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Activate Your Greatness
Alex Toussaint, the Peloton star who counts everyone from Roger Federer and the Golden State Warriors to the Today Show ’s Carson Daly as fans, hops off the bike and gives readers the inspiration and motivation they need to activate their greatness in every aspect of their lives.
Alex Toussaint is known for his grueling workouts where he promises “to kick your ass” – yet thousands keep coming back for more. Why? Because he might be the most motivational teacher out there right now. His mantra is “Feel Good, Look Good, Do Better.” He expects more from you, and from himself. Yet so much of what he talks about is NOT about the bike.
Alex’s enthusiasm for life is infectious –“You woke up today!” “Breathe in confidence, exhale doubt.” Because Alex knows what it is like to be overlooked and undervalued, to be the underdog. He knows what it’s like to not expect the best from yourself. The child of Haitian immigrants who sacrificed so much to give him an education, he knows what it is like to be one of the few Black kids growing up in East Hampton. After a turbulent adolescence that saw him being sent to military school, Toussaint dropped out of college and was mopping floors at a gym. A few years later, he's one of the most iconic cycling instructors on Peloton, helping thousands of users along their fitness journeys through his inspirational workouts.
Finally, Alex gets off the bike to help readers activate their own greatness in every aspect of their lives. Part self-help, part memoir, Activate Your Greatness details Toussaint’s mental and physical practices, on and off the bike, that have influenced his daily habits, fueled his motivation, and that have ultimately contributed to his astronomical success and shows readers how they can do the same.
Alex Toussaint is known for his grueling workouts where he promises “to kick your ass” – yet thousands keep coming back for more. Why? Because he might be the most motivational teacher out there right now. His mantra is “Feel Good, Look Good, Do Better.” He expects more from you, and from himself. Yet so much of what he talks about is NOT about the bike.
Alex’s enthusiasm for life is infectious –“You woke up today!” “Breathe in confidence, exhale doubt.” Because Alex knows what it is like to be overlooked and undervalued, to be the underdog. He knows what it’s like to not expect the best from yourself. The child of Haitian immigrants who sacrificed so much to give him an education, he knows what it is like to be one of the few Black kids growing up in East Hampton. After a turbulent adolescence that saw him being sent to military school, Toussaint dropped out of college and was mopping floors at a gym. A few years later, he's one of the most iconic cycling instructors on Peloton, helping thousands of users along their fitness journeys through his inspirational workouts.
Finally, Alex gets off the bike to help readers activate their own greatness in every aspect of their lives. Part self-help, part memoir, Activate Your Greatness details Toussaint’s mental and physical practices, on and off the bike, that have influenced his daily habits, fueled his motivation, and that have ultimately contributed to his astronomical success and shows readers how they can do the same.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
221 people are currently reading
4985 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
July 21, 2023
Love love love Alex. Didn’t love this. Appreciated the vulnerability and his openness, particularly about his upbringing.
October 11, 2023
As he does in everything, Alex Toussaint uses his book as a form of motivation for all us to achieve whatever our desired goals are. In Activate Your Greatness you will also find:
•a self help book using his own experiences and history as a guide for us
•discussion of the poor relationship he had with his dad and how it affected him
•his military school experience
•his role model
•his career from janitor to peloton instructor
•very much a how to using his story to illustrate the steps needed to “activate your greatness”
•his ride in tribute to George Floyd and the fallout including major support from Peloton
•does what he does best - motivating through the chapters
Thank you Henry Holt and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies.
•a self help book using his own experiences and history as a guide for us
•discussion of the poor relationship he had with his dad and how it affected him
•his military school experience
•his role model
•his career from janitor to peloton instructor
•very much a how to using his story to illustrate the steps needed to “activate your greatness”
•his ride in tribute to George Floyd and the fallout including major support from Peloton
•does what he does best - motivating through the chapters
Thank you Henry Holt and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies.
