Wellness
The pandemic-era trend has officially become passe, with former die-hards selling their bikes in droves on Craigslist.
A few weeks ago, I glared at my Peloton, annoyed.
The last time I used the bike was last year, before I even moved into this apartment.
Now it just takes up space, collecting dust in my spare room.
(Occasionally, it serves as a clothing rack.)
I decided to sell it.
I just want it gone, one sellers post said.
Thepandemic may not be over, but it looks like this pandemic-era trend might be.
Like so many others, I bought the bike and immediately bought into the cult.
Id do a 30-minute club bangers ride after work.
Id ride for 60 minutes on the weekends.
What else was I doing, anyway?
(Although, once again: What else was I doing, anyway?)
As my own Peloton languished, so, too, did the companys numbers.
As 2021 and 2022 progressed and the economy reopened, the sales of connected fitness products like Peloton slowed.
In January 2022, Peloton temporarilyhalted productionof its products as demand faltered.
A few weeks later, the companylaid off 2,800 workers about 20% of its corporate headcount.
It all seems to be coming too late for many former fans.
Eventually, however, it wasnt so soothing.
I almost started associating it with the pain and isolation of the pandemic, she said.
(Earlier this year, Peloton made changes to its subscription pricing structure.
In May 2022, Abby sold her bike.
I actually started hating that it was just sitting in my apartment taunting me.
The solo rides just didnt do it for him.
I wasnt getting that on the bike.
It wasnt the same.
I liked that I could exercise anytime, she said.
In October 2021, she sold hers for $1,000.
Other hopeful sellers have found theyre stuck with their bikes, at least for now.
Yael Berger, a New York City-based PR professional, bought her Peloton in August 2020.
Now, shes looking to sell.
The resale market just isnt worth it right now, she said.
After all, Peloton isnt alone in its floundering.
Life is hard enough why should our workouts be any harder?
Then again, maybe its just not that deep.
Otherwise, youll get bored and move on to the next big fitness fad.
Im not sure what will become of my own Peloton.
Ive gotten everything I needed out of it, and now its time to move on.
Like that one seller in New York said: I just want it gone.
This article was originally published onOct.
