The Peloton star shared his approach to nutrition, wellness and staying connected with millions of fans
Cody Rigsby has become one of Peloton’s most popular instructors by mixing humor, nostalgia and authenticity into his rides. From 2000s playlists featuring Britney Spears and NSYNC to candid reflections on navigating mental health challenges, Rigsby says his connection with riders is built on realness.
“I think what people really resonate with is authenticity and fun,” he told Athletech News. “That shared experience makes us feel really connected.”
Rigsby began his career as a dancer, performing with stars like Katy Perry and Pitbull before moving into fitness. In 2014, he was hired by Peloton and quickly became one of its breakout instructors. His popularity skyrocketed during the pandemic and in 2021, he became a finalist on Dancing with the Stars. Today, Rigsby remains Peloton’s most-followed instructor, with over a million Instagram followers and a dedicated fan base globally. As Peloton leans into its omnichannel mode, offering both in-person studio classes and digital content, Rigsby noted that connecting with members remains his priority.
“When people come to the studio and wait in line to take a picture, they share these incredible stories about their fitness journeys or how my classes have helped their mental health,” he said. “That reciprocal energy makes me feel connected to purpose. It’s like this cycle: authentic storytelling inspires people, they give that energy back to me and it fuels me all over again.”
For Rigsby, his wellness routine is centered around this authenticity and simplicity. “There’s a lot of information out there and it feels really complicated,” Rigsby said. “I think it comes back to simplicity. If you can find easy, approachable things you can be consistent with, you’re already on track.”
His biggest tip for a sustainable wellness routine was to focus on protein first and foremost. “When you prioritize protein, everything else kind of falls into place,” he explained. “You’re going to have the protein to sustain your muscles, you’re going to have the protein to grow your muscles. And when you prioritize protein, you feel really satiated; you’re not reaching for junk.”
That philosophy is reflected in his recent partnership with Kashi, the plant-forward food brand founded in 1984 and known for cereals like Go Lean and Organic Cinnamon Harvest.
“I like to be a little snack gremlin and eat it out of the box,” he joked. “But I don’t feel bad about that; it’s still moving me closer to my goals. Over the years, I’ve learned through trial and error that simple, consistent habits are what make the biggest difference.”
Day-to-day, Rigsby grounds himself in the basics, believing that simplicity is what makes his wellness routine sustainable.
“Sometimes you have to wake up a little earlier just to have time for yourself,” he said. “It might be eating a great breakfast, drinking a big glass of water, or carrying a water bottle throughout the day. Making sure I’m eating, making sure I’m working out, making sure I have time for my mental health, making sure I have time for friends and being connected; that keeps me sane and happy. There are a lot of things in life that are complicated. Nutrition shouldn’t be one of them. Your breakfast shouldn’t be one of them.”
