Fitness and Social Media – A Blessing or a Curse?

Social media can be a double edged sword when it comes to fitness and wellness. There is no doubt that overconsumption of imagery or messages that bring out negative self talk can be damaging. But, when used in moderation and with a proper mental framework, social media can be a great tool to build connections. This is especially true in the Pelo-verse. 

The Role of Facebook in the Pelo-verse

We’ve written previously about how Facebook in particular can be a tremendous asset in improving one’s Peloton experience. By engaging in Groups and Challenges, members can find accountability, support, common ground, workout plans, and yes – even actual IRL friends. But what about Instagram?

Instagram: The New for Instructor Engagement

Most instructors engage with fans over Instagram rather than Facebook. This is due to a change issued by Peloton back in 2018 that removed instructors from interacting on their Facebook pages. As a result, many Facebook pages with instructor names attached have become fan-managed or simply mirror some of their Instagram content (without the engagement). 

Not all instructors are visibly active on IG, though in recent months several have made notable announcements saying they are planning to be more present there for the fans.

Sharing Stories of Strength from Peloton Members

Andy Speer, for example, created a series called his “SPEERas” in which he got very personal about his past and his career path to Peloton (the “eras” of his life). Andy then created another series called Stories of Strength, in which he asked members to share their personal health and fitness journeys and how strength work played a role. He read many of these in videos, and in some cases met the members when they visited PSNY. 

 

Love Letters Classes with Ash Highlight Members’ Wellness Wins

Ash Pryor announced recently that she is actively soliciting member stories around choosing their Leaderboard Names. Will members whose stories she highlights be in these upcoming live classes? That would be fun! Check out the link in her IG bio to submit yours. Need help coming up with a good name? Check out our tips here!

   

Tuesday Tunes and Musical Connections

Denis Morton is another instructor who, despite having Instagram, posted sporadically and in general is not one to overshare his personal life. In an effort to connect more directly with fans, he recently created a series called Tuesday Tunes in which he shares albums that he recommends listening to from start to finish. If you take his classes, you know how important music and musical history is to him, so this is content that is very meaningful. The response from fans has been tremendous! People really are interested in sharing and learning more about the artists and each others’ experiences with the music, thanks to Denis’ facilitation.

How Peloton Instructors Engage Members on Instagram

Lately, here at The Clip Out we noticed more intentional engagement coming from instructors to members, both during classes and directly on Instagram. We’ve collected some highlights of how they are doing this. We think these efforts really make us all feel more connected and we appreciate the opportunities they give us to participate in their programming. 

Here are some great ways we see instructors achieving this, in no particular order:

• Jon Hosking asks for song submissions for his signature Walk series, At The Club.
• Matt Wilpers asks for song requests on his weekly “Request Rides” that include an optional free-response question about upcoming life events. If you’re lucky, he’ll play your song, shout you out, and even read a little bit of what you submitted! There’s nothing quite like hearing about other people you’re riding with to make you forget you’re all at home on “the bike that goes nowhere!”
• Anna Greenberg and Kirra Michel ask members what poses they want to see in upcoming Yoga classes.
• Christine D’Ercole often posts musical requests as well as very detailed ride previews that include songs and intervals timestamped down to the second. She also does a fair share of “lives” on Instagram where fans can hear more about her life and ask questions.
• Aditi Shah and Matt Wilpers post “AMAs” (“Ask Me Anythings”) on their Instagram stories, usually focused on their training disciplines but also sometimes just about life in general.
  

  

• Matty Maggaiacomo asks for chitchat topics on his weekly Walk and Talk classes. (He also reminds us to stop scrolling and start planking! You can’t get more direct than that!) .
  

  

• Charlotte Weidenbach recently met fans at a Music Festival and asked about their favorite music to workout to… perhaps a playlist is forthcoming? Emma Lovewell also asks for playlist recommendations from members.
• Robin Arzon and Hannah Corbin encourage members to maintain accountability by joining streak challenges and posting their workouts with signature hashtags.
  

  

• Erik Jager has a hilarious Instagram series in which he tries to perform popular strength and yoga moves, either solo or with partners like Jon Hosking,  Assal Arian, and Cliff Dwenger. He makes excellent use of his IG account, speaking directly to fans on many topics, but also soliciting ideas for future funny attempts at trying what’s new in the fitness world.

The Growing Connection Between Instructors and Members

Peloton instructors are making intentional efforts to engage with members, both during classes and on Instagram. These interactions foster a sense of community and connection, making the Peloton experience even more rewarding. Who else do you think does a great job on this front? Let us know!

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Tune in to The Clip Out every Friday to hear Tom and Crystal’s take on this and other hot Pelotopics. We’re available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, iHeart, TuneIn. Be sure and follow us so you never miss an episode. You can also find the show online on Facebook.com/TheClipOut. While you’re there, like the page and join the group. Lastly, find us on our YouTube channel, YouTube.com/TheClipOut, where you can watch all of our shows.

See something in the Peloton Universe that you think we should know? Visit theclipout.com and click on Submit a Tip!