Going from a punishing workout routine to a punishing number of martinis? Sounds like an American Woman’s Christmas to us! Social media went nuts over Peloton’s recent holiday-themed commercial, “The Gift That Gives Back,â€Â in which an anxious-looking woman thanks her husband profusely for giving her one of the brand’s exercise bikes, a present around which her entire life now revolves in a way that, to some, felt sexist. “I didn’t realize how much this would change me,†the woman, heretofore called Peloton Wife, says in the ad. “Thank you.†Well, if that commercial bummed you out, get ready, because this new parody spot from Ryan Reynolds’s Aviation Gin catches up with (a character that is obviously) Peloton Wife in what seems to be the aftermath of her marriage’s end.
“You’re safe here,†her friend tells her in the spoof. “To new beginnings,†our newly bike-free protagonist replies. “Exercise bike not included,†Reynolds tweeted along with the commercial. However, despite being an ad, no one in the spot looks particular happy to be staring down the barrel of a gin-soaked, post-split hang. “This is going to be a fun night,†her other friend sighs with dread. Well, hey, at least all those martinis are cheaper than a $2,245 exercise bike, right?
Update, 1:40 p.m.: The actress who portrayed Peloton Wife, Monica Ruiz, issued a statement to address her involvement in both commercials — and she’s being very diplomatic about the whole situation. “I was happy to accept a job opportunity earlier this year from Peloton and the team was lovely to work with. Although I’m an actress, I am not quite comfortable being in spotlight and I’m terrible on social media. So to say I was shocked and overwhelmed by the attention this week (especially the negative) is an understatement,†Ruiz’s statement read, per Deadline. “When Ryan and his production team called about Aviation Gin, they helped me find some humor in the situation. I am grateful to both Peloton and now Aviation Gin for the work and giving me the opportunity to do what I love to do.â€