We’ve been living through some tough times for almost a year now, and whether we’ve gotten our groceries delivered or upgraded our work from home setup, we’re all still learning how to best navigate this new normal.
Staying active while stuck inside is one of the harder things to adjust to, but luckily there are plenty of at-home workout solutions from yoga mats and small equipment to big-ticket items such as the immensely popular Peloton bike.
As a devoted member of the Peloton wolfpack, I can say that having a professional-level workout located just steps away from my bed or kitchen is chief among the reasons why I love the bike so much. I’m a working mom to four kids, so even when there wasn’t a global pandemic carving out time to go to the gym is nearly impossible. But with a Peloton, I get to attend a virtual New York City cycling studio setting from the privacy of my very own home whenever I want.
Now if you spend a significant amount of time on your Peloton or at-home cycle (or are interested in one), there are actually a ton of accessories besides fashionable activewear you can invest in to make the ride even more comfortable. From a portable speaker to boost sound to padded bike shorts to aid your aching butt, these indoor cycling accessories can support and enhance your ride.
Check out our top Peloton accessories picks below, ranging from my favorite wireless earphones to ride in to the compression cycling socks that everyone should be wearing in the saddle. This list is your go-to for every possible product an avid indoor cyclist needs, and you might as well consider it the ultimate Peloton gift guide, too. See you on the leaderboard!
Zacro Gel Bike Seat Cover ($22.99; amazon.com)
If you’re finding the bike seat to be consistently uncomfortable and you’re simply not feeling the padded short, try this gel cover that has more than 15,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. Peloton-compatible, the cover slips over the seat and is tightened with a drawstring.
Charmking Compression Socks, 6 Pairs (starting at $10.99; amazon.com)
For those unfamiliar with cycling shoes, they’re very sturdy and rigid, which makes for a better riding experience. An unfortunate side effect, however, is ankle chafing. Combat this with these compression socks, which have over 10,000 positive Amazon reviews and protect your ankle and foot from irritation, while also improving your blood flow.
Beroy Womens Bike Shorts with 3D Gel Padding (starting at $24.99; amazon.com)
The first few weeks on the Peloton — specifically on its seat — can be rough on your rear end. Invest in some padding via these bike shorts from Beroy that have over 9,000 positive Amazon reviews. Comprised of quicky-dry nylon and spandex fabrics, the shorts feature gel padding that works to prevent soreness.
Lululemon Wunder Train High-Rise Tight 25” ($98; lululemon.com)
Lululemon’s Everlux fabric is ultra-lightweight and quick-drying and was specifically designed to cool users during high-intensity, high-sweat exercise. I took the Wunder Train High-Rise Tights for a (literal) spin and loved the leggings’ silky interior feel and how they virtually wicked sweat away from my body. Given all the leaning forward that occurs during a ride, I also appreciated the Wunder’s wide, no-pinch waistband. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, check out these Lululemon-inspired leggings available for just $24 at Amazon.
Spintray for Peloton ($53.99; amazon.com)
While I wouldn’t recommend simultaneously doing computer work while taking a high-octane Peloton class, if you’re on a self-guided workout, go for it. This laptop tray easily slips over Peloton’s handlebars and allows users to blend work and fitness seamlessly. And if you have a new Peloton Plus, you’ll want to opt for this tray instead.
Ultra-Thin Metal Magnet Web Camera Cover 3-Pack ($6.98, originally $16.99; amazon.com)
For when you want to cover up your bike’s webcam, these super thin caps are barely noticeable and fit right over the lens. Plus, it comes in a three-pack so you can put the other two on any of your other devices.
Lululemon Fringe Fighter Headband ($18; lululemon.com)
Forewarning: You’re going to sweat on the Peloton. Like, a lot. To combat the beads from dropping into your eyes, invest in this super-soft, reversible headband from Lululemon, which will simultaneously keep bangs and flyways at bay.
Theragun Mini ($199; theragun.com)
If you get a case of the noodle legs after a ride and it feels like you can barely make it to your home office the next day because your thighs are so sore, you might want to invest in a massage gun. This portable one from Theragun packs a punch, is super quiet and even fits in your gym bag. We reviewed the Theragun Mini and loved how portable it was.
AmazonBasics Cotton Washcloths, Pack of 24 ($18.77; amazon.com)
Wipe the sweat off you and your bike with this 24-pack of basic white washcloths. Comprised of 100% looped terry cotton, the 12- by-12-inch cloths have more than 24,000 positive reviews on Amazon and are lightweight and quick drying.
