Cover Image: Speak

Speak

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

If you're searching for an empowering and inspiring read that will leave you feeling motivated and ready to conquer any challenge, then Tunde Oyeneyin's "Speak" is the book for you. I expected this memoir to be a typical self-help guide, but it turned out to be so much more.

Tunde Oyeneyin, renowned Peloton instructor and fitness star, takes us on an intimate journey through her own experiences of grief, setbacks, and self-discovery. With her trademark blend of positivity, empathy, and genuine wisdom, she shares how she transformed her flaws and obstacles into personal growth, self-confidence, and triumph. While her book appeals to fans of Shonda Rhimes, Brene Brown, and Glennon Doyle, it offers a unique perspective from a physical trainer's point of view.

What sets "Speak" apart from other motivational books is the profound connection it establishes with its readers. I've read this book shortly after losing my father, and I was pleasantly surprised by the relatability of Tunde's story. When a friend warned me about her own losses, I felt a deeper sense of connection and curiosity. Tunde's experience of losing her younger brother resonated with me as someone who has also faced the devastating loss of a sibling. Finding books that tackle sibling loss is rare, but Tunde's candid portrayal of her emotions struck a chord with me.

As the narrative unfolded, Tunde's resilience and hope shone through the raw pain and anguish she shared. "Speak" is not merely a collection of catchphrases from a fitness instructor; it is an authentic and personal account of Tunde's journey towards discovering her internal voice—a voice she generously shares with us on and off the bike. Although her contagious energy and sculpted arms make me want to hop on my bike or pick up weights, it is her ability to motivate me in my personal life, where I spend most of my time, that truly captivated me.

Tunde guides readers through each step of the SPEAK acronym—Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge—offering practical lessons and tangible advice for transforming our own lives. Her accessible blueprint for positive change empowers anyone seeking to make a difference in their lives, regardless of their current circumstances. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or not, Tunde's story will inspire you to embrace life's challenges, nurture self-confidence, and live intentionally.

Tunde Oyeneyin's "Speak" is a remarkable memoir-manifesto-guide that surpasses expectations. With her heartfelt storytelling, relatability, and contagious enthusiasm, Tunde touches the hearts of readers and encourages them to embrace their own inner voices. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and ready to take on the world. And remember, the journey to self-discovery and personal growth doesn't have to begin on a bike—it starts within you. So, let's SPEAK our truth and live life with purpose, on purpose!

Was this review helpful?

I love reading Tunde's story! She has been one of my favorite Peloton instructors since I joined, her energy is amazing and her upper body workouts are tough! But I also loved learning about the person beyond the screen, who she is in real life. Tunde did not have it easy, she experienced a lot of loss and bad relationships with other people and herself. It was uplifting to see how she became comfortable in her own skin and that the journey that she went through. I did however, find some of the inspirational parts kind of cheesy. I'm not really a self-help kind of reader and it read that way at the end of each chapter. Some was very inspirational and some was a little cringy. But overall, I loved the book and I loved her story!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Was this review helpful?

A good read with some motivational aspects related to careers and making changes. Though I respect her journey, I wasn’t a huge fan of the weight loss/body image commentary. It was nice to hear more about Tunde’s family. I need to take more of her rides!

Was this review helpful?

Tunde Oyeneyin is a treasure. Already a fan of her work as a force of nature on a Peloton, I couldn’t wait to devour her autobiography. It did not disappoint! I loved her honesty, her journey and learning more about her life. Brava!

Was this review helpful?

QOTD: What music have you been enjoying lately?
Y’all know I’m an (elder) emo kid, but lately the turn in weather has me cranking up classic southern rock. It just has such a windows down vibe to it.

BOOK REVIEW:
Speak by @tune2tunde, Pub day: May 3

Tunde Oyeneyin is one of my favorite Peloton instructors (highly recommend the Beyoncé ride with @alextoussaint25) and host of the Fitness Flipped podcast. So, when I saw saw she had a book coming out, I knew I needed to get my hands on it.

At first I was afraid this would be a bit of a bummer. Tunde, who used to be plus-sized, starts the book talking about body image, how she knew she had weight to lose in high school and with her mom’s encouragement took that as a personal challenge. I wouldn’t say I take a strict HAES (health at every size) approach to my health/fitness, but as someone who is plus-size, works out every day and remains plus-sized, I was concerned about where she’d take me (the reader) from there, but it moves more body positive.

