It was a normal school morning when Ashley Powell was teaching her class, excited about the new strength training workout class she had later that evening she had with one of her favorite instructors. Suddenly, the classroom door opens. A group of the school staff walks in. Then, the school newspaper. Next, a camera crew. Then finally, she felt like she was living in a dream when her idol, who she was planning on working out with, walked in, to surprise and meet with her personally.
On the morning of Wednesday, May 6, the Peloton company and fitness instructor Jessica “Jess” Sims made a visit to Cypress Falls High School where they surprised Algebra II and PALs teacher Ashley Powell after being Houston’s most nominated teacher for Peloton’s Teacher Appreciation Tour.
“It honestly blew me away that so many people took time out of their busy lives to nominate me,” Powell said. “Being able to see myself through my students was such a rewarding experience.”
Peloton and Sims started organizing their Teacher Appreciation Tour when they posted on social media, encouraging followers to nominate themselves, or a teacher in their life. This tour included Peloton and Sims visiting four different cities, Seattle, Houston, Detroit, and finishing off in New York where they are based. Nominated teachers in these cities would have the opportunity to attend a fitness class led by Sims.
“The contest did not mention how many people would be selected in each city, but I knew immediately that I wanted the opportunity to attend,” Powell said. “I ended up sharing the opportunity with all my classes and explaining how much it would mean to me.”
Powell had a number of 92 nominations from her students and peers, which was the highest number for Houston.
“What made this experience especially meaningful was realizing just how many students took the time to nominate me,” Powell said. “I had no idea so many participated.”
Peloton is a fitness company where their training exercise equipment is available with a subscription that includes a variety of online classes that help instruct individuals with preferred types of activity they choose for the day.
“Peloton has had an incredibly positive impact on both my physical and mental health,” Powell said. “Each morning, Peloton helps me ‘fill my cup’ so I can pour into my students and fellow staff members throughout the day.”
Powell incorporates warm up questions into her classes so her students can get to know each other better. A few months ago, she asked the question: ‘If you could meet any celebrity, who would it be and why?’
“And when they asked for my answer, I said Jess Sims,” Powell said. “I explained how motivating and empowering I find her classes, and how she inspires me to push myself while still making fitness fun.”
Sims started off her career when she worked as a teacher in the Houston Independent School District area while in the ‘Teach for America’ organization. She worked in many different positions that included, a kindergarten teacher, third grade teacher, fifth grade teacher, and school administration.
“Yes, you’re giving to your students, you’re giving to your families, but you have to give to yourself,” Sims said. “And one of the best ways that you can do that is through working out and taking care of your mind and body.”
Peloton’s accessible workout classes have made it easier for a variety of people, including Powell, to help fit activity into their busy days and make their lives a little easier.
“Starting my mornings with a workout gives me a sense of accomplishment and positivity before the day even begins,” Powell said. “The strength, confidence, and endorphins I gain from my morning Peloton workouts help me be the best teacher, mom, and wife I can be throughout the day.”
Powell bought her first Peloton equipment, the tread machine, back in 2020, just two years after Sims joined Peloton as a fitness instructor in 2018. Even after their session together, Peloton and Sims continue to make an impact on Powell’s life, offering more opportunities for Sims and Powell to interact at future sessions at their originally based location in New York City.
