Latest news with #Peloton
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
I'm Not Multitasking During At-Home Workouts Anymore (and You Shouldn't Either)
I used to be a big believer in distracting myself while I was working out, especially when doing cardio, which can last a long time and feel tedious. Even though I've recommended such an approach a few times, I've changed my viewpoint after looking a little bit at my output and refining my goals. I'm not above admitting the old way wasn't working or that I was wrong. Here's why I'm no longer trying to distract myself during cardio—and why you should consider stopping, too. Why I'm done with exercise distractions Multitasking does not work. It really doesn't: Any time you're trying to do two things at once, you're splitting the energy and brainpower you can devote to both, essentially half-assing them at the same time instead of, forgive me, whole-assing them one at a time. It's tempting, of course, to seek out a distraction while you work out, especially if you're running or doing other tedious and/or difficult cardio. I used to be all about this and even spent years following a system where I only allowed myself to watch my favorite TV program if I was also on an elliptical machine or treadmill when I did it. I reasoned that distracted exercise was better than no exercise, which is true, but I conveniently forgot to consider that focused exercise is best overall. When Peloton announced users could watch YouTube videos while using the company's proprietary bikes, treadmills, and row machines, I was initially excited and started doing it right away to shake up the monotony of simply using my Peloton bike to take virtual classes or play the Lanebreak cardio game. But I noticed pretty quickly that the time I spent pedaling while watching music videos on my device's big screen didn't feel nearly as taxing or effective as time I spent doing anything else on the bike. Earlier this week, I downloaded a spreadsheet of all my Peloton workouts and looked through the data. That confirmed it: Workouts when I was watching YouTube weren't nearly as effective as other classes and games. In one notable instance, I burned a mere 57 calories in a 17-minute YouTube-watching ride. What was I even doing? It's unclear; I don't remember because I was engrossed in music videos, but according to my data, I had my resistance knob set at a paltry 32%. My average speed was just 10.8 miles per hour. Other, shorter workouts in the data set show significantly more calorie burn, output, resistance, cadence, speed, and distance. Basically, when I let myself be distracted, my brain decided that just a little bit of effort was good enough. I automatically took the path of least resistance, literally. My goals in working out used to be just moving and being a little healthier. Those are totally fine and great goals, but mine have shifted over the last year or so. I'm now setting concrete goals for specific weight loss, muscle gain, and skill development, all with pretty strict timelines. Riding or running distractedly is not helping me meet those goals at all and, if I did it often enough, would hold me back a lot. Studies back up that distractions have negative effects on your output when you're working out, too, but there's one exception: Listening to music can make you work harder and perform better. That aligns with my own experiences, because when I have just the right playlist, I kill it—and that is reflected in my Apple Watch data, too. When distracted workouts can work If your goal is just to motivate yourself to hop on the treadmill or take a walk more often, distracted workouts might be helpful, at least for easing you into the routine. Research shows that an enjoyable distraction can augment the positive effects of exercise on your mood, for instance, so if you hit the gym because it makes you feel good inside, watching a little Law and Order or listening to a podcast while you jog might not be the worst idea. But if you're motivated by the feeling of actually having put in the work and tuckered yourself out, not just the fact that you did anything at all, be wary. In addition to lowering the heart rate during cardio, distractions like TV can also negatively impact your perceived effort—which is what happened to me when I noticed that I was feeling kind of blah after cycling with YouTube on. If you're not exercising at a higher intensity, you may lose motivation to keep going without realizing all you had to do was turn off the Netflix and just zero in on your run.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Is Indoor or Outdoor Cycling a Better Workout? The Health Benefits Differ, Experts Say
