What It’s Like to Be a Peloton Instructor 

Being a Peloton coach is no ordinary job. These trainers inspire thousands, connect closely with members, and represent the Peloton brand globally. Whether you’re considering a career as an instructor or are just curious about how the team is selected, here’s your backstage pass into their world of coaching. 

From rigorous auditions to key certifications, and from diverse career paths to unique skills, becoming a Peloton trainer is as much about passion as it is about expertise. 

The Peloton Trainer Audition Process 

Landing a role as a Peloton instructor isn’t your typical job application. It all begins with an audition unlike any other. Prospective trainers perform in front of a camera (often solo) and showcase their energy, fitness knowledge, and ability to connect with a virtual audience. Many of the current instructors have been recruited by their now-colleagues. Can you imagine getting a call from the likes of Cody Rigsby, Rebecca Kennedy, or Robin Arzon suggesting you come in and try out to join them?

Chelsea Jackson Roberts recalled having to bring years of in-person teaching experience into an entirely new context. Her goal? To light up a room, even when there was no live audience to cheer her on. 

Tunde Oyeneyin actually had to audition twice! Drawing upon her own weight loss journey and a lifetime of overcoming challenges, as well as utilizing the teaching skills she honed after many successful years as a makeup artist, Tunde embraces her role at Peloton to inspire members every day. (For more on this and her audition BTS, check out her amazing memoir, Speak.)

The audition doesn’t just test physical fitness; it’s a test of communication, creativity, and the ability to connect authentically with a wide audience. 

While the seriousness of auditioning to become a trusted trainer at this level with such a massive audience is certainly no joke, Peloton does like to poke fun at itself sometimes. Recently, Ben Alldis “coached” some of the Liverpool FC soccer players through the on camera audition process. 

And in his recent return to the Studio for his second live class with Alex Toussaint, hip hop megastar Lil Jon also gave it his best shot!

Trainer Certifications Required 

To meet Peloton’s standards, all instructors must be Certified Personal Trainers (CPTs). The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification is a popular choice among Peloton trainers because of its focus on exercise science, program development, and safe practices. In addition, yoga instructors have completed, at minimum, their 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training; many have additional certifications as well. 

A strong foundational certification ensures that trainers can go beyond teaching routines; they can educate members on proper form, individual progression, and the “why” behind exercises. CPR and AED certifications are also required, showing that instructors are prepared to handle safety concerns in any scenario. 

Once on board, many Peloton instructors continue expanding their expertise with specialized certifications, such as Pilates, corrective exercise, or women’s health training. This mix of foundational knowledge and advanced specialization is what makes Peloton trainers stand out.

 

The Unique Career Paths of Peloton Trainers 

One of the most exciting parts about Peloton’s roster of instructors is how diverse their backgrounds are. 

Fitness Industry Fanatics 

Several Peloton instructors, like Rebecca Kennedy, were veterans of the fitness world before joining the team. Rebecca’s pathway included years of experience as a gymnast, dancer, and personal trainer. Her profound understanding of kinesiology and movement makes her strength classes effective and accessible for members of all levels. 

Similarly, Jess King’s fitness career began with her lifelong passion for dance. From competitions to professional performances, dance gave Jess a foundation in creative movement that shines in her high-energy classes. 

Career Switchers 

Not all Peloton trainers started in the fitness space, though. Chelsea Jackson Roberts, for example, began her career as a third-grade teacher before transitioning into yoga. Teaching gave her the ability to connect deeply with her students (in this case, Peloton members) and guide them on both a physical and emotional wellness journey. Similarly, Jess Sims was a teacher and principal prior to joining Peloton (but she was also a college basketball player, and she brings that strong team ethic to her coaching style). 

Expansion Planners

Adrian Williams had been working multiple odd jobs to support his family when a chance encounter got him into personal training. He leveraged his knack for building community to transition into studio fitness and eventually Peloton. Alex Toussaint details his journey from cleaning up after classes at one of the industry’s earliest spin studios to being offered a teaching opportunity there, which eventually led him to Peloton, in his popular book, Activate Your Greatness. Andy Speer was a two-sport college athlete who built a successful personal training business in New York City before joining Peloton. (Check out some of his colorful behind the scenes stories in his IG series, #Sp-ERAs!)

