Early Risers and the Power of Peloton Community with Jennifer Armendariz

In a recent episode of The Clip Out, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Armendariz, a dedicated group fitness instructor who found a new fitness passion with Peloton. Jen shared her inspiring story, from discovering Peloton during the 2020 lockdown to becoming an integral part of the HardCORE Early Risers community. This article is a glimpse into our conversation and the powerful sense of community that Peloton fosters.

Discovering Peloton During the Pandemic

Jen’s Peloton journey began in 2020 when the pandemic forced the closure of gyms. With a background in group fitness instruction, she was initially skeptical about shifting to a digital platform. However, her experience with Peloton’s free trial quickly turned her into a devoted fan. The engaging instructors, the variety of classes, and the vibrant music all contributed to her newfound love for Peloton.

“I started hearing about Peloton in 2020 when everything shut down,” Jen explains. “I tried it and fell in love with it. That’s what I have been doing since then.”

The HardCORE Early Risers Community

One of the standout highlights of Jen’s Peloton experience is her involvement with the HardCORE Early Risers. This dedicated group of fitness enthusiasts wakes up at 4 AM to hold each other accountable and crush their workouts together. Jennifer joined this group in 2022, and it has since become a pillar of support in her life.

“I was on the HardCORE on the Floor Facebook page and someone posted, ‘If you need an early morning accountability group, we wake up at 4 AM. Come join us,'” Jen recalls. “This group has been through everything together—marriage stuff, kids stuff, cancer diagnoses, family illnesses. It’s a comfortable place to be with each other.”

The HardCORE Early Risers are more than just a workout group; they are a tight-knit community that supports each other through life’s ups and downs. Despite being spread across different time zones, they have managed to maintain a strong bond, even organizing meetups like their memorable trip to Peloton New York.

Meeting Peloton Instructors in Person

Jen had the opportunity to visit the Peloton Studio New York, where she met some of her favorite instructors. This experience was nothing short of magical for her, as she describes feeling starstruck and welcomed by both the instructors and fellow Peloton members.

“I felt like I had all these celebrity crushes or something. I was super starstruck when I saw everybody,” Jen shares. “The instructors are so welcoming, and the members you meet there are just as excited about taking the class. It was the best time.”

Balancing Life, Work, and Fitness

Balancing a career in healthcare and maintaining a rigorous workout schedule is no easy feat, but Jennifer has mastered the art of early rising to fit everything into her day. She starts her workouts at 3:45 AM, gets ready for work, and even incorporates walking during her lunch breaks. Her dedication to fitness is evident in her daily routine, which includes using a walking treadmill desk for charting notes.

“The one thing for sure is that I do work out before work. I get up at 3:45 AM, get my workout in, and then get ready for the day,” Jen explains.

Favorite Instructors and Classes

When asked about her favorite Peloton instructors, Jen didn’t hesitate to share her preferences. Robin Arzón’s energy in cycling classes, Rad Lopez’s strength training sessions, and Chelsea Jackson Roberts’ soothing yoga flows are among her top picks. One class, in particular, stands out for Jennifer—the J.Lo ride with Robin and Jess King, which remains her go-to for a mood boost.

“My favorite ride ever was the J.Lo ride that Robin and Jess King did together. If you’re having a bad day or need good vibes, that’s why I love that ride so much,” Jen enthuses.

Advice for Peloton Newcomers

Jen’s advice for those new to Peloton is simple and encouraging. She emphasizes starting with classes that interest you and not comparing yourself to others, reminding everyone that all movement is good movement.

“The best advice I would give is to try the classes that you feel most interested in and you like,” Jen advises. “All movement is good movement. It’s okay to start at the beginner rides or the beginner walks. Moving our bodies as much as possible is the best thing we can do for our cardiovascular health.”

Jen’s Impact

Jennifer Armendariz’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of Peloton on personal fitness journeys. Her involvement with the HardCORE Early Risers highlights how Peloton fosters connections and support among its members, making fitness more than just a solitary activity. Find her on Instagram at @JennLanae or TikTok at @JennyLanae.

To hear the full interview with Jennifer Armendariz and learn more about her Peloton experience, listen to the podcast episode or watch it on YouTube. Join us in celebrating the incredible community that Peloton continues to build.

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