Author: jenthornfit

Pomegranates: The most beautiful, yet intimidating, fruit to prepare…

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment

image

It’s Pomegranate season!!! And if you’re like me and love the idea of using this lusciously beautiful (and healthy) fruit, but were never really sure how to cut, clean, or prepare it… Today is your lucky day! Here is your foolproof way on how to prepare, ideas on how to use, and all the nutritional benefits of incorporating Pomegranate seeds in your diet!

How to prepare a Pomegranate (don’t freak out, it’s actually much easier than you think)…

1. Before you prepare your pomegranate, remove any white clothing or wear an old apron as these babies are messy and their juice stains! Not only will it stain your clothes but your cutting board as well, which, if this happens, can easily be fixed with a little solution of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice.

2. With a sharp knife, slice 1/4-inch off of the stem end of the pomegranate and place the pomegranate cut side down on the cutting board to stabilize it. The pomegranate’s blossom end, the one that looks like a crown, should be on top.

3. Then just cut right down the middle to halve the pomegranate exposing the seeds.

4. For this next part, place a large bowl filled half way with cold water in your sink. Then working in sections, gently use your fingertips to pry away the seeds (or arils) from the peel and membranes. The seeds will sink to the bottom of the water while pieces of membrane will float to the top, making it easier to separate the membranes from the seeds.

image

5. Using a slotted spoon skim the pieces of membrane off the top of the water, stopping to swirl the seeds around several times with your fingers – to allow any lingering pieces to float to the top.

6. Strain remaining seeds and voila… Beautiful, luscious pomegranate seeds for days! You can store the remaining seeds in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.

image

Our favorite way to enjoy pomegranate seeds are in salads or mixed with plain yogurt and walnuts, or mixed in with our oatmeal!

And these little bursts of sweetness don’t just taste good, they are good for you too…

Research shows that pomegranates can help prevent or treat various disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, oxidative stress, hyperglycemia and inflammation. Pomegranates have even been shown to provide anticarcinogenic effects. That’s right, pomegranate seeds can prevent and treat certain forms of cancer!

What about pomegranate nutrition? They’re loaded with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. Another list the pomegranate makes — the top 10 aphrodisiac foods!

So now you know how to prepare them, how to enjoy them, and what they do for your body! So eat up buttercup!

Josi’s Transformation Story…

~ jenthornfit ~ 2 Comments

image

If I had to pick one word to describe my friend Josi, it would be PASSIONATE. Josi lives her life fearlessly and with a fervor I don’t know I’ve ever seen before; she lives hard, loves hard, plays hard – but does so with intention, not recklessly. I first met Josi as a student in one of my Barre classes at Pursue Movement Studio. My first thought was “this girl knows how to work” and second “she knows how to move.” Because despite what some may say or think, there is a rhythm, a flow if you will, that exists in a (good) barre class – similar to the “flow” one would find in a mindful yoga practice or even a dance. This was actually one of the main reasons I was drawn to the barre practice; as someone who spent their life dancing, I appreciated the intelligent sequencing, the targeting of specific muscle groups – while at the same time the focus on maintaining posture and alignment within the movement. And Josi, well, this girl got me from day one!

You want to know how to become a fitness instructors “teacher’s pet”? Take their corrections and apply, then come back the next week for more. You want to get better at your practice? Seek humility – do things that challenge you and that maybe don’t look so pretty, and keep coming back week after week – willing to fail and to fall. This is what makes a great student, and this is the type of person Josi is and the type of student she is.

Beyond our mutual appreciation for movement, we also share a love for music. You see barre can, quite frankly, really suck sometimes. Like when you are really “in it”, struggling, shaking, everything in your body trembling and crying out to “quit” – that’s where the importance of a really good, blood pumping, push-you-past-your-edge song comes into play! If you’ve ever taken a barre class, a good one, you know what I’m talking about! I always love seeing my students, and especially Josi, get lost in a song while doing the work; they close their eyes, they are breathing, they are usually dripping with sweat, and sometimes even mouthing the words to the song – if they know it! It’s as if something primal takes over and the human connection to music, to sound, carries you through! If you’ve experienced it, it’s pretty powerful! I know Josi both experienced and appreciated it because a few months into attending my classes she started sending me song links from Spotify with a text that said something like “Wouldn’t this be a great song for thigh set?”, or “What about this for the stretch?”.  Or we would chat after class and she would ask me “What’s that song you played for second seat set?”. And so our relationship blossomed out of an appreciation for hard work and a love of really good music!

After some time Josi decided she wanted to go a little bit deeper with her health and wellness, than just a few barre classes every week, so she signed up to participate in one of my monthly virtual Bootcamps. At the time she shared with me that she was struggling with the nutrition component of her health and wellness and needed some direction and accountability. I remember she said to me “just tell me what to do and I will do it.” And I knew she would. So we embarked on a 30 day journey together and now I want to share Josi’s experience with you in her own words:

“It has taken all of my life to understand that fitness and thoughtful living aren’t a punishment or a task to struggle through but a gift that I can give to myself. In fact, I have learned that there is no greater act of self love than treating your body as you would a temple. My journey to this place has been one of self-loathing and countless false starts; to me, my body was this enemy that trapped me inside of a shell that I hated and barely understood. We didn’t work together, this body and me. And then one day I walked through the doors of a movement studio and in to one of Jen’s barre classes. I was suffering from a broken heart and all the self-loathing that comes with it. So to say that I arrived broken and beaten at her feet is not an understatement. It was kind of my “Hail Mary” moment; I had completely given up on myself. Somehow I just kept going and thank God I did. A few classes in and I was totally hooked. Not just on the small, mindful movements, but on Jen and her conscientious way of shaping our bodies. Little by little she gained my trust and I found myself looking to her for confidence and advice. I knew that putting my physical self in her hands would be worthwhile. And it was. I joined one of her private virtual Bootcamps and watched my body change into something new, something that I looked at with love. The most surprising thing about it all was that she truly cares about my progress. Daily texts to check in on me and my progress kept me honest, while her words of advice kept me on track. Jen continues to go so far above and beyond for me and all of her students, I always know that I can go to her for anything, including my upcoming knee surgery and my fears that I will lose what I have gained. Her faith, knowledge and kindness have helped me bridge the gap between myself and this body that I now love so very much. As I continue to grow, Jen is with me every step of the way and for that I will be forever grateful.”

image

Today Josi underwent knee surgery from an old injury. She went into surgery stronger than I have ever seen her before and with an unmatched confidence and focus! I know this surgery, while just a minor bump along her health and fitness journey, will bring her back stronger than ever! Join me in praying for this beautiful, fierce, strong woman tonight and that she makes a swift and full recovery! Love you girl!!!

 

Self Care > Self Control

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment

image.png3 women whom I greatly respect and admire and who are far wiser than I, coined this saying – and it is one I will be putting to practice A LOT this week.

As someone who struggled with eating disorders and body image growing up, the holidays – particularly those centered around food – were a complete nightmare for me. Rather than being able to enjoy time spent in fellowship and laughter with family and friends, I spent it a nervous wreck; going over in my mind all the ways I could get out of having to eat and lie my way out of enduring a 4 or 5 course meal. I also remember after recovering from my eating disorder, going in the complete opposite direction of restriction and engaging in absolute gluttony. To be honest I really struggled with this “all or nothing mentality” for a very long time. I only saw food as “good” or “bad” and honestly it wasn’t until I started training to be a wellness coach that I began to understand the concepts of food as fuel, food as medicine, and food as nourishment. Which is why this saying of “self care > self control” really resonated with me.

This holiday season I am excited about all the parties and dinners, appetizers and desserts, because I know that with this motto as my guide, I can joyously say yes to things that are going to fuel and honor my body, but not go overboard – as that wouldn’t. I don’t have to restrict myself because extreme dieting and self-control does not honor my body. Therefore I can have a grateful attitude towards food and be thankful for all the things it does for my body – not just focus on wether or not it’s “bad” or “good.” And I don’t have to spend my evenings lying to the ones I love most to avoid eating; I can sit at a party and actually enjoy the food, the people, the smiles, the laughter the making of memories!

So thankful for beautiful sisters in Christ and fellow teammates, Emily Copeland, Liz Patton, and Michelle Myers for challenging me in this! When our actions honor our bodies, it becomes about making the most out of our time in these vessels and maximizing the talents, skills, and gifts we’ve been given to serve others. Whereas choosing restriction and obsessive control can isolate us from others and carry us far away from our intended purpose and passions. It’s only by the grace of God that I found my way out of that dark rabbit hole! Wishing you a week of good food, good drink, good company and lots of memory making!!!

Ladies, embrace your uniqueness!