Experienced trail riders and Peloton fans can agree: Riding a bike is one of the most fun ways to get your sweat in. And while indoor and outdoor cycling are both healthy forms of exercise, they provide some different health benefits. And one may align with your goals and preferences more than the other. "They're both excellent sources of cardiovascular training," Dr. Jeffrey Fleming, a primary care sports medicine physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, tells especially when it comes to increasing your cardiovascular endurance. Indoor and outdoor cycling are also great for strengthening your legs and glutes, he says. "So, for those looking for both resistance training and cardiovascular training, (cycling is) a nice mix of the two," Fleming adds. But the setting matters when it comes to cycling. And there are different health benefits whether you're pumping up the resistance in an air-conditioned spin class or taking the hills as they come on a tree-lined trail. Benefits of Cycling Outside Whether you're biking inside or outdoors, "the leg movements are essentially identical," Chris Barucci, a physical therapist and certified strength and conditioning specialist at the Boston University Physical Therapy Center, tells But outdoor cycling offers some unique benefits over indoor cycling. That includes "mental stimulation, exposure to nature and balance and handling challenges," Barucci says. Riding outside is naturally more varied in slope and speed, and "the variability itself can be an advantage," Fleming says. "You have to react to the environment that you're right riding on in real time." And simply being outdoors, whether you're on a trail or on your morning commute, "can have some positive effects psychologically," Fleming says. Benefits of Indoor Cycling Indoor cycling, also called spinning, has its own set of unique advantages. A stationary bike allows you to precisely control your resistance and speed. That means it's generally safer than riding outdoors on unpredictable surfaces, the experts say. "Indoor cycling removes a lot of the risks associated with outdoor cycling," Barucci notes. "Indoor riders don't have to worry about weather conditions, road conditions, motor vehicles, pedestrians or other cyclists," he says. Additionally, indoor biking is better for those with "balance or reaction time issues, if they are recovering from an injury and if they don't live in an area that allows for safe biking," Barucci says. The control a stationary bike gives you is also great for maximizing your workout's efficiency and burning a lot of calories in a relatively short amount of time, Fleming says. Plus, there's the convenience factor: "An indoor bike can safely be used any time of day that it is available, where outdoor riding at night presents some safety challenges," Barucci says. And, even though you're not cycling outside, spinning can offer its own set of psychological benefits to those who enjoy it, Barucci notes. Some people really value having time to watch or listen to something while spinning, while others appreciate the community of a Peloton ride or spin class. Should You Do Indoor Cycling or Outdoor Cycling? Mechanically, riding an indoor bike or cycling outside are very similar, the experts say. You'll generally work the same muscles, and both activities will provide an efficient cardiovascular workout. So, if you're choosing between indoor and outdoor cycling, think about your goals and any conditions or injuries you may be dealing with. Those who are looking for an efficient, convenient workout they can do pretty much any time without worrying about weather should opt for indoor cycling. The same is true for anyone who has issues with balance or reaction time. And if you're hungry for social connection while working out, give an indoor cycling class a try either in person or virtually via an app. On the other hand, folks who prefer to be out in nature and welcome the "excitement and thrill" that comes with the variability of a trail would do better with outdoor cycling, Barucci says. And you don't have to ride alone, he adds, as there are cycling groups you can join all over the place. Keep in mind that riding outside can be less predictable than spinning, and comes with some safety hazards like bad weather and traffic. Of course, the two activities are not mutually exclusive. Many outdoor riders also enjoy indoor cycling when the weather isn't playing along, for instance. Either way, know that you can pedal your way to better physical and mental health. This article was originally published on
Skift
3 days ago
- Sport
- Skift
The New Athletic Class: How Lifestyle Sports Are Reshaping Travel
