What to Expect in Your First Month with Echelon
By Marc Penna, Echelon Instructor.
Starting something new is exciting, but it can also feel a little intimidating. If you are brand new to Echelon, or even brand new to fitness in general…WELCOME! We are so happy to be here with you.
At Echelon, we want you to be successful at the start, the middle, and forever. Your first month is not about perfection or proving anything. It is about building a foundation and creating a launch pad for a long and successful fitness journey with us.
Your First Month Is an Orientation, Not a Test
Think of your first month as your orientation period. This is your time to learn how the app works, explore different class formats, get comfortable on your bike, and start understanding what motivates you. You do not need to do everything right away. You just need to show up with an open mind and a little patience for yourself.
How to Navigate the Echelon App Without Feeling Overwhelmed
The Echelon app offers a lot of options, which is one of the best parts of the platform, but it can also feel overwhelming when you first log in. Especially if you are new to fitness or cycling, it is easy to wonder where to even begin. That is why I’m writing this blog because the first month matters so much. Instead of bouncing randomly from class to class, having a plan helps you feel more confident and keeps you from burning out early. My goal is to help you understand not only where to start, but what you can expect from each step along the way so you can actually enjoy the process.
Explore Instructors, Formats, and Find What Clicks
You will be introduced to different instructors, class styles, music vibes, and formats. Some will click immediately and some will not, and that is completely normal. Expect to play a little. Expect to try things. Expect to learn what you love and what you can happily skip. There is no single right way to use the platform, and that variety that we offer is something we are very proud of.
Where to Start: Beginner Series and Pedal Prep
The smartest place to start is with our Bike Setup class and either the Beginner Series or Pedal Prep Series, depending on your experience level.
Brand New to Cycling or Fitness
The Beginner Series is the perfect entry point.
Some Cycling Experience
Pedal Prep offers a slightly faster progression while still focusing on fundamentals.
These curated programs are designed to welcome you in and give you confidence on the bike. You will learn how to properly set up your bike, what all the metrics mean, how to maintain good form, all at some slower cadences and lighter resistances as you build your base.
Feeling Awkward Is Part of the Process
This step can feel challenging at first, and that is expected. You are learning new skills, new terminology, and how your body responds to the bike, and following class plans, which is a great test of your listening skills.
Be patient with yourself. Feeling a little awkward or unsure at the beginning does not mean you are doing it wrong. It means you are learning.
Once you complete these programs, I highly recommend checking out our Intro classes. These are quick 10 minute classes that introduce you to different formats and instructors. This is where you start to discover which instructors motivate you, and which class styles you enjoy.. You will quickly realize that some formats and instructors speak to you more than others, and that is a good thing. We offer a wide range of options because we know everyone is different, and we are confident you will find something and someone that clicks.
Avoid the Biggest First-Month Mistake: Doing Too Much
A very common mistake I see, even with people who already have fitness or cycling experience, is diving in too deep right away. It can be tempting to stack long classes, chase high resistance numbers, or jump straight into advanced rides.
While the enthusiasm is great, doing too much too soon often leads to burnout. Your first month should feel challenging, but it should not feel exhausting or discouraging. Consistency always beats intensity, especially at the beginning.
Lean Into the Echelon Community
This is also the perfect time to tap into the Echelon community. Our community is truly one of the best parts of this platform. Join the Facebook groups, follow instructor pages, and introduce yourself.
Ask questions, share wins, and connect with other members. You can expect a welcoming and supportive environment and instructors who are genuinely reachable and real.
This sense of connection is a big part of what makes Echelon special. Even though the leaderboard can sometimes feel competitive, it is important to remember that we are all on the same team. If the leaderboard feels overwhelming at first, swipe it away. It is there as a motivation tool, not a comparison tool. You get to decide how you use it.
Build the Habit Before You Chase Results
As you move through your first month, one of the most important things you can do is focus on building a habit. Set a realistic goal from day one and let the app help you stay accountable.
We track your classes so you can see your progress over time, and that can be incredibly motivating. Try scheduling your workouts into your day just like you would schedule work meetings or sleep. Adding live classes to your calendar can help workouts feel like a non-negotiable part of your routine rather than something you squeeze in when you have extra time.
Don’t Skip FitPass: Support Your Riding Off the Bike
Do not forget to explore FitPass as well. FitPass offers an incredible variety of training options including yoga, Pilates, strength training, functional training, stretching, and mobility.
All of these modalities support your performance on the bike and help you move better in everyday life. Many of these classes also have intro options, making it easy to try something new without pressure. Mixing these classes into your routine can help you feel stronger, more balanced, and more confident overall.
Work Hard, Sweat, and Have Fun
There is something I say often in class, and it perfectly sums up what your first month should feel like.
“We’re here to work, sweat, and most importantly, have fun.”
Yes, you are going to work hard. Yes, you are going to sweat. But above all, we want you to enjoy what you are doing.
If you are doing it right and we are doing our jobs right, your workouts should be something you look forward to. Even when the work is hard, by the end of class you should feel accomplished, energized, and proud of yourself. That feeling is what keeps you coming back.
Live Rides: When You’re Ready, We’ve Got You
We expect some of our new members to feel intimidated by live rides. Know that you are not alone.
The idea of being visible or seeing the leaderboard can feel scary at first, but I promise no one is judging you. We are all too focused on our own breathing to judge anyone else.
You can always swipe the leaderboard away, and starting with a shorter live ride like a 20 minute low impact class can be a great entry point. Many riders are surprised by how motivating and fun live classes can be, especially when you hear your name called out.
Final Advice for Your First Month
If you are still unsure where to start, even after reading all of this, my biggest recommendation is to join our official community page before you begin. Introduce yourself and ask for advice. Our members and instructors love welcoming new riders and helping them find their footing.
Your first month with Echelon is about learning, exploring, and building momentum. Start simple, use the tools available to you, lean on the community, and give yourself grace.
Most importantly, come introduce yourself to us. We are genuinely happy to have you here as part of the Echelon family, and we hope your first month is just the beginning of something you love.
Welcome to your new addiction.