October 6, 2023
“Every single day, we are blessed to have two things: a chance and a choice. And the choices we make that day determine the chances we get”
If you are part of the Peloton community, you know Alex Toussaint. Respected for his challenging yet fun workouts that display his unique gift of motivating you to unlock new levels of yourself. Half the classes I take are solely by Alex because he is the only one who can make me laugh while my legs fight for their lives at 60 resistance.
In his memoir ‘Activate Your Greatness’ Alex expands on much of what he exudes and communicates in his classes while giving us an honest and deeper look into how he became the man he is today.
Alex’s vulnerability impressed me and left the biggest impact on me. He shares how being shipped off to military school at 12 years old was the catalyst for fracturing his relationship with his father and his self-confidence. His rock bottom was years later after he dropped out of college, got kicked out of his house, and slept on his friend's bedroom floor while being a janitor at Flywheel.
A combo between self-help and memoir, he provides advice and actionable tips on how he overcame his biggest battles which led him to not only become the first Black instructor at Peloton but one of the faces of the now largest fitness platform in the world.
In a time of so much recycled advice, Alex had refreshing and authentic insights that he seamlessly weaves throughout his life story making for an engaging read. His thoughts on self-validation, feeling good on the inside, and how to stop existing and start living connected with me the most.
He also sheds light on some of his decisions behind some of his memorable moments at Peloton as well as the importance of bringing people up once you reach the summit.
One of the greatest gifts you can give people is the ability to see themselves in a brighter light they didn’t know they could achieve Alex has done that over the years in his classes for me and his book is an extension of it. If you’re in a place where you need some motivation to feel good, look good, and do better, do yourself a favor and pick this up.
Thank you so much HH and Alex for the gifted copy. I am eternally grateful.
If you are part of the Peloton community, you know Alex Toussaint. Respected for his challenging yet fun workouts that display his unique gift of motivating you to unlock new levels of yourself. Half the classes I take are solely by Alex because he is the only one who can make me laugh while my legs fight for their lives at 60 resistance.
In his memoir ‘Activate Your Greatness’ Alex expands on much of what he exudes and communicates in his classes while giving us an honest and deeper look into how he became the man he is today.
Alex’s vulnerability impressed me and left the biggest impact on me. He shares how being shipped off to military school at 12 years old was the catalyst for fracturing his relationship with his father and his self-confidence. His rock bottom was years later after he dropped out of college, got kicked out of his house, and slept on his friend's bedroom floor while being a janitor at Flywheel.
A combo between self-help and memoir, he provides advice and actionable tips on how he overcame his biggest battles which led him to not only become the first Black instructor at Peloton but one of the faces of the now largest fitness platform in the world.
In a time of so much recycled advice, Alex had refreshing and authentic insights that he seamlessly weaves throughout his life story making for an engaging read. His thoughts on self-validation, feeling good on the inside, and how to stop existing and start living connected with me the most.
He also sheds light on some of his decisions behind some of his memorable moments at Peloton as well as the importance of bringing people up once you reach the summit.
One of the greatest gifts you can give people is the ability to see themselves in a brighter light they didn’t know they could achieve Alex has done that over the years in his classes for me and his book is an extension of it. If you’re in a place where you need some motivation to feel good, look good, and do better, do yourself a favor and pick this up.
Thank you so much HH and Alex for the gifted copy. I am eternally grateful.
June 20, 2024
Activate Your Greatness could be described as a motivational read though I’d categorize it as much more of a memoir.
Peloton instructor Alex Toussaint shares his story, growing up as the son of two Haitian immigrants with a strict father, and attending military school after being kicked out of several other schools.
Alex’s motto is Feel Good. Look Good. Do Better. While I appreciated hearing Alex’s story, which he does a good narrating himself for the audiobook, this book did not resonate with me as much as I hoped it would. At times, it leaned a little heavy on cliched inspirational phrases.
I have a sporadic relationship with my Peloton and will check out one of Alex’s classes now after reading this. Readers and Peloton members who are already familiar with Alex may connect more with Activate Your Greatness.