Lifestyle sports like running, pickleball, tennis, and golf are smart ways for hotels and destinations to tap into high-value travelers. Today's traveler might be just as likely to pack sneakers or a paddle as they are a swimsuit. From sunrise runs in Central Park to beachside pickleball matches in Tulum, lifestyle sports are changing not just how we move, but where we travel. It's the rise of the cultural athlete: For this group, sport is more than exercise — it's a way to connect, express identity, and often, spark the idea behind their next trip. Destinations are taking notice, building races, trails, and courts into their tourism strategies. Hotels, too, are rethinking amenities and programming to meet the moment — not just offering gyms, but curating experiences that keep guests moving and engaged. Running as a Community and Tourism Driver Running was once viewed as a solo workout or a race-day challenge. Today, run clubs have turned fitness into something social, and their popularity is taking off. Strava's 2024 Year in Sport found that run club participation jumped 59% globally, while marathon and ultramarathon participation rose by 9%. Big brands are fueling the momentum. Major players like Nike, Lululemon, and Peloton are building communities as much as they're selling gear. Their run clubs have transformed parks and city streets into lively hangouts where locals and visitors can get moving and connect. As running becomes more social, it's also starting to influence where people want to travel. Running USA's 2024 Global Runner Survey found that location tops the list when choosing races, beating out distance, terrain, or price. This shift has fueled the rise of running tourism, with travelers seeking out memorable courses, inspiring backdrops, and the energy of like-minded communities. The 'Big Six' marathons — Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, New York City, and Tokyo — draw hundreds of thousands of runners annually, lifting visitation and spending in these cities. While these marquee races anchor the global running calendar, interest is also surging for smaller, more scenic events, such as marathons in Big Sur, Queenstown, and Reykjavik. Running-focused travel itineraries are gaining traction as well. Contiki's Run Club offers a 14-day, seven-city European sightseeing-and-run tour, while Runcation Travel organizes trail-running trips in scenic destinations like the Italian Dolomites, Patagonia, and California's Sierra Nevada. 'We tend to attract travelers who genuinely love running and want to use their own movement as a lens for discovery,' said Liz Gill, Founder and Owner of Runcation Travel. Credit: Patagonia Photo Courtesy of Runcation Travel A few select hospitality brands are reimagining how they serve runners. Westin's Move Well programming includes WestinWORKOUT Routes — curated local running, walking, or outdoor movement paths designed to reflect the destination, offered digitally across its properties globally. Select properties also offer the Run Concierge program, with staff members who lead guided runs or act as individual running partners. 'Westin's Run Concierges are one of the most beloved elements of our wellness experience. They're more than fitness guides — they're cultural connectors,' said Peggy Roe, Marriott International Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, told Skift. Credit: Marriott International, The Westin Grand Frankfurt Run Concierge Meanwhile, some JW Marriott hotels partner with local run clubs, and EVEN Hotels offer in-room fitness zones and access to local trails at some properties. Pickleball's Resort-Worthy Rise Few sports capture the spirit of today's active lifestyle like pickleball. What started as a niche activity has exploded into the mainstream. Nearly 20 million Americans played pickleball in 2024 — a 46% increase from the previous year and a staggering 311% jump since 2021, according to the 2025 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Participation Report. For the fourth year in a row, pickleball was named the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. Pickleball's popularity is quickly spreading globally, with gains in the UK, Spain, Mexico, Australia, and India. With many players falling into higher-income brackets, the sport naturally dovetails with luxury and wellness travel experiences. Destinations and hospitality brands have taken note. Since 2016, Naples, Florida, has hosted the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships, the sport's largest annual event. The 2025 edition, sponsored by Margaritaville, attracted more than 55,000 fans and 3,450 players from all 50 U.S. states and 40 countries. Credit: Photo courtesy Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB 'We're seeing an increase in people not only attending the championship event, but also coming to the destination for instruction and classes year-round. So as pickleball continues to evolve as a sport, Naples will continue to be the recipient of that additional visitation from 'pickleball vacationers,'' said Sandra Rios, Public Relations and Communications Manager at Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau. When Mesa, Arizona, hosted the 2024 USA Pickleball National Championships, it attracted more than 2,600 athletes and 10,000 fans from 47 states and 13 countries. Sandals Resorts is leading the charge in making pickleball a staple of all-inclusive vacations. In 2025, it teamed up exclusively with USA Pickleball — the first all-inclusive brand to do so. Across 14 properties, Sandals has introduced 64 new or upgraded courts, offering guests unlimited play and access to coaching from USA Pickleball-approved trainers. Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort in Hilton Head, South Carolina, offers comprehensive Pickleball Stay & Play packages. These include professional clinics, round-robin tournaments, and resort perks that bring the pickleball lifestyle beyond the court. And the international scene keeps heating up. This December, Club Med Cancún will host the North and South America Pickleball Cup, cementing both the resort and Mexico as rising stars in the sport's worldwide expansion. Tennis Gets a Cultural Refresh Tennis is shaking off its exclusive country club image and stepping into the spotlight as a sport for a new generation. According to the U.S. Tennis Association, in 2024, U.S. tennis participation hit a record 25.7 million players, growing 8% year-over-year and marking five straight years of growth. The sport is attracting a younger, more diverse audience: One in 12 Americans played tennis in 2024, the highest proportion ever. Credit: Photo by chris robert on Unsplash The tennis revival is happening well beyond the courts. In cities like Los Angeles, Austin, and London, modern tennis clubs mix top-tier play with stylish design and social programming. Think wood-paneled lounges, cocktail parties, and partnerships with brands like Lacoste and Alo. Hospitality brands are tapping into tennis's refreshed appeal by crafting travel experiences around major tournaments and iconic venues. London's Egerton House Hotel offers a Wimbledon package with bespoke cocktails, luxury accommodations, and VIP rides to the All England Club. Accor Live Limitless gives loyalty members the chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime Roland-Garros experiences, complete with premium seats, VIP access, and curated hospitality, turning tennis into a form of elite entertainment and a currency of experience. For travelers eager to go beyond watching and actually play, immersive packages focused on training and play are gaining momentum. The Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca pairs expert coaching with luxury amenities and cultural outings. Other destinations, from Florida to France, are capitalizing on the demand for top-tier instruction alongside upscale resort experiences. Specialty operators like Grand Slam Tennis Tours have also made a name for themselves by creating tailored travel experiences centered on major tournaments such as the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. Their packages combine premium event tickets and luxury accommodations with curated coaching, education, and exclusive meet-and-greets. Golf's Generational Pivot Golf is undergoing its own reinvention. No longer just a country club pastime, it's becoming a lifestyle sport that's drawing in younger, more diverse players who are reshaping the game and the travel experiences that come with it. According to a 2023 survey from the National Golf Foundation, 57% of on-course golfers are under the age of 50, and nearly one in four are between 18 and 34. Notably, the percentage of female golfers aged 18 and under has climbed from 15% in 2000 to 37% in 2023. Credit: Photo by Brenda Lai on Unsplash The rise of off-course formats like Topgolf, Drive Shack, and simulators has helped break down barriers, making golf more accessible and less intimidating. Participation in these venues grew 115% between 2019 and 2023, welcoming a whole new wave of players. This opens the door for travel and hospitality brands to create more inclusive, curated, and socially engaging experiences. A prime example is the WM Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona. Known as 'The People's Open,' the event blends PGA-level play with a festival-like atmosphere that draws a younger, livelier crowd than most tour stops. It's the most-attended golf tournament in the U.S., drawing around 750,000 attendees over seven days, with about 15% from out of state. Its impact ripples well beyond the course, boosting demand for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment across the region. This shift in golf culture is inspiring fresh hospitality offerings. Omni Hotels & Resorts, for example, has teamed up with the PGA Tour to create golf-centric packages at 11 resorts, blending championship courses with dining, wellness, and local experiences. Meanwhile, Crystal Springs Resort in New Jersey caters to younger players with Trackman-powered driving ranges and discounted Gen Z memberships. Golf-centric travel companies like Golfbreaks are capitalizing on this shift by crafting itineraries that combine sport with local culture — imagine whisky tastings paired with tee times in Scotland or Palm Springs retreats that mix spa relaxation with plenty of play. 'We're definitely seeing a shift. There are more people getting into the game who care about the full experience, not just the golf,' said Levi Bilbrey, Golfbreaks' Head of Marketing. 