Peloton Wants to Turn Your Workouts Into a Game with Lanebreak
Peloton has been a mainstay in at-home fitness for years, but the brand really solidified its place on the throne during the pandemic boom. And now, the company is growing yet again — this time, into the world of gaming.
Today, Peloton launched a video game called Lanebreak, which is "an experience that sits at the intersection of gaming and fitness," said David Packles, Peloton's senior director of management, in the company's press release last July.
It's all in an effort to keep the experience fresh for users, Packles explained. "Even the most dedicated member of the #BooCrew, #YouGetToCrew, #RobinsWolfPack, or #ThunderSquad need to switch it up sometimes," he said in Peloton's release, referencing hashtags used by fans of some of the brand's favorite trainers. "Scenic rides/runs, which transport members to beautiful destinations throughout the world, are a great option for many, but our team has always been fascinated by opportunities beyond video."
Packles shared a similar sentiment in an interview with Gizmodo last year. "Content, specifically our instructor-led content, is the heart of Peloton," he said. "...but the reality is that people want variety."
This "what's next?" mentality ultimately led to the creation of Lanebreak, Packles explained in the press release. Here's everything you need to know about the future of gaming with Peloton.
What is Peloton's Lanebreak?
Lanebreak is a rhythm-based game designed for the Peloton Bike (Buy It, starting at $1,895, peloton.com) and Bike+ (Buy It, starting at $2,495, peloton.com) that's rooted in music. "Players are challenged to match and sustain their resistance or cadence according to the cues on the tablet to get the highest score possible, which they can then compare with other members," Packles explained in Peloton's press release. (Related: Peloton's New Bike+ Makes It Easier Than Ever to Combine Cardio and Strength Training).
How do you play Peloton's Lanebreak?
You start by choosing from a number of different levels that are based on different music genres and workout types, all of which are set to playlists packed with top hits. Then each level has difficulties that range from beginner to expert, which affects the resistance range, according to a Peloton press release published Wednesday. (Related: The Best Peloton Instructor to Match Your Workout Style).
Lanebreak follows members along a virtual track of six lanes, displayed on the Peloton bike's screen. Riders can control the cadence by how fast they pedal, and "switch" lanes by turning the resistance knob left or right. To move to the far-right lane, for example, you'll need to jack up your resistance, according to the press release.
As with most video games, challenges are also a critical component of Lanebreak. Each level is made up of three core "Moments:" Beats (blue bars that give you points for being in the correct lane), Breakers (orange bars that award points for raising your output), and Streams (green lanes that give you points for keeping your cadence within a target range), according to Peloton's official press release. Based on the percentage of Moments you complete and how many points you earn throughout the level, you'll receive a score that shows up on a post-ride Leaderboard, ranking you against other users who completed the game at the same difficulty level, according to the press release.
In the Wednesday press release, Packles also shared that the company plans to "regularly add more levels" to Lanebreak just as the on-demand library of workout classes is expanded regularly.
How much is Peloton's Lanebreak?
Luckily, Lanebreak is available to All-Access Members on Bike and Bike+, so members won't need to shell out more cash to add it to their software. If you don't already have a Peloton All-Access Membership, you can sign up for $39 a month and unlock access to Lanebreak and an entire library of fitness classes.
What's the future of Peloton's Lanebreak?
The end goal of Lanebreak is to show members just "how powerful" gaming can be as a motivator, and, based on the initial press release, it seems that it'll get the job done. That said, the company is "still early in our journey" with Lanebreak, Packles said in the press release. "Over the coming months, Members can expect to see new mechanics and challenges introduced to Lanebreak," he explained. "We're also actively exploring new platforms and formats. As with everything we do, we look to Members for inspiration and insights, and cannot wait to hear what the community has to say."