Peloton instructor Alex Toussaint shares his story, growing up as the son of two Haitian immigrants with a strict father, and attending military school after being kicked out of several other schools.
Alex’s motto is Feel Good. Look Good. Do Better. While I appreciated hearing Alex’s story, which he does a good narrating himself for the audiobook, this book did not resonate with me as much as I hoped it would. At times, it leaned a little heavy on cliched inspirational phrases.
I have a sporadic relationship with my Peloton and will check out one of Alex’s classes now after reading this. Readers and Peloton members who are already familiar with Alex may connect more with Activate Your Greatness.
October 12, 2023
3.5 out of 5. ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I’m an AT stan. Don’t get it twisted.
However, it straddled the line between a memoir & self-help/motivational. The catchphrases although inspirational are all what i’ve heard before in his classes.
HIS LIFESTORY THOUGH? Chefs kiss storytelling. Vivid. Deep. Awestruck. The rebellious tenacity to get to where he is today leaves no stone unturned. The relationship w his dad runs deep and somewhat reminded me of my own father.
Note: We ALL need mentorship & leadership like Ruth because WOW. What a pivotal moment that was.
No regrets. Definitely an easy ‘read’ (Thanks, Audible). Enjoyed it. Just wish it stuck w one genre is my only takeaway. Oh…if you’re not a fan of profanity, skip this. 😂
I’m an AT stan. Don’t get it twisted.
However, it straddled the line between a memoir & self-help/motivational. The catchphrases although inspirational are all what i’ve heard before in his classes.
HIS LIFESTORY THOUGH? Chefs kiss storytelling. Vivid. Deep. Awestruck. The rebellious tenacity to get to where he is today leaves no stone unturned. The relationship w his dad runs deep and somewhat reminded me of my own father.
Note: We ALL need mentorship & leadership like Ruth because WOW. What a pivotal moment that was.
No regrets. Definitely an easy ‘read’ (Thanks, Audible). Enjoyed it. Just wish it stuck w one genre is my only takeaway. Oh…if you’re not a fan of profanity, skip this. 😂
Read
October 16, 2023I’m not going to give this a star rating since this is a memoir/self-help and I typically don’t like give those star reviews. I liked this read - I met Alex on his book tour for this, and it was extremely meaningful and special for me because I’ve spent so many hours over the years riding the bike and listening to his coaching. He got me through a lot of tough moments when I needed motivation.
What I liked about this: learning more about Alex’s backstory and why his classes have evolved into what they are today. While he certainly doesn’t hold back in his classes, I didn’t know nearly as much about his upbringing before reading this.
What I didn’t like: the self-help sections. This is partly personal because I don’t usually enjoy reading self-help, but I just thought this got repetitive and cliched. Some explanation between his common class catchphrases was great, but it felt like he went in circles trying to explain the same thing in different ways. I also think some readers won’t be able to resonate with what he’s saying.
This is one of my longer reviews, but overall, if you are a fan of Alex and often take his classes, I would suggest reading this. It’ll give you more insight into what brought him to be the instructor he is and what led him to Peloton. Having heard him speak about this, he is clearly very passionate about this book, and I appreciate his vulnerability throughout it to really share a piece of himself.
What I liked about this: learning more about Alex’s backstory and why his classes have evolved into what they are today. While he certainly doesn’t hold back in his classes, I didn’t know nearly as much about his upbringing before reading this.
What I didn’t like: the self-help sections. This is partly personal because I don’t usually enjoy reading self-help, but I just thought this got repetitive and cliched. Some explanation between his common class catchphrases was great, but it felt like he went in circles trying to explain the same thing in different ways. I also think some readers won’t be able to resonate with what he’s saying.
This is one of my longer reviews, but overall, if you are a fan of Alex and often take his classes, I would suggest reading this. It’ll give you more insight into what brought him to be the instructor he is and what led him to Peloton. Having heard him speak about this, he is clearly very passionate about this book, and I appreciate his vulnerability throughout it to really share a piece of himself.