Speak, is definitely a memoir + pseudo self-help blend. I loved learning so much more about her personal life. It’s funny because you feel like you know the instructors that you’re riding with, but this was a good reminder of their personhood off of the bike. As much as I appreciate positive affirmations and manifesting things on the bike, though, self-help usually doesn’t appeal to me as a genre. Those bits were a little meh for me.

I’d recommend this for Peloton riders obviously, but also for anyone wanting to challenge themselves to try a new direction and/or learning to trust their instincts.

Thanks @librofm & @simon.audio for the gifted audiobook. It was great to hear Tunde’s familiar voice read her own words.
Thanks @netgalley @avidreaderpress for early ebook access

#tunde #peloton #speak #netgalley #onepeloton #onepelotonfamily #pelotonbike #pelotonmomsbookclub #pelotonmoms #pelotoncycle #pelotoncommunity #arcreview #bookrelease #netgalleyreads #advancedreaderscopy #librofm #alcs #audiobooks #audiobookreview #audiobookstagram #memoir #selfhelpbooks #tundeoyeneyin #fitnessflipped #fitness #spinclass #spinbike #pelotonfamily #ebookgratis

Was this review helpful?

"My life has required me to be resilient, and I carry what I learned in my most traumatic moments with me in everything I do. We don’t choose what happens to us, we choose how we react to it. Today’s a new day; choose to be new in it."

I'm a huge fan of Tunde's from Peloton but this book isn't just for people who are already familiar with her. Her story is beyond inspiring and as she moves through each topic of SPEAK (Surrender, Power, Empathy, Authenticity, and Knowledge), she shares anecdotes from her life and lessons on how to live your best life with honesty and humor. I'm not big into self-help and this was just the right amount of motivation without being over the top.

Thanks to Avid Reader Press and Simon & Schuster for the copy to review.

Was this review helpful?

I’m a Peloton addict, so of course I had to read this memoir by Peloton instructor Tunde. She’s not one of the instructors I’ve taken the most classes with, but I always enjoy her classes when I do take them - her warm and positive energy just shines right through the screen. And that same positive energy shines right out of the book too!

It’s part memoir, part self-help - discussing everything from her family, friends, relationship, career, and insecurities - along with her advice on how to speak up and live your most authentic life. I’m personally not really a self-help reader, so while I love the affirmations when I’m on the bike, in book form I think I would have preferred this if she had stuck more to the memoir side of things and told those in a more chronological manner - but I will say that the advice she gives, while a little generic, certainly seems like good advice and is offered quite sincerely. Not the best memoir I’ve ever read, but I enjoyed it, and I’m sure most other peloton fans will enjoy it as well. And after finishing it, you better believe I jumped on the bike and did a Tunde ride!

3.5 stars

Was this review helpful?

Tunde is one of my favorite Peloton instructors. if you know me, even a little, you know I am obsessed with my Peloton bike. That bike quite literally helped changed my life. In 2019, I decided to put me first and make a physical, healthy change. In 2020, Peloton found, encouraged, helped, and motivated me find me.

I have never felt more connected to a person I don’t even know, than I do after reading (listening - do the audio, Tunde narrates) this book. Tunde addresses body image and not fitting into a bridesmaids dress - yeah, been there, felt that.

Tunde’s mom gives the BEST advice. It’s hilarious to hear her talk about fellow peloton instructors during her audition. Her story is encouraging, motivating, heartbreaking and strong. Tunde - you already had a fan in me; I hope this review gets you a few more xo.

Read or listen to this if you’re a peloton enthusiast like myself, if you need motivation to find yourself, or if you want an uplifting life story.

Was this review helpful?

Tunde is a goddess among us- both on and off the bike. Her notorious arm workouts had me hooked so I was thrilled for an ARC of her book, Speak. I loved it and didn’t want it to end. I feel like I have a much deeper glimpse into her journey and her why’s for what she does. She is inspiring and I will recommend this book highly- just sent a copy to my best friend, who is my pelo partner in crime.

Thank you the author, editor, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Loved this book so much! Tunde is an inspiration, and I've always loved taking her Peloton classes. It was amazing to hear more about her life and upbringing and how she got to where she is in the Peloton community.

Was this review helpful?

My name is Alecia and I am a Peloton addict.

When I saw that one of my favorite instructors Tunde Oyeneyin was publishing a book, I had to read it. SPEAK is Tunde’s journey from overweight youngster to makeup maven to cycling royalty and I devoured it!

