The Cody Rigsby Interview
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve likely seen me post about sweaty Peloton classes with my favorite instructor, the delightful Cody Rigsby. So when I had the chance to interview him recently at a media event, you bet your lululemons I jumped at it. Cody isn’t only a celebrated instructor, but also co-host of the Tactful Pettiness podcast and spokesperson for Planet Oat. Herewith is our very fun conversation.
I’ve heard you mention lots of pre-workouts meals, but What is your fave post workout way to refuel?
I like something quick and nutritious, like a smoothie. I put Planet Oat Unsweetened Vanilla in, plus a banana, peanut butter powder, whey or plant protein and a handful of spinach. We’re getting our nutrients, and our greens. I also throw a whole lot of ice in there.
Let’s do some easy math—what percentage would you say nutrition contributes to you being in shape vs fitness? 50-50? 70-30?
This may be surprising, but I think it’s 70 percent nutrition and 30 percent exercise. Exercise is so easy for me. Nutrition–I go through waves of being very locked in and not locked in. That’s just my journey. when
Fill in the blank—I feel my best when…
I feel my best when I am rested, fueled and around people who make me smile. I also feel my best when I’m sitting at home on the bed watching Netflix!
When you’re not chasing down Beyonce somewhere, What’s your ideal Recovery day? What are you doing and eating?
I love a sauna and cold plunge. I know the science is still out on the benefits of cold plunge, but I love that it shows me I can do hard things, which is great for my mental health, plus I feel really energized by it. The sauna is actually harder for me, but I love to sweat and it makes my skin look good.
It’s also a day where I give myself permission to not do anything. As a New Yorker it’s hard to give myself permission to be chill. It can be challenging for me.
I’m going to start my recovery day with something nourishing, like overnight oats. I’m going to use some Planet Oat Unsweetened Vanilla, add some berries on top and some really good peanut butter–not Skippy–just the peanuts and salt kind of peanut butter. Also some eggs for protein. And later in the day I’m going to have a burger–but a really quality one, with gouda on a Portuguese roll with mayo and ketchup.
How does it feel to be responsible for putting thousands of people in a good mood each day?
I don’t think about it like that, but that’s a great perspective. I’m honored that people trust me with their time. Time is precious and we don’t have enough of it.. I try to make it fun by being silly and outrageous.
What’s your favorite type of class to teach?
I love a Pop Ride–it’s my bread and butter. But secretly I love a Hiit + Hills ride because I get to tap into my inner athlete and just shout numbers at people.
We know all types of women adore you. But which demographic are your biggest fans in?
This is interesting…probably suburban women between the ages of 25 to 55 is the key demo. But I feel like it’s anyone that can tap into the nostalgic experience of either being a Millennial or knowing pop culture. Somehow even though we’ve lived in all these different places across the country we’ve still had a similar experience.
Finally, how surprised were you to realize that the Duke daddy from White Lotus was Lucious Malfoy?
You can put a blond wig on someone and it completely changes how they look and if you recognize them. Jason Isaacs is such a good actor. People keep asking me if he and Parker Posey got the North Carolinian accents right and I say yes, I know that family.
BONUS QUESTION
Any advice for creating a leaderboard name?
Here’s the thing–stop making the names so complicated with all these numbers! Don’t block your own blessings! I don’t know what the leaderboard name is, so how am I supposed to give you a shout out? Keep it cute and keep it simple.