July 23, 2023
God bless Alex Toussaint. He’s a national treasure. He’s a doll. I love him, truly. He has been my therapist for the past 6+ years as a Peloton member. I buy his merch, I take most of his rides, I’ve done a ride in studio and he is wonderful, gracious, humble, honest, and fun. But goddamn, was this a chore to read.
I’ve adopted many of his catchphrases as my own mantras…. But they are just that, catchphrases. They need to stay catchphrases. They should not be a hundreds-of-pages book. They should stay sprinkled throughout 45-minute Y2K Hip Hop rides.
Glad I got this as an ARC from NetGalley so that I didn’t have to not-buy it. I am not really an inspirational-book buyer, or even just non-fiction in general… but I still think it’s very average for that genre too.
I’ve adopted many of his catchphrases as my own mantras…. But they are just that, catchphrases. They need to stay catchphrases. They should not be a hundreds-of-pages book. They should stay sprinkled throughout 45-minute Y2K Hip Hop rides.
Glad I got this as an ARC from NetGalley so that I didn’t have to not-buy it. I am not really an inspirational-book buyer, or even just non-fiction in general… but I still think it’s very average for that genre too.
January 26, 2024
Yet another great memoir by a great Peloton instructor! Out of the 4 memoirs of Peloton instructors I’ve listened to Alex is the one I know the least. His classes seem very hard and while his words were motivational in the 2 or 3 classes I’ve taken with him, they weren’t enough to penetrate the doubt that creeps into my brain when I think about taking his classes.
Like the other three I’ve read, Alex Toussaint’s memoir is part memoir, part self-help, but not in a preachy way. Alex’s life story is incredible. From a punk kid who got kicked out of every single school he attended to a janitor at a spin studio, he truly took his life by the horns and made destiny happen. Because of his past Alex has a unique perspective both on and off the bike and it’s no secret as to why he’s one of Peloton’s most beloved instructors.
Alex’s book is not just for Peloton members. His life story is inspirational and the self-helpy parts are beneficial to finding gratitude in everyday. I really loved getting to know this amazing man better.
Like the other three I’ve read, Alex Toussaint’s memoir is part memoir, part self-help, but not in a preachy way. Alex’s life story is incredible. From a punk kid who got kicked out of every single school he attended to a janitor at a spin studio, he truly took his life by the horns and made destiny happen. Because of his past Alex has a unique perspective both on and off the bike and it’s no secret as to why he’s one of Peloton’s most beloved instructors.
Alex’s book is not just for Peloton members. His life story is inspirational and the self-helpy parts are beneficial to finding gratitude in everyday. I really loved getting to know this amazing man better.
August 9, 2023
Okay - admittedly, I'm a big Peloton fan. It seems that a lot of the instructors have recently struck book deals and have new releases coming out this year. I was curious to read Alex's book because while I'm a big Peloton fan, I don't know much about Alex and wanted to learn more about him. Alex weaves in his personal journey to Peloton with a lot of pep talk and motivation. I thought it was going to be cliche but I really enjoyed it and truthfully, you WILL be motivated after you read this! Alex talks a lot about overcoming his difficult relationship with his father and about choosing to find the light in dark times. His mantra of Feel Good. Look Good. Do Better. is his personal key to unlocking potential. He takes you through it step by step and again, what one might would be cheesy - it actually does make sense and comes off as inspiring. Not known to be a coddler, Alex lays it out for you: you (and only you) are responsible for your life. You can't wait for someone to save you - you're going to need to do it yourself. Alex wants you to live and not just exist. I went into this book kind of half-heartedly and finished it with nearly the entire thing underlined.
March 14, 2024
Book 13 of 2024 - ☑️! Every once in a while, you read a book at the exact time you NEED to read it. Most recently, that book was Activate Your Greatness by Alex Toussaint.
