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If there's one thing about Jess Sims, it's that she's going to show up — fully, joyfully, and unapologetically herself. The Peloton instructor and ESPN reporter somehow juggles early morning workouts, cross-country travel, and sideline interviews with a smile that could power a stadium. But what really sets her apart isn't just the hustle; it's the heart she brings to everything she does. "I'm in a season of my life where I'm really prioritizing being present — being where my feet are so I can enjoy the moment," Sims tells Popsugar. "So when I'm at Peloton, I'm at Peloton, and the members are the only things that matter. When I'm on the road for ESPN's College Gameday, I try to take advantage of whatever site we are at to learn as much as possible."
That mindset carried her through what she calls one of the biggest highlights of her career so far: working the Little League World Series. "It was like summer camp," she says. "Spending 12 days with 12-year-olds was so much fun because I got to hear their stories and watch their dreams come true . . . I felt like a kid myself." It's that mix of playfulness and purpose that makes Sims so magnetic.
Even with a packed schedule, she finds time to care for herself in ways that feel good and sustainable. Lately, she's been leaning into red light therapy ("I've been doing it for years — it helps with recovery and brightens my mood") and fueling up with Ka'Chava, a brand she's recently partnered with. "I love getting creative with it," she says, noting how she swaps smoothies for cozy, protein-packed oats in the colder months. Ahead, Sims shares the must-haves that keep her grounded and ready for whatever's next.