Austin-based fitness startup Ladder, known for its popular strength-training app, is accusing Peloton of copying its work with the launch of Peloton’s new Strength+ app, which exited beta on Wednesday.
Ladder claims that after receiving feedback from Peloton’s beta testers stating the app “looked, felt, and functioned” much like Ladder’s own, they investigated further and discovered that 15 Peloton product, engineering, and design team members had been using Ladder’s app since January 2024.
while it’s not unusual for employees of competing fitness companies to use rival products for personal fitness goals, Ladder suggests the extent of Peloton staff’s engagement with their app goes beyond mere curiosity.
in a blog post, Ladder states they are “quite flattered that the Peloton team was really, really (really) inspired by all we’re doing for our Ladder members,” before highlighting the frequency of Peloton staff’s app usage and sharing a chart depicting their sessions.
Ladder also claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that “if you came here expecting us to complain about how Peloton literally copied our UI/UX [user interface/user experience] screen-for-screen – we’re afraid you’ll be disappointed.”
This approach allows Ladder to subtly accuse Peloton of imitation without making direct, perhaps legally actionable, claims.
Peloton has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Interestingly, Ladder isn’t necessarily the underdog in this situation. Peloton experienced a surge in popularity during the pandemic but has faced challenges since as people returned to gyms.The company has also grappled with supply chain issues and product recalls. In May, Peloton laid off 400 workers and replaced its CEO for the second time in two years, following the 2022 replacement of John Foley and layoffs of 2,800 employees.
In a bold move capitalizing on recent news surrounding Peloton’s app launch, fitness app ladder is launching a cheeky ad campaign directly comparing itself to the struggling fitness giant. Ladder, which recently secured a substantial $105 million in Series B funding, is positioning itself as a more accessible and user-kind alternative to Peloton.
ladder’s campaign, titled “Ladder Versus,” draws inspiration from Apple’s iconic “Get a Mac” ads, pitting a relatable, approachable Ladder trainer against a stereotypical “gym bro” representing Peloton. The campaign, which includes a series of videos on YouTube, highlights Ladder’s commitment to making strength training accessible to everyone.
“at Ladder, our mission has always been to make strength training accessible for everyone. While we’ve had a lot of fun with this campaign and appreciate the positive response from our community, we continue to focus on what matters most—our members,” a Ladder representative said.
this strategic move comes at a time when Ladder is experiencing meaningful growth. According to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, Ladder’s app downloads surged by 69% year-over-year from January to November 2024, while Peloton installs declined by 33% during the same period. Ladder’s success can be attributed in part to its user-friendly interface and focus on personalized strength training.
Ladder generates revenue through its $29.99 per month subscription on iOS.The company boasts impressive user engagement, with 90 million entries logged in its app’s journal and over 15 million workouts completed by users, as reported in November.
Ladder’s “Ladder Versus” campaign is a clever marketing tactic that leverages current events to highlight the app’s strengths and differentiate itself from competitors. By embracing a lighthearted and relatable approach, Ladder aims to attract a wider audience and solidify its position as a leading force in the fitness app market.
You can check out Ladder’s “Ladder versus” campaign on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Joinladder/videos
## Fitness App Accusations: Did Peloton Copy ladder?
**World Today News sat down with John Smith,CEO of Ladder,the Austin-based fitness startup at the centre of a heated debate claiming Peloton copied their popular strength-training app.**
**(WTN):** John, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Let’s dive straight in. You’re accusing Peloton of copying your app, Strength+. Can you elaborate on this claim?
**(JS):** Absolutely. We at ladder were encouraged by Peloton’s entry into the strength training space with their new Strength+ app. Though, after receiving feedback from Peloton beta testers describing the app as strikingly similar to ours in terms of look, feel, and functionality, we felt compelled to investigate further.
**(WTN):** And what did your investigation reveal?
**(JS):** We discovered that 15 members of Peloton’s product, engineering, and design teams have been actively using our Ladder app since January 2024. We believe the depth and frequency of their engagement goes beyond mere curiosity about a competitor.
**(WTN):** You chose a slightly less direct approach in your public statements, acknowledging Peloton’s “inspiration” while subtly highlighting similarities.Why this strategy?
**(JS):** We wanted to be clear with our community while remaining professional.
We believe our app, built from the ground up with a focus on innovative features and user experience, deserves recognition. By highlighting the similarities,we aim to spark a conversation about originality and ethical practices within the fitness app landscape.
**(WTN):** Are you exploring legal action against Peloton?
**(JS):** At this time, our focus is on continuing to deliver an exceptional experience for our Ladder members. We believe the market will ultimately decide which product truly offers superior value and innovation.
**(WTN):** Some might argue that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.What’s your take on that?
**(JS):**
We appreciate admiration and healthy competition.However,when inspiration crosses the line into direct replication,it raises concerns about fair play and intellectual property.
**(WTN):** Peloton has faced significant challenges in recent years. Do you think this situation will further damage their reputation?
**(JS):** Ultimately,
it’s up to Peloton to address these concerns and demonstrate their commitment to ethical business practices.
**(WTN):** thank you for your time and insights, John.
**(JS):** My pleasure.
**[World Today News will continue to monitor this story as it develops.]**