Fun fact: Alex was the very first Peloton instructor I took a class with. It was a 20 minute 80s ride, when I was staying at a retreat center in Lake Arrowhead. I felt an instant connection with him, which I would later understand came from the fact that he came from Flywheel - the very studio that made me fall in love with indoor cycling and excercise. My other half likes to take Alex’s classes, and I have to say that Alex’s Club Bangers classes always have incredible playlists. ANYWAY, on to the book…because I could talk about Peloton and excercise all day.
As many of you know, the film & TV industry is facing a lot of changes right now, and through this uncertainty, many of us haven’t been doing our jobs for a long while - myself included. Alex’s motivational words of wisdom and story have really resonated with me as a child of immigrants, and especially as it relates to the fact that we all have and will ALL continue to fail in some form or another. Alex’s story is pretty incredible - and it’s amazing to have him talk about harnessing his own greatness and essentially stepping into his power after having a bit of a rough go of it as a child, and into his early adulthood.
This was a very quick read (6 hour audio book), that can help get you into the right frame of mind, especially if you’re not feeling your best. 5/5 ⭐️. 🚲 💫 🎶
Fun fact: Alex was the very first Peloton instructor I took a class with. It was a 20 minute 80s ride, when I was staying at a retreat center in Lake Arrowhead. I felt an instant connection with him, which I would later understand came from the fact that he came from Flywheel - the very studio that made me fall in love with indoor cycling and excercise. My other half likes to take Alex’s classes, and I have to say that Alex’s Club Bangers classes always have incredible playlists. ANYWAY, on to the book…because I could talk about Peloton and excercise all day.
As many of you know, the film & TV industry is facing a lot of changes right now, and through this uncertainty, many of us haven’t been doing our jobs for a long while - myself included. Alex’s motivational words of wisdom and story have really resonated with me as a child of immigrants, and especially as it relates to the fact that we all have and will ALL continue to fail in some form or another. Alex’s story is pretty incredible - and it’s amazing to have him talk about harnessing his own greatness and essentially stepping into his power after having a bit of a rough go of it as a child, and into his early adulthood.
This was a very quick read (6 hour audio book), that can help get you into the right frame of mind, especially if you’re not feeling your best. 5/5 ⭐️. 🚲 💫 🎶
February 13, 2024
5+ stars. Great authenticity! Alex admits he didn’t have the hardest life and he had privileges others do not… but isn’t that part of the point? We all matter, regardless of background, level of struggle, income level, etc, and we can all look good, feel good, and do better. So great on audio! Bravo!
December 31, 2024
Did I start this being intimidated AF by AT? YUP.
Did I finish this being a massive AT fan? YUP.
You never really know what drives someone until you hear their story and their reason. AT over here setting the tone for 2025 - less caption, more action and you never have to get ready if you are always ready!
Did I finish this being a massive AT fan? YUP.
You never really know what drives someone until you hear their story and their reason. AT over here setting the tone for 2025 - less caption, more action and you never have to get ready if you are always ready!
March 29, 2025
Slightly biased as Alex is one of my favourite Peloton coaches. However, I really appreciated the mixture of Alex's upbringing and life experiences, alongside Peloton stories and motivational missives. I walked away with a few great takeaways to put into practice. It definitely struck a perfect balance between positivity preaching and personal manifesto.
November 9, 2023
I love when I can put an audiobook on 2x for a drive and finish it when I pull into the parking lot of my destination.
Alex is one of my favorite peloton instructors and his memoir offered more insight to his life. He never fails to kick my ass on the bike and now I know his story. Absolutely recommend
Alex is one of my favorite peloton instructors and his memoir offered more insight to his life. He never fails to kick my ass on the bike and now I know his story. Absolutely recommend
July 10, 2025
I use Peloton almost every week. Well, the app, that is. I had no idea Alex was one of the instructors but that makes sense since I don't do any of the classes that use equipment like the bike. Still, it was pretty interesting to hear his story. From growing up with immigrant parents to multiple schools and many inspirational quotes later... I feel like I learned so much about him that I feel like I need to go to the gym and do a peloton class on the bike. On any bike. I think it's time.