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment

image.jpeg

“Our generation is becoming so busy trying to prove that women can do what men can do that women are losing their uniqueness. Women weren’t created to do everything a man can do…. Women were created to do everything a man can’t do.” – Author Unknown
Coming off quite a weekend of illness and craziness in the Thorn household… It can best be summed up by lots of puking, lots of coughing, and lots of boogers. I’m kinda the last man (woman) standing and praying for God’s grace and protection in keeping me healthy… At least until backup (thank you mom and dad) arrives for Thanksgiving.
Was just thinking how easy it is to go to that place of self-pity and frustration when life gets a little overwhelming and then, by God’s grace, reminding myself that it’s little tests like this that produce endurance.

 

It’s amazing how as women and mothers, God gives us opportunities like these to really shine in our roles; because they make us realize we can’t succeed on our OWN but that we MUST rely on Him. I am sitting here in absolute wonder of His faithfulness, the blessing of my amazing husband, and the two little gifts he has entrusted us with! Being a mother is an exalted calling, one in which we were perfectly designed for! Tonight I’m thankful for our uniqueness; our ability to grow, birth, and sustain life; serve and nurture our families, and to LOVE fiercely – despite lack of sleep, food, or energy!
Tonight I’m thinking about all my fellow mamas out there who are in it! Take heart knowing that you were made for this! God chose you, specifically you to be the mother of your child/children and when you feel you are being tested it is only to make you better in that role! Embrace it ladies!

Workout Review: Core de Force

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment
Because I tried out this FREE new workout, $10 was donated to Big Brother Big Sister of America today!   That’s what I call productive multi-tasking!!
So here’s the sped-up, condensed version of this 30 minute MMA style workout called CORE DE FORCE – along with my review!  I LOVE that CDF is packed with the best of MMA-inspired training; Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai knee-elbow combinations, bodyweight training, and cardio spikes! I also love that each 3-minute “round” includes a new move/combo plus a bonus cardio burst (jump rope, burpees, etc). And I love the energy of the instructors and creators of CDF, Jericho Matthews and Joel Freeman.
All in all, this is one of the best new at-home workouts I’ve seen on the market in awhile; mostly because it’s refreshing and there’s nothing else like it currently on the market.  And because taking martial arts and survival based movement that literally dates back hundreds of centuries, then making them applicable and functional to today’s society – is just awesome! And did I mention it’s FUN and you kind of feel like a bad a** doing it????
There’s really nothing I can say that I didn’t like about Core de Force but I do have two cautionary suggestions. If you have sensitive knees, are returning to working out after a knee injury, or you are prone to knee injuries I honestly would not recommend this program.  As I mentioned above, this is a full body workout meaning you work from your feet to the crown of your head and there is so much foot work, specifically pivoting that it could be a knee injury waiting to happen – notice I took this entire video without shoes because I could not pivot on carpet (there’s another tip for you, if you do at-home workouts in your carpeted bedroom or living room, you are going to want to do this one sans shoes).
Also, if you are just coming back from having a baby, being pregnant or are currently pregnant, or generally have any strain, injury or have incurred trauma to your pelvis or pelvis area, I would also steer clear of CDF.  Expecting mommies, there is far too much twisting in this program and it’s FAST so you are more likely to injury yourself or do harm to your baby with all that jerky twisting (closed twisting is not recommended for expecting mothers because it can reduce oxygen flow to your baby).  Post natal mommies, I do not recommend this program until you are AT LEAST 3 months post partum and then I would personally wait longer, here’s why – all that twisting requires a lot of work from the transverse abdominus or your “corset” muscle which attaches at the top of your pubic symphysis.  If you just had a baby, your pelvis is still healing from expanding and birthing a baby – not to mention every other muscle in your pelvic floor which is also healing post-baby.  The moves in this workout, when done effectively, should target your entire core and pelvic floor which are used to stabilize your skeletal body.  During pregnancy, breastfeeding, and up to 4 months after you finish breastfeeding there is a little hormone in your body called relaxin that basically acts as a lubricant to your joints, ligaments, and muscles making them more susceptible to injury (allows your body to “open” and birth a baby).  If you do go for this workout post pregnancy/while breastfeeding follow the modifier (who is great by the way) and ease your way into the workout to learn the moves before going all in and risking a chance of injury!
And if you want to learn more, comment below or shoot me an email at: jenthornfit@gmail.com!

My number one tip when returning to exercise post-pregnancy…

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment
image
My amazing mommies and littles at my Mommy & Me Barre class

We interrupt this programming to bring you the cutest pic of babies and beautiful mommies you have ever seen!!! Love these amazing women from my Mommy & Me Barre class who encourage, inspire, and support each other week in and week out!

Even if you can’t get to a Mommy & Me Barre class, there are a few things you should keep in mind when returning to exercise post-pregnancy:

Consult your physician: get the green light from your OB BEFORE returning to exercise, and please, please, please wait at least 6 weeks (minimum) before returning to an exercise “regime.” Ladies, I don’t care how great you feel, your body just underwent major trauma! There is no way you can SAFELY return to exercise days after birth because the muscles of your abdomen, including your transverse abdominus, your rectus abdominus, and pelvic floor – cannot SAFELY support your skeletal structure after birth! Because of the explosion of hormones your body released to allow the bones, joints, and ligaments to soften, widen, and expand (to birth a baby), everything is still soft and pliable… aka more susceptible to injury and slower healing post-delivery. Picture trying to balance a 10 pound dumbbell on a piece of overcooked spaghetti… you feel me???

So do yourselves a favor (and me, please) just take a moment to focus on what’s really important; focus on healing, nurturing, and nourishing your body; focus on connecting with and getting to know your baby – you learn them and they learn you; give yourself permission to love on, and let others love on you; spend your time cuddling, learning what your baby likes and dislikes, how they like to be soothed. And don’t even get me started on learning the art of breastfeeding (that’s another post entirely)!

Moms are superhuman… seriously, y’all amaze me! We can pretty much do ANYTHING! But what I want you to ask yourself is “Why?” and “Should I?”. To whom are your choices truly benefitting… You? Your ego? Your baby? Your family? Your health? Like honestly, let’s stop for a moment and remind ourselves that being “healthy” does not mean fitting into our pre-pregnancy lulu lemon yoga pants or having six pack abs (despite what most other “fitness” accounts say/show you)! Being a “healthy mom” starts from the inside; it starts from your heart, your soul and your mind!

And PS, these are the things I talk about with my clients I coach one-on-one in my monthly support groups for new moms! My next group starts Monday 10/31 and is open to new moms (don’t have to be a first time mom), with babies 3-12 months old. Email me at 📧 jenthornfit@gmail.com if you want to learn more!

LOVE > hate

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment

image

My whole world… Why I do what I do. Every decision, every action, every thought, holding them all captive to how it affects these 3 people right here. I find myself just wanting to protect them from the evil and darkness that exists in this world, so much hate, so much anger being spewed left and right and up and down. And it’s so LOUD!
This week I have challenged myself and I’m challenging you too; to be light, be love, show love, to show compassion to someone in need, encourage someone who is different than you, to embrace the fact that while we are all different we are all HUMAN; black, brown, red, white, Christian, Jew, republican, democrat…. we all bleed red.
Guess I’m just feeling so discouraged by the incessant montage of judgements, opinions and attacks on people’s character in the past few weeks. How about instead of posting, slandering, or criticizing someone’s performance or character this week we just lift up another human being??? How about we celebrate someone’s accomplishments, encourage, inspire, and uplift???? Can you imagine if for one day the focus was on spreading LOVE instead of spewing HATE??? I’m doing it, I’m making a choice this week to spread love. I don’t want my kids to grow up in a world where the only thing they hear or experience everyday is hate, darkness, and judgement. Anyone else ready for a change? We have to be it, we are responsible firsthand for what our littles see, hear, and experience. Who is going to make a commitment to spread LOVE this week???

Motherhood and identifying your true calling…

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment

image.jpeg

This is what business meetings in my life look like today… me pumping, one of my amazing mentors breastfeeding… and the two of us dreaming and visioneering!

I remember before I had Ethan, my first, so many people told me “oh get ready, your life is about to change” or “life will never be the same” and some even said, “you are going to have to give up a lot.” Well, what I have found is that motherhood can either make you focus on all the things you “CAN’T” do anymore OR it provides an opportunity for you to focus on what’s truly important – where your true calling lies and what you should really be doing with your life. I will emphasize that this is a choice – if you feel a pull towards one area, but it takes away from your primary callings of wife and mother, it may be time to reevaluate those priorities (read Famous in Heaven and at Home for more on this)! But, if an opportunity comes your way that allows you to honor your primary callings as wife and mother – give it a second look!
It’s true that “your greatest calling in life may not be something you do but someone you raise” – Andy Stanley. I’m so thankful that motherhood taught me this valuable lesson, and I’m so thankful for women like this in my life. Women who not only allow me to make the choice to put my family first but who encourage it and who inspire me to dream big while honoring my priorities at the same time. Two people have been pivotal in teaching this to me and I am truly thankful for both of them, Danielle Haigh and Michelle Myers. Do you have women like this in your life??? If so, make sure you tell them thank you for inspiring and supporting you in this area.
Here’s to all the mamas out there who are leading, serving, and making a difference in the world right where they are! Motherhood doesn’t have to hold us back, in fact it can only make us better; better stewards of our life, our bodies, and our gifts and unique talents! Have a great weekend friends!!!

