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 she 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, 3 grams of fiber, plus nine essential amino acids.
Are you a coffee person?
Yes. It’s my favorite ritual every single day. I put some Silk Protein with a little bit of So Delicious Cocowhip on top—I even travel with my Cocowhip. Protein is one of the most important things for cognitive health and to get my brain kick-started, but coffee is my zen, my meditation before a busy day.
What are your top three travel essentials?
Promix Electrolytes, my Hypervolt, and my Sony headphones.
As a DJ, what's one piece of gear that you would recommend to anyone who's just starting out?
Software. Rekordbox is what everyone uses—it's what I use. There's also an app called Mixed In Key, but the most helpful thing for learning how to transition or what songs would go well together has been matching the key. That’s been essential for me as a beginner. And backup USBs.
What's the most underrated object in your life?
A hand blender. I use it all the time, blending my coffee in the morning, making protein shakes, and I’ll give my electrolytes a good blend and make something frothy. I have five. I always keep one in my bag because it comes in handy all the time. Easy to travel with, easy to clean, and I like it because my kids will end up playing with it, and I know they can’t get hurt. (Ed. note: As long as it's not plugged in.)
When you want to treat yourself, what do you reach for?
A babysitter.
What would you add to your Starter Pack?
Ammonium lactate lotion. My skin and I struggle, and I don’t think a lot of people know about this lotion, but my doctor recommended it to me. It keeps your skin soft, and if your skin gets dry or you have a hard time exfoliating, it works the best for me over time. I use Perrigo.
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