'A golf trip used to mean five rounds in four days with your buddies, but now it might be a quick weekend with your partner, a few rounds built around a big tournament experience, or just a bucket-list round while you're on vacation somewhere iconic.' Credit: Golfers in Dubai. Photo Courtesy of Golfbreaks LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed men's tour, is playing a big role in reshaping the game's audience. CEO Scott O'Neil notes that 30% of LIV attendees are first-timers, and their average age is about 15 years younger than fans at traditional tournaments. LIV Golf is also forging strong partnerships within the hospitality world. In 2026, it will join forces with MGM Resorts International to host LIV Golf Week in Las Vegas. The league's global reach is expanding quickly, with early-season tournaments scheduled for Riyadh, Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa, and Mexico City. The Strategic Imperative for Travel Brands These lifestyle sports go beyond being hobbies. They serve as identity markers and social frameworks that shape everything from destination choices to booking habits. For hotels and destinations, the opportunity is huge. These sports draw in affluent, culturally curious travelers who want meaningful experiences and often travel in groups. Big races, tournaments, and club gatherings encourage longer stays and boost loyalty through repeat visits. Today's athletic travelers aren't defined by skill — they're defined by intention. Sport is a gateway to experience, identity, and connection. Whether it's chasing the perfect runner's high along the Amalfi Coast, planning a dream trip around Wimbledon, or teeing off at sunrise in the Black Desert, these moments become emotional anchors — and smart travel brands are paying attention. Alison McCarthy is Content Director of SkiftX, Skift's in-house custom content agency. She writes about the cultural shifts reshaping how and why we travel.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
What I Learned From Downloading My Peloton Data (and How to Find Yours)
I came across something interesting while poking around on my Peloton profile: the ability to "download workouts." It's an innocuous little button that shows up in your profile if you're looking on the desktop website, but after I clicked it out of curiosity, I realized it's pretty powerful. Here's what I got out of it and how you can get it, too. How to download Peloton workout data First, log in to your Peloton account on the company's website. Easy. Then, navigate to Profile > Workouts. In the upper right, you'll see Download Workouts. Click that and a CSV file will immediately download to your computer. You should be able to open it up in Excel. I don't have Microsoft Office, so I just opened it up in Google Sheets. Same difference. Either way, you'll get a spreadsheet with all kinds of data for each workout you've completed: The workout timestamp Whether the class was live or on demand The instructor's name The length of the workout in minutes What kind of workout it was (cycling, walking, running, etc.) The type of workout (music-based, low-impact, etc.) The name of the class The release date of the class Your total output Your average watts Your average resistance (on a Bike) Your average cadence (Bike) Your average speed (Bike) Your distance Your calories burned Your average heart rate Your average incline (on a Tread or treadmill) Your average pace How I used this data when I got it First, I deleted the columns I didn't care about, like the one telling me when the classes I took were first released. Next, I totaled how many calories I've burned since I got my Peloton Bike four years ago and how many minutes I've worked out, just to see. Then, I started looking for patterns. I generally like cycling classes led by Cody Rigsby and guided meditations with Aditi Shah, for instance, but could the data back up that they're my favorite instructors? Yes, it could—but it also showed me who else I tend to favor without realizing it. I just selected the column, made a bar chart, and examined it. Knowing which instructors I'm more drawn to is useful, broadly, for motivating me and helping me find classes, but what about which workouts are most effective for me? I scrolled over to the total output and calories burned columns. I sorted total output from high to low, checked out the results, and then did the same for calories burned. My highest-ever output was apparently a 30-minute Lady Gaga ride. Good to know. (That class was also among the ones with my highest calorie burn.) I can aim to take more 30-minute classes or, more realistically, more that include Gaga's music. (When left to my own devices, I do tend to choose her songs as the soundtrack to my workouts, so having data to confirm that it gets me into cycling as much as I thought was nice.) I sorted all of my columns like this, looking at where I expended the least energy, where I cycled on the highest resistance, and so on. Being able to do this was illuminating, especially after having taken a few hundred classes. It probably wouldn't have been as useful if I were starting out and only had a handful of workouts to look at—but even then, I think being able to clearly see calorie expenditure, output, and other metrics would be helpful. I'll spend the rest of the day creating charts and looking for patterns. With this (and a little knowledge of how to navigate spreadsheet software), I can create charts and look for insights, such as whether I perform better or worse in the morning or walk longer distances in the afternoon. When you're trying to fit workouts in throughout your day, it's easy to just do whatever you feel like (or whatever you can), but you're creating patterns (whether you know it or not) and having access to this data can help you crack the codes of your own best practices.