Kendall Toole: The Journey of Resilience and the Birth of NKO Club

Kendall Toole has always been a whirlwind of energy. As a Peloton instructor, she didn’t just lead fitness classes—she inspired millions to push through their limits, especially during the pandemic, a time when many felt lost and unsure. But beneath that vibrant exterior, Toole was battling her own exhaustion. This struggle birthed her latest venture, the Never Knocked Out (NKO) Club, a community designed not just for physical fitness, but mental resilience too.

The Burnout Behind the High-Energy Ride

Kendall’s instructors often joked about her unfading enthusiasm. Yet, she admits there was a time when she felt “out of my skin.” For someone who thrived on high-octane workouts, the signs of burnout crept in slowly but surely. “I loved what I did, but I was very tired,” she recalls. “At one point, I felt numb to things I used to enjoy.”

What she experienced is not uncommon, especially in an industry where pushing through pain is often celebrated. Toole recognized the dangerous path of ignoring mental fatigue, realizing that personal struggles were often overshadowed by her relentless drive to support others. Instead of succumbing to this fatigue, she sought to transform it.

Bridging the Gap: Physical Meets Mental Fitness

Toole’s pivotal realization was an eye-opener: there’s a clear fissure between physical fitness and mental wellness in modern fitness culture. In a world that pushes individuals to lift heavier, run faster, and strive for peak performance, it’s easy to overlook the mental health aspect. “You can’t have one without the other. It’s impossible,” she emphasizes.

This insight laid the groundwork for NKO Club. Not merely a workout program, NKO integrates strength training, boxing, Pilates, and mobility with essential practices like breathwork and gratitude journaling. Toole wanted members to find sustainable wellness instead of quick fixes. “It’s about little wins,” she says, recalling how short mindfulness practices can catalyze significant mental shifts.

Understanding and Rethinking Resilience

But how do we define resilience? As an athlete, Toole has embraced resilience in many forms. However, she now believes that sometimes, true strength lies in acknowledging vulnerability. “We often take pride in pushing through everything, but that’s not always the answer,” she muses.

Toole equates mental strain to physical injuries, hinting at their often invisible nature. Just as an athlete would care for a sprained ankle, prioritizing mental health is essential. She encourages members to respect their mental “injury days”—those moments when rest and gentle movement are necessary for recovery.

A Dark Chapter: The Catalyst for Change

To dive into Toole’s groundbreaking insights, we must address a haunting chapter of her life. Eleven years ago, she faced a period marked by profound disconnection and suicidal thoughts. “It felt like my head wasn’t connected to the rest of my body,” she reflects, recalling the weight of despair that nearly eclipsed her life. It was such dark times that ultimately pushed her toward therapy and self-improvement.

Though those memories may be muted now, the lessons learned have shaped her life mission: to help others prioritize mental health alongside physical training. “I don’t remember significant moments from those months, but I’m grateful. That darkness led me to light,” she shares.

Training for Emotional Longevity

Kendall Toole doesn’t just advocate for mental fitness; she practices it. Her approach is both practical and compassionate. Forget rigid routines or extreme measures; she believes in creating consistency. Toole explains, “If my central nervous system isn’t doing well, my body tells me.”

Her foundational practices include:

1. Morning Mental Reps

Being a morning person didn’t come naturally to her, but she’s learned the power of starting the day with intention. “The first thing I do when I wake up is a three-minute meditation,” she says. This daily habit helps her steer clear of the negativity that can seep in when scrolling through social media.

2. Breathwork Integrated into Workouts

Breathwork plays a central role in her training philosophy. During 15-minute HIIT classes, Toole emphasizes nasal breathing to enhance focus and performance. “Breathing during workouts helps oxygenate the brain so we can be more present,” she notes.

3. Listening to Your Body

Over time, Toole has become adept at recognizing her body’s early warning signs. “When my nervous system is off, I feel it in my upper traps and lower back,” she shares. On those challenging days, she leans into gentler movements and practices, recalibrating her body and mind.

Nurturing Humanity in a Demanding World

In today’s fast-paced society, Toole hits a poignant note. “It’s tough to have a deeply human experience, to protect your humanity,” she states bluntly. For those in the fitness industry, who often pride themselves on their grit, she offers a refreshing perspective: to truly thrive, one must allow space to feel, process, and heal.

Toole believes that bridging the disconnect between mind and body is essential. Movement and breath serve as the tools to pull one back to a state of flow, helping to foster genuine self-awareness before burnout sets in.

What NKO Club Offers

Kendall Toole’s NKO Club aims to blend movement with mindfulness. The app is now live, offering a diverse range of features:

• 50 workouts across various disciplines, including strength training, cycling, and yoga.
• Guided gratitude journaling and mindfulness practices that integrate seamlessly into the fitness journey.
• Balanced recipes and meal planning to encourage nutritious habits.
• Social features to connect members, fostering a sense of community and shared goals.

With a focus on accessibility and adaptability, NKO Club makes sure fitness is enjoyable, engaging, and holistic.

Why This Story Matters

Kendall Toole’s journey is more than just another fitness success story; it’s a profound reminder of the importance of mental health in all walks of life, particularly in fitness. In a world that pushes intensity and output, Toole’s insights help us remember to be kind to ourselves.

Her story teaches us that it’s okay to step back, listen to our bodies, and embrace our vulnerabilities. In an age where disconnection often reigns supreme, Toole shows us the strength in reaching out for support, whether through a fitness club or personal connections.

Next time you feel overwhelmed, think of her words: “Movement and breath are the best ways to pull yourself back to your humanity.” In a society that sometimes glorifies busyness, Toole’s message of balance and resilience resonates deeply. After all, we’re all striving to find that same harmony in our own lives.