If you’ve followed me for a minute you will notice that I am completely obsessed with Peloton, I own way too much apparel, I Insta-stalk all the instructors, I compete for badges and Tunde is my go-to instructor when I want to get my A$$ kicked. Tunde always inspires me. The way she motivates, encourages, and her overall energy keeps me coming back to the bike.

Her book has stories of success and failures, the deaths of her parents and brother, how she overcomes them with grace and humility. She focuses on how her positive attitude, belief in herself and being authentic to who you are. It’s a great mix of autobiography and inspirational book full of highlightable quotes.

“Find your voice, trust your gut, and SPEAK because we’re all listening”

Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Tunde Oyeneyin shares so much of herself in Speak. She is an encouragement on and off the Peloton and readers from all walks of life will enjoy her story.

Moving from childhood through different pivotal moments of her life Oyeneyin encourages readers to trust themselves and learn from their own lived experiences. She does not shy away from difficult topics, and the moments she talks of race are educational and vulnerable. I am thankful for her willingness to share herself with her readers and to let us learn from her.

Was this review helpful?

Having been a proud member of the Peloton family since 2018 picking this book was an automatic draw. Having found Tunde when she joined the crew of instructors and loving her style and her passion made it even more of a no-brainer to pick up. I do think, however, that had I never even heard of Peloton I would have fallen in love with this book.

Tunde brings us through several different phases of her life. We meet her family, her friends and most importantly Tunde herself. Tunde is raw and open and shares her stories and turns them into nuggets of wisdom. She is, by nature, a motivating and engaging soul. She is driven and has a purpose she strives for and helps push others to reach their purpose and goals.

This book didn't feel self-helpy but at the same time had the motivational nuggets throughout so it could be taken in that realm. I enjoyed reading the ebook version of this but do wish I could have heard her narrate it herself as I would imagine it would only increase the experience of the book and her stories.

Was this review helpful?

I am obsessed with Peloton and Tunde is one of my favorite instructors. This book made me love her even more. I really enjoyed getting to know her story more in depth. I also found it extremely motivating without being preachy. This is one of my favorite books so far this year. I highly recommend, especially if you love peloton.

Was this review helpful?

Blessedly this is not a challenging read. It is a book I wished had a better editor to tighten up the sections and really draw out the key takeaways per chapter. (However, if the print edition does this better than the e-arc I received through NetGalley, I'll be glad to hear it.) Many times, I felt as if the stories rambled early on and I had to take a break from the book. I didn't mind the lack of a linear narrative, that the writing needed to jump around her life in order to shape whatever was needed for various chapters. Bit by bit, it took me a little over a week to get through this slim volume and, in the end, I am still unable to connect what SPEAK means.

Nevertheless, I have great respect for Tunde's story and style. I'm sure she is a role model and inspiration for many.

Was this review helpful?

I have been an avid Peloton user for about a year. When I heard Tunde was writing a book, I needed to read it! I was thrilled to be approved for an ARC and I absolutely loved it! She is such a great writer and I love her even more after reading her story. Highly recommend this memoir.

Was this review helpful?

LOVE TUNDE! This audio was fantastic & even if you're not a Peloton fan, this is definitely worth reading. So well done & so many great stories and lessons. Highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

This audiobook was perfect company for my packing for my trip and my driving yesterday as it was @tune2tunde new book and she killed it with this one! I’ve been a @onepeloton podcast fan and app person and now bike baby and she brings that and more to this one! It’s part memoir and part joy-be you girl but done well!

I recommend this to everyone not just Peloton people as there is something for everyone in it! Her narration is done very well as well!

I loved the part of being you and her talking about chopping off her hair - I’ve always had a love hate relationship with my curly hair so thought I would do a post with it as I’m starting to not only love the curly but now the grays as well 🤣❤️

A huge thank you to @librofm and @simon.audio for this ALC!!! 😘😘

Was this review helpful?

I never highlight books on my kindle and I put highlights all over this book. There were so many things that Tunde said that I want to remember, especially her point that life comes in seasons. I loved how she was so vulnerable when she spoke about how she was rejected by Peloton the first time. She is truly an amazing woman and a great public speaker. I was able to see her in NYC on her book tour.

Was this review helpful?

I was introduced to Tunde through my pandemic purchase of choice: my Peloton. I LOVE her energy, grit and positivity during her rides, and Speak does not disappoint. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an empowering memoir, riders and readers alike!

Was this review helpful?