Raise The Bar: How to Push Beyond Your Limits and Build a Stronger Future You

by Ben Alldis

'Ben Alldis is a force. His attitude and drive are contagious.' - Max La Manna, author of You Can Cook This!

'Ben is never shy of sharing his positive energy, it's infectious and this book will help lift all spirits, not just physically but emotionally too' - Aimee Fuller, snowboarder and 2xOlympian

'A relatable story on building resilience and finding your way in life and fitness' - David Birtwistle, Health & Performance Coach

'Ben is so knowledgeable and passionate about fitness, Raise The Bar gives valuable tips and guidance on how to stay focused and in control of your fitness goals' - Susie Chan, Endurance Runner & Peloton instructor

'This is more than a self-help book, it is a transformational paradigm shift that will shape how you live the rest of your life' - Dr. Will Cole, leading functional medicine expert, NYT-bestselling author, Intuitive Fasting & Gut Feelings

'I'm proud to have been a mentor to Ben and see him blossom into a Star. In this book he shows you how to reach your full potential even when life gets tough.' - Cody Rigsby, author of XOXO, Cody

'Ben's thoughtfulness and storytelling are a wonderful landscapes for the practical tools, insight, and inspiration in this book.' - Ally Love, Peloton Instructor

'Honest and approachable, Ben's book is for anyone who needs a jumpstart of motivation and energy.' - Emma Lovewell, author of Live Learn Love Well


In Raise The Bar one of Peloton's first UK based instructors, Ben Alldis, tackles mindset, motivation and fitness, and shows you the power of unlocking potential, taking control of your life, and discovering and developing your talents.

Growing up, Ben was an accomplished athlete who was always looking for an opportunity to run, ride, kick a ball or compete. After graduating from university, he went on to work for a prestigious private equity firm in London, but after a pivotal year of battling skin cancer and losing one of his family members to illness, he decided to take the jump and follow his dream of helping others through health and fitness.

Raise The Bar is a narrative motivational book - with practical take homes too - that focuses on lessons and advice about drive, setbacks, defying expectations, support systems and challenging accepted behaviours, all told through stories and insight from Ben, who understands what it takes to set and achieve personal goals and who motivates others daily to do the same.

Using the principles behind maintaining a healthy mind and body, Ben wants to show you how to live beyond your limits right now and lay a positive foundation for your future self.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Fitness, Self Help, Memoir, Audiobook

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2023

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes, it’s another memoir by a Peloton instructor. Though while most of the others are memoirs with a side of self-help, I’d say this one was more self-help with a side of memoir. So I found this one on the boring side, but maybe that’s not fair because self-help isn’t my thing.

Ben is one of my favorite Peloton instructors, and I was lucky enough to attend one of his book events and he is SO NICE. And that definitely comes across in this book - he definitely seems like a genuine and sincerely nice regular guy despite his fame. His book may not have been my favorite, but I still love him!

[Sadie Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I don't usually read "self-help" books, but I decided to read this one because Ben Alldis is my favorite Peloton instructor. He is very motivating while on the bike so I wanted to see his motivation and ideas expanded. It was a good reminder to take good care of yourself, both physically and mentally, and continue to strive towards goals and self-betterment in all aspects of life. Tying in events of his own life to his main points was insightful and made me feel like I know him a little better than I did by just watching him on my Peloton screen. A good read if you need a little reminder to keep striving for a happy, healthy life.

PS: While reading this, I was motivated to do my FTP Fit test again and I increased my score by 40 points!

PSS: This book is only a little bit about fitness

[Kat Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raising the bar was by far the best book I have listened to :) I live in California so I wouldn't receive the hard copy book until November, so decided to get the audio version now..and so glad I did!
Raising the bar was so well written and very well thought out, from Ben's younger days to college to adult life to present day. I enjoyed listening to his ups and downs in life and how he handled it, with lessons learned and entail - something positive to take from each life hurdle or win. I was moved with the part on how you became a Peloton Instructor and grateful that you did! I am sure you have changed so many peoples lives with your gym classes, your great choices in music and positivity. I have a found respect for you in sharing your background and thank you...the Peloton Community loves you! I highly recommend this book!

[S BAYNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read, Ben talks about his development towards becoming a coach and his decisions that got him there. To me its intresting to see the journey and the highs snd lows. How he describes his relationship and how things have changed.

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 50 of 2023 - ✅ ! Thank you to NetGalley, Ben Alldis & Hachette Book Group, Radar for the ARC of Raise The Bar: How to Push Beyond Your Limits and Build a Stronger Future You, in exchange for my honest review.

As a an avid Peloton rider/user, I guess one could say that I'm on a quest to read all of the books written by Peloton instructors. So far, I've read Tunde, Emma, and now, Ben's book.

Ben's a wonderful Peloton instructor in various modalities: cycling, strength & stretching. His calm, yet ambitious demeanor comes through in his classes, and now, his book. Those of us who are Peloton members like to know more about the instructors that motivate us and inspire us on a daily basis. Ben was quite vulnerable in his book - speaking to having to pivot from his original dream of being a soccer player, to not being fulfilled in his work life, to battling cancer and to living with dyslexia. I appreciated his candor, and I love that he narrated the book.

This was a quick, inspiring read that I would recommend to Peloton fans, and folks who feel like they might need that extra push in the self-help arena. 4/5 ⭐️! 🚲 📈

#RaiseTheBar #NetGalley 

[Halina Cathrein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the pace of the book and I felt that I had a similar journey as well and it made me reflect on my journey. There is no magic wand to raise the bar in your life, and Ben lays it our clearly and easily the simple ways to do it!

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

Ben Alldis, a beloved Peloton instructor, combines personal anecdotes and self-help strategies in this book aimed at inspiring readers to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. From his battles with skin cancer and dyslexia to his journey toward becoming a fitness icon, Ben’s story sheds light on his resilience and drive.

As a longtime Peloton user and fan, I was excited to dive into another instructor book. However, this one leaned more toward self-help than memoir, so it wasn’t totally for me. I did enjoy learning more about Ben’s personal life and struggles, and I loved how beautifully he speaks about Leanne, his wife. I mostly listened to the audiobook, and his narration was excellent, though I found the content overall a bit boring.

[Kerry Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’ve ever read the books on Oola, this kind of reminds me of Ben’s version. It starts with someone’s backstory, in this case Ben’s, and then giving “life advice” from there.

Overall, it’s an easy read. I learned more about Ben’s life regarding him being involved with planning club/nightlife events. I knew he had experience with EDM music and the like but didn’t know how involved he was during college.

I will admit the chatter about him wanting to become a professional footballer and having it not happen felt repetitive. I knew about his skin cancer, but I didn’t know it was a client who suggested he get a couple areas checked.

Sometimes, I admit, it’s hard to take the “don’t compare your life to someone else’s highlight reel on social media” when it comes from the mouth of someone with privilege to access a life many will never have.

Basically, the short story is that I bought this solely because I am part of the Peloton community. I can see this not being for everyone if they’re not familiar with who Ben is.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ben is one of my favorites and I was excited to read this. But I wasn’t prepared for how self-help-y and repetitive it was, at the cost of hearing about his life and experiences. The last quarter about his peloton journey could have been the entire book. And I still don’t know more about his career in athletics beyond what he’s discussed in his classes. Regardless, congrats to him for putting out this book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was great for anyone who loves to set goals and I’m so happy I read if before I did my 2024 goals / vision board.
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this arc ebook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give this book 3 stars, but love Ben and his message so moved it to four. I think Ben’s story is a strong testament to finding resilience in your life, but found some of the self help sections repetitive and drawn out. I did feel inspired to audit myself and recognize opportunity.

