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Peloton ad
BoxerBrawler
Posts: 2,032 Member
in Debate Club
Anyone see the article about Peloton's holiday ad? It is getting criticized for having undertones of sexism and classism. Give me a break! Why is everyone offended by everything these days? The only problem I have with the ad is how the woman claims that she's scared before her first ride. What the hell is there to be scared of? in the comfort of your own home, all alone? This world.... SMH!
http://msn.com/en-us/money/companies/pelotons-holiday-ad-made-some-onlookers-cringe-but-experts-say-it-wont-hurt-the-brand/ar-BBXGZNv?ocid=ientp
http://msn.com/en-us/money/companies/pelotons-holiday-ad-made-some-onlookers-cringe-but-experts-say-it-wont-hurt-the-brand/ar-BBXGZNv?ocid=ientp
27
Replies
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Your link led to nowhere. I find that sooo sexist.
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My husband bought me a Hip Thruster last year for Christmas. Guess he thinks my glutes are too small.
The criticism over the ad is pretty ridiculous. I mean, why does exercise always have to be about weight control and body image? Maybe she really wanted one, or was complaining about not being able to train safely outdoors or has kids to watch, maybe she has a marathon coming up and wants to up her time.
I hope I get some workout gear again this year !! I have my eye on some workout bands and Bret's T-Bell.13 -
iheartmyyorkie wrote: »Your link led to nowhere. I find that sooo sexist.
There's a bad driver joke in there somewhere.6 -
So, some people are worked up about the ad. Other people are worked up about some people being worked up about the ad.
Why be worked up about any of it?
Optional. :drinker:38 -
iheartmyyorkie wrote: »Your link led to nowhere. I find that sooo sexist.
There's a bad driver joke in there somewhere.
Followed with a bad not stopping to ask for directions joke.
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pelotons-holiday-ad-made-some-onlookers-cringe-but-experts-say-it-wont-hurt-the-brand
I haven’t seen it, but it could not possibly “hurt the brand” as far as I am concerned.
Nowhere to go but up.0 -
I don't get why it's sexist lol.4
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What blows my mind is how much time and energy has been spent having feelings about an ad. I'm content to tell myself that I'm just not wired to understand it? I read the article this morning out of curiosity and just couldn't bring myself to get worked up about any of it--more mystified, I guess.
Must be a slow news day 5 -
If my partner dropped $2K+ on a freaking bike for me, I'd maybe be more pissed that they spent that much on a bike. But honestly, I'm sure it's safe to assume that she wanted the bike, FFS.
This accusation is ridiculous. Lmao.14 -
BoxerBrawler wrote: »The only problem I have with the ad is how the woman claims that she's scared before her first ride. What the hell is there to be scared of? in the comfort of your own home, all alone?
I didn't see any problem with this, she's nervous about the unknown:
How hard is this really going be?
Can I even complete the easiest workout?
Will I meet the expectations I have for myself?
Will I even like this new machine?
Do I have the seat set correctly?
Could I hurt myself?
I'm not a cyclist, is this a complete waste of time and money?
To be honest I relate to that as someone who deals with impostor syndrome and had similar feelings of nervousness when I first bought a barbell and weight plates to train in the privacy of my own basement. There were certainly times early on when I'd fail a lift and there'd be toxic thoughts of "Who are you kidding with all this stuff? This isn't meant for you." I actually had to stop listening to music when I lift because I don't trust my own thoughts not to wander too negatively. Instead I listen to podcasts, mostly sports talk or fantasy football and that allows me to just check out and focus on the lift. Fortunately, I have those feelings of doubt less and less, not only about lifting but in other areas of life too. To be honest, I think that's what this ad is getting; the prospect of exercise being more than about burning calories and/or losing weight, about pushing boundaries and discovering new capabilities, building healthy habits you want to pursue. Unfortunately, it flies in the face of what we're so accustomed to seeing from the fitness industry and that's why it's being misinterpreted.19 -
Why the butthurt over classism? It's a high end product. Are people butthurt over ads for Lexus, $1,000 iPhone, jewelry store, etc too?
There have been ads in the media for years pushing stuff the masses can't afford.
Just me but for the $2200+ that thing costs I'm getting one of these, a $1200 75' TV and have $ leftover.
8 -
Since I couldn't read the article, I just searched twitter for some tweets about the Peleton ad, and only a few people were upset. Most people were just roasting the ad for being awkward. Her face from the ad will make great memes going forward.
16 -
Since I couldn't read the article, I just searched twitter for some tweets about the Peleton ad, and only a few people were upset. Most people were just roasting the ad for being awkward. Her face from the ad will make great memes going forward.
This. It was one article and tweets/comments about it. Probably amounts to like a fraction of 1% of the population who are complaining about it. This is why the world is so angry - one blogger criticizes something benign to be different, 50 internet randos agree with the blogger because basement keyboard warriors gotta always be angry, internet article-farms syndicate it so it looks like it's "all over the internet", then everyone gets mad at special snowflakes and we all yell at our computers about it.
