Today, we have something special on the fitness tech menu: we are talking about the fitness app, Motosumo.
Although this might be a relatively new name to many, Motosumo is a social and innovative app-based cycling platform very different from your typical fitness apps.
Instead, Motosumo indoor cycling app stands out in the fitness scene by offering both live and on-demand cycling classes - offering real-time cycling data compatible with all bikes. Yup, there is no need for any special hardware besides your smartphone.
Our experts put together a comprehensive review for the Motosumo app. Read on to learn what Motosumo is and why it deserves your attention.
TL;DR
- Type: Indoor Cycling App
- Pricing starts at $9.99/month
- Free Version: Yes
- Best for: Engaging Cycling Workouts
And now, let's dive into the detailed review.
Motosumo Review 2024: Indoor Cycling on the next level
Motosumo is an app that offers free live and on-demand indoor cycling classes. The app works with any stationary gym bike, allowing you to access great interactive classes from the comfort of your home or in a gym.
Even better, with Motosumo, you can enjoy various cycling classes and a personalized training experience, even if your instructor is thousands of miles away.
You can also enjoy the app's tracking features, making monitoring your performance effortless and ensuring you are on track to reaching your training goals. This makes this fitness app a perfect companion when traveling.
One thing that sets Motosumo apart from many other fitness apps is the number of features you get.
For example, you gain access to training metrics and the different types of classes, which means you have complete freedom to train exactly when and how you want.
And whether you prefer in-demand classes or live sessions that are social and interactive where you can engage directly with other class participants and the instructor through games and emojis. Motosumo always offers something for your taste.
Motosumo is a unique and revolutionary fitness app that feels different from many of its competitors in a couple of big ways.
| What we like ⭐️ | Not so much ❌ |
| Generous Free Version: Free version offers extensive features, with free live and on-demand indoor cycling classes | Works best with Internet: Limited customization options for on-demand workouts |
| Adaptable to Equipment: Compatible with any stationary bike | Limited to Cycling: Some users may prefer more extensive workout variety |
| Tracking: Real-time performance feedback and tracking | No integration with Smart Watches: No support for popular smartwatches (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin) |
| Expansive Class Selection: Variety of virtual classes including live and on-demand | Subscription-Based: Paid subscription required for full access |
| Simple & Intuitive Design: Simple and intuitive user interface with great emphasis on community and social features | Small User Footprint: Relatively smaller user base compared to competitors. Limited reviews due to being a relatively new app |
1. Motosumo App works with any Stationary Bike
The app works with any stationary bike, meaning more people can use it immediately without making a huge upfront investment.
This sets it apart from many other fitness apps, such as Peloton, and makes Motosumo accessible and convenient for many users.
As an added benefit, you can enjoy Motosumo while traveling.
For example, if your hotel gym has a decent enough spin or stationary training bike, guess what? You can use the app to stay on track with your workout plan.
2. Intuitive User Interface
Second, Motosumo features a simple and intuitive interface, which makes it a pleasure to use. The setup is simple, and you can easily find all the features that matter to you in just a few taps.
The app offers real-time feedback on your performance, using your phone's sensors to track speed, cadence, distance, and calories burned.
You can also add a heart rate monitor or power meter using Bluetooth if you want more data. This data can be used to improve performance, make workouts more effective, and track your progress over time.
3. Different Types of virtual Classes
Motosumo includes daily live classes and a library of on-demand workouts.
However, even virtual classes are evolving into genuinely interactive experiences with this app. Participants can receive live instructor feedback, express their feelings and enjoyment through emojis, and compete with others on the leaderboard.
In addition to these live classes and pre-recorded on-demand workouts, Motosumo offers a virtual class type called "RePlay." This feature means you can still participate in previously recorded live classes and interact with other participants.
This virtual class setup provides the closest approximation to an in-studio class experience available today.
4. All for One, and One for All
Motosumo places a strong emphasis on community. Users can compete and connect with other cyclists around the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie, motivation, and healthy competition.
Motosumo's community-focused features make workouts social, more enjoyable, and can help users stay consistent with their fitness routines.
Couple that with the amount of stuff you get with the free version; Motosumo is easily one of the better budget options for people who want to get active.
What are others saying about Motosumo?
Motosumo is still a relatively new app, so there are fewer reviews than for other apps. However, the app shows promise with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 with around 700 reviews.
Here is what some happy users say about the Motosumo app:
I wanted an app that was compatible with any bike and mainly with live classes. I don't know what it is, but live classes just push me harder and better, knowing that someone is working with me. The teachers are very nice, and they have great energy! Using this app every day, and they also give you a couple of days free, which I love because I don't want to type in my card number not knowing if I'm going to like it.
- Heer
This app is life-changing. I tried Echelon, Apple Fitness, and Peloton, this is the only one that is a lot of fun and interactive also the teachers are interested in knowing you. Amazing app.
- Task Master
Never been part of a gym or app where every single instructor is fantastic. This is it! Worth every penny and then some.
- Segneri Family
How to get started with Motosumo
Getting started with Motosumo is about as easy as counting to five. Here is what it takes to get started:
- Download and install the app.
- Make an account and confirm your email address.
- Set your preferredexercise goal: lose weight, get healthy, prepare for an event, etc.
- Include personal information: your name, gender, date of birth, etc.
- Choose your weekly training goal: 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.
