back problems. The original design includes headphone and USB ports as well as a 21-inch touchscreen. This retails for around $1895.
Bike Plus
The upgraded bike comes with a larger screen, but more importantly, an automatic belt and a ‘smart’ resistance knob, in place of the manual options. It retails for around $2495.
Keiser
Keiser carries too many indoor bike models: their original M3 and the updated M3i.
The M3 Indoor bike features a V-shape frame with quiet magnetic resistance for a smooth design. It suits a variety of body types, with multiple seat and handlebar adjustments, plus stretch pads.
I also like that the flywheel includes a finish to protect against corrosion, and, as you can with Peloton, you can pair it with accessories for strength training and other accessories. It retails for around $1,795.
The M3 of today is also the beneficiary of over a decade of refinements, including the same power accuracy as the M3i. It features a four-way adjustable seat and a two-way adjustable handlebars.
The updated M3i from Kaiser offers many of the same features as the M3, but has significant technology and construction upgrades. For technology, you’ll now have Bluetooth connectivity and access to M series apps for workouts; a media tray; a converter, and a heart rate monitor.
The design also gets an upgrade, with even more adjustability for all body types. Retails for around $1995.00
M3i - Indoor Cycle Keizer introduces Intelligent Cycling and the most technologically advanced Indoor Cycle Group ever, the Keizer M3i with Bluetooth Wireless Display. The new Keizer Bluetooth Wireless Computer is certain to become popular with both groups of riders and exercise instructors.
Winner: Keiser
Once again, Keiser wins. While you won’t get the HD touchscreen, the upgraded M3i I consider a better value, even when compared to the Original Peloton Bike. You still get that connectivity through BlueTooth, but you’re also getting a bike with a more extensive warranty; more adjustable features; and more ways to track your workout without paying exorbitant more. Plus, Keiser bikes enjoy better customer satisfaction.
Who has the better workouts?
Workouts offered by Peloton are quite different from those offered through Keiser. While Peloton has a centralized live streaming service, Keiser offers optional apps.
Peloton
Limited individual and family memberships for live streaming and on-demand workouts are given when you buy a Peloton bike or treadmill (and you can continue for around $40/ month). If nowhere else, this is where Peloton excels most.
First of all, you won’t be hard-pressed to find a workout you enjoy, and new workouts, no matter your interests and fitness level. You’ll find everything from cycling to strength training, cardio, boot camp, high-intensity interval training, and also low impact workouts like walking and yoga.
Premium memberships give you access to special community challenges, all workouts, and workouts on demand– I also love the ability to join a virtual and physical community. Plus, all your instructors carry expertise or credentials.
Keiser
You won’t get a membership to workouts when you buy a piece of equipment, but any equipment that connects with BlueTooth is compatible with the Keiser apps. The M series App offers the ability to track and log.m It also includes graphics for power and heart rate, as well as limited workouts with trainers.
Winner: Peloton
If you’re not only shopping for exercise equipment, but primarily at-home workouts, Peloton offers an impressive library of workouts, but live streaming and on-demand, for all levels; allows you to connect with a community and more. Keiser’s options are not terrible but there is not as much variety or features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Where are Keiser bikes made?
Answer: Keiser bikes are made and tested in California. You can purchase their bikes, as well as their other exercise equipment, like elliptical machines, both on their site and through retailers like Amazon.
Question: What is the difference between Keiser M3 and M3i?
Answer: The Keiser M3 is the original model and has some excellent features, including magnetic resistance and adjustable handlebars. With the upgraded M3i, you’ll get additional adjustments as well as BlueTooth connectivity and media accessories.
Question: Does Peloton go on sale?
Answer: One reason Peloton has a reputation for being expensive is that, not only do you have to buy from them, but their bikes also typically do not go on sale, with the exception of referral codes for days like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
Final Decision: Buy Equipment from Keiser; Peloton if you need classes.
The final decision is that I strongly recommend saving a little money and buying from Keiser if you are shopping for fitness equipment. You’ll sacrifice an HD screen, but minus that, the features per price and higher customer satisfaction are more worth it. That said, if you want that immersive community and some excellent workouts, Peloton is the better option.
The M3 of today is also the beneficiary of over a decade of refinements, including the same power accuracy as the M3i. It features a four-way adjustable seat and a two-way adjustable handlebars.
Still, considering? Check out the differences between Peloton vs Zwift.