February 1, 2024
LOVE AT so much and always take something away from his classes. This book is no different but it jumped around a lot and was at times hard to follow. Definitely very motivational and so interesting to hear about his upbringing.
Read
October 26, 2023I really liked Alex's book! I found the parts about his life the most interesting, rather than the self help stuff. But it is a very powerful book! Highly recommend if you're a peloton rider.
April 25, 2023
First of all, I have to say I was OVER THE MOON to be given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I LOVE Alex, I have been a fan of his Peloton rides for years now and planned on reading his book since it was announced.
Before I get into the review, if you don’t know who he is aside from the fact he is simply a Peloton instructor, he is 1000% the best in the game. Not only are his classes tough but they are motivating and inspiring and you can SENSE him wanting you to be your best through the screen. I’ve taken multiple live classes at the Peloton Studios in NYC with various instructors, and Alex is the ONLY one who went up to each and every rider in the studio and personally greeted them and let them know how much he appreciated their presence. His authenticity, passion, and appreciation is unmatched.
This book is exactly how I knew Alex would write it… You feel his authenticity (authentic is really the only word to describe Alex), you feel like he is talking to you and giving you live advice like a TED Talk. Alex does an excellent job seamlessly flowing between his life and his upbringing and giving actual advice and steps to truly activate your own greatness. This is not a memoir disguised as a self help book like a lot of the books out there. He breaks up the “feel good, look good, do better” motto that he truly lives by (and discusses heavily in his Peloton classes) and gives real life examples that are easy to understand and learn and put into real practice.
I recommend this to ANYONE who wants to read a humbling story of someone who hit their own personal rock bottom and ultimately became the best version of themselves. I plan on buying my own copy of this book to keep on hand and go back to when I need the extra reminders of how to activate my own greatness.
Before I get into the review, if you don’t know who he is aside from the fact he is simply a Peloton instructor, he is 1000% the best in the game. Not only are his classes tough but they are motivating and inspiring and you can SENSE him wanting you to be your best through the screen. I’ve taken multiple live classes at the Peloton Studios in NYC with various instructors, and Alex is the ONLY one who went up to each and every rider in the studio and personally greeted them and let them know how much he appreciated their presence. His authenticity, passion, and appreciation is unmatched.
This book is exactly how I knew Alex would write it… You feel his authenticity (authentic is really the only word to describe Alex), you feel like he is talking to you and giving you live advice like a TED Talk. Alex does an excellent job seamlessly flowing between his life and his upbringing and giving actual advice and steps to truly activate your own greatness. This is not a memoir disguised as a self help book like a lot of the books out there. He breaks up the “feel good, look good, do better” motto that he truly lives by (and discusses heavily in his Peloton classes) and gives real life examples that are easy to understand and learn and put into real practice.
I recommend this to ANYONE who wants to read a humbling story of someone who hit their own personal rock bottom and ultimately became the best version of themselves. I plan on buying my own copy of this book to keep on hand and go back to when I need the extra reminders of how to activate my own greatness.
November 21, 2023
I won this book via a Goodreads Giveaway and I was beyond thrilled to win, as I myself am a Peloton member. I obtained the bike during the pandemic and never looked back, although admittedly I don't do a lot of Alex's rides. He scares me. lol He is an amazing motivator and everything you want in an instructor. But he is TOUGH. However, after reading his story and his journey, I definitely will push myself to get out of my comfort zone.
You don't have to have a Peloton or be into fitness to enjoy this story of someone who doesn't believe he's good enough decide to take a chance on himself to see what could happen.
Thank you Goodreads & Henry Holt and Co. for the book!!
You don't have to have a Peloton or be into fitness to enjoy this story of someone who doesn't believe he's good enough decide to take a chance on himself to see what could happen.
Thank you Goodreads & Henry Holt and Co. for the book!!
