Zacharias’ Premiere Strength Class Review

Zacharias’ Premiere Strength Class Review

Zacharias’ Premiere Strength class debuted live on the Peloton platform on January 29, 2026 and it did not disappoint. If you have been waiting for a strength instructor who understands the deep connection between stability and force, this is the class you need to try. Fellow instructors Katie and Alex K were live in studio (and Zacharias told some cute stories about them), and nearly 500 members joined live on the leaderboard. Notably, Andy was on the LB dishing out high fives. We love to see it!

Here’s what happened during this Premiere so you know what to expect.

The Class Structure

If you’ve tried his yoga classes, you know he can come in hot. Much like his Premiere Yoga class, this one got right into it with his signature Loaded Beast and some quick moving stretches. Don’t let this fiery warm up dissuade you! After getting everything warmed up, there’s a pretty straightforward set of work waiting.

As the class progressed it was not entirely clear if we were working for time or reps as he called out a rep goal and then suggested increasing it, but also there was a prescribed work to rest time ratio. But no EMOMs or AMRAPs to worry about. The straight lifts were done three times through each, and the metabolic work was twice through. Overall it was straightforward and easy to follow along.

Here’s what movements the class included:

Warmup: Fast Flowy Yoga

• Loaded Beast
• Downward Dog
• Lizard

Round 1: Foundation and Stability

• Heavy Chest Press
• Forearm Side Planks

Round 2: Compound Complexity

• W Fly
• Dumbbell Thrusters
• Bicep Curls
• Goblet Alternating Side Lunges

Round 3: The Metabolic Finisher

• Woodchops
• Burpees

Zacharias’ Premiere Strength class includes woodchops AND fellow instructors Alex K and Katie!

Zacharias’ Premiere Strength Focus: Breath and Movement

What separates Zacharias from other strength coaches is his background. Before joining the Peloton roster last year, he established a formidable reputation in Chicago’s fitness scene, specifically within yoga and kettlebell disciplines. In fact, he told a little story about having known Katie back in his studio days in Chicago.

Three New Mental Cues

Bringing his yoga expertise to Peloton, he invoked a few new mantras I haven’t heard from him yet on the mat. One was “hearts on fire, heads on ice.” This means to approach strength work with an energetic physicality but a focused mental discipline.

He also invoked some yoga phrasing, reminding us “don’t move faster than your breath can go – that’s when we get monkey brain” and IYKYK monkey brain is a scattered state of distraction often discussed in yoga and meditation. I appreciated this cue as breath work is always a challenge for me.

A third cue he gave that was new to me was coming out of a dumbbell thruster, he suggested imagining being in chest deep water, popping out, and not exhaling until your shoulders are out of the water.” I found this interesting and useful.

Why You’ll Love Zacharias’ Premiere Strength Class

This class offers technical, mindful strength training with plenty of upbeat dance music and a positive vibe. Zacharias’ unique background makes him a welcome addition to the Strength team, and he noted he was happy to have all his modalities at his disposal again.

Similar to other instructors like Adrian and Kirra, Zacharias can move his body in pretty impressive ways. Not all of us can do that, nor should we all try. As in his yoga classes, he demonstrates the upper limit but explains the modifications well and makes the movements accessible. Don’t be afraid to try this class!

He told a cute story near the end about working out at his local gym where apparently Alex K’s wife was also working out. Guess who got an earful that night about needing to get more muscular like Zacharias…

With today’s Premiere class representing Zacharias’ clear approach and aspirational goals, combined with solid coaching that helps you understand your mind muscle connection better through breath, we are excited to see more of his Strength classes! Check out his kettlebell classes, now On Demand!

Will you be trying Zacharias’ new Strength classes? Let us know which ones you like best!

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