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SWAGGER MAGAZINE
Drew Williams
Kristen Anzelc
Dave Gordon
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Cody Rigsby isn’t just known for his killer workout routines. He’s become a cultural phenomenon, blending humour, high-energy fitness, and pop culture commentary into one unforgettable experience. "If I didn’t teach fitness, I’d probably be running my mouth somewhere else," he laughs. "Might as well get paid to do both."
And that’s exactly what he’s done. Over the last decade, Rigsby has transformed from a struggling dancer to one of Peloton’s biggest fitness stars, a New York Times bestselling author, and now, a podcast host. His mix of unfiltered humour, high-energy workouts, and personal storytelling has made him a household name, with millions of devoted riders clipping in for his rides, not just for fitness—but for the experience.
But the road to success wasn’t as smooth as a perfectly calibrated resistance knob.
Rigsby’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and never taking himself too seriously.
Cody: No, not at all. At the time I worked at The Box, a club in New York with a burlesque show, and a choreographer I knew got an email from a friend at Peloton looking for performers into fitness. He forwarded the email to me, and I thought, “Great, here’s a transitional job from being a dancer to figuring out my next steps.” I didn’t see it as a long-term career at all. At the time, Peloton was a startup with a single-floor office in Chelsea. The “studio” was literally a closet with curtain rails and a few bikes. After a little bit of time being at the company and seeing the potential, I realized that it could be something big for me, so I thought, “Let me put all my energy into it and work really hard to see what I can do with it.”
Cody: I don’t put pressure on myself on days when I’m not feeling super creative. If I don’t have a lot to say—which is rare—or I’m just not tapped into that creative zone, that’s okay. On those days, I focus on teaching a solid class with a great playlist, making sure I’m still delivering a top-tier experience.
That said, I usually stay pretty up-to-date on pop culture, so I weave that into my classes—almost like a podcast on wheels. I also love a good themed playlist, especially when it taps into nostalgia or pop culture moments. That influence naturally shapes the energy and dialogue in class.
Since I have a lot of opinions and a distinct sense of humour, I tend to find inspiration in the moment. If a song has funny or ironic lyrics, I’ll call it out. If someone on the leaderboard has a standout name, that might send me on a tangent. Fortunately, I always have plenty to say—so I just go with it! This is just how I am! My friends and I are always making fun of pop stars and pop culture, talking about nonsense, and roasting each other, and that’s what I bring into class. I don’t script anything and just show up as myself.
Cody: I think the general public still carries this idea of the old fitness world—the 80s and 90s diet culture, a specific aesthetic, and all the expectations that came with it. That mindset often gets imposed on how we approach fitness today.
One thing I’m really proud of at Peloton is how we actively challenge that outdated narrative. We emphasize that working out isn’t just about how you look, losing weight, or fitting into a certain size—it’s not about chasing a six-pack. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself, mentally, physically, and emotionally. It makes you feel good, and when you feel good, you believe in yourself. And that’s what I love about it.
Cody: It started as a passion project with my friend Andrew Chappelle. He’s one of the funniest people I know, and we both have a lot to say. The chemistry is natural—it just works.
On Peloton, I get to share my thoughts in bite-sized ways, but there’s only so much time between cues and fitness talk. The podcast gives me space to go deeper—whether it’s pop culture, relationships, or audience questions.
It’s become a great little community, and I love hearing from Peloton members who tell me they’re fans of the show.
Cody: The book blends the two things I do best—heart and humour. In the book, I dive into personal challenges, like my mom’s addiction, being homeless as a teen, and losing my best friend in 2020. It’s about finding meaning in tough moments while keeping it fun with pop culture hot takes, nostalgia, and relationships.
Writing it felt really therapeutic, allowing me to process those experiences in a new way and revisit vivid memories I hadn’t thought about in years.
I think the most challenging part about the book was the launch week, doing promotional appearances and shows. It's gruelling, in the best way possible, and thankfully my stamina from teaching countless cardio classes came in handy because I definitely needed it that week [laughs]!
Cody: I’ll always say RuPaul, but out of drag, because I do not have the budget to pay for that level of glam [laughs]. I have so much respect for RuPaul, though, and would love to have a conversation on the bike.
Cody: You know, I don’t pick sides! Both bands have great qualities. I think when I was younger, I was more of an NSYNC fan, but as I’ve gotten older, I think the Backstreet Boys’ catalogue is massive and just hits a little harder.
Cody: I love doing saunas and cold plunges. Last night I did an hour circuit—10 minutes in the sauna, five minutes in the cold plunge, repeat. It’s great for your immune system, and it reminds you that you can sit in discomfort and do hard things. Also, I feel like my skin looks amazing afterward.
Cody: At its core, you have to just buck up, buttercup, and make it a regular part of your routine so even when you're not in the mood, the habit takes over. It’s also okay to take breaks. If you feel like skipping a workout, give yourself permission to step away. When I do, I always find myself craving it more. So take the break, but don’t beat yourself up—just come back when you can. Find something you enjoy, whether it's a favourite Peloton class or dance cardio. If it feels like a fun activity rather than a chore, you’re more likely to stick with it.
And remember: showing up for just 10 minutes is better than nothing.
Cody: We [Peloton Instructors] make our own playlists, and I would say 90% of the music I play in my classes is by women. I mostly play what I like, and know what my audience likes. Most of my riders are millennial women, so we have similar taste in music and nostalgia. But I also love house music and EDM, so I try to infuse new music and genres while still keeping familiarity.
Cody: I watch a lot of anime, I play Pokémon cards on my phone, and in the winter, my PlayStation 5 is on all the time. Right now, I’m playing God of War. I’m kind of nerdy.
Cody: Slow down and trust yourself. It’s all going to be okay.
After a decade of inspiring millions on the bike, Cody Rigsby is just getting started. With a bestselling book, a thriving podcast, and a brand that stretches far beyond fitness, he’s proving that his true power lies in his ability to connect—whether he's leading a sweat-drenched ride, diving into pop culture, or sharing his unfiltered thoughts with the world.
Follow Cody Rigsby on Peloton and Instagram (@codyrigsby), and listen to the latest episodes of Tactful Pettiness on Spotify.
SWAGGER Magazine is North America's Men's Luxury Magazine. We focus our content on everything men love. Gear, Tech, Fashion, Rides, Sports, Health & Fitness, Food, and Feature Men and Women who possess SWAG.
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