September 26, 2023
I LOVE Peloton so I was excited to receive an advanced copy of Alex Toussaint's book! This is half-memoir, half-advice/self-help book. As such, only half of the book worked for me. AT has an interesting story. I enjoyed learning more about his background at military school, his childhood, and how he arrived at Peloton and became one of the company's most beloved spin instructors. I was particularly interested to learn more about AT's time at Flywheel; Flywheel was the company that first made me fall in love with indoor cycling, and it was charming to see what an influence Flywheel founder had on AT's career. The advice half of the book fell flat. Honestly, I skimmed several advice sections to get back to AT's life story. It all was incredibly trite; AT kept repeating the same phrases over and over (many of which he uses in his classes). His signature nuggets like "This Ain't Daycare" and "Feel Good. Look Good. Do Better." work well in Peloton classes, but there wasn't enough content there to build it out into a motivational book. AT also has no authority to be dispensing such lofty life advice, as he's not a licensed therapist. I grew tired of the platitudes, but I enjoyed learning about the specifics of AT's life and how he achieved success.
Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and Netgalley for giving me a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. It was awesome to read this early! Activate Your Greatness releases on October 10, 2023.
Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and Netgalley for giving me a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. It was awesome to read this early! Activate Your Greatness releases on October 10, 2023.
November 21, 2023
I actually really enjoyed this book!!
I think AT is someone who is honest and he used this as an opportunity to share his story and motivate others. As someone who has taken his classes, he is genuinely himself rather than wanting the fame and making a book for a money grab.
I think AT is someone who is honest and he used this as an opportunity to share his story and motivate others. As someone who has taken his classes, he is genuinely himself rather than wanting the fame and making a book for a money grab.
July 26, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for this advance readers copy, in exchange for an honest review. Activate Your Greatness is Peloton instructor Alex Toussaint’s memoir and motivational story; he details how he grew into the instructor that we feel like we know from many hours spent on the bike and he delves deep into his personal beliefs/motivations that he shares on social media and in class.
I’m an avid Peloton rider and love Alex’s classes. In my opinion, this book brought all of my favorite parts of his class further into the light and really expounded on them in such a great way. Learning about his backstory and rebellious childhood gave me greater appreciation to what he preaches in class today. It also brought him down to earth and made me understand just how many experiences have contributed to crafting the quotes/life lessons that he shares. These different motivational nuggets felt, to me, just like Alex’s classes— tough, but achievable. I was able to easily apply them to my own life and it got me thinking about some of the more challenging experiences I’ve been encountering lately, which is I think certainly is the hallmark of a good book!
Even if you are not a Peloton fan, I think you would still enjoy this book and of course, I think you would even more so if you are! Alex’s story doesn’t mince words but, really gets to the heart of finding the best within yourself, while recognizing that you need to give yourself grace and patience along the way. I found this to be motivational without preachy and enjoyed getting to know more about who Alex really is! Excellent book!!
I’m an avid Peloton rider and love Alex’s classes. In my opinion, this book brought all of my favorite parts of his class further into the light and really expounded on them in such a great way. Learning about his backstory and rebellious childhood gave me greater appreciation to what he preaches in class today. It also brought him down to earth and made me understand just how many experiences have contributed to crafting the quotes/life lessons that he shares. These different motivational nuggets felt, to me, just like Alex’s classes— tough, but achievable. I was able to easily apply them to my own life and it got me thinking about some of the more challenging experiences I’ve been encountering lately, which is I think certainly is the hallmark of a good book!
Even if you are not a Peloton fan, I think you would still enjoy this book and of course, I think you would even more so if you are! Alex’s story doesn’t mince words but, really gets to the heart of finding the best within yourself, while recognizing that you need to give yourself grace and patience along the way. I found this to be motivational without preachy and enjoyed getting to know more about who Alex really is! Excellent book!!