Once done (it should take you at most a couple of minutes), pick your first class, jump on your bike, and start.
You can see information about each class before getting started to determine if it is the right fit for you. You can go for a live class, check out the in-demand options, or replay a class you have enjoyed in the past - Motosumo has you covered.
Once you have chosen your class and are getting your sweat on, the app will track your performance and provide feedback during the session to keep you motivated. Motosumo will summarize how well you did and how that performance compares to previous ones.
Quick HIIT Workouts with Motosumo
Motosumo also allows you to engage in quick, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. If you want to add a fast-paced, cardio-boosting session to your fitness routine, Motosumo has got you covered.
These quick HIIT workouts are designed to be efficient and effective, allowing you to get a fantastic workout in a short amount of time. Perfect for those with busy schedules, these sessions ensure that you can maintain your fitness levels, improve your cardiovascular health, and burn calories, all without spending hours working out.
The online nature of these sessions means that you can access them from anywhere, ensuring that you can fit a powerful workout into your day, no matter where you are. The sessions are well-structured, engaging, and led by professional instructors who guide you through each exercise, ensuring that you perform each movement correctly and safely.
Motosumo’s HIIT workouts are dynamic and varied, keeping each session fresh and exciting. This variety not only keeps you engaged but also ensures that you are working different muscle groups, leading to a well-rounded fitness routine.
Recommended Equipment to use with Motosumo
Unlike other programs or apps, Motosumo does not rely on a bike's sensor to track your progress and performance. Instead, it reads the data from the motion sensors inside your phone. These detect movement (type, intensity, etc.), which the app can use to understand your actions.
In other words, Motosumo then converts that data into parameters like cadence, distance passed, and even the number of calories you have burned.
The good news, besides your smartphone, you do not need any equipment when using Motosumo. Okay, something small you need to bring along, you need to be able to "fix" your phone to the indoor bike.
However, your phone must be placed on the bike's handlebars in a stable, forward-pointing position. To perform better and accurately pick up the bike's movements, it helps to have a phone mount. You can use any official phone mount for your bike or even check 3rd parties.
- Juke sells a specific Motosumo Phone Holder for $49.99
- or you find many other alternatives on Amazon which could also be used for outdoor biking.
How much does Motosumo cost?
As discussed in previous points, Motosumo's free version is incredible. The app offers everything you will ever need for productive and engaging training.
That said, there is also a paid version. The premium version includes all the features, including in-depth progress tracking, and has no ads.
- Monthly: $19.99 (discounted: $9.99)
- Yearly: $149.99 (discounted: $74.99
Use the discount code "HOTELGYMS" to receive 50% off your first payment. For the monthly premium plan, this means getting the first month at half price, thus saving you $10 (once). The yearly premium plan means securing a full year at half price, thus saving $75.
To redeem your discount, select either the annual or monthly subscription plan in the Motosumo shop. This is import, you can only enter the discount code in the shop and not in the app. The discount will be applied immediately, before you finalize your purchase.
Of course you can also continue with your free plan.
Are you reading this post on mobile? Click this link to claim your 50% discount. If you have not installed the app yet, it will prompt you to download it. Once you have done that, click the link again to receive your discount directly in the app.
What we think of Motosumo - Is it worth it?
What sets Motosumo apart from many other cycling apps is its sheer versatility. Unlike other apps that force you to purchase their hardware, Motosumo is far more laid back, allowing its users to train with the equipment they have.
We value their decision and applaud them for making the app as accessible as possible.
Speaking of accessibility, Motosumo has a free version that works perfectly fine. In fact, they might be giving too much away for free.
Overall, if you enjoy cardiovascular exercise and want to start using your stationary bike at home, Motosumo is an excellent tool for the job.
Plus, since it works for any bike, you can use the app with any gym bike and have fun and challenging workouts at hotel gyms.
Final Words on the Motosumo App
We are excited to see how things move forward from what we have seen, tested, reviewed and what other users have said about the app. Motosumo is a fantastic app for people who enjoy using a stationary bike to stay fit, improving mental and physical health.
This indoor cycling app offers a wide range of fun and challenging workouts, and you can pick the one that best fits your preferences and abilities.
Moreover, the app offers an impressive free version that includes most of the features you need.
However, if Motosumo does not seem like the right fit for you, do not worry! You can check out our page comparing the top selected fitness apps for even more options to help you achieve your fitness goals.
FAQ
Which bike works with Motosumo?
Any stationary bike will work with Motosumo. The app is designed to work for everyone, regardless of their gear, making it ideal for at-home training and in hotel gyms.
Motosumo Apple Watch support
The Motosumo app connects to any Bluetooth-compatible heart rate monitor that uses a standard Bluetooth protocol for transmitting data. Unfortunately, however, most smartwatches use a non-standard Bluetooth protocol.
For this reason, you will not be able to use Motosumo with a Fitbit, Garmin, or Apple Watch. This feature request is still pending with Motosumo, and hopefully, they may add support for this in the future.
Motosumo vs. Peloton
Motosumo and Peloton differ primarily in hardware requirements, cost, and class variety. Motosumo, requiring only a smartphone, is compatible with any stationary bike and offers an affordable subscription, making it accessible to many users.
The app also works in any hotel gym, while Peloton has partnerships with some hotels.
Peloton, on the other hand, requires specific, high-end equipment and a premium subscription, but it provides a wider variety of workout classes beyond indoor cycling.