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What Happens to Your Body When You Walk a Mile a Day, According to Experts
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Walking is a great way to get daily exercise. And setting personal goals can help you get more from every walk you take. You can aim to pick up your pace, climb more hills, or elevate your heart rate. Or you can start even more simply: You can try to walk a mile every day. Experts love this fitness goal because it's straightforward, achievable, and capable of delivering big results over time. 'One day where you walk a mile doesn't seem like much,' says Tony Gentilcore, C.S.C.S., a fitness coach. 'But over the course of a week, month, year … that all adds up.' This steady progress can empower you and motivate you to keep going, he adds. Plus, walking a mile a day doesn't take much time. While everyone is different—and your pace may vary from day to day—it often takes just 15 to 20 minutes to walk a mile at a moderate speed, says Marcel Dinkins, Peloton instructor and motivational speaker. NSCA-certified trainer Alfonso Moretti agrees. He recommends aiming for a 20-minute mile-long walk. 'That equates to walking 3 miles per hour,' he says. Interested in adding this new fitness goal to your to-do list? Here's what happens to your body when you walk a mile a day—plus expert tips on how to do it. Walking offers a number of benefits. And when you do it consistently, those benefits compound over time, delivering bigger results. Here are some of the perks experts say you can expect when you start walking a mile a day. Walking a mile a day can improve your heart health. Movement—especially brisk movement—elevates your heart rate and supports your cardiovascular system, Dinkins says. Walking every day is thought to help you live longer. And the farther you walk, the more pronounced those benefits become. 'Walking has been shown to decrease all-cause mortality,' Moretti says. 'In fact, the more you walk, the less likely you'll be to get cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and much more.' Walking can boost your mental health. And walking at a brisk pace for 2.5 hours a week—about 20 minutes a day—may lower your risk of depression. This may happen for a number of reasons, but Dinkins points out that walking (and other forms of exercise) can be a great way to clear your mind. Like any form of regular exercise, walking a mile a day burns calories. 'Any movement burns calories,' says Beth Warren, R.D.N., founder of Beth Warren Nutrition. 'And done consistently, [it] adds up to a significant positive impact on your weight.' The exact number of calories you'll burn will depend on your metabolism, pace, and more. But most people can expect to burn about 100 calories when they walk a mile. The impact of walking on weight loss depends on what you were doing before. 'It stands to reason that if someone goes from doing nothing to walking a mile a day, they may see a trend of weight loss over the course of several weeks to months,' Gentilcore says. What else you're doing matters, too. 'Walking a mile every day will help boost weight loss if you're consuming a nutritious diet and are in a calorie deficit,' Moretti says. It's one thing to say you'll walk a mile a day, and another to actually do it. But experts have some tips to help you reach your goal: Plan when you'll walk. 'You could walk to work if it's feasible, take a brisk stroll during your lunch break, make it a post-dinner ritual, or do it the first thing in the morning,' Dinkins says. Put the walk on your calendar. 'There's a lot of power that comes with checking off that you did something on any given day,' Gentilcore says. 'I find that once someone can see that they're being consistent, that's a behavior that will generally stick around for a while.' Walk a little longer every day. Moretti recommends walking 5 minutes several times a week. 'Every two weeks, add another 2 minutes to your schedule,' he says. 'After a few months, you'll be walking 20 to 30 minutes per day.' Break up your walks. If walking a whole mile seems intimidating, break it into smaller segments throughout your day. 'The key is finding what works best for your schedule and lifestyle, and making it a consistent habit,' Dinkins says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
