On the road to nowhere: has the shine worn off the home workout?

In 2020, in response to Covid, gyms closed and moved online - with massive success. But can we really get fit at home?

If Britney can get through 2007, you can get up this hill!" My quads are burning. Sweat soaks into the handlebars. But deep down? I know that Cody Rigsby, my Peloton instructor, a Hercules in Lycra, is correct. I can get up this hill. Furthermore, I can't let Cody down. You don't want to disappoint someone who calls you boo" on a regular basis. Get your life together, boo!" says Cody.

I dig deeper. I push those pedals. I climb the hill. I attempt to get my life together. Proud of you Peloton!" says Cody. It might be the Britney soundtrack, it might be the endorphins coursing through my system, but for a moment, at least, I believe him. Even though Cody is in his studio in New York and I am in my garage in Bristol. Even though there is no hill, just a 1,750 stationary bicycle with a dial I turn to increase resistance. Even though the Britney Spears 30-Minute Class I just completed wasn't even live. I am not even a number on Cody's screen.