Tunde Oyeneyin, a 38-year-old Peloton instructor from Brooklyn, New York, has become an inspiration to many through her fitness journey. Her story is one of transformation, both physically and mentally, and she openly shares her experiences to motivate others. From overcoming childhood insecurities to becoming a marathon runner, Oyeneyin's journey is a testament to the power of mindset and perseverance.
Early Life and Turning Point
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Oyeneyin struggled with her weight. By the age of 13, she weighed 200 pounds and felt self-conscious about her size. "I was always the biggest girl in my class growing up," she told TODAY. She recalls a specific incident when she was a bridesmaid in her aunt’s wedding and the dress didn’t come in her size, leading to a breakdown in the bridal store. This moment became a turning point, motivating her to make a change.
At 15, Oyeneyin joined a gym, a significant step that required her to walk a mile each way, demonstrating her determination. Initially, she gravitated towards cardio machines because they were familiar, while strength training equipment seemed intimidating. "I didn’t know what I was doing and I thought, ‘Everyone is going to be watching me,’” Oyeneyin says. "Of course, now I know that nobody is paying attention to you at the gym. They’re all paying attention to themselves and their own appearance."
One morning, Oyeneyin had an epiphany: “I decided I was going to stop allowing fear to hold me hostage,” she says. “The reason that we don’t do any one thing, whether it’s lifting weights, talking to a guy first at a bar or interviewing for the job of our dreams, is because we’re scared to try and look foolish. I decided I would rather look foolish than not try.”
Embracing Fitness and a New Mindset
Oyeneyin's initial goal was to lose 50 pounds, but she soon realized that the number on the scale wasn't the key to her happiness. "I was allowing the scale to dictate my self-worth and my value," she explained. Instead, she shifted her focus to what she was gaining: confidence, self-love, and new friends. This change in perspective was crucial to her long-term success. "While I lost the weight, my journey has been more about what I've gained," she told Insider.
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Oyeneyin emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving fitness goals. "Your mind is your strongest muscle," she often tells her riders. She believes that your mind controls the way you see your entire life and that it is essential to get out of your own way to unlock your full potential.
Peloton Instructor
Oyeneyin joined Peloton as a trainer in September 2019, a role she never imagined for herself. "I didn't even know what working out was!" she exclaims. Prior to Peloton, she worked as a makeup artist in Los Angeles.
Today, Oyeneyin inspires legions of Peloton users to evolve and move past limitations. She is known for her high-energy classes and her ability to motivate riders to push themselves to their mental and physical limits. "I love pushing power. I love tapping into new strength every day," she says.
Even as a fitness guru, Oyeneyin acknowledges that she has days when she doesn't feel like working out. On those days, she tells herself to just do 10 minutes, and often finds that her workout far surpasses that. She also highlights Peloton's wide range of 10-minute classes and the Peloton Gym, a free section in the Peloton app with step-by-step workout plans designed by instructors.
Marathon Journey
In addition to her work as a Peloton instructor, Oyeneyin has also embraced running. She started running seriously in 2023 when she ran City2Surf, a 14K race in Sydney, Australia, on a whim. "I was there for an unrelated Peloton event, and was persuaded to sign up the day before the race. I’m so happy I did," she says.
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Prior to this, Oyeneyin had a rocky relationship with running, recalling being one of the last to finish her mile in elementary school. However, something changed for her during City2Surf. "I felt my soul leave my body. I felt at peace and in flow," she says. "It reminded me of the moving, meditative-like feeling that made me fall in love with the bike."
After City2Surf, Oyeneyin decided to run the 2023 New York City Marathon, training only a few months prior to race day. Despite her busy schedule, she ran three to four days a week, with distances ranging from four miles to 20 miles. She also incorporated strength training twice a week. She finished the marathon in 4:23:11, finding a new version of herself in the process.
Since then, she’s run the 2024 New York City Half and, most recently, the 2024 Chicago Marathon with Team Abbott, a team of runners who have overcome health challenges. They use their running journeys to inspire others. Running the Chicago Marathon was a different experience for Oyeneyin because she had a huge team around her and felt their love and support. "I saw people holding signs with my name on them, which gave me these little zaps of energy throughout the course," she says.
Running Tips and Gear
Oyeneyin emphasizes that runners don't come in a one-size-fits-all package and that anyone can be a marathoner with determination and support. She shares three key tips for a successful running journey:
- Focus on nutrition: Having a personalized nutrition plan can help with your run and recovery. Oyeneyin likes to understand how food, exercise, and stress affect her glucose, which is key for running longer distances. She uses the Lingo Bionsensor to monitor her body's reaction to foods.
- Warm up and cool down: Oyeneyin recommends taking the first mile or two at an easy warmup pace to prepare your body and cooling down with an easy mile after the workout to allow your heart rate to gradually come down.
- Rest: Rest is crucial for your body and mind to recover, prevent injuries, and combat the stress that running puts on your body.
Oyeneyin's must-have gear includes the Nike Running Hydration Belt and Nike Alphafly 3 shoes.
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Staying Motivated and Flexible
Consistently showing up and dedicating herself to her goals is part of the mindset that helps Oyeneyin succeed. However, she also emphasizes the importance of flexibility and grace. "If I planned a long run and my body says "No, girl, no," maybe I'll do a lifting session or just put on some music and dance around the house," she says.
When asked to share advice for those embarking on a wellness journey, Oyeneyin draws from her mantra, “Your mind is your strongest muscle.” “We prioritize the food and eating part. But you also need to train your mind - the way you think about yourself, the way you feel about yourself," she says. "Otherwise, you won't be able to appreciate the changes in your body. You won't see them. Everything starts with the mind."
Soul Care and Honoring Needs
Tunde emphasizes the importance of self-care, which she reframes as "soul care." She believes that when your soul is good, you're better able to show up for others. She also stresses the importance of honoring your actual needs and finding new ways to train your body as it evolves.
Sharing Her Story
Oyeneyin shares her inspiring story in her book, Speak, hoping that others will see themselves in her and make a connection. She encourages people to put themselves out there and not overthink their words.