Peloton And Verzuz Collaborate To Make Music ‘Face-Off’ Workouts
Fitness company Peloton partnered with Verzuz, the web series where artists participate in battles over whose catalog strength reigns supreme, as an effort to make sweating in solitude more competitive, Rolling Stone reports.
According to the outlet, Peloton Verzuz is an extension of Peloton’s Artist Series, which is a collection of themed workouts set to a specific artist’s catalog or new album. The new Verzuz collaboration celebrates “the iconic music of two legendary artists, in one friendly competition, across multiple disciplines.”
Starting today, round one will feature songs by Brandy and Monica to honor Women’s History Month with an “empowering musical celebration.”
The schedule includes a run for Peloton treadmill-owners today at 7 p.m. EST, a stationary bike ride on March 31st at 7:30 p.m. EST, and a full-body strength class on April 1st at 12 p.m. EST. Music fans who want to participate but don’t have Peloton equipment can download the app to take advantage of their 30-day free trial. Peloton’s head of music, Gwen Bethel Riley confirms that after their live launches, the classes will become available to access on demand.
Riley said, “Participants will be able to use Peloton’s tagging function to join the #VerzuzBrandy or #VerzuzMonica teams. Members will receive a custom badge for taking a Peloton Verzuz. At the end of the month, we’ll celebrate both artists by adding up every Verzuz Tag, and sharing a recap of who our community showed up for.” She emphasized that the series is about “community” and “celebration” above all else, bringing people together over common ground rather than pitting them against one another in a divisive way.
Per Rolling Stone, Swizz Beatz describes the series as a “no brainer,” adding that he believes music and fitness belong together. He said the energy of Verzuz keeps fans on the edges of their seats, exciting and motivating them — much like a good trainer does. When it came to the idea of melding virtual concert experiences with workouts, he says Peloton “felt like a perfect fit.”
Peloton has not confirmed how many rounds there will be, but Riley describes Peloton Verzuz as “an ongoing partnership,” noting that Peloton aims to “surprise and delight” with the rollout of future experiences and hinting at more programming from “influential artists” to come.
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