Hardest Classes in the History of Peloton: A Definitive Ranking of the Hardest 13

Peloton’s library contains thousands of classes, but a select few have earned a reputation that borders on infamy. For members seeking challenges beyond the standard leaderboard climb, the platform offers a “Notoriously Hard” collection. These rides represent the peak of intensity on the bike, pushing riders to their absolute physical and mental limits.

Using difficulty scores generated by member ratings, we have analyzed the toughest sessions still available on-demand. This list breaks down the hardest classes in the history of Peloton, categorized by training style and ranked from “Easy Hard” to the “Hardest of the Hard.”

The Methodology

The Notoriously Hard section groups the hardest classes in the history of Peloton into specific sub-categories, including Legendary Climbs, FTP Tests, and Pro Cyclist Rides. To create this ranking, we selected one representative class from key sections based on their difficulty score.

The resulting list offers a data-driven look at the most grueling content the platform has to offer.

8.1 Difficulty: Pro Cyclist Ride

Instructor: Christian Vande Velde
Length: 45 Minute Threshold Training
Date: 6/3/24

Christian Vande Velde, a former professional cyclist, brings tour-level intensity to the bike. This specific session focuses on Threshold Training, designed to increase the rider’s functional power. With a difficulty rating of 8.1, it serves as an entry point into the upper echelons of Peloton intensity.

The ride features a nostalgic, high-energy soundtrack including The Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Fatboy Slim, and Stone Temple Pilots. The music provides necessary distraction as Vande Velde demands sustained effort that mimics the demands of professional racing.

8.2 Difficulty: 90+ Minute Classes

Instructors: Christian Vande Velde & Matt Wilpers
Length: 120 Minute Two for One Power Zone Endurance
Date: 2/15/25

Endurance rides test stamina rather than pure burst power, and this two-hour session is a prime example. Co-led by Christian Vande Velde and Matt Wilpers, this “Two for One” ride keeps members in the saddle for 120 minutes.

While the Power Zone Endurance format typically keeps intensity manageable, the sheer duration elevates the difficulty score to 8.2. The dynamic between Vande Velde and Wilpers—often described as a bromance—helps time pass, but the physiological demand of a two-hour indoor ride remains significant.

8.5 Difficulty: Sweat Steady with Jess

Instructor: Jess King
Length: 60 Minutes
Date: 10/28/24

Jess King’s “Sweat Steady” format is known for continuous, sustained efforts without significant recovery breaks. This 60-minute iteration, rated at 8.5 difficulty, requires immense mental focus.

Members of the OnePelotonReal SubReddit frequently cite this specific class as one of the hardest available on the bike. The lack of recovery intervals forces riders to find comfort in discomfort, maintaining high output for an hour straight.

8.6 Difficulty: Power Zone Max

Instructor: Matt Wilpers
Length: 45 Minutes
Date: 9/17/24

Matt Wilpers returns to the list with a Power Zone Max ride. Unlike the endurance ride mentioned earlier, this class targets the top end of a rider’s power curve. Rated at 8.6, it pushes cardiovascular and muscular endurance to the limit.

Power Zone Max classes require intervals in Zone 5, 6, and 7—representing anaerobic capacity and neuromuscular power. This session is designed to leave riders with nothing left in the tank.

8.6 Difficulty: HIIT with Tunde

Instructor: Tunde Oyeneyin
Length: 30 Minutes
Date: 3/6/21

Tunde Oyeneyin is widely regarded as one of the toughest instructors on the platform. This 30-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session proves that duration does not always equal difficulty.

With a score of 8.6, this class utilizes a “Queens of Hip Hop” playlist to drive intensity. The intervals are short but sharp, requiring maximum output that spikes the heart rate repeatedly.

8.6 Difficulty: Tabata with Ally

Instructor: Ally Love
Length: 30 Minutes
Date: 7/2/24

Tabata is a specific form of HIIT featuring 20 seconds of all-out effort followed by 10 seconds of rest. It is notoriously difficult by design. Ally Love’s 30-minute session from July 2024 ranks as one of the most difficult in the Tabata collection with a score of 8.6.

