How Peloton Can Help Support Student Wellness During Finals Week

It can be tempting for students to skip workouts in favor of extra cram sessions during finals week, but making time for exercise between exams and essays has its benefits. Not only is physical activity known to help improve your mood and reduce stress, but studies suggest that exercise can enhance cognitive performance and have positive effects on memory function. Prioritizing fitness during finals can also help students work in study breaks, which research indicates may be helpful for learning outcomes and increasing productivity. 

For college rec directors, incorporating Peloton equipment into the campus rec center can help students establish regular fitness routines that work within their busy semester schedules and stick to them during the stress of exams. In a 2022 Peloton survey of 150 U.S.-based full-time college and graduate students, 2 out of 3 of students said they would use their school gym more if it had access to the Peloton Bike or App.

Ahead, we’ve highlighted six ways universities can incorporate Peloton Bike, Bike+, and Row into their finals week activity programming and ideas that’ll encourage your students to reset, recharge, and reap the many benefits of movement. 

Curated Workout Classes—Straight to Your Inbox

Cut down on decision fatigue during finals week by sending out a daily campus rec center newsletter featuring a curation of Peloton classes of various lengths students can take on your Bike, Bike+, or Row at the rec center. Kick off the week with good vibes by showcasing upbeat Feel Good and Live DJ rides. Highlight the benefit of gentle movement and endurance training in times of stress with a selection of Low-Impact rides. Finally, showcase 10-minute rowing workouts, quick HIIT rides, or speedy bootcamp sessions that remind students that even when you’re short on time, you can get in a great workout.

Extended Rec Center Hours 

Give students more opportunities to fit in a workout by extending rec center hours. Even an extra hour in the morning and evening can make a huge difference when planning around a final exams schedule, which may cause students to switch up their regular gym routines due to modified testing locations and times. Paired with Peloton’s extensive class library, which features classes as short as five minutes to as long as 120 minutes, this convenience will be even more appealing for students. 

Brain Food Pop-Ups 

Help students refuel after a morning workout or fuel up before a long exam with healthy grab-and-go food stations at the rec center or around campus. Taking care of a nutrient-rich meal or a well-balanced mid-day snack during finals week will save them time and may even make it easier for them to fit in a quick ride or row. 

Themed Group Fitness Classes 

A group fitness event is the perfect break from the books for those looking for an uplifting workout and a chance to connect with friends. Browse through Peloton’s 300+ Artist Series classes and choose programming that’ll motivate students to show up to sweat together at the rec center. Peloton’s extensive library features workouts set against the tracks of legendary acts like Taylor Swift, Zach Bryan, Beyoncé, and more. Reserve the Peloton equipment in your rec center so students can all begin their workout at the same time, or create a Session with your school’s Tag Group around a pre-scheduled Live class that students can join from the rec center or dorm.

Self-Care Stations

Host stress-reducing activities at the rec center so that students can unwind between exams. Think 15-minute chair massages from licensed massage therapists, college activewear decorating stations, or group meditation classes. Students can keep the good vibes going with endorphin-pumping workouts on your rec center’s Peloton equipment. 

Peloton App One Promotion 

With Peloton’s App discount for students, they can experience Peloton App One for only $6.99 per month. App One gives users the ability to access thousands of Peloton workouts, from pilates classes to outdoor runs to strength classes, at any time of day, no matter where they are. Who says you can’t do a quick 10-minute meditation class in the library? 

Making fitness more approachable and accessible with world-class equipment and thoughtful, engaging programming during finals week will help bolster student wellbeing and teach students healthy habits and stress-relief techniques that last well beyond their college years. 

Interested in bringing Peloton to your rec center?