Meet Kim Griffin: Disney Enthusiast Turned Peloton Runner Extraordinaire

Welcome back to The Clip Out, where we bring you the most inspiring stories from the Peloton community! Recently we chatted with Kim Griffin, a self-proclaimed Disney enthusiast who has transformed her fitness routine with Peloton. If you’ve been searching for motivation to blend your love of Disney and fitness, Kim’s story is going to be right up your alley.

Discovering Peloton During a Time of Change

Kim first heard about Peloton in 2015 through her involvement in the Orange Theory community. However, it wasn’t until 2020, when the pandemic disrupted her regular running group and fitness classes, that she decided to give Peloton a try. “I started noticing all these people posting about their PRs and the group rides they were doing. I realized I was missing out on something,” Kim recalls. Initially, she began with the Peloton app, focusing on strength classes and walks. But it was the Disney-themed rides that ultimately convinced her to get the bike.

Balancing Running and Peloton

Running marathons and half-marathons is Kim’s passion, and she has found Peloton to be an excellent supplement to her training. “I use Peloton as a great tool for running,” she explains. She incorporates strength classes, bike sessions, stretching, and foam rolling into her routine, all of which help her stay in top shape. “Runners are not good at stretching,” she laughs, emphasizing the importance of recovery in her regimen.

A Unique Goal: Mastering Foam Rolling Classes

One of Kim’s most unique goals is to take all of Peloton’s foam rolling classes. Inspired by her running coach’s advice to focus on recovery, Kim has embraced these classes wholeheartedly. “I’ve gone through the German variation now, so there are only 3 or 4 left that I still have to hit. It should be soon,” she shares. This dedication highlights her commitment to overall wellness and injury prevention.

Incorporating Disney Magic into Fitness

For Kim, Disney is a significant part of her life. She frequently participates in Disney races and visits the parks up to four times a year. “I do all the Disney races. That’s my big thing,” she says. Peloton’s Disney rides, led by instructors like Cody Rigsby and Emma Lovewell, allow her to combine her love for Disney with her fitness routine. “Cody is a huge Disney adult. His Disney ride takes you through the park,” she adds, excitedly.

The Importance of Strength Training

Early in her running career, Kim faced injuries due to a lack of strength training. Physical therapy highlighted the need to build supportive muscles beyond just those used for running. Peloton’s strength classes provided her with the structure she needed. “The classes are easy to follow along. You get working with instructors that you like and it’s like I’m still with people that are doing it,” she explains. Starting with Matty Maggiacomo’s beginner strength program, Kim built a routine that has significantly improved her fitness.

Everyday Benefits of Strength Training

Kim has noticed numerous benefits from incorporating strength training into her routine. “I feel better about myself. I feel like I have a little bit more energy sometimes,” she shares. Practical benefits include being able to carry more grocery bags and feeling stronger overall. “A friend always says that we do strength training because we want to be able to sit and get up off of the toilet when we’re 90,” Kim laughs, highlighting the long-term benefits of her exercise routine.

Connecting with the Peloton Community

Despite not attending any live Peloton classes in New York yet, Kim remains connected with the Peloton community through group rides and social media. She picks her classes based on music, with Disney and Broadway rides being her favorites. “I’m glad that it’s just me and my cats in the house. I don’t think anyone else would appreciate the show that I like to put on when I’m on my bike singing whatever Broadway,” she jokes.

Final Thoughts and Advice

Kim’s leaderboard name is KimRunsTheWorld, a nod to her love for Disney and running- and you can find her on Instagram at @KimmyRunsTheWorld. Her advice for new Peloton users is to start small. “There are a lot of great beginner classes. Plug into some of those. Get familiar with the form of things, and how to use the equipment, and start small,” she advises. Trying different instructors and classes can help users find what works best for them.

Join the Conversation on The Clip Out

Kim’s story is a testament to how Peloton can enhance various aspects of your fitness routine, especially if you’re a Disney enthusiast. To hear more from Kim and other inspiring Peloton members, tune into our podcast or watch on YouTube.

Stay motivated, keep pushing, and as always, happy riding!

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