I’ll be glad to get that Peloton

The most unusual “outrage” came last week over a stationary bicycle commercial. Outrage is one of those words that I hate to hear, especially since it is so overused amid political comments recently. Retiring the word would suit me just fine.

Here’s what happened. I saw the commercial depicting a husband who gave his wife one of the finest stationary bikes available on the market. Peloton is the brand name and that word too made all kinds of media for the last 10 days. One report said that the video had over 700,000 comments within the first few days and the actor playing the dad was often ridiculed. After all, did people forget that he was an actor playing a role?

The thought of a husband giving his wife an exercise bike riled the women of The View and Jenna Bush Hager told Hoda Kotb, “My husband better not ever give me a gift like that!” Another word, sexist, was often used to denigrate the commercial.

Why not give the gift of possibly the best home stationary bike in the world, one that can quickly connect the rider to an online spin cycling class at will? The gift of exercise, not the gift to shame a seemingly normal body size mother, as suggested by so many on TV.

I polled a few of my exercise clients and some other long-time gym folks and they all agreed. Include me in joining the long list of those who would love to receive this specific bike.
I have often thought of how cool it would be to have a high quality bike like this upstairs to use whenever I wanted, just as the mom in the commercial could then do. Spin classes are often filled to capacity at local gyms, usually on bikes not as high quality and realistic as this one.

One other commercial for the same bike shows a woman pushing herself hard while watching a pre-dawn winter snowstorm falling outside her window.

During my best running and racing years, I used a workout on a stationary bike at the Y as part of my training. I was in great shape and wanted even more. At least twice a week, I pushed hard on that bike for an hour of intensity that I seldom reached otherwise.

Why does this matter so much to me? How could that gift give back many times over to the wife, husband and the rest of his family? Well past my best efforts on the sports fields and the roads of running, I am old enough now to appreciate good health, probably more so than ever.

I remember my own story from years ago of wanting to get healthier with an idea of looking ahead to a long life with my loved ones. I was successful to date and one of the major tools along the way were forms of cycling, both stationary and road.

As the days of the week went by, the opinion somewhat shifted away from all the “outrage” to one of slightly more understanding and support. Here is exactly why I agree with that shift. I have said it often and will continue to say this for the rest of my life. The one single biggest gift we can give to others is the gift of our time. It doesn’t have to cost anything and can take many forms. The countless folks locally who do spin classes and other bike workouts know what I mean.

Now back to the guy who gave the Peloton bike for Christmas. My first thought when seeing the commercial was that the actor portrayed a young husband who gave a gift from the heart, one that his wife could use at home. Simply in hopes that his wife would enjoy herself and be around to have lots of time with him and their family. What could be better than that?

So, if anyone gets one of these often discussed bikes and doesn’t want it, send it my way!

The Resolution Run 5K is set for The Forum on January 1 and Winter Flight, Rowan’s most famous race, is on tap for January 26. Look for more information at www.salisburyrowanrunners.org