Alex Toussaint

Toussaint grew up on Long Island, New York where he was raised by his father, Martial, a machinist mate in the Navy, and his mother, Judith, a doctorate in education.[1] As a child, Toussaint was sent to Wentworth Military Academy & College in Lexington, Missouri from the sixth grade due to "behavioral issues."[1]

Toussaint attended college at New England Institute of Technology, where he studied audio and video production.[1] After a year and a half, someone broke into his car, sending him on an emotional spiral that resulted in him dropping out of college.[1] He found a job as a maintenance worker at a Flywheel cycling studio in East Hampton, New York.[2] He had never been on a spin bike before,[1][2] but was able to observe how the instructors taught their classes.[1][2]

Eventually, Toussaint asked Flywheel co-founder Ruth Zukerman for an instructor audition.[1] It was through her mentorship that he transitioned into the role of a spin instructor at their East Hampton studio.[1][2] and would also teach in their Manhattan and Dubai studios.[1][2] In late 2015, he was approached by Peloton to join their team of spin instructors after Peloton's chief content officer, Fred Klein, took one of Toussaint's classes at Flywheel and was struck by his instructing style and deep voice.[1][2][3]

Since 2016, Toussaint has been a senior fitness instructor for Peloton.[2][4] It has often been noted that he particularly appeals to professional athletes who take classes on Peloton bikes such as Rory McIlroy, Cam Newton, Ray Allen, Tobias Harris, Patrick Mahomes, and Roger Federer.[4][5][6] He believes that his style of teaching results from his time in military school.[4]

He has a brand partnership with LeBron James' sports nutrition company, Ladder, whose products he endorses publicly.[2]

In Toussaint's spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and following the National Basketball Association (NBA).[2][6] His favorite player is former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade.[6]