[Windee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a Peloton member and I love taking Ben's classes so I was excited to get an advanced reader copy of Ben's book "Raise the Bar". You don't need to be a peloton member to enjoy this book - it's part memoir and part motivation. He talks about growing up but also what we can do to "raise the bar" in our own lives. Thank you Hatchette for the opportunity to be able to read and review this book.

[Christen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Ben but the book was just ok. Loved the personal stories but much for the book felt like it was written by his editor or something.

[Dy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title makes you think that this is a self help book, which I am not typically a fan. However, when your favorite Peloton instructor writes a book, you have to read it. Or even better, listen to him read the book on audio. This book is a far cry from the typical self help type book. It isn’t preachy or trite, he just lays out what methods and mindset have worked best for him to get him to the successful person that he is today. He is honest and isn’t trying to sell or preach anything. Ben is so positive and wise for such a young person. It was enjoyable to read about the challenges and people in his life that made him the wonderful coach and person that he is today. I appreciated the raw emotions and details that he shared in the epilogue. Ben and Leanne are amazing people that have truly inspired me to be the best version of myself. I look forward to many more rides and classes with the both of them!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After riding with Ben Alldis on the Peloton platform for the past 2.5 years, there was no doubt that I would read this book.

This book is not just for Peloton members or Ben fans though. If you are looking for an honest take from someone thinking they have their whole life mapped out and on course to follow a certain path, and then finding and following their true calling and passion, this is the book for you.

Ben takes us on his journey from playing competitive sports to his career in finance which have all led him to where he is today as a Peloton coach.

The wisdom and perspective he shares in his book as well as on the platform will make you stop and ponder and perhaps even start to consider a new path —- no matter where you are in your journey. I know I did!

[Madison Frain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only the last 30 pages were about peloton. Only the last chapter was truly good. This book is so repetitive about his childhood that it gets so boring. But the last chapter about him and Léane was amazing and that’s more of what I was hoping for. Would not reccomend sadly :(

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I just didn't. There was a fair amount of repetitiveness (I get it, you wanted to play football) and it just threw me off.

[Courtney Mulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Ben on the Peloton platform at the end of 2021 when I desperately needed a change in my fitness routine. As a 55-year-old grandmother, I am now in the best shape of my life because of his classes and his coaching. I started taking his classes daily and slowly realized he was not only my fitness coach but my life coach as well. Every day, he challenges you to not only become better on the bike or mat, but in life as well. His mantras that he repeats often started to shape who I was and how I acted once I stopped exercising and went on with my day. You would often wonder how someone so young could have such knowledge of how to maneuver through life and the challenges we face.

Because of how his classes, his words and use of music has changed my life, I did not hesitate to purchase and read this book immediately. Raising the Bar walks you through Ben’s experiences, those people who inspired him and how his mindset, allowed him to navigate some serious challenges at a very young age. Ben did not just go through these challenges and arrive on the other side, he used those experiences to embrace opportunity and most importantly find true happiness. He gives you tools to use so that you too can come out on the other side as a stronger and wiser person. In Ben’s classes and in Raising the Bar, Ben focuses not only physical well-being but mental and social well-being. By focusing on those areas, I truly am the happiest I have ever been.

This book is not just a book for Peloton fans or fitness fans. This is really a book about how to be resilient and make the most out of your life, even in the darkest times, while at the same time giving back to those around you. No one can argue that for someone so young he has faced some real challenges and he has shared with us how he was able to work his way through them and end up on top. I am more than half way through the audiobook now and I am still learning from Ben. I realize that while I am in better shape physically, emotionally and socially, that there are more opportunities to improve and the tools he provides have prepared me to become my best self.

[Tricia Hooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I should preface this by saying that Ben has been my favorite Peloton instructor for years now, so I was likely going to read this book even if it was utter garbage. going in, I was nervous that he would come off as a preachy/pompous cis-het-white dude, and that would cloud my adoration for him as a coach. BUT I'm pleased to say that was not the case at all, and I really, really enjoyed this book!

