Tunde Oyeneyin Lost 70 Pounds And Changed Her Mindset Before Joining Peloton
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When Tunde Oyeneyin clips in and kicks off one of her high-energy classes, it’s clear she’s found her calling: motivating and inspiring others through movement. But the 36-year-old navigated past a lot of (metaphorical) speed bumps and potholes to arrive at her destination.
Growing up in Texas, Tunde wasn’t the confident athlete you see today, she admits. “I tried out for every single sport and never made the cut,” she says. Tunde felt uncomfortable in her body and even avoided laughing too loud so as not to draw attention to herself.
She knew she couldn’t persist in this unhappy headspace and, deciding to make a change, began exercising. She went on to lose 70 pounds, but today, Tunde is more focused on what she’s gained: “a sense of purpose, understanding, confidence, and a mindset that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
She’s relied on that positive perspective multiple times, including when her first Peloton audition didn’t land her the job. She persevered, believing deep down that it was her true destiny. “We don’t get to choose what happens to us,” she says. “But we do get to choose how we react.” Yes, yes, yes to that!
Here, Tunde shares some of the secrets to her success.
Reframe self-care
“I call it ‘soul care’—things you do for the good of your soul. A lot of times when you say ‘self-care,’ people think it’s a luxury. But when my soul is good, I’m better able to show up for you.”
Honor your actual needs
“You can find new ways to continue to train your body as it evolves. Before, it was a matter of pushing my body to the max. Now, I think about how I can strengthen and reward it.”
16: The number of years Tunde worked as a makeup artist before switching gears to start a career as an instructor
Put It Out There
Tunde shares her inspiring story in her first book, Speak, which hit shelves in May (it's one of our best beach reads for summer!). “You can’t overthink the words if your hope is that someone sees themself in you and makes that connection.”
This article originally appeared in the September 2022 issue of Women's Health. Sign up for our WH+ memberships program to subscribe, score unlimited site access, and unlock our exclusive guides and fitness challenges.
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