Peloton instructor Olivia Amato recently shared an unforgettable moment from a November 2025 running class, recounting how she lent a shirt to Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo, a principal star of the highly anticipated "Wicked" film adaptation. The unexpected wardrobe assist occurred during a special "Wicked: For Good" artist series collaboration, solidifying a memory Amato described as something she would "absolutely never be over."
The incident unfolded as Amato, a prominent 34-year-old Peloton cycling and run coach, joined Erivo and fellow trainer Matty Maggiacomo to lead a 45-minute Walk + Run class. This unique fitness experience was part of Peloton’s broader artist series, designed to integrate popular culture and celebrity appeal into its digital workout offerings. For Amato, a self-proclaimed fervent fan of the "Wicked" musical, the opportunity to collaborate with one of its leading stars was already a significant career highlight.
Cynthia Erivo’s Ascent and the "Wicked" Phenomenon
Cynthia Erivo, 39, has rapidly become one of Hollywood’s most distinguished talents, celebrated for her powerful vocal performances and commanding stage presence. Her journey to international acclaim includes a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for "The Color Purple" on Broadway, a Grammy for the same production’s cast album, and an Emmy for her performance on "The Today Show." She is also an Academy Award nominee, placing her one Oscar away from achieving EGOT status.
Erivo is set to portray Elphaba, the iconic green-skinned witch, in Universal Pictures’ two-part "Wicked" film adaptation, with "Wicked: Part One" scheduled for release in November 2024 and "Wicked: Part Two" in November 2025. Her involvement has generated immense anticipation among fans of the beloved musical and cinema enthusiasts alike. The "Wicked: For Good" artist series on Peloton served as a timely promotional event, connecting the film’s star directly with a massive global fitness community.
The Unforgettable Treadmill Collaboration
The special Peloton class, which took place in November 2025, saw Olivia Amato on the treadmill directly beside Cynthia Erivo, a setup designed to foster an intimate and engaging experience for participants. Amato exclusively told OK! magazine that working with Erivo was "truly so special." She praised Erivo’s incredible talent, deep intentionality, and genuinely kind and wonderful personality, highlighting how "every movement and every moment felt purposeful and grounded."
The lending of a shirt, while a minor detail, added a human touch to the high-profile collaboration, underscoring the spontaneous and often relatable moments that can arise even between celebrities and fitness professionals. For Amato, this personal interaction with a star she deeply admires elevated the entire experience beyond a typical workout session. The event resonated strongly with Peloton’s community, showcasing the brand’s ability to attract and feature top-tier talent.
Olivia Amato’s Passion for "Wicked" and Fitness
Amato’s enthusiasm for the "Wicked" universe is well-documented. She shared her deep connection to the musical, citing her attendance at the premiere at Lincoln Center in New York City and even dressing her dogs as the characters Elphaba and Glinda for Halloween. In an Instagram post pinned to her profile, she affectionately referred to Erivo as "our queen," demonstrating the profound impact the collaboration had on her.
Her personal fandom for "Wicked" and Erivo added an authentic layer to the partnership, making her excitement palpable to her followers and Peloton members. Amato also revealed her dream artist series would feature pop superstar Ariana Grande, who portrays Glinda in the "Wicked" films, indicating her continued desire to blend her passion for music and entertainment with her fitness career. These personal insights highlight the genuine connections Peloton instructors often forge with the content they feature.
Amato’s Transformative Career Journey
Before becoming a household name in the fitness world, Olivia Amato navigated a significantly different career path in finance. She worked as an Equity Electronic Sales Trader at Jefferies, a role she occupied during 2015 and 2016. While she openly admits she "doesn’t miss" the finance industry, Amato expresses profound gratitude for the lessons learned during that chapter of her life.
This period, she explained, taught her the importance of "building things with real intention" and, crucially, "how to really listen to my gut." Amato reflected that the finance world "didn’t feel right" for her, and had she followed conventional expectations, she wouldn’t be where she is today. Her transition into fitness, marked by joining Peloton in April 2018, exemplifies a commitment to aligning her career with her true self, a message that resonates deeply with many seeking personal and professional fulfillment.
Evolving as a Peloton Instructor and Building Community
With eight years under her belt as a Peloton instructor, Olivia Amato remains dedicated to her craft, emphasizing continuous growth and connection. She articulated her philosophy on teaching, stating, "I never want to teach on autopilot." Amato actively engages with her community, listens to her body, and follows her creative impulses to keep her classes fresh and relevant. This approach ensures her work remains dynamic and prevents stagnation in an ever-evolving fitness landscape.
Her motivation extends beyond the physical workout. For Amato, "the people" are at the core of her dedication. She values the "connection, the shared effort, the feeling of showing up together and choosing to move, even on hard days." She views her role as creating "a space where people feel strong, seen, and supported," a mission that she finds "incredibly meaningful." This commitment to fostering a supportive community is a hallmark of Peloton’s appeal and a testament to Amato’s leadership within the platform.
Beyond the Treadmill: Philanthropy and Personal Branding
Olivia Amato’s influence extends beyond her Peloton classes, as she actively cultivates her personal brand and engages in philanthropic endeavors. A lifelong dog lover, Amato recently collaborated with Companion Candles on an exclusive "Doggie Date" candle, launched specifically for Valentine’s Day. This initiative combined her affection for animals with a charitable cause, with 15 percent of all sales earmarked for Veg ER, an organization dedicated to supporting pets in need.
Amato shared that her first word was "doggy," underscoring her deep, innate connection to animals. She finds immense joy in rescue work, particularly in witnessing dogs with difficult beginnings find loving homes. This passion for animal welfare provides a "grounding" purpose in her daily life. The "Doggie Date" candle, inspired by "unconditional love, cozy nights, and the kind of connection that feels like home," reflects Amato’s authentic values and her desire to make a positive impact beyond the fitness studio. This blend of fitness, personal passion, and philanthropy further solidifies her multifaceted public persona.
