Peloton VP, Robin Arzón: Surviving a Hostage Crisis and Building a Relentless Fitness Brand

Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

A former lawyer turned fitness powerhouse, Robin Arzón’s journey is one of resilience and inspiration. After surviving a traumatic hostage situation in college, she turned to running as a way to heal and challenge herself. She went from casual runs to completing marathons and ultra-marathons. Despite being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, Robin refused to let it define her. She embraced the mantra, "Why not me?" and continued challenging herself to achieve more. In this episode, Robin shares with Ilana how she transformed a traumatic experience into a driving force for her life’s purpose, made a bold leap into the fitness world, and built a global brand that empowers millions.

Robin Arzón is a renowned fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as the VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes.

In this episode, Ilana and Robin will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:24) Surviving a Hostage Situation and Finding Inner Strength

(05:34) Discovering Running as a Healing Tool

(08:38) From Casual Runs to Completing Ultra-Marathons

(11:16) Transitioning from a Law Career to Fitness

(13:06) How Robin Landed a Job at Peloton with a Cold Email

(15:36) Living and Thriving with Type 1 Diabetes

(18:21) Juggling a Career, Motherhood, and Life’s Demands

(21:26) Pushing Past Her Limits at Richard Branson’s StriveX Challenge

(24:41) Building a Global Brand Through Grit and Consistency

(28:05) Launching Swagger Society, a Community for Growth

(29:49) Upcoming Cookbook and Plant-Based Lifestyle

(31:34) Learning to Trust Life’s Redirections

(33:27) Robin’s Career Pivots and Life-Changing Lessons

(36:46) How Everyday Actions Define Your Life and Career

Robin Arzón is a renowned fitness expert, former lawyer, author, and motivational speaker. She is best known as the VP and Head Instructor at Peloton, where she inspires millions with her high-energy cycling and strength classes. After overcoming a life-changing traumatic event, she pivoted from a law career to focus on health and wellness. Robin is also a New York Times bestselling author of Shut Up and Run and Strong Mama, sharing her personal stories and fitness philosophies. She advocates for mental and physical strength, promoting the power of movement and mindset to achieve personal transformation.

Connect with Robin:

Robin’s Website: https://www.robinarzon.com/

Robin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc

Resources Mentioned:

Robin’s Book, Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up, and Sweat with Swagger: https://www.amazon.com/Shut-Up-Run-Sweat-Swagger/dp/0062445685

Robin’s Journal, Welcome, Hustler: An Empowerment Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Hustler-Empowering-Motivational-Self-Care/dp/1454946342

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