Peloton Launched ACL Program to Help Members Recover

Peloton Launches New “Road to Recovery” ACL Program in Collaboration with HSS

Peloton has introduced a specialized ACL Program designed for members recovering from Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery. Titled “Road to Recovery: ACL,” the program was developed in collaboration with experts from the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) as part of their ongoing partnership. This initiative marks another step forward into structured rehabilitation support, offering a guided pathway to help users rebuild strength, stability, and mobility after injury. Previously, Adrian Williams released a Program Called “Road to Recovery: Shoulder.”

The program is broken down into four distinct parts, allowing participants to progress through different stages of recovery. It features a roster of instructors, including Nico Sarani, Cody Rigsby, Denis Morton, and Alex Toussaint, alongside other contributors, led by Jess Sims. Jess experienced knee surgery and recovery herself, making her the perfect person at the helm of this new endeavor.

Interestingly, we see Jess using the resistance band and a step!

Understanding the Partnership with HSS

The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is a globally recognized leader in orthopedics and rheumatology. By partnering with HSS, Peloton aims to provide a curriculum grounded in medical expertise. The content is specifically designed to complement a user’s recovery journey, focusing on safe, effective movement patterns that aid in restoring function to the knee joint.

While the program provides structured guidance, it is intended to support, not replace, professional medical advice or physical therapy. The clear branding of HSS throughout the program materials emphasizes the clinical backing behind the workout structures.

ACL Program Structure and Phases

The ACL Program “Road to Recovery: ACL” is organized into an introductory phase followed by three progressive phases. Each section targets specific recovery milestones based on the timeline since surgery.

Intro Phase: The Foundation

The program begins with an “Intro Phase,” designed to set the groundwork for recovery.

• Duration: 3 weeks
• Content: 15 classes
• Class Length: 5–10 minutes
• Focus: This phase is developed to help restore knee joint mobility, stability, and strength through guided movement and mindful progression. It serves as the entry point for members just cleared to begin more structured movement.

Phase 1: Returning to Movement

Ideally starting in the 7th week of recovery, Phase 1 shifts the focus toward building confidence in movement.

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Content: 31 classes
• Class Length: 10–30 minutes
• Focus: The primary goal is returning to movement with controlled strength. The classes aim to restore lower body stability, flexibility, and confidence, ensuring that the foundational work from the Intro Phase is solidified before moving on to more demanding tasks.

Phase 2: Building Strength and Endurance

Phase 2 is designed to begin approximately 4 months into the recovery process. At this stage, the intensity increases to match the healing timeline.

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Content: 30 classes
• Class Length: 10–30 minutes
• Focus: This phase emphasizes “brute strength” and endurance training. The objective is to restore lower body stability and overall performance, preparing the leg for more dynamic activity.

Phase 3: Advanced Training

The final component, Phase 3, begins four and a half months into recovery. It represents the culmination of the rehabilitation work on the Peloton platform.

• Duration: 6 weeks
• Content: 30 classes
• Class Length: 10–30 minutes
• Focus: This advanced phase concentrates on strength and endurance training to restore power, control, and full functional movement. It bridges the gap between rehabilitation and a return to regular athletic activity.

Click above to watch the video

Jess Sims on the ACL Program Recovery Experience

Recovering from an ACL injury can be demanding both physically and mentally. In a video message, Jess highlights the importance of what happens after the injury, noting that the recovery journey involves more than just the body… it affects emotions and mindset as well. Sims shares, based on her own experience, that post-injury actions are critical, and this is a key reason Peloton has partnered with the Hospital for Special Surgery to deliver evidence-based programming.

The ACL Program was designed to help members return to safe movement and exercise, but it is not a replacement for medical rehabilitation. Instead, the goal is to support gradual improvements in knee stability and rebuild confidence step by step. The program offers a variety of class types, including strength, cardio, mobility, and meditation, providing a holistic approach intended to help rebuild trust in your body.

Sims emphasizes that recovery is a process and not always a straight path. Importantly, she reminds members that recovery does not have to be a solitary experience. The ACL Program aims to provide reliable support, inviting members to start the journey forward together.

The “Road to Recovery: ACL” program represents a robust offering for athletes and everyday users navigating the difficult path of ACL rehabilitation. By offering short, manageable classes ranging from 5 to 30 minutes, the program accommodates the varying energy levels and physical limitations common during recovery.

With a total duration spanning several months and over 100 classes across all phases, the series provides a long-term companion for recovery. The progression from simple mobility work to advanced power training reflects standard physical therapy protocols, ensuring that users do not rush their return to activity.

This addition to Peloton’s library highlights a growing trend of integrating clinical expertise into consumer fitness, providing accessible, expert-backed resources for users with specific medical needs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your physician or physical therapist before beginning any new exercise program, especially when recovering from surgery.

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