If you’re here, I imagine you just peeled yourself off of your brand new Pelo in defeat and asked yourself why the Peloton Bike seat hurts so bad and what you can do to make it more comfortable!
I know because I was you! If you read the post about my September purchases, you know I purchased a Peloton Bike+ back in August. I had eagerly awaited the arrival of my new baby, envisioning the day I’d finally start to love working out and have a body like Joie Chavis'(…haha too far?). Little did I know that my initial encounter with this coveted exercise machine as a beginner spinner would be far from what I’d expected.
The shock came in the form of bike seat bum torture that made each pedal stroke a battlefield. Don’t be butthurt, though(sorry I couldn’t resist that pun, it was “sitting” right there… get it? sitting? lol), today I’m going to share my newbie experience and how I went from a rough start to “Spinning & Sinning”!(that’s my bike’s name lol)
The Shocking Start
When my Peloton Bike+ was delivered, I was pretty amped. The sleek design, impressive display and the promise of immersive live classes had me eagerly trying to finish a task I was working on so I could hop onto the saddle. Not even to ride but probably mostly because I couldn’t believe I followed through with buying one and now there it was sitting pretty in my room with endless possibilities ahead! So I go turn it on, do the suggested adjustments on the videos then hop on but within seconds, that excitement turned into something entirely unexpected – pain in the ass! LITERALLY!
It felt as though I was sitting on a bed of nails instead of a cushioned seat. I was in shock and I shouldn’t have been bc I’d been warned before I even ordered it. I suppose I forgot or didn’t think it would be that bad but I found myself asking the same thing I asked then… “How could a fitness bike, renowned the world over by anybody who’s anybody, have a seat that causes such pain?”
Common reasons the Peloton Bike Seat Hurts
- Unfamiliarity: Many users are new to cycling and the saddle of a stationary bike can take time to get used to.
- Seat Design: The Peloton seat may not be suited to everyone’s anatomy. Bike seats come in various shapes and sizes and what works for one person may not work for another.
- Lack of Padding: Some users find the Peloton seat lacks sufficient padding, making it uncomfortable for longer rides.
- Riding Position: The bike’s riding position can put pressure on sensitive areas for some users, leading to discomfort. You could possibly be sitting too far back on it.
- Personal Sensitivity: People have varying levels of sensitivity and what’s comfortable for one person may not be for another.
- Lack of Break-in Time: New riders may not have had enough time to break in the seat, as bike saddles tend to become more comfortable with use.
- Need for Adjustment: Proper bike fit, including seat height and position, is essential for comfort. Too high and you extend way more effort to pedal.
- Inadequate Warm-up: Proper warm-up and stretching can make a big difference in comfort during a ride. Skipping this step may lead to discomfort.
- Cycling Shorts: Some users don’t wear appropriate cycling shorts with padding, which can help alleviate seat discomfort.
- Saddle Sores: Extended use without proper precautions and maintenance can lead to saddle sores, which are painful and uncomfortable.
The Search for Solutions
Determined to make my Peloton experience better, I embarked on a mission to find a solution to the seat discomfort. I seriously considered sending it back and swapping it out for a treadmill like my sister had done with a different brand bike she purchased before. What could I do with an almost $3k bike that I couldn’t even properly sit on longer than a minute? I would go back day after day and try again wondering if I was the drama but a quick search on the net determined that was a lie LOL!
When my sister had told me of she and her husband’s experience before I bought my Pelo, she was sure to remind me how I’m way more intolerant than she is and knowing how I can’t stand to be uncomfortable even for a second, I probably just needed to get something else entirely.
She was right about how badly it hurt but I wasn’t ready to send Pelo back to his maker so I started researching online and came across a community of Peloton riders on Reddit who had faced the same issue. It was there that I discovered the potential remedies: padded biking shorts, a gel bike seat cover and making some(more) adjustments to the bike setup.
Purchasing Comfort
Thinking “Ok, girl you’ve already shelled out almost 3 stacks for this thing, what’s a further investment so you can actually ride it??”, I ordered 2 pair of Baleaf padded biking shorts and the Schwinn gel bike seat cover from Amazon without hesitation. The padded shorts promised extra cushioning and support while the gel seat cover promised to alleviate the pressure on my sensitive areas. Both arrived promptly and I was out of my jeans with the quickness to put them to the test.