I recommend listening as an audiobook so you can hear Ben narrate; he has a lovely voice to listen to, and given his struggles w/ dyslexia I am all the more impressed with how he both wrote and read this book.

This was a blend of autobiography and self-help, it was overall well-balanced with his own story and his recommendations for how to apply lessons learned. The first half struggled a bit with pacing, and I sped through some of the sections where he talks about his desire to be a professional football (soccer) player over and over again (hence why I am only giving 4 stars, not 5). But the second half he got into a good flow, and I loved listening to it. That's when he really opened up, got vulnerable, shared some of his intimate struggles with anxiety, imposter syndrome, and cancer. Throughout the storytelling, he was humble and able to admit previous mistakes and how he's learned from them. I loved how he ended the book with a chapter on gratitude for all the people who have helped him in his life.

Also, I appreciated that he is a relentlessly positive person, but not in a toxic way --rather than ignore or suppress negative emotions and experiences, he's able to process and view them as growth opportunities. I hope to carry that approach with me in my own life.

This book really had some helpful perspectives and lessons, and it made me love working out with him on the Peloton platform even more. Seriously Ben seems like a kind, humble, supportive dude on a mission to help people live better lives. What's not to like about that?

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book from one of my favorite Peloton instructors (from UK), Ben Alldis. He writes a self-help memoir about overcoming, positive mindset, resilience, experience, embracing opportunity to break out of your comfort zone, and gratitude (among other things).

He writes about the positive mindset: “Every time I jump on the bike, I could be helping someone dig themselves out from a really dark day. This is my motivation and should be all of ours in whatever we do. Be mindful of what you are allowing into your space. Choose a new frequency. Negativity vibrates at a different frequency. Elevate and create positivity and the negatives will be out of your range.”

Find the WHY! for what we do. "I thrive on the concept of taking the time to find the WHY, not just the What.

My biggest takeaway from the book: pursue things you love, even at the risk of stability and comfort. I love this message.

The challenge with this book and self-help books in general is the repetitive ideas surrounded around "not giving up", "resilience", and "embrace change". Once you've read a few in this genre, you know what's coming when you read another.

I did some learn things about his upbringing and passion to be a professional soccer player, and eventual finance career. I also was moved by his story dealing with skin cancer. Solid book if you are a fan of Ben.

[Natascha Gutermuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to read this book as an ARC!
I have loved taking Ben's rides since the day I got my Peloton in 2018, when he was still new. Reading his story now gave me so much more insight into his growing up and becoming who he is now with Peloton. It is great learning about one of my favorite instructor's life and background, what he did prior to Peloton and how he came into fitness. I had heard before that he was in finance before but had no idea how much.
The childhood part and his football times and dreams seemed a little repetitive and could have been cut down in my opinion. It was interesting but felt I was reading a lot of it on repeat.
I appreciate how honest and raw Ben is in his book and sharing a lot of personal parts of his life with all of us. Thank you for making sure we all can understand how he is one of us and I love how he says that he is figuring things out too and nobody has it figured out. It shows how he is like one of us and doesn't feel like he is above it all.
Despite the repetitive parts in the beginning, I give 5 stars.

[Laurie Cowin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ben is one of my favorite instructors on the Peloton platform. I’ll take his classes over nearly anyone else’s anytime—especially Power Zone. Something about that British accent makes it not feel like I’m working as hard. I was looking forward to this book and think it was well done. Ben did a great job of sharing his personal experience then using those experiences to share larger lessons and beliefs about how to grow as a person in strength, both physically and mentally.

I was expecting more memoir and less self help. I wasn’t looking for a self help book, and that’s why I gave it only three stars. I think if you’re after a book offering some practical and actionable methods to “raise the bar” in your own life this is great. I was more after the memoir and experience portion, which I loved. I appreciated the more self-help side of it, but am not in a phase of life where that’s a focus (beyond parenting and general survival.)

