Peloton Is Going All-In on Running Amid Endurance Sports Boom

The connected fitness giant unveiled three new treadmills and a host of AI-powered running features, marking one of Peloton’s biggest moves under CEO Peter Stern

Peloton is making its biggest-ever push into the running and treadmill markets, the company’s latest move to be known as more than just a bike company. 

On Tuesday, the connected fitness giant unveiled three new treadmills, including a foldable model, along with a host of new AI-powered running features such as form-tracking.

The new Peloton Tread Flex features the company’s first-ever foldable treadmill design and is Peloton’s most affordable treadmill ever, priced at $2,195. The new machine is targeted toward those with living-space constraints and entry-level consumers.

Peloton also launched new-and-improved versions of its flagship treadmills. The Peloton Tread Vision ($3,495) and Tread+ Vision ($6,695) both feature a movement-tracking camera that provides users with insights into their running form. The Tread+ Vision model also features a lower-impact slatbelt and Sled Mode, which allows users to mimic a sled push of up to 300lbs. The latter feature is designed to complement Peloton’s new partnership with Hyrox. 

Peloton is also expanding its recently launched Peloton IQ system, which provides AI-powered, dynamic coaching to users while they’re working out. New features (available October 1) include:

• Run Analysis, which gives treadmill users feedback on their running form
• IQ Pace Targets, which set personalized target speed ranges based on recent running performance
• Heart Rate Zone Workouts, including more Zone 2 training
• ReRuns, which recreate popular outdoor running courses on Peloton treadmills. 

Taken together, the new launches represent Peloton’s biggest-ever embrace of the treadmill and running markets. They come as running surges in popularity, thanks to the rise of run clubs and record marathon participation.

At a press briefing event held last week, Peloton CEO Peter Stern framed the new launches as part of a bigger commitment to running, walking and hiking for Peloton. 

“We’re going all-in on tread, running, walking and hiking,” Stern said. 

He mentioned Flex as key in helping Peloton reach more consumers in the treadmill market. Retailing for $2,195, the machine is significantly cheaper than Peloton’s current entry-level model, which goes for $3,295. 

“Having a product at that price point unlocks all sorts of opportunities for us,” Stern said. 

The new launches also mark the latest step in Peloton’s mission to become known for more than just cycling. The fitness company offers 80,000 classes spanning modalities from running to strength training to yoga, although in some ways, it’s struggled to shed its pandemic-era perception as an at-home bike brand. 

“We’re making a big move beyond the bike,” Stern said of the new treadmill launches, although he did say that Peloton will continue to focus on cycling as a core part of its business. 

Since being hired as Peloton’s CEO around two years ago, Stern, a former Apple Fitness+ executive, has sought to increase innovation and help the company branch out into new fitness and wellness verticals. 

In April, Peloton partnered with Spotify to make its fitness content available on the streaming giant’s platform. The company also has also formed a wide-ranging partnership with Hyrox to create classes to help people train for the viral fitness-racing competition, and is working to sell more equipment to commercial gyms.

Stern said that while Peloton is leaning into artificial intelligence, the company plans to continue to create content that makes its human instructors — many of whom are extremely popular — the centerpiece of the Peloton experience. 

“When everyone is zigging toward undermining the role of humans in this world, we are zagging,” he said.