Shortly after, she became one of the brands standout instructors in its increasingly diverse talent base.
SELF: You started your professional career as a dancer.
How did you transition into the fitness industry?
Peloton
Jess King:I grew up watching my mom in the physical fitness space.
She was anaerobicsinstructor throughout the 90s and later started personal training and bodybuilding before eventually opening her own gym.
However, I very much resisted becoming that person, since Id always prided myself on being an artist.
They had not yet even opened up the studio.
I was initially very resistant to abandoning my dance career; I had never even been on anexercise bikebefore.
I might be the only instructor ever who never had to audition for Peloton.
I know that would never happen today, and that it was a unique time and a place.
Where did you find that kind of confidence?
Were you intimidated at all?
I wouldnt say I was insecure, but I did realize I needed to develop.
I wasnt intimidated by the audience, being on stage by myself, or riding the bike.
I knew I could ride the bike.
Can you hold a conversation?
I realized that my intentions were good, but I wasnt having the impact that I wanted to.
I wasnt communicating it in a way that was powerful and purposeful.
How has your culture influenced your work as an instructor and your experience with the company?
I cant share too much about our programming yet, but its going to beuna fiesta.
Whats been the most impactful part about working at Peloton for you?
I dont take that lightly.
Im always for more representation, for diversity across every industry.
Youre also an instructor for Pelotons treadmill classes.
Did you have any kind of running background before taking that on?
I knew what I needed to do to train, so I incorporatedrunninginto that protocol.
It taught me resilience and how to be uncomfortable and push through.
So I raised my hand and asked to train on the Tread.
Its safe to say the COVID-19 pandemic uprooted many peoples everyday lives.
How did it affect the way you taught classes?
Peloton really was a blessing during the last year when so many performers lives were put on pause.
My partner, Sophia, is also a performer and singer, and her world tour was canceled.
I saw the impact of that on her.
Its just not a healthy space for anyone when their joy is hijacked.
I think the awareness around the discomfort that we were feeling as a collective influenced my messaging in class.
How have you practiced self-care during this time?
Myself-carewas not extra massages or sleep or anything like that.
Ive also leaned into other creative outlets, like the cooking showOoo Mamithat I host on Instagram with Sophia.
Shes half Mexican, so a lot of our recipes come from our families.
Were always cooking some version of tacos or enchiladas orarroz[rice].
Its very heavily influenced by our Latin culture.
I would say do it because your voice is needed.
Your message and your energy are invited, and I would love to see more Latinos in all spaces.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
