Why Peloton Instructor Cody Rigsby Considers Dry January An Act Of Self Care
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To dedicated Peloton users, their favorite instructors can feel like their IRL best friends. For those who join Cody Rigsby for live and on-demand rides, they know he's outspoken about his pop culture and food takes, so when he posted about participating in Dry January this year I had to know more about how exactly he plans to stay on track this month.
This January, Cody is partnering with Pure Leaf tea to make Dry January a breeze and even came up with a signature mocktail using Pure Leaf's black tea. [Ed. note: Cody's partnership with Pure Leaf was the launching point for this interview.] The mocktail, delightfully dubbed the "Fierce and Flouncy" is made with frozen berries, Pure Leaf unsweetened black tea with lemon, lemonade, a splash of blackberry Bubly sparkling water, and a lemon for garnish.
Cody says Dry January is a way to reset and stay focused at the start of the new year, particularly after the chaos of the past few months. ICYMI, Cody competed on the latest season of Dancing with the Stars while still teaching his Peloton classes ahead of the holidays.
"[Dry January] allows you to step away from distractions. I think that even a few drinks at night can mess with your sleep, and then that messes up your day," he said. "If you really drink heavy on a Friday, that takes you away from the plans that you had on Saturday morning to take a yoga class or a cycling class or do your meditation. So it really can have this domino effect of interfering with the things that you need to do for yourself."
This isn't the first time Cody's taken an intentional break from drinking alcohol. He said he's gone up to six weeks without drinking in the past, and uses the break as a way to reconnect with himself. For those who may be trying Dry January for the first time this year, being aware of your own personal boundaries is a must.
"Know thyself, in a way. If you're not that strong or you know you're going to be easily convinced, then maybe don't go out socially this month, and that's okay. Spend Friday nights in, with to-go and watching TV with a friend," he said. "Also, if you're out socially, that mocktail is going to be a great way to feel like you're engaged."
Anyone who's taken a Peloton ride with Cody has probably heard his food hot takes once or twice, so I had to ask him about his pressing food opinions. If he could eat one food everyday without getting tired of it, he'd pick cinnamon rolls or Cheetos. His signature dish is either French Toast or Mickey-shaped waffles (um, same), and he's a serious mayo with French fries stan. Despite what you may assume, he always eats a full meal before teaching any of his Peloton classes.
Since now is the time of year many get a head start on their resolutions, which may often include fitness-related goals, Cody emphasized the importance of finding out what workouts fit into your individual lifestyle.
"Find movement that is fun. If you're not into lifting weights or that looks scary, what about dance cardio? What about yoga? That takes a big hurdle out of it, and you start to connect joy to your habits and joy to your routine," he said. "My purpose is to break down those barriers of fear in fitness and to make it a more inviting space, where people can not only have fun, but create a relationship with their best self."
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