Welcome to Starter Pack, a gear-obsessed series that gives WIRED readers a peek into how notable personalities live, shop, and tinker.
If you’ve ever powered through a Peloton ride, chances are Jess King was pushing you along the way. She was one of the first instructors on the fitness platform, and is still anchoring the company’s offerings during its renaissance today. (Peloton recently upgraded its entire hardware line and launched a new AI-powered fitness service.)
King never intended to become one of Peloton’s most popular instructors. Before connecting with millions of riders, King was a professional dancer, leading Cirque du Soleil shows in Las Vegas and competing on So You Think You Can Dance. She’d never even touched a spin bike until a producer encouraged her to try out.
Raised in Myrtle Beach by her Chilean mother, Ximena Bernales—a fitness legend who transitioned from an aerobics instructor to bodybuilder to gym owner—King grew up in an uber-health-conscious household. Today, King balances her Peloton career with motherhood and a second job as a DJ. “I’m really making it a point to prioritize protein as an essential part of my recovery,” she tells WIRED. “I can really feel a difference when I don’t.”
We caught up with King to break down the essentials that keep her on track.
What’s one item you’d sneak onto Survivor?
Sunscreen. I’m not a sun girly. I love being in the sun while I’m in the shade. [Laughs] I’m a big Caudalie girl.
What’s one item in your life that you think everyone should own?
Having a set of dumbbells around—even like 10- or 15-pound weights—is really important for our long-term health. Staying strong, fighting gravity, supporting longevity, and, especially as women, maintaining bone density. Bodyweight workouts are great. Cardio is great. However, we have to stress the bone so that it continues to grow.
What’s currently in your gym bag?
My Sony headphones, laptop, Hypervolt, an elastic band for warming up, and I keep a little peanut [massage ball] for rolling out my back.
What are your go-to hacks for getting more protein into your diet?
Adding Silk Protein plant-based milk to my coffee. I actually prefer it over powders that can taste chalky. This keeps it smooth and still tasting like coffee, with 13 grams of protein, three grams of fiber, plus nine essential amino acids.
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