Peloton Instructor Leanne Hainsby Opens Up About Self-Image Struggles During Chemotherapy

Leanne Hainsby, the Peloton instructor, has opened up about her physical struggles during chemotherapy in a recent Instagram post. The 35-year-old, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2022 and underwent treatment, discussed the changes she had to undergo, including the loss of her hair, in a lengthy post on Monday.

Hainsby shared a cheerful carousel of pictures, including two videos in which she smiled for the camera, explaining that she had to wear long sleeves to heal from surgery, which gave her confidence. She notes, “Over the last six months, I’ve been determined to not let my insecurities about the way I look affect how I’ve shown up. Some days that’s been easier than others.” Hainsby admits that despite feeling fortunate, she had struggled at times.

“People tell me how lucky I am that I didn’t lose my hair. No, I’m not bald, but I did lose my hair,” she clarifies. “I lost over half of it, and every ponytail has been strategically placed to make it less obvious.” She adds that the cold cap and hair shedding during chemotherapy were traumatic.

Hainsby also discusses losing her eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair to chemotherapy, but she had her eyebrows tattooed on and wears false lashes. She explains that hair loss is one of the cruellest parts of cancer treatment and hopes that her openness on the topic can help others going through the same experience.

“To me that felt bizarre quite honestly, but I wonder if it’s because when you focus on how good you can make other people feel they will always look beyond the physical. It becomes less important compared to your magic that goes way beyond the surface, and it’s that magic that leaves the lasting impression. It’s a lesson that I’ve learned first hand and I’ll value it forever more.”

In a previous post, Hainsby revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer last August but was able to continue teaching her classes during her 12-week chemotherapy treatment. She stated that teaching her classes gave her a focus and some sparkle in an otherwise incredibly tough time.