Teaching Class vs. Peloton: Why My WHOOP Strain Says It All
As a law professor who’s also an avid Peloton user, I found it interesting that my WHOOP band told me that teaching a bar prep class generated more strain (9.6) than a 30-minute Peloton workout (6.5). On the surface, this comparison seems ridiculous—how can standing at the front of a classroom possibly rival the physical intensity of climbing hills or chasing down Matt Wilper's leaderboard shoutouts?
But the numbers don’t lie.
For those unfamiliar, WHOOP is a wearable fitness and health tracker that monitors your body’s performance and recovery. One of its standout features is the strain metric, which measures the cardiovascular load of activities based on your heart rate. The higher your heart rate and the longer it stays elevated, the more strain you’ll accumulate.
So, what’s going on here? Let’s unpack it—and tie it back to something every law student (and bar prepper) can relate to.
Mental Effort is Physical Effort
Teaching isn’t just about reciting information. It’s about being mentally present and constantly reacting to the room. Are students engaged? Are they confused? Am I adjusting my explanations fast enough? This cognitive demand burns energy and keeps your body in a heightened state of alert—just like when you’re grinding through a challenging ride.
For law students and bar examinees: Remember, cognitive strain is real. When you dive into dense casebooks, take demanding practice tests, or dissect complex essay prompts, you’re not just mentally exerting yourself—you’re placing physical demands on your body as well. Your brain consumes a significant amount of energy when engaged in deep concentration, which can elevate your heart rate and cause physical fatigue. Just as athletes schedule recovery days, you need to prioritize rest and recovery for your mind. Incorporate mindfulness practices, light exercise, or even brief naps to recharge and enhance your retention and problem-solving abilities.
Performance Anxiety is a Factor
Even after years of teaching, there’s always that adrenaline rush before stepping into a classroom. Will the students connect with the material? Will the technology cooperate? Adrenaline doesn’t just spike your heart rate—it also increases strain.
For bar exam takers and anyone facing high-pressure situations: Have you ever noticed your heart racing before opening a practice MBE, walking into an exam simulation, or even preparing for a significant presentation? That’s the same adrenaline surge I feel before stepping into a classroom. This physical response is your body’s way of preparing for a challenge, but unmanaged, it can lead to heightened strain and fatigue. The good news? Controlled exposure to these high-pressure moments—whether it’s a mock exam, live practice essay, or rehearsing a presentation—helps you build endurance, reduce the intensity of that adrenaline spike over time, and teaches you how to manage the pressure effectively. Developing coping strategies, like mindfulness breathing, visualization techniques, or simply practicing more frequently under realistic conditions, can make these moments less daunting and improve your overall performance.
Sustained Engagement Adds Up
In a Peloton class, you know when the intervals will end. Teaching, on the other hand, demands sustained engagement for the entire session. You’re switching gears constantly—presenting material, answering questions, adapting to the flow of the class—all without a scheduled “recovery period.”
For law students and anyone preparing for intellectually demanding tasks: This is why effective preparation isn’t just about studying harder; it’s about studying smarter. Incorporate regular breaks into your study schedule to allow your brain to recover and stay sharp. A popular method is the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes of intense focus followed by a 5-minute break, repeating this cycle four times before taking a longer 15-30 minute break. Alternatively, consider taking 10-minute breaks for every hour of studying to refresh your mind and prevent mental fatigue.
Focus on active engagement strategies that maximize retention. Instead of endless hours of passive reading or highlighting, prioritize methods like spaced repetition and self-assessment exercises to reinforce your understanding. For instance, use your study time to quiz yourself on specific legal rules, write out answers to practice prompts, or apply rules to hypothetical scenarios. These targeted, intentional strategies help you identify weak areas and solidify your grasp on key concepts. Always pair these focused sessions with a comprehensive study schedule to ensure you’re covering all subjects thoroughly. By integrating these methods and regular breaks, you’ll build both stamina and confidence while avoiding burnout.
The Takeaway: Recovery is Key
Whether it’s teaching, cycling, or studying for the bar exam, high strain activities—physical or mental—require intentional recovery. After class, I might hop on a low-strain Peloton recovery ride or take 10 minutes to walk and clear my head. For law students and bar takers, that might mean stepping away from the books for a walk, a workout, or a quick mindfulness session.
The goal isn’t to avoid strain—it’s to manage it, recover from it, and come back stronger.
Now, if only WHOOP gave me a leaderboard ranking for teaching ...
