Ep 85: There’s Room for All of Us with Kendall Toole, Fitness Leader and Mental Health Advocate
Oct 16, 2024
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Kendall Toole, a fitness leader and mental health advocate formerly with Peloton, discusses the competitive atmosphere in the wellness industry. She emphasizes collaboration over competition among women and talks about her journey of overcoming anxiety and depression. Kendall shares her insights on recognizing signs in life and trusting the process, reflecting on her exit from corporate fitness. The conversation also touches on the importance of mental health, self-acceptance, and the power of community in nurturing well-being.
The podcast emphasizes shifting from a competitive mindset in the wellness industry to one of collaboration and authentic support among practitioners.
Kendall Toole discusses her journey of personal growth shaped by confronting jealousy and using it as a catalyst for self-improvement.
Open conversations about mental health challenges are highlighted as essential for fostering deeper connections and trust within the community.
Deep dives
The Concept of Abundance in Wellness
The podcast discusses the concept of abundance within the wellness community, emphasizing that helping others does not detract from one's business but rather enhances it. The host believes that sharing different methods and supporting others in their journeys reflects a healthy abundance mentality. This attitude can often contrast with the competitive nature prevalent in the fitness and wellness industry, where practitioners sometimes hesitate to support one another. By fostering an energy of assistance and collaboration, individuals can truly thrive and help a greater number of people.
The Dangers of Competition
The podcast highlights the toxic competition within the wellness and fitness industries that detracts from the actual goal of helping others. It notes how many practitioners are so focused on their personal achievements that they overlook the collective goal of improving others’ lives. This competitive mindset leads to an inauthentic atmosphere that can be counterproductive to true wellness. The discussion encourages listeners to prioritize service over personal gain to create a more supportive environment.
Valuing Authentic Connections
The host shares personal experiences regarding the importance of valuing authentic connections rather than superficial relationships based on status or competition. Drawing from her past experiences growing up in Los Angeles, she discusses how associating with certain groups sometimes felt transactional, aimed at validation rather than sincere connection. The emphasis is placed on recognizing genuine relationships that uplift and support instead of those that feed into ego-driven interactions. This approach can foster a healthier community focused on collective growth.
Navigating Jealousy and Personal Growth
The podcast delves into the host's journey with jealousy and the realization of how it impacts personal growth. Initially, she struggled with feelings of intimidation in competitive spaces but learned to redirect these feelings towards personal development. As she acknowledges these challenges, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing these emotions without letting them define her actions. By confronting and addressing these feelings head-on, individuals can foster growth and create an environment that celebrates each other's achievements.
The Power of Honest Conversations
The need for honest conversations around mental health and well-being is emphasized in the podcast, highlighting the importance of vulnerability in building trust and community. The host recalls how sharing her struggles with anxiety and depression fostered deeper connections with others. She encourages listeners to engage in open discussions about their challenges rather than hiding behind facades. This approach can create a supportive space where individuals feel validated and understood in their experiences.
The Significance of Sleep and Self-Care
The podcast highlights the critical role of quality sleep and self-care practices in maintaining mental and physical well-being. The host discusses her nighttime routine, including practices like taking magnesium to enhance sleep quality and preparing herself mentally for the next day. This self-care is not only about physical health but also about creating space for emotional and mental rejuvenation. By prioritizing these practices, individuals can better equip themselves to handle daily stressors and cultivate a positive mindset.
PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains talk of suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.
In this episode, Melissa sits down with Kendall Toole to break down the competitive walls that can arise between women, especially in the fitness industry, and discuss the “unwellness in wellness” that often goes unspoken. They emphasize that there’s room for everyone to shine in their own way and dive into how they’ve dealt with triggers. Kendall shares her journey from landing a job at Peloton without ever teaching a cycling class to navigating her exit from the company. She talks about trusting signs in life—whether it’s career moves or knowing her boyfriend was "the one." With a "let's see" mentality, Kendall opens up about not forcing things, leaning into fears, and her early battles with anxiety brought on by OCD. She candidly discusses her experiences with depression, a suicide attempt, and ultimately, how taking the leap to bet on herself changed her life.
