Finding Fitness and Balance with Cody Rigsby
In Episode 114 of the Kitchen Confidante Podcast, Liren chats with Cody Rigsby about the importance of balance in our lives, whether that is eating a wholesome, protein-packed breakfast, practicing mindfulness, ordering UberEats, exercising your butt off, or indulging in a Halloween Oreo!
On the podcast, I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Cody Rigsby. Cody became a household name as a Peloton cycling instructor, dancer (you may have cheered him on in Dancing with the Stars), and New York Times best-selling author of his memoir, XOXO, Cody: An Opinionated Homosexual’s Guide to Self-Love, Relationships, and Tactful Pettiness.
In this episode, we chat about the importance of balance in our lives, whether that is eating a wholesome, protein-packed breakfast, practicing mindfulness, ordering UberEats, exercising your butt off, or indulging in a Halloween Oreo!
Listen to the full episode or keep reading for some of the highlights from our conversation.
How did you get started in the fitness industry?
I was born in Los Angeles and lived there until I was eight before moving with my mom to North Carolina. Growing up, I thought my path would be acting and I studied it for a while, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. I shifted into fashion merchandising, but after graduation, I moved to New York City and pursued my dream of dancing professionally.
For about five years, I danced hip-hop and jazz, working with artists like Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry, and at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. But after a few years, I found myself wanting something different. While working at a Lower East Side club, an opportunity landed in my inbox: Peloton was hiring performers with an interest in fitness. I applied, got the job, and it completely changed my life.
At first, I had no idea what I was doing, but I had the determination to succeed and the freedom to show up as myself. I leaned into humor and authenticity, breaking away from the stereotype of the “perfect” fitness instructor. People connected with that energy. Then the pandemic happened, and Peloton exploded; suddenly, I was reaching people around the world. That opened doors to Dancing with the Stars, writing a New York Times bestselling book, and launching a podcast.
“For most people, the biggest hurdle to fitness is fear—people worry about doing it wrong or embarrassing themselves. My job is to take that fear away and make it fun.”
Tell us more about your morning routine and what you eat to fuel your day
These days, my mornings are about simplicity and balance. I usually wake up around 6:30 a.m., start with a big glass of water, and ease into the day with coffee and a big, balanced breakfast before heading into my workout.
I don’t overcomplicate my meals. I focus on balanced, protein-rich foods to fuel my body and keep me satisfied. Small meals throughout the day help me avoid getting too hungry, and protein is always the anchor—it supports muscle growth, keeps me full, and naturally limits the space for less nourishing foods.
I follow the 80/20 rule: 80 percent wholesome foods, 20 percent flexibility. Meal prep helps me stay consistent, but I don’t obsess over it. I cook with function in mind: protein first, then veggies, then carbs. I try to limit carbs late at night, but I don’t restrict them entirely. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s finding a routine that makes you feel good and sticking with it.
“I cook for function to get my macros and am actually not the best cook. But I do make a good French toast.”
Learn more
Listen to the full podcast episode with Cody Rigsby here. You can follow on Instagram @codyrigsby and listen to Cody’s Podcast, Tactful Pettiness @tactfulpettiness.
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