How Exercise Helps Peloton’s Female Physician Community Manage Stress

The last year has been tough for all of us, but it’s been especially difficult for those on the frontlines of the pandemic. These are the true heroes who have risen up in a time of need, sacrificing so much to help others.

We’ve been proud to hear how Peloton classes have been helping many health care workers cope during this time. For International Women’s Day, we spoke to some of the Members in the Peloton female physician community about how classes help them manage stress—and what it’s been like to find a sense of community along the way.

Prioritizing Physical and Mental Health

Health care professionals have a lot on their minds right now, whether it’s the needs of their patients or methods of keeping their families safe.

Member Emily F., an E.R. doctor in Columbus, Ohio, started to work out with Peloton daily at the start of the pandemic. She found the Bike and app helped “to get rid of all of the nervous stuff that came along with the anxiety of this year.”

She’ll do a strength class or ride in the morning before work, often opting for workouts with instructor Cody Rigsby. “He’s just a happy escape for me,” she says. “He’s fun. I can forget about everything else, laugh and have a good time.”

Emily has even learned to appreciate a meditation class after a shift. “It’s the personality of an E.R. doc to not sit quietly and peacefully,” she explains, “but it has been nice to slow down once I get home at the end of the night.”

Member Jagu A., a neonatal intensive care doctor in St. Louis, Missouri, has also looked to Peloton classes for a bit of relief. She formed a group of her immediate coworkers—including other doctors, nurse practitioners, therapists and more—to ride together once a week. “It’s been really great for our team camaraderie during COVID to just do something fun together,” she says.

Finding this peace of mind has become crucial for many women working in health care. They need to take care of themselves too, after all.

Member Christine B., an anesthesiologist in Colorado, thinks about this whenever she takes Peloton classes. “As physicians, we need to better ourselves to help others, make it through these stressful times and see a brighter future,” she says.

Meaningful Words

Sometimes, a Peloton instructor says exactly what you need to hear to stay motivated. Emily remembers a class where instructor Robin Arzón spoke about how lucky we were to breathe air into our lungs.

“I’ve seen so many people struggling to breathe without assistance this year, and I am fortunate to be one of these people that can do this,” Emily says. “That felt profound to me.”

Similarly, Alex Toussaint's words have struck a chord with Christine B. during her early morning workouts.

“Just hearing him say, ‘Be grateful you woke up today,’ it really reminds us that we are lucky to be around,” she says.

And for Jagu, the Alicia Keys strength class with Jess Sims was an emotional experience.

“I was sobbing like a baby,” she says. “The instructor says something that triggers you when you didn’t even realize that you were holding it all in and keeping it together for everyone.”

A Supportive Community

The Peloton female physician community is strong with over 9,000 riding under the tag #PFP (Peloton Female Physicians) and over 2,700 at #PMPG (Physician Mom Peloton Group).

But it’s not only high fives on the Leaderboard. This group of women supports each other outside of classes too, celebrating Bike and Tread milestones as well as professional achievements and life wins. They’ve even come together to provide meals to other Members going through a loss or a hard time.

“As awful as things have been and how much hate we have seen,” Jagu says, “this group just reminds me that there are good people in the world that care about you and want to help.”

A Supportive Community

The Peloton female physician community is strong with over 9,000 riding under the tag #PFP (Peloton Female Physicians) and over 2,700 at #PMPG (Physician Mom Peloton Group).

But it’s not only high fives on the Leaderboard. This group of women supports each other outside of classes too, celebrating Bike and Tread milestones as well as professional achievements and life wins. They’ve even come together to provide meals to other Members going through a loss or a hard time.

“As awful as things have been and how much hate we have seen,” Jagu says, “this group just reminds me that there are good people in the world that care about you and want to help.”

Inspired by Peloton’s female physicians? Read on to learn about the incredible Mocha Spin Docs community.