I've been nominated ...

I’ll be the first to admit—until recently, I never saw myself getting into spinning or any kind of stationary cycling. I’ve always preferred getting out on the road or into the gym. As a former D1 athlete (Penn State soccer, 2014–2019), my training has always revolved around running, strength work, and, more recently, yoga. The idea of riding a stationary bike indoors just didn’t click with me—until now.

A couple of weeks ago, we were sent a YeSoul stationary bike to test out and for some reason I got nominated to be the tester. If you haven’t heard of YeSoul, they’re a newer player in the smart bike game, positioning themselves as a compelling alternative to Peloton. I’ll be honest, I was skeptical at first—but the timing felt right. I’ve been looking to add more variety to my training, especially in ways that reduce impact while still pushing cardiovascular conditioning. So, I’m diving in.

This blog is the first in what I hope will be a short series where I document how I’m incorporating this new addition into my weekly routine. I haven’t figured it all out yet—but that’s part of the point. Right now, I want to talk about why stationary cycling has become such a phenomenon, and why it might be worth considering if you haven’t already.

The Rise of Smart Indoor Cycling

What used to be a niche category (remember those dark corner rooms at your gym filled with squeaky spin bikes and an instructor shouting over techno?) has exploded into one of the fastest-growing segments in fitness. The credit for this boom largely goes to companies like Peloton, which changed the game by fusing immersive tech with on-demand studio classes. Suddenly, indoor cycling wasn’t just about logging boring miles—it became a full-on experience.

And now, the market has broadened. Brands like YeSoul, Echelon, and NordicTrack are offering alternatives with competitive features and price points. These aren’t just bikes with screens slapped on them—they’re fully integrated platforms that let you join live classes, follow structured training programs, track performance metrics, and even compete with riders across the world.

What Makes These Bikes So Popular?

Part of the appeal is convenience. For people with packed schedules, having a connected stationary bike at home means eliminating the commute to the gym. You can knock out a high-intensity, 30-minute ride without ever leaving the house.

But it’s more than that. Today’s bikes are built around the idea of engagement. Metrics like cadence, power output, heart rate, and resistance levels are displayed in real time, and many platforms automatically adjust the difficulty based on the class or program you choose. It feels like having a coach in your living room—minus the whistle.

Plus, the community aspect can’t be overlooked. For those who miss that group workout energy, live classes offer a way to feel connected. For the competitive types (yes, I see you), leaderboards and gamification can add just the right edge to push harder.

Why I’m Giving It a Go

As someone who runs, lifts, and does yoga weekly, I’m not looking for a full replacement—but I am interested in the complement. Cycling is low-impact, which makes it great for recovery days or cross-training without the strain that comes with pavement pounding. It can be used for endurance conditioning, interval work, or active recovery depending on the session.

More importantly, it’s something new. I’ve been training for years, and one of the easiest ways to get into a rut is to keep doing the same things week after week. Adding something unfamiliar—like smart cycling—forces your body and your brain to engage differently. I don’t know yet whether it’ll be something I stick with long-term, but I do know I’ll never find out if I don’t actually give it a proper run.

What’s Next?

Like I said, this is just the beginning. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be incorporating the YeSoul bike into my weekly training schedule and reporting back here. I’ll share how I’m using it, what kinds of rides or programs I’m doing, and how (or if) it’s making a noticeable impact—whether in endurance, recovery, or overall motivation.

For now, though, I’m excited to be jumping into something new. Whether you’re a fellow athlete, weekend warrior, or just someone looking for a fresh way to move, I think indoor cycling—especially the smart kind—is worth a closer look.

Stay tuned.

YeSoul G1M Plus (Photo Courtesy YeSoul)