Slipping the gel seat cover onto the seat and my booty into the padded shorts, I hopped onto the Peloton Bike+ and the difference was immediate. The extra padding provided by both together made the very short 2-minute(lol) ride much more bearable. Their cushioning properties provided the relief I desperately needed but since I was still tender, I wasn’t fully out of the woods yet. I still needed to make more bike adjustments but it was a step in the right direction.
Adjusting for Balance
While the padded shorts and gel seat cover improved my comfort significantly, the Redditors had advised there was more work to be done. The discomfort wasn’t just about the seat; it was also about how I was positioned on the bike. I decided to consult Peloton’s own resources for guidance and probably watched the videos included 5 times.
I readjusted the seat and handlebars to find the perfect balance, tweaking them until the pressure on my “points” lessened enough for me to notice the change. It took some trial and error, but eventually, I found the right configuration that allowed me believe I could actually do it.
The Tip From a Friend
The real mvp is probably my girl Nina though. We were chatting online when I began to tell her how badly the Peloton bike seat hurts & how my experience with it had gone so far. Turns out she has experience with spinning and said this is almost every beginner’s experience if they’re not used to sitting on those seats. “Ride just a few minutes a day,” she said. “It will get easier over time.” I followed her advice.
I started with short daily rides, enduring the much more bearable discomfort for maybe 5 minutes. I was super happy the purchases were a gamechanger as I was pretty determined to make this investment in my health worthwhile. Also to know before my 30 day return window was up if I was going to be good so I could send Mr. Pelo packing!
The Transformation
As I continued my daily rides, the difference was undeniable. The discomfort lessened with each ride and by the 3rd day, my body had adapted. What was once a painful ordeal had become a regular painless part of my daily routine. The padded shorts, gel seat cover and bike adjustments had turned the Peloton Bike+ into a friend rather than a foe lol. B!tch tried to kill me like it did Mr. Big afterall but I tamed it lol! I don’t even wear the padded shorts every time anymore and I’m fine.
Gradually, I began to notice physical changes as well. My endurance improved, I didn’t feel like I wanted to die after only a few minutes anymore(from being out of shape) and I felt more energized than usual.
Tips for New Peloton Users
For those who may be embarking on their Peloton journey or facing similar concerns, I offer some valuable tips:
- Don’t be discouraged: Initial discomfort is common. Stay determined and give your body time to adapt.
- Research solutions: Explore accessories like padded biking shorts and gel seat covers to enhance your comfort.
- Adjust, adjust, adjust: Experiment with seat height/closeness and handlebar adjustments until you find the right balance.
- Seek advice: Reach out to the Peloton community or consult the company’s resources for guidance.
- Ride regularly: Consistency is key. Start with short rides and gradually increase the duration as your comfort improves.
The Joy of Riding
Today, I can confidently say that the Peloton Bike+ has become an integral part of my life at least 3 times a week. This is coming from someone who is not AT ALL the fitness guru and, in fact, has always hated working out. I do feel pretty proud of myself after each ride and will usually text my sister afterwards to tell her if I rode longer than normal or met an achievement because she cheers me on. Just knowing I’m doing something good for my body brings a sense of achievement and physical well-being.
Closing Thoughts
As I wrap up my experience, I want to emphasize that discomfort and challenges when starting a new fitness endeavor should be taken seriously. Don’t kill yourself thinking maybe you’re just being a pussy lol! If your Peloton bike seat hurts you, there are things you can try before giving up. With determination, research and a willingness to seek solutions, you can turn any painful experience into a source of accomplishment. I’m excited about the fitness journey that lies ahead and encourage you to embark on your own path to a healthier, happier you.
Gel Seat Cover for Stationary Bikes
$65
Put some padding under that ass and get to spinnin’!
Padded Cycling Shorts
$34
More cushy for your tushy!
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Thank you for this!! I just started spin class last night, and went at 5:30am and had to quit after 30 minutes bc I couldn’t even handle sitting on the seat! I have these recommendations in my Amazon cart and will head back to class and keep trying when they get here!
You’re so very welcome, Chelsey! Thanks for stopping by! & girl your booty is wayyy stronger than mine if you lasted 30 minutes! I could hardly sit at all! But yes def see if there are any adjustments you can make with the equipment and try not to do too much too soon! The padded shorts should help with the pressure points and eventually your booty will “adapt” haha!