NKO Club Founder Kendall Toole On the Return of “Get ‘Em Banned,” Her Go-To Recovery Gear & More

The former Peloton trainer recently went viral (again) for her “get ’em banned” moment – here, she shares her favorite fitness and wellness must-haves, including the essential that brings “instant relaxation” after exercise

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Former Peloton instructor Kendall Toole has made it her mission to motivate others through movement and mentality – and the revival of her viral moment is a testament to that.

The New York-based fitness trainer’s iconic “get ’em banned” clip from 2023 is seeing new life as people on social media are using its audio in content about setting boundaries. In the resurfaced video, Toole is leading one of her Peloton cycling classes when she urges the company’s control room to ban a new user due to their racist screen name. “We don’t do that here,” she tells the class. “Now I’m pissed.”

It’s been nearly three years since that class, and about two years since Toole left Peloton. In November, she launched NKO Club, a fitness and mental wellness app offering workouts, recipes, meditations and more content inspired by her “Never Knocked Out” philosophy. The resurgence of her viral moment feels like “kismet,” Toole tells Athletech News.

“I had a friend who leads marketing at a large company ask if we planted this. If I were that good I, a) would’ve done this for our launch in November 2025 and, b) should quit NKO Club and start an ad agency instead,” Toole jokes. “The wonderful part is it’s brought to the surface something I deeply believe in: using your power to empower and protect others.

I think all of us have dealt with some form of bullying, whether in childhood or adulthood (and all too often in the workplace). I simply don’t tolerate that in any space or company I choose to keep. Going out on my own and starting NKO Club from my own bank account meant getting very clear on my value and personal values,” she says.

Priced at $29.99 per month (or $20.83 monthly with an annual membership), NKO Club gives fitness lovers and fans access to Toole’s signature beat-fueled strength training, cycling, boxing, Pilates and movement classes; mindset content such as guided gratitude journaling and breathwork; and recipes with built-in grocery lists.

“Starting a company is a little like warp speed therapy. Seeing a core value reflected back on a globally viral scale at such an important time in my own career was a total ‘God-wink’ that the risk I’ve taken to create NKO Club is in total alignment with what I hope to bring to this community,” adds Toole.

She adds, “NKO Club is just in its infancy – it hasn’t even been 3 months, and to already have thousands of members globally is astounding! New features and even more content will be coming to the app so we can work out both at home and in the gym… (little hint) alongside guest instructors and some very innovative ways to incorporate more commercial music for classes. In-person events and community activations are incoming, as is highly requested micro-capsules of merch and apparel that strives to be more lifestyle focused.”

The New York-based trainer gained her following as a Peloton instructor, thanks to her energetic, music-powered cycling and shadowboxing classes and her advocacy for mental health.

The 33-year-old fitness pro left Peloton in 2024 after five years leading some of the platform’s most popular classes. Of the move, she explained on TikTok that it “was time for me to evolve in my career… I’m ready to build something for myself and something much bigger and go after my own dreams.”

Toole reveals that her “get ’em banned” reaction got her in hot water with Peloton higher-ups, but that it was “worth the slap on the wrist.” Ahead, she shares more about how the spirit of that moment reverberates in NKO Club, her pre- and post-workout essentials and her favorite activewear. Read on for more.

Athletech News: How has the revival of the “get ’em banned” moment inspired you to reflect on the past, and why do you think it still resonates with people in 2026?

Kendall Toole: The wild things about living so much of my life publicly, especially from my mid-twenties at Peloton, is looking back and noticing how I was slowly finding my voice and power. When I saw that hideous racist leaderboard name – something I WILL NOT share, I refuse to give a platform to abhorrent rhetoric – I remember both being infuriated but also having the responsibility of leading the class and wanting to ensure anyone who happened to see that name on their screen knew they were safe in my class – and if that meant worrying if my boss would send an email scolding me for my passionate reaction after, so be it. Ironically, exactly what happened but I knew I responded in alignment with my personal values and it was worth the slap on the wrist.

Looking back, now as a business-owner who just launched my own fitness and wellness community, it strikes me as such a beautiful reminder of why I started NKO Club, to create a digital and hopefully one day, physical space for all to feel empowered and welcome to evolve both mentally and physically. Wellness isn’t about assimilating to a cultural expectation but about rebelling against the limitations and gate-kept cultures to express your truest self. To me, true wellness is being abundantly yourself and establishing practices and a lifestyle that supports that daily. My dream is for NKO Club to be a small piece in someone’s reclamation of wellness, knowing they do belong and they are always welcome.

I think the clip is resonating because it’s refreshing to see someone stand up, make noise and hold a boundary to protect others. I’ve been called ‘mother’ on X and TikTok and while I don’t have children yet (shoutout to my Mirena IUD and having the decision to wait for children when I am a little more established in this entrepreneurial path – yay women’s health!), I deeply resonate with the role of “protector” or “mama bear.”