It just annoys me because she's taking video of herself riding a stationary bike for petes sake and then thanks him for it months later like he gave her a kidney or something But then I have fake-internet-controvercy fatigue. I'm gonna copyright that! 20 -
This is the article that I read, I really don't understand the fuss about it. Yes, Peloton is expensive but so is the new smart TV (spying on you carries a price, I guess...), or the new phones and other gadgets. It is not my business how people wants to spend their money. I don't consider the add sexist at all either, but to each its own.
Peloton's perplexing new holiday ad has incensed the internet
https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/03/us/peloton-ad-controversy-trnd/index.html3 -
All I know is that Peloton got a LOT of free publicity from all this (tweets, articles, TV pieces, etc.). Hmmmm... 6
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Since I couldn't read the article, I just searched twitter for some tweets about the Peleton ad, and only a few people were upset. Most people were just roasting the ad for being awkward. Her face from the ad will make great memes going forward.
This. It was one article and tweets/comments about it. Probably amounts to like a fraction of 1% of the population who are complaining about it. This is why the world is so angry - one blogger criticizes something benign to be different, 50 internet randos agree with the blogger, internet article farms syndicate it so it looks like it's "all over the internet", then everyone gets mad at special snowflakes and we all yell at our computers about it.
It just annoys me because she's taking video of herself riding a stationary bike for petes sake and then thanks him for it months later like he gave her a kidney or something But then I have fake-internet-controvercy fatigue. I'm gonna copyright that!
Exactly. The "anti-outrage outrage" has become a bigger thing than actual outrage on the internet. People love to get outraged at people for getting outraged.
The ad is easy to make fun of. Mainly because the wife totally has the "I just escaped from being trapped in a dungeon for 3 years please somebody find this video" look throughout the whole video. My favorite tweet regarding that was "why does the peleton lady look like she's stuck in a Black Mirror episode?"
There's also that the wife already spears super skinny and in shape and goes on about how after a year the bike changed her life. "the viral ad about a 116 pound woman's YEARLONG journey to become a 112 pound woman".
Plus the idea of getting your spouse execise equipment, even though it is something that a lot of us here would actually appreciate, is easy to poke fun at. Especially their awkward chemistry during the ad where he voice says she happy but her glances says she's deciding on which divorce lawyer to use.
And lastly, a $2000 exercise bike that you also have to pay a subscription to is always going to be something that is funny to a lot of people.
All I know is that the Tweets on this have me all dying. There are some seriously funny snarky people out there.23 -
This was my favorite description of the ad: “ ... a 116 lb woman’s YEARLONG fitness journey to becoming a 112 lb woman”.
I know the articles emphasize the criticisms over perceived social issues, but I have found the comments to have the right (snarky) tone and perspective.
I know my first reaction when I saw the commercials was “WTF”, but I’m pretty cynical and I hate peloton anyhow, so I didn’t think many people would pick up on the overarching smugness. I actually find the responses to be encouraging in their general derision.
I think what is getting to most people is not really the perceived social issues, nor is it the marketing of an expensive product. I think it is the portrayal of an overpriced, shallow yuppie toy as some kind of essential life-fufiling necessity.
Most overpriced infomercial exercise products have a certain planned cheesiness to them. Everyone knows they can’t provide the miracle benefits they promise, but the overwhelming volume of outlandish testimonials breaks down your resistance and gets to that small part of you that really, really wants it to be true.
But the peloton commercials have no such self-awareness or perspective.
It’s a short-lived movement but, in response to the stories reacting to the ad, the stock dropped 9% today. Ultimately, the fundamentals will drive the stock, but I can enjoy a day of schadenfreude.
22 -
GummiMundi wrote: »All I know is that Peloton got a LOT of free publicity from all this (tweets, articles, TV pieces, etc.). Hmmmm...
Becoming an internet meme of ridicule—especially for this type of product—is an exception to the “any publicity is good publicity” axiom.4 -
just_Tomek wrote: »Peleton must die a slow death. Its ridiculously $$$$.
Think about it. For that kind of cash you can have a nice road bike (that you can use outside weather permitting), a good smart trainer to bolt it onto, and a subscription to something like training peaks or zwift.
I own a Peloton bike. I love it. Does everything for me? It kind of reminds me of an Apple Iphone. Just works with no thinking behind it. Sure i can get a mountain bike and other things to make it just like a Peloton but nah. This just works.