Lasko 1843 18″ Adjustable Pedestal Fan ($33.87, originally $52.49; amazon.com)
One thing your home workout situation likely doesn’t have? Fans everywhere. And trust me, you’re going to be hot. In addition to opening any nearby windows, invest in a standing fan that you can easily reposition near your bike. This one from Lasko has more than 7,000 positive Amazon reviews and is lauded for being ultra-quiet, adjustable in height (up to 55 inches tall) and easy to assemble (no tools necessary!).
Athleta Ultimate Bra in SuperSonic (starting at $24.97, originally $49; athleta.com)
Peloton workouts are intense — and your 10-year-old sports bra isn’t going to get the job done. Luckily Athleta recently relaunched all of its sports bras with new and improved technologies, and I’m here to tell you that the Ultimate Bra is your new go-to. Available in sizes A through DD, the bra was designed specifically for high-intense cardio. I love the buttery-soft feel of the fabric, the simple design and how the bra stretches and breathes with you while keeping your girls utterly secure.
RockBros Bicycle Trainer Sweat Net ($11.99; amazon.com)
Remember when I mentioned how much you sweat on the Peloton? Well, for some riders, it looks like a wave crashed on their bike after the ride. Soak up that sweat — and spare yourself the cleanup — with this handy dual-layer net that easily attaches to the bike and is adjustable in length.
Hydro Flask Trail Series ($44.95; hydroflask.com)
Water breaks are imperative while cycling, and Hydro Flask’s Trail Series is 25% lighter than its same-size counterparts and its shape is tapered now, too. I tried out the 24-ounce version, which fit perfectly in Peloton’s bottle holder, and loved how cold it kept my water. Pair it with the Wide Mouth Straw Lid to avoid any spills.
Tommaso Pista Women’s Cycling Shoe Bundle ($124.95; amazon.com)
In the event you didn’t purchase the Peloton cleats, consider this cheaper pair, which is compatible with a variety of pedal systems/brands (like Peloton, Flywheel, SoulCycle and more) thanks to the interchangeable clips. With more than 2,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, the cleats feature breathable liners that wick away sweat, air ports and mesh inserts for ventilation and non-skid heel strips that provide extra grip on the floor… for those times when you have to hop off the bike and run downstairs!
Athleta Speedlight Tank ($44; athleta.com)
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect workout tank, fear not, I’ve found it. Created specifically for medium- and high-impact workouts, the seamless (no chafing!) tank stays put even when you’re out of the saddle. Available in 16 colors and many more patterns, the top also has side ruching that is super flattering.
Scosche Rhythm+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband ($79.95; amazon.com)
If you didn’t opt for the Peloton’s chest-mounted heart rate monitor, consider this one from Scosche. Sweatproof and waterproof, the Bluetooth-enabled band connects seamlessly with the Peloton — as well as many other fitness apps — giving you a hyper-accurate BPM reading to maximize the benefit of your workout. And if you’re interested in a more thorough fitness tracker, we recommend the Fitbit Inspire 2, which we picked as the best fitness tracker of 2021.
Bose Portable Home Speaker ($349; amazon.com)
A common complaint amongst Peloton owners is the lacking sound quality emitted from the screen. Eliminate your frustration — and create a supersonic in-studio experience — with Bose’s latest Bluetooth smart speaker. In addition to being Google Assistant- and Amazon Alexa-enabled, the speaker can easily connect with Peloton via the settings/Bluetooth tab. More to know: The petite speaker (it’s only 2.3 pounds and 7.5-inches tall!) delivers incredible, 360-degree sound and is water-resistant, meaning you can take it from the bike to the beach in the same day.
Apple AirPods Pro ($199.99, originally $249.95, amazon.com)
Debuting in 2019, the Apple AirPods Pro are lighter than ever, noise-canceling and have a perfect seal in your ear, even when you’re out of the saddle and aiming for an 80 cadence. They pair seamlessly with your Peloton and funnel all the bike’s audio silently into your eardrums — you know, for those times when the whole house is still sound asleep, but you want to fit a quick workout in. They’re also our pick for best true wireless earbuds. Prefer a sportier, wraparound earphone? Then the Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones, our pick for the best true wireless earbuds for working out, are the way to go.
WF Athletic Supply Color Neoprene 5-pound Dumbbells ($26.99; amazon.com)
Peloton packages include a pair of 1-, 2- or 3-pound weights, but if you’re quickly outgrowing them, invest in this set of 5-pound dumbbells.
Gaiam Performance Longer/Wider Dry-Grip Yoga Mat ($74.98; gaiam.com)
In case you missed it: Peloton offers more than just cycling classes. Subscribers can access a wealth of additional classes (from yoga and Pilates to meditation and stretching) via the brand’s app, so you’re going to want to have a yoga mat handy for all the downward-facing dogs in your future. This high-quality mat from Gaiam is the larger version of one of our picks for the best yoga mats.
