398. Matt Wilpers, Peloton Instructor

Ali on the Run Show

Ali Feller

Run, Health & Fitness, Women, Inspiration, Runner, Entrepreneur, Sports, Fitness, Health, Running

4.9 • 3.7K Ratings

🗓️ 15 July 2021

⏱️ 73 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

“I want you to understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. I want you to believe in the mission, and I want you to have fun. I want you to enjoy the process, and I want you to know that what you’re doing is a worthwhile endeavor.”

Like many of us, Matt Wilpers grew up wanting to be a marine biologist. ("I was really into whales," he recalls.) Ultimately, he pursued a career in finance, working as an analyst and auditor with KPMG and, later, Goldman Sachs. When he realized the NYC finance lifestyle wasn't for him, Matt decided to go to medical school, and, as a lifelong athlete and former collegiate runner, started teaching fitness classes on the side. Then, just as he was getting ready to pursue his medical career full-time, he got the call from Peloton. Plot twist! Today, Matt is one of Peloton's most popular cycling and treadmill instructors, and has his own coaching business. On this episode, Matt talks about why he's so passionate about coaching, and why getting to help people on their own fitness journeys is "the dream." He talks about coaching actress Lena Dunham, sharing stories about how while he was hired to help her, it was Lena who changed his life. Plus, he shares loads of qualified running advice about overtraining, race day anxiety, and how to "run arrogant" and more confident. Matt is a 2:54 marathoner, 1:17 half marathoner, and 10:38 Ironman who lives in New York City.

SPONSOR: AfterShokz — Visit ontherun.aftershokz.com for 15% off wireless headphones.

What you’ll get on this episode:

On being a great coach (6:10)
What’s making Matt happy right now? (8:15)
Matt’s thoughts on returning to full studios (10:00)
On being nicknamed “The Baby-Faced Assassin,” and how Matt connects with the people taking his class virtually (11:30)
What Matt was like as a kid, and how he got into the finance industry (14:00)
What it was like coaching Lena Dunham (20:40)
How Matt got the Peloton job (23:30)
All about Matt’s coaching philosophy (29:00)
How Matt would describe his Peloton classes (36:00)
What a day in the life looks like for Matt (37:20)
Power Zone Endurance 101 (40:45)
The most common mistake Matt sees runners making, plus how to avoid overtraining (43:30)
How to “run arrogant,” and what that means (50:00)
Matt’s pre-race pep talk (53:50)
What’s next for Matt? (56:45)

What we mention on this episode:

Becs Gentry on Episode 379 of the Ali on the Run Show

Jess Sims on Episode 261 of the Ali on the Run Show

Tunde Oyeneyin on Episode 311 of the Ali on the Run Show

Olivia Amato on Episode 344 of the Ali on the Run Show

Matty Maggiacomo on Episode 350 of the Ali on the Run Show

Precision Nutrition

Jenny Donnelly on Episode 193 of the Ali on the Run Show

Follow Matt:

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Listen & Subscribe:

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Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode of The Alley on the Run Show is brought to you by Aftershocks.
0:04.2	Go to ontherun.aftershocks.com to say 15% on all wireless headphones.
0:10.5	Welcome to The Alley on the Run Show.
0:17.1	I'm your host Allie Felor, and every week I talk with people who are doing cool things on the run and beyond.
0:23.7	We all share that love for running, and that's what brings us all together here.
0:27.8	But of course, there is more to life than what happens on the run itself,
0:31.9	and this show celebrates the in-between.
0:34.7	The water stops, the bathroom breaks, the moments and decisions that have shaped who we are today,
0:40.0	and the wise. Why do we do what we do? And how does getting sweaty factor in?
0:46.0	Today, by very popular demand, Peloton Instructor Matt Wilpers is here.
0:52.8	Matt is a financial analyst, turned pre-med student, turned fitness instructor and coach,
0:58.4	and I wanted to have Matt on the show for a few reasons.
1:01.8	First, because you all sent me so many messages requesting him as a guest.
1:07.3	Second, because I'm always interested in people who've started out on one career path,
1:11.8	and at some point, decided to go a totally different route.
1:15.6	I think those pursue your passion stories are always really interesting and inspiring,
1:20.3	and I wanted to learn more about Matt's decision to go from Goldman Sachs
1:24.1	to world famous fitness coach.
1:26.6	And third, because Matt, to me, he isn't the flashiest instructor on the bike or treadmill.
1:33.2	You probably won't find him dancing on the bike or wearing a costume on the treadmill,
1:37.6	but anyone who takes Matt's classes will tell you that when it comes to coaching,
1:42.0	he is one of the very best. I don't want to say he's all business, because he's more than that.
	...

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