In a world where fitness is often ruled by comparison and perfection, Tunde Oyeneyin is proof that taking a leap of faith can lead to a powerful transformation. After over a decade in the beauty industry, Tunde took a leap of faith that would not only redefine her career, but reshape how people approach wellness and self-worth. Today, she’s a Peloton superstar, bestselling author, Nike Athlete, and motivational force — building inclusive and empowering spaces.
Tunde’s workouts go beyond the physical aspect. With every pedal stroke and powerful phrase, she invites her community — lovingly known as Team Tunde — to dig deep and show up for themselves. Her words, affectionately dubbed “Tunde-isms,” have become part of her signature: bold reminders to lead with strength, joy, and purpose. Whether she’s speaking on stage, hosting Peloton’s Fitness Flipped podcast, or writing a powerful book, Tunde’s mission remains clear: to help others move through life with courage and confidence.
In this exclusive, Tunde opens up about her career shift, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how movement became her purpose. She shares why true wellness is more than just a workout, and why she’s suiting up for her next big chapter with intention, courage, and authenticity.
GLAMOUR: What inspired you to take the leap of faith to change career paths?
Tunde Oyeneyin: Before Peloton, I was a makeup artist for 15 years. My career evolved from working at a makeup counter at a mall in my hometown of Houston, Texas, to becoming a Global Makeup Educator living a life I always dreamed of in Los Angeles, California. It was a role that I once considered “my dream job.” I loved it until I didn't. It no longer served me.
Towards the end of that career, I was in New York for a conference when I took a cycling class that changed the trajectory of my entire life. I spontaneously signed up for a class in a last-ditch effort to close my rings for the day, and it was in that span of 45 minutes when I experienced what I now call my 'blue light moment.' It was when I knew, without a doubt, that cycling would be a part of my life forever.
I would later juggle my makeup career with teaching part-time cycling class at a mom and pops shop in LA. I traveled around the country as an educator and would land back in LA to teach a 7pm cycling class (sometimes depending on how empty the class was, I’d make $25 (R447,95)). It never felt like a headache or a burden, because I was feeding a part of me that had been starving for purpose. It was a hectic time in my life, but ultimately the transition I needed to get me to where I am today. Later, I auditioned for Peloton, but unfortunately didn’t get the job the first time around. It was eight months after that first audition when I got the call to audition again - that’s when I finally landed the role.
G: What fears did you have to overcome when shifting careers, and how did you navigate them?
Tunde: The biggest fear was letting go of something that I once loved. Something I worked really hard to achieve. I felt selfish giving up on a dream that many people would happily live with no reservations. It was letting go of security and major imposter syndrome that got me to take the next step.
I often say, “The beauty of uncertainty is infinite possibility.” I knew at the time that the future was uncertain, but when you don’t know what’s next, anything can be next. I was certain that I needed to make changes. While I was scared and unsure where change might lead me, I believed that staying in the same place was much scarier.
G: How do you see sports as a tool for empowering young girls, both physically and emotionally?
Tunde: As a young girl, I didn’t have a great relationship with movement. I grew up overweight, not particularly athletic, always the last to finish a mile in PE. Movement was punishment. I can still hear my PE coach yelling at me, telling me that the ‘Oyeneyin genes’ my brothers had must have skipped me.
I let what she said become my truth. I believed I wasn't athletic and that I had no control over my strength (or lack thereof). It wasn't until my early 20s that I began to realise how powerful my body was. In my early 30s I entered athletic competitions where I was praised for my strength. It was then that I was able to change the internal conversation I have with myself. Now, as a Peloton instructor I lead people through movement every single day. I strive to help them discover their inner strength and recognise their power to navigate the conversation they have with themselves, in the same way that I did.
G: How would you define true inclusivity in today’s wellness landscape?
Tunde: Wellness is a right and not a privilege. Everyone should have access to it.
G: What’s one belief you think people need to unlearn about wellness or their bodies?
Tunde: Depriving yourself of everything that you love will get you everything that you want.
G: How do you maintain authenticity in an industry where comparison and perfectionism can be common?
Tunde: “Authenticity is the intersection of truth and trust.” Trusting yourself enough to show up as you truly are.
Robin Arzon, Head Instructor and VP of Fitness at Peloton, once said: “When you are yourself, your people are better able to find you.” She was right. If you pretend to be someone else, people can’t see you for who you are. When you speak your mind, it’s like waving a flag - people can see from a distance. Some will see it and say, “No, thanks, that’s not for me,” but I guarantee you the right people will know to come forward. Wave your flag because the people in the back who are waiting to find you, will find you. They will move up to the front, cheer loudly recognising all that you are.
There is beauty in knowing that everyone brings something different to the industry. It’s inevitable to compare yourself to others within your field, but when you realize that no one does it exactly like you, you realise just how important it is for you to show up as you. If not you then who?
G: What lesson or message do you hope readers take away from your best selling book Speak?
Tunde: Life still happens. After setbacks, loss, grief, change in career, and failed relationships. Life, if you are willing, still happens. And once you recognise that it’s happening for you and not to you, you open yourself to endless opportunities.
You are the gatekeeper to your own peace.
G: How do you balance the physical intensity of your work with rest and recovery?
Tunde: Balancing is still an on-going practice for me because my physicality is so ingrained in everything I do, I have to work to make it work. I’m actively reminding myself to listen to my body and give it the rest it needs because wellness isn’t just about a workout, but about well-being.
G: What advice would you give to young women who are trying to find their voice in spaces where they feel unseen or underestimated?
Tunde: Lean on other women that know more than you do and are willing to share that with you. Surround yourself with women you trust who do speak up. Learn from them, ask them for support. Don’t allow fear to steer, don’t let it hold you hostage. Doubt is a natural feeling but be open to finding where the change of course might lead you. And sometimes, If the space doesn’t fit, find a new one.
G: As you look ahead, what’s the next chapter in your journey, and what is driving you toward it?
Tunde: I’m stepping into a new space — one I haven’t shared much about yet. Let’s just say it’s exciting and completely different from anything I’ve done before. What’s driving me is a commitment to prioritizing the things that once felt intimidating or out of reach.
I feel lucky to be at a point in both my professional and personal life where opportunities are waiting to be met. So I’m meeting them and learning about myself in the process. This Glamour South Africa feature embodies my promise to myself - I’m ‘suiting up for the next chapter.’ I’m stepping up to every opportunity with intention and self-belief.
