Q&A: Fitness Tips and Staying Motivated with Peloton's Robin Arzón

It's week 2 of Fresh Start February and the focus is all about achieving our fitness goals in baby steps that lead to big wins over time. To help us get there, we reached out to Robin Arzón — VP of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton — for her tips on setting goals, getting started, and staying motivated. (If you have ever taken one of Robin's Peloton classes, you know she is the ultimate hype queen!)

Oh, did we mention that Robin is also a mom (with another on the way!) and a two-time New York Times Bestselling Children's Book Author? (Her newest book, Strong Baby is now available for preorder here.) Read on to learn how Robin manages it all, featuring actionable tips that go beyond fitness you will want to bookmark and remember.

1. What are some low-bar (or achievable) fitness goals we can set this year?

Definitely shoot for something that is bite-sized. I call them “nibbles of hustle.” Aim for a small challenge you can do consistently. When establishing a new habit, I ask myself “what is something so small that I can do consistently for seven days straight,” and then you add on another seven days and another. I’d rather someone do a smaller amount consistently and then layer on little nibbles of hustle. That could be a consistent 10-15 minute movement practice or just parking in the back of a parking lot to get more steps in when you’re out doing errands. These small goals build the muscle of willpower, which is always worthwhile.

2. what advice do you have for people who struggle to maintain a fitness routine?

First, be specific. It’s important to first establish your goal and why you’re doing it. “Getting fit” isn’t as helpful as doing three spin classes at Peloton a week. the more specific you can get, the more you can identify and really describe what your finish line looks like.

Second, begin with the end in mind. Once you’ve established what the finish line looks like, stat to envision the version of yourself it’s going to take to get you there. Schedule it. Put things on your calendar. Tell the people in your life that you have this goal. Prop yourself up for success by having an honest conversation with yourself about what could get in the way, and analyze the road blocks.

Lastly, set out an outfit the night before. You’re much more likely to get it done if you’re ready to go.

3. How do you hype yourself up on tough days?

I practice the mental gymnastics of hyping myself up internally. I ask myself if I’m speaking to myself in the way I would a friend. Is it kind? Is it Powerful? Is it accurate and helpful? I turn the inner critic into an inner advocate. I’ll talk to myself in the mirror and tell myself “you’ve got this!” which feels funny at first but is incredibly effective in addressing the inner-hater. if I played my internal monologue on a loud speaker, would I be proud of it? If you don’t like the internal conversation that’s happening, take action. Focus is antidote of fear and action to anxiety.

Also, a good playlist. I have a pump up playlist with Beyonce, Lizzo, Bad Bunny and Whitney Houston.

4. how do you manage your time and energy as a working mom?

I focus on the basics like prioritizing sleep and saying no. I use power of no to protect my yes. I often say no to social engagements that I know will keep me out late. I make sure to protect my peace and my energy because my energy is currency. I’m also fueling my body intentionally, and for me that’s a plant-based diet. I sleep 8-9 hours a night. Also, workouts give you more energy as your energetic capacity is fed through movement. Movement metabolizes stress, which can obviously bring our energy levels down. It’s nothing complicated, it’s actually quite simple but tough to do consistently. You just have to start by doing little by little every day.

5. What is your go-to workout when traveling?

Download thePeloton app- there are so many workouts there you can do on the go! I often run outside, do yoga or body weight strength sessions. A body weight workout is an excellent way to stay fit on the go, as you’re using your own body as resistance. Little by little amounts to a lot. One of my favorite workouts is 40 seconds of work, 20 seconds of recovery. I do this all the time when I’m traveling, even in airports. Start with 40 seconds of air squats, recover for 20 seconds. Then repeat it with push ups (modified or unmodified), then a plank, then jumping jacks or high knees for some cardio. Repeat 2-4 times, and you have a super effective workout that’s around 15 minutes or so.

6. What are some of your must-have items in your home gym?

The Peloton app and a set of dumbells. I’m strength training at least 4 or 5 times a week.

Need more Robin to help keep you motivated? Join her classes on Peloton (or download the apphere) and grab a copy of both of her children's books below: