Dr. Rebecca Wadlinger, an associate professor in Orthopaedics at Duke University, was recently featured in The Peloton Report: Spring Wellness Trends, a national study examining how seasonal changes affect Americans’ fitness and mental health habits. Her insights contributed to Peloton’s broader understanding of how physical activity can support mental well-being—especially during seasonal transitions that may trigger conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
As a practicing orthopaedic surgeon and wellness advocate, Wadlinger emphasized the importance of movement as a tool for both physical and emotional resilience.
“Exercise doesn’t just strengthen the body—it’s a powerful way to regulate mood, reduce stress, and reconnect with purpose,” she noted in the report.
The Peloton study found that 7 in 10 respondents pay more attention to their mental health as the weather warms, and nearly three-quarters agree that everyday activities, such as walking a pet or gardening, can be considered workouts. Wadlinger’s perspective helped frame these findings within a clinical context, highlighting how even low-impact movement can play a role in managing symptoms of SAD and improving overall wellness.
Her contribution reflects Duke Orthopaedics’ commitment to whole-person care, where physical health and mental well-being are deeply interconnected. Wadlinger’s work continues to inspire patients and peers alike to embrace movement not just as a treatment, but as a way of life.
To read the full Peloton report, visit Peloton Press: Spring Wellness Trends.