Peloton instructor Jess King says therapy improves her spin performance, and it's just as important as stretching

• Peloton instructor Jess King says self-care is key to avoiding burnout.
• She prioritizes physical recovery, and uses tools like therapy and journaling to manage stress.
• King also said it's important to be honest about burnout, and channel stress into creativity.

Peloton instructor Jess King is no stranger to a challenge - teaching an average of eight high-energy bike and tread sessions per week, in addition to her own workouts and personal life, it takes a lot of effort to keep up with her schedule.

But even a fitness rockstar like King has felt the strain of the past year. That's why that taking care of herself is as much of a priority as her full time job, she told Insider.

Physical recovery, like sleeping and foam rolling, and mental health work like regular therapy sessions and journaling have been a crucial part of King's routine.

"In the same way that I show up for class, I'm not going to skip out these things," King said.

Here's what the top Peloton instructor swears by for staying fit and focused even in challenging times.

Physical recovery is key to staying motivated

With King's two-workout-a-day routine, taking time to physically care for her body is just part of the job.

As a fitness celebrity, King does have a care team on deck for services like massage and physical therapy to keep her in top shape.

But you don't need to be a Peloton star to recover like one. King said her most important self-care techniques are sleeping enough (at least eight hours a night) and eating well.

She also relies on DIY techniques such as foam rolling and Epsom salt baths, to prevent muscle soreness and reduce inflammation.

"These are non-negotiable when you work out as much as I do. I want to feel good, I want to feel joyful," King said.

Prioritize your mental health with grounding techniques, journaling, and therapy

But physical well-being isn't the only part of the equation. King also has regular therapy sessions for her mental health, and said it's been a crucial part of her success and stability.

"I have worked my ass off in therapy and mental health and healing so I don't spiral out," she said. "I feel a duty and a responsibility to do that for myself."

Staying mentally healthy, King said, isn't just for herself and her loved ones - it's also necessary for her to be the inspiring, motivating force her Peloton students have come to rely on.

In addition to consistent therapy, King also stays grounded by journaling and keeping a regular routine.

"If I'm not doing that, everything kind of goes off the rails," she said.

Be honest when you're feeling burnt out

But even with her best efforts to cope, King is the first to admit she still has rough days.

"I don't have it figured out, it's not 100% of the time that I feel joyful," she said.

When that happens, though, King said she's learned that sometimes the best way to handle it isn't to power through, but acknowledge that things are hard.

While it can feel vulnerable to admit, she said that her students can often relate to similar feelings themselves, and speaking it can help build a sense of camaraderie and shared energy within the class.

"I'll be honest, I'll say 'Wow I did not want to be here today, but let's make the most of it,'" King said. "There's a resonance for all of us, no one is rainbows and butterflies all the time."