mary van milligen

Never say never.  When I first watched the early ads of Peloton, I made fun of it.  And yet, after they changed their marketing plan to more of the average Joe appeal, I bought it.  I relied often on running to keep moving throughout my adult years, but as I aged, I wanted something to give me more variety, allow me to work out at all times of the day, not worry about what I wore when I ran, or what the weather was going to be and the impact it would have on my run.  So, last July, the Peloton bike and full access to its app took residence in my home, but more importantly, my life.

The business world celebrates Peloton’s brand and strategy, but it somewhat neglects the importance of its humanity.  I hope the corporate mission always protects it.  What’s at the core and actual heart of Peloton’s success? The Instructors.  From Alex Toussaint’s mission to make you “outwork” with the use of his effusive smile, he’ll trick you into thinking a decent recovery looms before the next song begins, admittingly, you accept the white lie to embrace his toughness while he lifts self-imposed limits to clear the last hurdle.  Then, there’s Robin Arzon, a phenomenally inspiring storyteller/therapist born to champion and motivate. She’s a well-balanced smoothie giving nutrients with her servings of determination while sweetening the day with laughter. Beyond those two, you have the openness and visceral vulnerability of Jess King. Think smiling through an arduous effort=mission impossible? Cycle with Hannah Frankson, Sam Yo, Kendall Toole, Tunde Oyeneyin and more.

Like all excellent teachers, they humanize the journey and coordinate connections in this community. They’ve created a universe where we strengthen our bodies but also take time to reflect and recognize self-doubt, anxiety, isolation, negativity, inequality, and with cadence, resistance, leader boards, cardio, strength, meditation, and music; they collectively counsel and engage us to combat the weight of worry while welcoming the wealth of wisdom. 

How can we transcend this mission of health both physical and mental into our world?  All instructors acknowledge the importance of the Peloton participant just showing up.  Shouldn’t we all just start there in life?  Show up ready to work, inspire, motivate, listen (an important skill we must practice that makes us acknowledge listening barriers prohibiting us from consciously doing so), and learn.  Start by making ourselves strong so we can chronically show up for others. Together, our presence can minimize the overflowing sea of narcissists and monstrously full of malarkey people that seem to be stealing the spotlight too often lately.  Like these instructors, we can keep sharing our INDIVIDUAL,human stories and encourage others to do the same. Resist the sometimes tendency to judge and allow the world to exist with uniqueness and tolerance for allowing each person his/her/their own journey.  Pull the polarization towards the peloton my friends and take the next ride and make the change…together.

Like Cody Rigsby,Peloton instructor, said, “If Britney [Spears] can survive 2007, you can climb this damn hill.” And climb, we can.

Cause, we need to.

Cause, we have to.

Cause, our hearts and minds want us to.