The rigid structure of Tabata leaves no room for hesitation. Riders must hit top speed immediately, making this one of the most efficient—and painful—ways to train.

8.7 Difficulty: Robin Wears Yellow

Instructor: Robin Arzón
Length: 45 Minute HIIT & Hills Ride
Date: 3/11/23

Robin Arzón is known for her no-nonsense coaching style. This HIIT & Hills ride combines the cardiovascular spike of intervals with the muscular fatigue of heavy resistance climbing.

Rated at 8.7, this class is cited by members as a “PR breaker”—a ride where they achieve their personal best output due to the sheer intensity demanded by Arzón.

8.7 Difficulty: Ride to Greatness

Instructor: Alex Toussaint
Length: 30 Minutes
Date: 4/17/21

This class was part of the “Ride to Greatness” series, a competition pitting #TeamActivate against #TeamValidate. The competitive atmosphere drove the difficulty score up to 8.7.

Alex Toussaint’s coaching style relies heavily on motivation and discipline. In this session, the leaderboard competition fueled higher outputs, solidifying its place among the hardest classes in the history of Peloton.

8.8 Difficulty: HIIT & Hills with Olivia

Instructor: Olivia Amato
Length: 45 Minutes
Date: 6/13/25

Olivia Amato is frequently cited by the community as the toughest instructor pound-for-pound. This 45-minute HIIT & Hills ride holds a difficulty score of 8.8, making it one of the hardest standard classes of all time.

Amato is known for high cadence and high resistance combinations that offer little recovery. Even within a collection labeled “Notoriously Hard,” this session stands out as an outlier in intensity.

Hardest Classes in the History of Peloton Honorable Mentions

While the official categories cover much ground, the community has identified two additional classes that deserve recognition.

Thrashing with Charlotte (Difficulty 8.5)
Instructor: Charlotte Weidenbach | Date: 3/15/25
This 45-minute Metal Ride uses hardcore, aggressive music to fuel a high-resistance workout. It is described as a “rage release” session, ideal for those wanting to channel frustration into power.

Speak Up (Difficulty 8.1)
Instructor: Tunde Oyeneyin | Date: 7/26/21
Difficulty is not always physical. Tunde’s “Speak Up” ride is a raw, emotional challenge that encourages riders to embrace discomfort to impact change. The platform recommends pairing this with Chelsea’s Breathe In, Speak Up Flow and Meditation, acknowledging the heavy mental toll of the session.

The Palomar Series Challenge

For riders who find single classes insufficient, the Palomar Series offers a unique endurance challenge. From the Spring of 2024, this series is often stacked by members into a single 2-hour and 35-minute event.

The stack consists of:

• 10-minute Warm Up
• Three consecutive 45-minute rides (Parts 1, 2, and 3)
• 10-minute Cool Down

Completing the full Palomar stack requires elite-level endurance and nutrition planning, making it a hidden “boss level” for dedicated riders.

The Hardest of the Hard: FTP Test

Instructor: Matt Wilpers
Length: 20 Minutes
Difficulty: 9.5
Date: 7/28/23

The data is clear: the single hardest class in the history of Peloton is the Functional Threshold Power (FTP) test. Specifically, Matt Wilpers’ session from July 28, 23 holds a staggering difficulty rating of 9.5.

The FTP test is designed to measure the maximum power a rider can sustain for an hour, compressed into a 20-minute all-out effort. There is no music-driven choreography or motivational speeches—only a request to hold the highest possible wattage until failure. Over 150,000 members have taken this specific test, confirming its status as the ultimate benchmark of pain and progress on the bike.

The Notoriously Hard Community

Given the distinct nature of these rides, there is a strong case for recognizing those who take them on. A Notorious badge or milestone tracker would provide tangible acknowledgment for members who routinely push their limits. As difficulty can be subjective, the conversation is open—what classes do you believe merit a place among the hardest in the history of Peloton? Share your experiences and let the community know which rides you think deserve honorable mention.

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