As a woman in 2026, I believe it’s vital to use my voice and stand against the literal and metaphorical “shrinking” we see around us. My father always said, “They can knock you down, but they can never knock you out” – the inspiration behind the name NKO – and I deeply believe if we all walked through the world a little more empowered and aware of our worth, we would build a better world around us.

ATN: Speaking of looking to the future, what else are you excited to pursue in 2026 and beyond with NKO Club or otherwise?

KT: Beyond NKO Club, there’s some incredible conversations occurring on TV I cannot yet speak about, but there is a CPG food product that myself and my partner will be launching this year that we are ecstatic over. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve developed and how we hope to empower others beyond fitness and mental wellness but also in the kitchen…better for you should never sacrifice taste and I’m a foodie at heart!”

ATN: What do your current pre- and post-workout routines look like?

KT: Pre-workout, a few things are non-negotiables for me. A killer playlist: I partnered with Feed.fm for the playlists on NKO Club, and I think there’s absolutely nothing more essential to set the tone for your workout than music. I’ll usually throw on a punk-pop, rap or metal playlist.

Before working out, I’ll sip on water either with electrolytes or creatine, depending on what time of day it is and what I’ve already had to eat or drink that day and what my body needs. Before a heavy lift or cardio session, I’ll snack on something quick and easy like a banana or a piece of toast with jam and honey.

After a workout, staying on top of your foam rolling and post-workout stretching is key to avoiding injury and burnout. I’ll hit a 10-minute stretch session from the NKO Club app whenever I can, and combine that with a few minutes of foam rolling – especially on the lower body. I’ll also have a colorful post-workout meal or smoothie and use a sauna blanket. I adore my Higher Dose Sauna Blanket.

Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Air Fryer

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I love the convenience of my Ninja Crispi Air Fryer when I’m at home. If you’ve been on the fence about trying out an air fryer, this one from Ninja will quickly convince you of what you’ve been missing, with different-sized glass containers, a non-toxic cooking surface and a super sleek look.

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Vuori is a go-to for me – the pieces have unmatched longevity, which is vital for me when it comes to activewear, because I live in it and wash it over and over. One of my favorite sets right now is their AllTheFeels Bra and AllTheForm Legging (I love the Cherry and Riviera Blue colors!)

Vuori AllTheFeels Bra

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Vuori AllTheFeels Legging

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I’m also obsessed with vintage sportswear – ’90s Adidas track pants, baby ringer tees and old jerseys with a 5″ bike short. 

Mother The Itty Bitty Ringer

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Adidas Women’s Essentials 3-Stripes Woven Parachute Pants

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Vuori Daily Shorts

$64

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Salomon XT-Pathway 2 Sneakers

$130

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I love love love Salomon’s shoes to add a little extra edge to whatever fitness clothing I’m wearing.

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Everlast Elite 2 Boxing Shoes

$119.99

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Everlast boxing boots are a must when hitting the heavy bag. They’re supportive but lightweight, so you feel comfortable but free to move, pivot, and duck as you box.

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Everlast Boxing Gloves

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Which brings me to another boxing essential, my NKO Club boxing gloves from Everlast. It’s worth having a good glove if you’re just starting your boxing journey, and this one comes at an accessible price point, but they’re built to last. 

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NKO Club App

$20.83+/mo.

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Of course, one of my essentials is the NKO Club app. It’s the ideal everyday essential that’s always in your back pocket to provide daily workouts, mindfulness practices, recipes and more.

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The Beast Mega 1200 Blender

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One thing I knew I wanted to include in the NKO Club platform was recipes – because how you treat your body in the kitchen matters just as much as how you work out in the gym. I try to fuel my body with primarily whole foods, whether it’s a colorful harvest bowl, a bell pepper boat or my quick Tropical Dream Smoothie made in the Beast Blender.

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Higher Dose Sauna Blanket

$699

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For post-workout recovery, Higher Dose Sauna Blanket‘s got all the benefits of the sauna from home, and I crave the instant relaxation the heat brings after a hard workout.

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Dream Recovery Performance Sleep Mask

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My Dream Recovery Eye Mask is something I never go without – it’s truly blackout and doesn’t slip off my face overnight.

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Eight Sleep Pod 5 Ultra

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Speaking of sleep essentials, I am obsessed with my Eight Sleep. In trying to find a sleeping solution that didn’t involve me waking up in my own sweat, I now find that I dread being away from my bed at home with the quality of sleep I get. I also use it to track my sleep habits and recovery during hectic weeks.

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Aesop Murasaki Aromatique Incense

$49

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My favorite incense is from Aesop. I find scent to be such a powerful mood-shifter, and love finding a scent that matches the tone of each room in the house. It can instantly elevate the vibe of any setting.

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Lululemon Align Tights

$98

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I love my Lululemon Align tights and Energy Bra – and I think you just feel better for your workout when you’re in a matching set. It’s science! A pro tip, if you’re feeling unmotivated to get to your morning workout, set out your outfit the night before. 

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