As for the ad however, its a load of *kitten* for other reasons. Not everyone owns a *kitten* luxurious house like the one on every commercial of theirs. Plus most of their members are bunch of entitled whiny *kitten*. I love the bike but it just does what i need it to do. Provide cardio. thats it9 -
What irritates me about the ad, is he bought her a $2000 piece of exercise equipment, and her gift the following year in return is a video of her telling him how much she loves it??? Maybe I am misinterpreting the ad, but I always laughed about that. Its going to make my gift giving this year much easier though, I am just going to make a bunch of videos of me using last years gifts from people, and I will send out those videos with their Christmas cards. Seriously though, I don't really see anything sexist about the ad, its just pretty dumb. It would have made way more sense to find an actual real human who used the bike over the course of a year, and shown their progress. That would be way more inspiring than showing a fit person staying fit.7
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Maybe I am dead inside as the ad itself triggered no feelings whatsoever within me, I guess I'll have to search elsewhere for something to grant substance to this empty existence25
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I saw the ad....my eyes rolled so hard I hurt myself.
I didn't think it was sexist or elitist...just that the woman portrayed was extremely self-absorbed and slightly obsessive/psychopathic. Listen, chicky...NO ONE cares about your Peloton "journey", not even your husband. I yelled this at the TV screen, admonishing the fake commercial character.
But, this time of year, I also throw something at the TV every time one of those stupid Lexus Christmas commercials airs. If you want to talk elitist...12 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »I saw the ad....my eyes rolled so hard I hurt myself.
I didn't think it was sexist or elitist...just that the woman portrayed was extremely self-absorbed and slightly obsessive/psychopathic. Listen, chicky...NO ONE cares about your Peloton "journey", not even your husband. I yelled this at the TV screen, admonishing the fake commercial character.
But, this time of year, I also throw something at the TV every time one of those stupid Lexus Christmas commercials airs. If you want to talk elitist...
you mean those delightful December to Remember event!!!!
Peloton would be loving this if their stock price would have gone up. It went down at one point 10%2 -
I don’t think it’s sexist but it just makes me cringe! It’s so annoying.
The woman’s expressions, the music, the whole vibe is ridiculous.
And I love spinning and know a few friends who have Pelotons so I’m not anti-spinning or anything.
Just a bad commercial.
I did have a good laugh at all the funny tweets about it. Some people are hilarious 🤣3 -
Only those who don't realize you eat to maintain weight and exercise to maintain fitness and flexibility.
The reaction to this shows the typical ignorance to this reality.This was my favorite description of the ad: “ ... a 116 lb woman’s YEARLONG fitness
journey to becoming a 112 lb woman”.
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Don't call me an addict, I'm a rage enthusiast, LOL.
7 -
BoxerBrawler wrote: »The only problem I have with the ad is how the woman claims that she's scared before her first ride. What the hell is there to be scared of? in the comfort of your own home, all alone?
I didn't see any problem with this, she's nervous about the unknown:
How hard is this really going be?
Can I even complete the easiest workout?
Will I meet the expectations I have for myself?
Will I even like this new machine?
Do I have the seat set correctly?
Could I hurt myself?
I'm not a cyclist, is this a complete waste of time and money?
To be honest I relate to that as someone who deals with impostor syndrome and had similar feelings of nervousness when I first bought a barbell and weight plates to train in the privacy of my own basement. There were certainly times early on when I'd fail a lift and there'd be toxic thoughts of "Who are you kidding with all this stuff? This isn't meant for you." I actually had to stop listening to music when I lift because I don't trust my own thoughts not to wander too negatively. Instead I listen to podcasts, mostly sports talk or fantasy football and that allows me to just check out and focus on the lift. Fortunately, I have those feelings of doubt less and less, not only about lifting but in other areas of life too. To be honest, I think that's what this ad is getting; the prospect of exercise being more than about burning calories and/or losing weight, about pushing boundaries and discovering new capabilities, building healthy habits you want to pursue. Unfortunately, it flies in the face of what we're so accustomed to seeing from the fitness industry and that's why it's being misinterpreted.
Great explanation and I didn't stop to think about all of that
I've never been the type of person to be nervous about anything really so I don't think in those terms. But I can certainly see where all of the stuff you mentioned would run through some ones head. Thanks! 3 -
Clearly it's Trumps fault.15
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Funny story... When I got home yesterday there was a Peloton box on the porch. My hubby really did buy me one for Christmas and I am psyched. I am a roadie & former TT racer. I have a trainer. I have 2 gym memberships and I taught spin classes for 10 years. Perhaps I have a problem, but my schedule has gotten crazy and I need a focused class. One where I can push, sweat, pant, and crank it out without staring at the clock like I do on the trainer or at the gym. Unfortunately, small town WV doesn't always offer kick *kitten* classes especially not those I can do at home on my schedule.
It had nothing to do with hubby not liking how I looked. It had everything to do with him wanting me to be happy and healthy.
One year for Valentine's Day he got me a BF% Scale. I was 6 months pregnant. It's always a joke with friends, but the fact is I wanted one and he wanted me to have it. Not sexist, not pushy, just helping me reach my goals.
The commercial is pathetic though...23
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