The rise of cycling indoors, thanks to technology | London Daily News

Indoor cycling has been around for a while, with traditional stationary bikes being a gym essential, offering an easy way to stay active without having to worry about outdoor biking gear or the weather.

Now, thanks to technology, which has turned it from just a workout into an exciting, community-focused activity, indoor cycling is becoming more popular than ever, with more people opting for a home spin not only during colder months but all year round.

Advanced indoor cycling platforms, such as Peloton and Zwift, as well as virtual reality (VR) rides, have made indoor cycling more fun and interactive by offering classes, tracking your performance in real-time, and letting you join a global community of cyclists, all from the comfort of your home.

Here, we’ll explore the rise of indoor cycling, and how it benefits the economy and attracts more people who were unsure about trying it before, whether because they lacked confidence, had busy schedules, or were put off by bad weather.

Benefits of indoor cycling

The popularity of indoor cycling has changed the way people exercise, leading to a big boost in the fitness industry. According to the 2024 Indoor Cycling Market Report, the Indoor Cycling market size is £1298.1 million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.20% from 2024 to 2031. This trend has also sparked innovation in related industries, such as the development of smart trainers and the growth of the tech sector, leading to new job opportunities.

Ben Mercer of Leisure Lakes Bikes, the UK’s leading e bike supplier, says:

“Indoor cycling offers a more inclusive and accessible approach to fitness. Some people might not feel safe or confident riding a bike outside, or they might have physical limitations. With indoor cycling, they can exercise in a safe and controlled environment. Plus, you can do it at home anytime, so it’s easier to fit exercise into your daily routine.”

Technology: leading the charge

Peloton has become synonymous with indoor cycling. Their bikes boast a sleek, high-definition touchscreen from which users can jump right into live and on-demand classes, led by top-class instructors, whether that’s a gruelling HIIT session or a casual ride through virtual landscapes.

But what really makes Peloton stand out is a focus on community. With social features, riders can compete on virtual leaderboards, join group rides, and connect with others. Much of this sense of community has helped make indoor cycling not just a workout, but a long-term, sustainable fitness choice. To many, Peloton is much more than exercise; it’s being part of a global movement.

Zwift, unlike Peloton, which focuses on virtual classes led by instructors, gamifies the cycling experience by allowing users to ride through virtual worlds that are incredibly realistic. Cyclists can explore futuristic cities and rugged mountain trails while competing against other riders from around the world in real-time. This platform is great for competitive cyclists and anyone who loves racing.

However, while Peloton and Zwift have dominated the indoor cycling market, the future might be in virtual reality (VR). VR rides make the experience even more immersive by putting you right into a 3D environment. Companies like VZfit and Holodia are leading the way with this technology, letting cyclists ride through realistic simulations of real places or completely made-up settings.

Ben Mercer says:

“VR has a lot of potential for indoor cycling. It makes workouts more fun and engaging, especially for people who struggle to stay motivated during regular workouts. VR creates a distraction-free environment, focusing on the experience rather than the effort. As VR gets better, it’s likely to become a big part of indoor cycling.”

The rise of indoor cycling is changing the way people approach fitness. Platforms like Peloton, Zwift, and VR solutions have transformed indoor cycling into a dynamic, interactive, and community-driven experience, making it more accessible. This evolution has had a significant positive impact on the global economy, and as technology advances, the future of indoor cycling looks even more exciting.