Kendall Toole shocks Peloton riders by announcing her sudden departure six months after she slammed critics who took issue with her after she proudly displayed Christian faith during classes
- Kendall Toole, 31, said she's closing 'her chapter' with Peloton on Instagram
- Toole has amassed over one million followers since joining the company in 2019
One of the most popular faces on Peloton shocked fans on Wednesday by announcing her sudden departure as an instructor.
Kendall Toole, 31, said in a post on her Instagram Reel that she was parting ways with the New York City-based company after five years.
'It's with great consideration and many, many, many hours of reflection, but I'm choosing to close my chapter at Peloton,' she wrote. Her last class will take place on June 29 with the rest of her sessions remaining on demand.
Toole described her time with Peloton as 'incredible' and 'life-changing' while also thanking her fans for 'letting me into our homes, into your hearts and in many times — I hope — into the shadowy parts of your mind where sometimes things can get a little tough.'
In January, the University of Southern California graduate hit back when she was criticized by some riders for 'getting preachy' in classes and her wearing of a crucifix during classes.
'It's not only ok but beautiful to be open about your beliefs and spiritual practices while ALSO LOVING AND RESPECTFUL of others beliefs as well,' wrote in response to the critics.
Kendall Toole attends Variety's 2023 Power Of Women Presented By Lifetime at The Grill in April
In announcing her departure, Toole reminded her fans that it wasn't the last they would be seeing of her
In announcing her departure, Toole reminded her fans that it wasn't the last they would be seeing of her.
'Before we get too emotional, I don't want you to think I'm saying goodbye. I'm not, this is just a shift. I'll be continuing to check in on social media and far beyond. This is more of a 'I'll see you on the next chapter' kind of an energy,' she joked.
'Stay tuned for what’s next and I will see you in the next adventure. Love you.'
Toole is known as a mental health advocate as well as for her fitness training. During her time at Peloton, Toole amassed nearly one million followers on Instagram.
It's not clear how much Toole's salary is worth at the time of her departure. In 2019, trainer Jess Sims told The Wall Street Journal that her pay deal was six figures and came with stock options.
Bloomberg reported in 2021 that top trainers were paid around $500,000, including base wage and stock options.
Toole went on to thank her fans for for sweating with me, for crying with me, for growing and evolving with me and every single way we’ve committed to showing up for ourselves so we can show up for those around us in our life.'
Toole quoted her father in her conclusion saying: 'They can knock you down but they can NEVER knock you out.'
Toole slammed critics earlier this year who took aim at her for constantly wearing a crucifix during classes
Toole is known as a mental health advocate as well as for her fitness training. During her time at Peloton, Toole amassed nearly one million followers on Instagram
In addressing her Christian faith in January, Toole was explicit stating: 'I’m actually very proud of my faith.'
The fitness influencer went on to apologize to other Christians that may have been offended by the comments made by critics.
'Oftentimes, myself included, people have used religion and often Christianity to condone their judgmental and hateful actions as a way to promote their own identities and egos,' she wrote.
'But that’s not what the core of Christianity is, in fact it’s very much the opposite.'
Toole added that it's her belief that Christianity should not make you feel superior to others and that her religion leaves her feeling 'humbled consistently.' She went on to say that she doesn't use it to 'think that I'm above somebody else.'
As she went on, Toole described going to religious services with Jewish, Hindu and Muslim friends.
One of Toole's followers asked her if she would ever consider doing a Christian ride, she didn't respond to that query.
Toole attends the 9th Annual Revels & Revelations In Support Of Teen Mental Health at City Winery in 2021
In 2022, Toole made an appearance on NBC's Today to speak about her battle with anxiety and depression.
During that interview, she discussed her suicidal thoughts.
'It scares me to this day to say how seriously I was considering (ending my life). I was so tired of feeling pain that I just couldn’t feel anything anymore. The numbness was suffocating. Feeling numb is dangerous territory,' she told Carson Daly.
'I saw in that moment what would become of my family... I couldn't do that to them,' Toole said.
During a separate interview with Forbes in 2022, Toole said that she first encountered suicidal thoughts during her senior year at USC, where she was a star cheerleader and gymnastics star.
'At that moment, I had an out of body experience, sort of like in It’s A Wonderful Life. I saw how my decision would affect the people I loved the most, especially my parents and my brother. And then, I looked at my phone,' she said.
'My mom had just called me 15 times. That motherly instinct? It is so real. Even that instinct with the people you love – if you feel like something's off, always reach out. Always trust your gut. We are far more connected than we realize.'
