Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"Activate Your Greatness" by Alex Toussaint is not just a book; it's a journey through the trials and triumphs of a man who has mastered the art of turning adversity into strength. Toussaint, a senior Peloton instructor, shares his authentic story with a rawness that is both vulnerable and invigorating.

The narrative begins with a vivid depiction of Toussaint's childhood, marked by a strained relationship with his father and a series of expulsions from schools. His last resort, military school, becomes the crucible that forges his character. Toussaint's writing is engaging, pulling the reader into the depths of his despair and the heights of his determination.

What makes this book stand out is its ability to be more than a memoir—it's a motivational guide. Toussaint's mantra, "Feel good, look good, do better," is not just a catchphrase; it's a philosophy that he embodies and encourages others to adopt. His insights on self-worth, self-doubt, and the power of believing in oneself resonate deeply.

The book is a testament to Toussaint's belief that greatness is not a gift but a choice. His transition from a janitor at a spin studio to a celebrated Peloton instructor is not just inspiring; it's a blueprint for anyone looking to activate their own greatness. His story is a reminder that our lowest points can lead to our greatest achievements.

In essence, "Activate Your Greatness" is a compelling narrative that blends Toussaint's personal experiences with universal lessons on resilience, hustle, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It's a must-read for anyone eager to embark on a path of self-improvement and empowerment. Toussaint doesn't just share his story; he invites readers to become a part of it and, in doing so, to ignite the greatness within themselves.

I love Peloton, but I previously didn't take a lot of Alex's classes. But I will now. I enjoyed hearing more about him personally, but overall think you can skip this one unless you are a mega fan.

I’m late with this, but I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC via NetGalley.

Anyone that knows me, knows I love my peloton. I talk about it constantly and I use it almost every single day. That bike changed my life in so many ways. Alex is one of my favorite instructors, he is so motivating. I always have my highest outputs in his classes.

I appreciated this book for getting a glimpse into who Alex is as a person, not just an instructor. I think it’s helpful to read about strategies that have worked for other people. I like the standards that he talks about holding himself to and how they’ve helped him (and could help me). I don’t normally go for these types of books, but I really enjoyed this one.

Alex has one of my favorite sayings in the peloton world: “Feel good, look good, do better”

As a Peloton fan and lover of Alex’s classes, I had to read this book. I really enjoyed hearing about his upbringing and how he came to his job at Peloton. It was an easy and quick read. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review

I am a big Alex Toussaint/Peloton fan, and this book just confirmed why I love taking his fitness classes. He is very motivating, and I really enjoyed hearing his story. His life was not easy or handed to him. He worked so hard to be where he is at today. In this book, he provides a simple, impactful framework that can be applicable outside of just fitness. Feel good, look good, do better! Highly recommend if you are looking for some inspiration!

Thank you to Henry Holt & Company for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I’m really enjoying reading all of the inspirational books written by the Peloton instructors I love so much. Alex has some of the hardest classes I’ve taken. I think he pushes you so that in the end you realize you could do it all along and difficult things are possible. Just like he does on the bike, Alex used this book as a form of motivation for all of us readers to reach any goals that we may have set for ourselves. I love when he says that he is grateful for two things: chances and choices. And that the choices we make in life determine the chances we get.
I think it is easy to look at the current successes of all of the Peloton instructors and miss that they too have had their own background of struggles and hardships. These memoirs show that they are human and still have good and bad days like all of us despite the glamour and perception that social media gives. These books add a layer of humility as you get to know where the instructors have come from and the work that they have all put in to be able to have the opportunities to be where they are now. I enjoy reading different points of views and people’s stories. I enjoyed reading Alex’s story. It weaved his story in with a motivational/self-help theme. I think it takes a lot of courage to write about your previous struggles for the world to read.

Activate Your Greatness was a mix between Alex Toussaint’s backstory and empowering hype for readers. I really enjoyed getting insight into A.T.’s past and learning how he truly went from rock bottom - to where he is now as an instructor at Peloton. I felt that a lot of the book referenced his time in military school, which I do acknowledge was a huge part of what shaped him but it started to sound redundant after the 20th or so reference.

I did find Alex’s book to be very encouraging and I took away quite a few tidbits of motivation and knowledge. He did a great job of relating to the average reader and highlighting how his instruction style can be for everyone.

Having read numerous books by Peloton instructors, I’ve come to know that you have to go into each book with the mindset that they’re not authors and that’s not their day job. So don’t expect stellar story telling or flow.

I was so excited to hear more about AT’s past and couldn’t wait to dive into this one. I enjoyed hearing about how his humble start as a janitor took him all the way to the level of fame that Peloton has given him. There’s so much to enjoy about this one and his storytelling is so motivating, regardless if whether you are a peloton fan or not!

Part memoir, part self-help book, AT’s Activate Your Greatness was a great, motivational listen as a pelotoner and huge fan of Alex’s Club Bangers and hip hop rides.

