We’re half way through February, and motivation is thin on the ground when it comes to exercise. It’s still dark and cold, there’s no January newness spurring you on (or Dry January benefits) and the idea of committing to a fitness plan just… forever?? isn’t as appealing as it seems on December 31st.
None of this, however, is present on the face ofPeloton trainer Leanne Hainsby when her ever-growing league of fans jump on their bikes to take one of her classes. The enthusiasm and motivation for moving your body radiates from her – and she manages to pass it on to thousands of people every week.
It’s all the more amazing given that at the end of January, in an emotional Instagram post, Leanne revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2022 and had been hosting classes, without telling anyone outside of her inner circle, ever since while having treatment.
‘My motivation comes from wanting to be active and living life to the full,’ Leanne says. ‘My recent breast cancer diagnosis was all the motivation I needed personally to live the healthiest life possible. My body is my home, I want it to be a great place to live. As an instructor, motivation is a big part of who I am. I like to be kind, I like us to have fun, and I like us to work hard.’
Motivation is top of the Peloton agenda right now. Determined to keep their members moving beyond the January boom, they’ve worked with psychiatrist Dr Pooja Lakshmin, to identify five motivation languages. According to their research, seven out of 10 of those they surveyed claimed they could accomplish anything if they’re motivated – and that 58% of Brits wanted to increase the intensity of their workouts.
The languages vary from having fun to building community (see below). Recently I was fortunate enough to be given a three-month trial of the Peloton Bike+. After years of wondering how on earth I was supposed to fit exercise into a life filled with the constant demands of two kids under four, the bike has been a revelation. Certainly there’s motivation to be found in the proximity – if there’s an expensive piece of kit within your four walls, even that is pretty hard to make an excuse about (and I’m an Excuse Maker Extraordinaire).
But I also found that, one of Peloton’s motivation languages has chimed with me in particular – that of achieving goals. And to be clear, that’s not body goals (there was no Dry January in our house and if anything my stronger thighs are making my jeans feel a bit snugger) but the super-addictive techy element of the bike, which is constantly giving you metrics, milestones, leader boards and badges to keep you coming back.
Leanne says there’s load of reasons Peloton in particular is good at keeping people motivated – something that’s obvious as the instructors give shout-outs to people who have achieved thousands of rides.
‘It’s the convenience of being able to work out at home,’ she says. ‘The choice of what workouts you can do with your time. The control you have as a member over the music genre, class length and instructor. The community you can work out alongside. The list is endless.’
Of course I have days I don't want to work out, you will not be motivated 100% of the time, but you can be disciplined.
The music I’d second, having tried classes centred around everything from UK Garage to musical Hamilton (with a lot of 90s pop in between).
It’s not, sadly, magic though. And some days motivation just isn’t there. How does Leanne (who like the other instructors never seem – genuinely – nothing less than thrilled to be exercising) keep that at bay?
‘I’m asked this a lot,’ she says. ‘Of course I have days I don’t want to work out, you will not be motivated 100% of the time, BUT, you can be disciplined. Firstly, my workouts are scheduled into my diary in advance, so it’s a commitment I already know I’m keeping. An apparel set I feel good in, a feel good playlist to boost the energy, and reminding myself of the ‘post workout’ feeling, usually does the trick.’
It's been almost annoying to me, seven weeks into sampling the Peloton to realise that all those Instagram motivational posts are right… the benefits go beyond body – it’s mood, sleep and energy levels that have noticeably changed for me.
READ MORE: The Big Peloton Explainer: Is The Bike Worth The Spend?
READ MORE: Six-Figure Salaries And Agents: Inside The World Of The Peloton Super-Trainers
‘That makes me so happy,’ she says. ‘I believe we should exercise to be “fit for life”. Be fit enough so that you can enjoy life to the full, and also so that you are ready for whatever life throws at you. I think we have a more well-rounded approach when it comes to exercise and wellness now. Feeling strong, and healthy should be the aim.’ Six-Figure Salaries And Agents: Inside The World Of The Peloton Super-Trainers
For Leanne, as an instructor, those life changes have been even greater than she could’ve imagined. ‘When I said yes to Peloton, I changed my whole career from being a successful professional commercial dancer, to being a founding instructor for the brand here in the UK,’ she says. ‘It wasn’t what it is now, we worked really hard to make it successful, and to be part of that growth has been incredible on so many levels. I also met my future husband, so it literally changed my life.’
And recently, the feedback she’s had from the community she’s built has been even more special.
‘I LOVE hearing from people who have taken my classes,’ she says. ‘Lately, I have had messages that I will cherish forever. For me, there is no better feeling than knowing I’m bringing joy and a bit of sparkle to someone’s day.’
The Peloton Bike+
1 of 1Peloton Bike+
Peloton's Motivation Languages - What's Yours?
Having Fun
You’re motivated by having fun and enjoying yourself. For you fitness is light-hearted and centred around letting loose through music, moving your body and shying away from structure.
Do you care more about having a good time when it comes to fitness as opposed to structure and discipline?
Would you be most attracted to fitness classes which follow fun and light hearted themes or feature positive and upbeat music genres?
Are you motivated by laughter and letting loose whilst working out?
Achieving Goals
You’re motivated by achieving goals - whether that’s a lifestyle goal such as feeling fit in time for a holiday, or simply being top of the leaderboard in a class. Reaching a new milestone and beating your PBs is a big incentive for you when it comes to feeling motivated.
Are you motivated by setting clear goals and using metrics to track your progress in order to meet them?
Is smashing a milestone or beating records for yourself and / or others on a leaderboard something that is important to you?
Do you need clear parameters and something to aim towards when it comes to fitness?
Building Community
You’re motivated by connecting with others, inviting friends and families to join and encourage you. Working out is a collaborative experience for you - it’s building a community and creating success in numbers
Are you most motivated to workout if you are doing it with someone else or as part of a group?
Would having someone to ‘high-five’ during a workout class, or to engage with throughout be something that’s important to you from a motivational perspective?
Would you say working out in a group would make you feel more collaborative as opposed to competitive?
Positive Affirmations
When you think about motivation, it’s cool to be kind. You’re motivated by positive affirmations and words of encouragement, adopting a softer approach to fitness. You are more drawn to slow fitness regimes that don’t feature high intensity activities and are rooted in mindfulness
Do you need to feel positively encouraged and reassured to make you motivated to keep going?
Are you drawn to fitness activities which focus on mindfulness and breathing?
Is ‘tough love’ or intensity something that deters you away from fitness as opposed to attracting you?
Tough Love
You’re motivated by structure, strong words, and a no-BS attitude. Feeling challenged and pushed to your limits is your ideal way of feeling motivated to get moving.
Do you react best to tough words when it comes to feeling motivated to work out and keep going?
Would you need to be completely led by someone else when working out and is structure important to you?
Is a soft approach to fitness something that doesn’t interest you?