Movers and Changers

Some of Peloton’s most successful trainers held professional roles that were not direct routes to where they are today. Matt Wilpers began his career in finance and auditing, and even considered attending medical school. His experience as a college athlete and coach, combined with his precision and love of metrics made him exceptionally well prepared to train Peloton members with authority and authenticity. Olivia Amato and Robin Arzon also worked in the corporate world prior to joining Peloton. Sam Yo notably spent nearly a year in Thailand studying to be a Buddhist monk, after a 15-year career as a successful stage actor in London. His road to Peloton became clear after he gained notice as a popular spin instructor and personal trainer. 

 

Traits of a Successful Trainer 

What sets Peloton instructors apart from your local gym’s fitness staff? It’s more than just their resume. 

Here are the essential attributes Peloton looks for in an instructor or trainer:

• Personality: Each instructor brings their unique vibe. Whether it’s motivational, high-energy, or deeply calming, what matters is that it resonates with members. 
• Camera Confidence: Peloton instructors perform solo, speaking authentically to a global audience through a screen. Comfort in front of the camera is crucial. 
• Connection with Members: Trainers need to build a sense of community, helping every member feel seen—even in a class of thousands. 
• Warmth and Empathy: Members aren’t just there for fitness; they want connection. Successful instructors strike a balance between challenging and supporting their members mentally and emotionally. 
• Skill and Knowledge: From proper form cues to programming entire workout series, expertise is a must. Members count on these trainers for safe and effective guidance. 

 

Why Being a Peloton Trainer Is More Than a Job 

The beauty of being a Peloton instructor lies in the magnitude of the impact they make daily. Adrian once shared how his classes became more than just workouts; they turned into spaces of deep emotional connection (maybe that’s why his famous “recovery” is called “an emotional lap”). Through storytelling and vulnerability, members found inspiration in unexpected ways, including something as simple as sharing his love for beet juice! 

Building on the connections they make with members through the screen, many instructors keep a robust Instagram account where they provide supplemental content that increases member engagement. While this varies from person to person, examples include: funny but motivating 10-minute workouts to do at home from Erik Jager; affirmations about body positivity from Ash Pryor; peeks into fun family or pet time; favorite recipes; book clubs with Matty Maggiacomo and Selena Samuela, home improvement projects with Emma Lovewell and Christine D’Ercole; and even real, vulnerable posts about mental and physical health challenges from more of them than you might think. Oh, and don’t forget being armchair travelers on their globetrotting adventures! 

At Peloton, trainers balance the physical with the emotional, blending motivational moments with evidence-based fitness programming. Members show up not just to sweat but to be renewed, encouraged, and motivated to be their best selves. Do you have what it takes to walk the walk and talk the talk? (And row the row…) 

 

Is Being a Peloton Instructor for You? 

Being a Peloton trainer is about far more than leading workouts. It’s about embodying excellence in fitness, storytelling, and community building. If you’re drawn to a career that combines movement with impact, Peloton’s inspiring team of instructors shows us what’s possible when hard work meets passion. While many of the current roster of talented trainers were recruited by senior members already on staff, they’d be the first to tell you to Dream Big!

In fact, one of The Clip Out’s Helper Bees, The Holla (aka Kimberley) recently posted her answers to Peloton’s contest asking us the following questions:

I joined because I’ve been obsessed since the kick start campaign when no one knew what mythical workout I was talking about, and desperately wanting to be a spin instructor… it took years of saving up and that passion never went away and I finally have my bike!

I found a wardrobe of amazing apparel and Brittany Allen!

Now I want to become a Peloton instructor, even if I have to audition in the style of Brittney Spears to Cody Rigsby!

Have dreams of joining this elite team? Start by earning certifications like NASM and practicing your ability to connect authentically with an audience. You may just find yourself leading an unstoppable movement of fitness enthusiasts! 

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