From his younger years at military school to getting his first job at a cycle studio (as a janitor), I really enjoyed learning more about Alex, his background and how he became a successful peloton instructor. The classes feel so much more powerful knowing his story as he’s pushing you to your limit! I also recommend this on audio - I always enjoy listening to the author narrate their memoirs, gives it a more personal touch.

So, if you’re looking for a read/listen to help you get (or stay) on the metaphorical or physical bike, then give this one a shot!

Ended up also grabbing the audio for a drive.

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 Toussaint is a national treasure!

His heartfelt and honest autobiography makes me appreciate and respect him even more. I’ve always thought he was a fantastic Peloton instructor. Now I feel honored to read the journey that brought him here.

Love AT. Like he does on the bike, he did in this book, motivate us. He used his experiences to help guide us to see our own greatness. He provides advices and tips on how to overcome obstacles.

🩵 I #audiobooked this a few hours but it was one of those Memoirs... One of those I am gonna need a minute to let this marinate it took several days to add this to my Virtual Library. The similarities were triggering AF! The first time I PR'd was during one of his classes. My azz was thoroughly kicked! This is a #MustRead especially for Black Men. I hope the brothers will experience the wisdom as it relates to being intentional about addressing their mental, physical and spiritual health. I have to go back to the book markers to hear some frame worthy words of wisdom. I won't be taking another one these classes' anytime soon but this is one book that will be added to my 'Will Be Rereading Again List' This was such an inspirational and moving memoir. I was so proud of this man and his determination that led him to ACTIVATE HIS GREATNESS! He is now helping folks near and far to do the same on and off the Bike.🩵 #NetGalley

Alex is one of my favorite Peloton instructors and I was SO excited to hear he was coming out with a memoir. Often times we just experience instructors on the bike and never off the bike but Alex really gave us a HUGE glimpse into his personal life and that made me like him even more. I loved how raw he was about talking about his childhood, upbringing and journey to becoming the Peloton star he is today. Just like on the bike, his advice was well stated and extremely relatable. The audio to this was absolutely fantastic. I'd read four peloton memoirs and Alex may tie with Tunde for my favorites!

𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦

Thank you @henryholtbooks and @netgalley for the advanced copy! Officially out now

Let me just acknowledge that Alex is my favorite male @onepeloton instructor. HANDS DOWN! His classes are intense and always a vibe. The way he picks his playlist to match the message of the day. Not to mention them club bangers. Woooooo.

“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙩.”

Needless to say, I was beyond stoked he was releasing a book. Glad I was able to learn about his childhood, which explained a lot about him. Prior to reading the book I always referenced Alex carrying this militant style about him that kept his classes very disciplined. I also knew his mom was an educator based on his love for all teachers and teacher appreciation classes he does. Alex’s voice has a cadence to it that just motivates and encourages you on and off the bike (Mr. 1-2). This came at a time where the encouragement is highly needed and welcomed! I will definitely be annotating in it. Now I need to get my hands on his new @puma cleats and meet him in person.

Also, @onepeloton can we petition that Alex and Tunde have a biweekly class together? Their energy together is {chefs kiss}

“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 Alex and change my life IMMEDIATELY! Even though Alex’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!

Thank you so much to Henry Holt, Alex, and NetGalley, for the gifted advance physical and digital review copies!

Alex has been one of my go to on the cycling bike for years. He’s so incredibly real, raw and motivating in classes. Through this memoir book that same personality we have grown to love from Alex shines right through. This book is part self help motivation and also little touches of his backstory. I loved the raw unfiltered stories in his childhood and experiences that shaped his journey through life. The story of getting a job as a janitor and eventually making his way to Peloton where he is now. The stories of his mom and the relationship with his dad. The mountains he has climbed to get to his position and what achievements he is making daily. This is a book to push you past your boundaries and do better. Get up get moving and achieve your greatness. Many thanks to Henry Holt and Company and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I've read a few Peloton instructor's memoirs and they range from very serious to funny. Alex blends his life story in with his signature motivational spirit to tell his story how he went from a janitor at Flywheel to a lead instructor at peloton.

I feel lucky to have come across this book. It reads well and is so inspiring! The things he had to overcome make you really put things into perspective.

Unlike others who picked this book up (I’m sure), I went into this book blind. I wasn’t really familiar with Alex, beyond what I read on the cover, but that didn’t hinder me from getting a lot from the title.

Was it hard (trauma hard, not writing hard) to read sometimes? Yes, but what you get out of it is worth it. It reads like a memoir but hits like self-help, which I think should be the goal of every book of this type.

Solid 4!

Alex Toussaint is one of my favorite instructors. His Last Dance ride is still one of my all-time favorite rides three years later.

This is book is equal parts memoir and motivation. I liked his story telling and his candor in how his struggles as a young man formed who he is today. I also liked how the book was structured around his philosophy of Feel Good, Look Good, Do Better. I especially liked how he encourages his readers/riders toward Do Better as part of a whole. We all Do Better when we do it together.

Definitely recommend for Peloton fans. I know there are a lot of Peloton instructor penned books on the market today. This is the only one I've read as a fan of Alex.

Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. I am required by federal law to disclose this.