October 26, 2023
“I start at the bottom of a mountain every single day and make the climb.” -AT
As a Peloton user myself, I was over the moon excited for this opportunity to be among the first to read Alex’s debut book! Most of the Peloton instructors now have a memoir out or coming (and believe me I’ve read them all) but AT’s DID NOT disappoint! I really enjoyed learning about his background and childhood, the adversity he faced particularly when it came to race and family life, and his rise to greatness as a fitness instructor. Most of all, this book motivated me. It wasn’t just a memoir but it was also a self-help book, and addresses mental, spiritual, and physical fitness wrapped all into one. I wanted to jump on a ride with AT and change my life IMMEDIATELY! Even though AT’s classes always kick my butt and sometimes I regret immediately. From this book, I even learned the meaning behind the word and company name Peloton, which absolutely melted my heart. I had no idea!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Thank you so much to Henry Holt, Alex, and NetGalley, for the gifted advance physical and digital review copies!
As a Peloton user myself, I was over the moon excited for this opportunity to be among the first to read Alex’s debut book! Most of the Peloton instructors now have a memoir out or coming (and believe me I’ve read them all) but AT’s DID NOT disappoint! I really enjoyed learning about his background and childhood, the adversity he faced particularly when it came to race and family life, and his rise to greatness as a fitness instructor. Most of all, this book motivated me. It wasn’t just a memoir but it was also a self-help book, and addresses mental, spiritual, and physical fitness wrapped all into one. I wanted to jump on a ride with AT and change my life IMMEDIATELY! Even though AT’s classes always kick my butt and sometimes I regret immediately. From this book, I even learned the meaning behind the word and company name Peloton, which absolutely melted my heart. I had no idea!
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
Thank you so much to Henry Holt, Alex, and NetGalley, for the gifted advance physical and digital review copies!
May 29, 2024
I wanted to read Alex’s book first and foremost because I love his classes both on the bike & on the treadmill. His playlists are unreal & his words are always so motivating. So when I heard he wrote a book it was a no brainer- I wanted to hear what he had to say.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn about his underdog story. It was not only inspiring, but drives you to be the best version of yourself. I thought this book would be solely encouraging in regards to exercise/physical health-but really he shed light on bettering yourself as a whole. If you’re searching for a spark to get you moving in a positive direction in any facet of your life-you’ll likely find his story & words to be a helpful catalyst.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn about his underdog story. It was not only inspiring, but drives you to be the best version of yourself. I thought this book would be solely encouraging in regards to exercise/physical health-but really he shed light on bettering yourself as a whole. If you’re searching for a spark to get you moving in a positive direction in any facet of your life-you’ll likely find his story & words to be a helpful catalyst.
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August 31, 2024Alex Toussaint is one of my favourite peloton instructors, so when we published his book, I had to pick it up. It was so great to be able to read his story and how he has gotten to where he is now and his groundwork for helping others ‘activate their greatness’. Participating in his rides is extra special now and I am so glad I read this book, it so well written and eye opening. It helped me to challenge my thoughts and gave me insight on how I can alter my actions and mindset to live life to the fullest even when it seems extremely overwhelming.
January 26, 2026
I love taking A.T's classes, he's actually a part of my top 5 peleton instructors. Reading about his upbringing and learning how his journey got him to wear he is today was very interesting. I see where his go hard mentality comes from for sure. I will admit I read this right after Tunde 's book which didn't help Alex's rating ( Sorry). However I think this was a good read and well narrated. He brought up important topics such as BLM movement, forgiveness, and much more.
June 18, 2024
I finished this book so fast! Loved to hear Alex's story about his childhood, culture, challenges and come up as a spin instructor. Although I don't do peloton, I know of him and that he plays the jams lol. His take on positivity and self help was a nice perspective and I enjoyed the stories that shaped him into the person he is today.
November 18, 2023
Loved this book and hearing Alex read it. Enjoyed hearing about his upbringing and how he got to Peloton. He is such a great person and so kind to everyone. Love his respect for teachers and his love for his mom.
February 7, 2024
Some great nuggets of advice. Might not be as motivational if you’re not familiar with Peloton. Appreciate his ideas of reaching the top to see others you can help and “Do Better”, which he named his foundation
January 8, 2025
Second self-help book of my January reset! This was great to listen to during my runs. I feel like a little bit of filler could have been trimmed out of this to make it more effective, but I enjoyed it overall!
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