Peloton Launches Low Impact & Arms Class Type: A New Cycling Format Built for Cardio and Strength Together

Low Impact & Arms Rides: A Cardio and Strength Winner

Peloton just introduced out a new cycling class type: Low Impact & Arms. Two classes have already gone live: a 60-minute session with Mayla Wedekind on Monday, April 20, and a 45-minute session with Emma Lovewell on Tuesday, April 21, signaling that this is more than a one-off experiment.

The format is exactly what the name suggests: a structured combination of low-impact cycling and upper body strength work, done back to back within a single class. We have seen this before of course, in the “Intervals & Arms” Ride theme, but the key difference is that Peloton’s “Low Impact” rides are generally “in the saddle” focused. Some instructors lean more towards a recovery vibe in these, while others simply say “no out of the saddle, but we are still going to work!”.

Which way will these new classes go? Time will tell!

How Low Impact & Arms Classes Are Structured

These classes take an alternating structure that blends strength with cycling (not a 50/50 format). In the 60-minute Mayla Wedekind class, for example, the format moves through multiple cycling blocks and upper body blocks, each running roughly 5 to 14 minutes. These will vary by class but the concept is routine.

Within the upper body segments, the app’s class plan breaks out individual exercises with 30-second intervals each. The Mayla class, for example, lists movements including Bicep Curl, Arnold Press, Overhead Extension, Overhead Press, Elevated Curl, and Front Raise. Every instructor has their go-to moves and it’s a great feature to have the ability to preview these if you have an area where you want to focus, or avoid.

What Makes This Different from a Standard Cycling Class

Low-impact cycling already has its own established format on Peloton, built around controlled effort and reduced joint stress. What the Low Impact & Arms format adds is intentional upper body programming woven directly into the class as a deliberate part of the session. This eliminates the need to stack a 10 Minute Arms & Light Weights class after your long ride, and it serves to break up the long ride for members just getting used to these durations on the Bike.

This combination has real fitness value. Training with light weights at higher repetitions builds muscular endurance and supports lean muscle tone without placing heavy load on joints. Pairing that work with low-impact cardio keeps heart rate elevated across the full session, which means members are getting both cardiovascular and strength stimulus in a single class.

For members who want to work the full body without stacking separate classes or extending their workout time, this format delivers both in one slot.

Will a new filter for ” & Arms” – whether with Intervals, Low Impact, or both – be next?

Will a Low Impact & Arms Collection Follow?

Peloton has a pattern of supporting new class types with a dedicated Collection once enough content exists to group it. Low Impact & Arms fits that template well: it has a clear identity, a defined structure, and already has at least two instructors contributing to it.

However, there is not actually a Collection yet for the longtime Intervals & Arms rides. Maybe with this new class type addition, a new blended Collection is in the works, for any “& Arms” class. We will keep an eye on things.

For now, both classes are live in the OD Library (use the Low Impact filter) and ready to take. Will you be trying them?

The Clip Out is an independent Peloton news site with reporting, analysis, and community insights. We deliver breaking updates, feature reporting, and expert context on the stories driving the community and the industry.

Our weekly podcast offers deeper conversation and perspective, and you can find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn, and YouTube Music. You can also follow us on our socials on Facebook, Threads, Instagram, BlueSky, and YouTube.

See something in the Peloton universe that you think we should know? Visit us at theclipout.com and submit a tip.