[Dean Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this over a few days on CarPlay, and, as I have a Peloton bike, I felt as if I had an idea of Ben’s background. It wasn't until his book launch and listening to this, there's so much more to him. This isn't an autobiography or a self-help book, and I feel it combines both. If you don't already know Ben’s story, this is an excellent opportunity to do so. If you do, this helps you to understand him, his story and his journey to where he is now.

I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for an alternative to an autobiography, as it gives an insight into a story that's relatable to and that your paths aren't always set in stone.

[Eryn Salhany · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Ben’s from his Peloton classes I was excited to listen to his new book and I’m glad I did! He’s been through a lot in his life already and has gained some excellent life perspectives. He uses these outlooks to help guide his quest towards reaching his full potential and mentoring others to do the same with their own goals.

This books is the perfect blend of Ben’s life story and advice for maintaining a healthy mind and body. He is also an enjoyable narrator to listen to! Whether you’re a fan of Ben’s from the Peloton community or not, this is a great book for anyone looking to push beyond their limits to work towards a healthier lifestyle.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing my Peloton Instructor Book Tour…

Ben Alldis’ book - which is more self help guidance than charming anecdotes - is not that much different from his Peloton classes: fairly reserved, lacking in any drama, and in some places, kinda dull. Still, I’m at a point in life where boring, solid, and steady can be real attractive, so I find it part of his charm. I also really appreciate his ability to consistently present his authentic self - not an easy feat when you’re in an industry that is often obsessed with external appearances. All around a decent read but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who isn’t already a fan.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked reading this book. It was so authentic and down to earth. Ben did a great job telling his story and making it very accessible. His humility and confidence are blended perfectly. I love his peleton classes for the same reasons and I find that honesty and directness motivating. When he talked about Leanne's cancer diagnosis - even though I already knew about it - I started tearing up. They are such a beautiful pair of souls. BTW I also love her classes. She is sparkly - which I love - but also incredibly authentic. (I know that's not part of the book review!) The book encouraged me to be honest with myself about my fitness and goals and also give myself compassion.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing up, Ben Alldis always wanted to be a professional soccer player. However, his life seemed to take a different turn as he followed a safe route and went into finance. He knew he was doing well at it, but it wasn’t necessarily what he loved. His passion for fitness might have waned during that time, but slowly he was able get back into a flow and even began teaching spin classes. A chance encounter in a spin class landed him an unusual offer with an up and coming fitness company. Ben goes through this journey along with other personal setbacks and challenges in this memoir. At the same time, he dishes out advice to help you keep your own balance on any journey one might be on.

I think at this point, if you’re a Peloton instructor, you have to write a book. I think there are more instructors with books than without. I snagged this one when it was on sale recently but otherwise wasn’t planning on reading it. I enjoyed the memoir parts and getting a chance to learn more about Ben and his journey to becoming an instructor. However, I wasn’t so into the self-help portion of the book. Like Cody and Tunde’s books, I would have enjoyed more stories. However, it was worthy lessons and well written. Not my full cup of tea at the time though.

On the Cat Scale:
😺😺😺

[Kathleen Cullinan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. I felt like Ben was having a conversation with me. I especially appreciated his honesty and vulnerability as he openly shared some of the challenges he experienced and continues to experience. He is so relatable and he offers practical advice and tips about fitness and life. I have listened to 5 books written by Peloton instructors and so far this is my favorite!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely not my favorite of the books that the Peloton instructors are churning out (tbh I was hoping for more memoir/dishy stuff haha) but he definitely was thoughtful and came across well with his points. I definitely got value out of it. And Ben seems like a truly decent guy. I’ve enjoyed his classes before, but hearing him read it (I listened to it on Audible) makes me inclined to take more of them.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by one of my favorite Peloton instructors, this book is part memoir and part motivational self help book. He emphasizes building a strong future, using fitness to improve physical and mental health to deal with inevitable challenges in life and to find happiness. Enjoyed hearing him speak on his book tour in Boston (11/23).