Haley’s Testimonial Story…. “I tried hard for ME!”

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment

deming-family

Haley with her beautiful family!

I am so excited to share Haley’s testimonial with you today!  I was fortunate enough to work with Haley in one of my virtual bootcamps last summer.  She is a student of mine at Pursue Movement Studio, a boutique barre, yoga, and fitness studio where I teach in Jackson Hole, WY. She is also a current participant in my Famous in Heaven and at Home faith-based Virtual Bootcamp.  Famous in Heaven and at Home is a character study of the Proverbs 31 woman written by my mentor, Michelle Myers.  If you have not read it, do yourself a favor, and go pick up a copy right now!!!  Your life will be forever blessed and mind completely blown by this book!!!

Haley is what we would consider someone who has chosen to make health and fitness part of her lifestyle.  I’m sure if you asked her about it she would be the first to tell you there is no one magic shake, quick fix, or anything fast and easy that yields lasting results.  As you can see from my introduction, she is constantly working to make herself stronger, feel healthier, and is always willing to try new things!  She would also tell you that with fitness, there is no final destination, there is only a very fulfilling, at times challenging, journey that makes you stronger; not just physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually as well!  Here is Haley’s experience working with me as a coach, in her own words….

“Jen Thorn is the most amazing coach! She continues to inspire me each day with her strength in the studio, in the kitchen and in her daily devotion. I got to know Jen through her barre classes at Pursue Movement Studio, and she has completely changed by outlook on fitness and nutrition. I was brave enough to join one of her 60-day health and fitness challenges last summer and I have never looked back.

 

I have participated in workout challenges in the past and tried hard “for my team” or for the “prize”, but last summer was the first time I tried hard for me. And not just for the duration of the challenge, I felt like it was my first official life change! I’ve finally figured it out…daily workouts, plus nutrition is the only way to stay healthy!

I’ve definitely been one to indulge and even overindulged in the past, and during the challenge I quit drinking alcohol for 60 days! It was amazing! I gave myself a break maybe twice during social gatherings and it made me so much more thankful for that “sip” of indulgence vs. expecting it.

I’m down 10 pounds from day 1 but I’m feeling so good! I’m glad this is a 60 day challenge because then all the good habits become a way of life (hopefully)!

And by the way, I even rocked getting up at 5:45 a.m. in the morning and running with a neighbor 3 and 5 miles!!! Man, I’m sore but the “I think I can” approach is rebuilding my confidence.”

haley

In addition to attending my barre classes at Pursue Movement Studio and several other classes including Kettlebell (one of her favorites), Haley has also used two of my absolute favorite Beachbody programs to stay fit and healthy.  Last summer she committed to Chalene Johnson’s PiYo workout and this summer she has been using Autumn Calabrese’s 21 Day Fix Extreme!  I haven’t figured out which one she likes better yet but Haley used to be a dancer so I think her body naturally gravitates towards the flow and breath-filled movements of PiYo.  Now she is so strong, she can do anything – you should see the girl do pushups!!!

As you can see, Haley is still on her own journey but she has fallen in love with health and fitness so much that she decided to pay it forward and become a wellness coach on our Team.  Team Refine is a group of helpers seeking to become better through testing and serve others in health.  Our team was founded off of James 1:2-3:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

We are mothers, daughters, sons, health professionals, health rookies, and just people who found something that worked for them and now want to pay it forward!  I am honored that Haley let me be a small part of her story and so proud of all her hard work, dedication, and the type of woman and role model she is becoming for her husband, her children, her family and friends!

If you want help writing your own story, my next virtual bootcamp starts this coming Monday, September 26.  Fitness + Nutrition + Accountability + Support is what worked for Haley…let’s see if it works for you!  Just fill out the form below or email me at jenthornfit@gmail.com for additional information!

Go back

Your message has been sent

April’s Testimonial Story: Healthy living, one change at a time

~ jenthornfit ~ Leave a comment

april-preuss-pregnancyHi Guys!  I am so excited to share with you April’s transformation story.  I love this story because it is not the typical tale of someone trying to “lose weight” it is the story of an expecting mama looking to prepare her body for a healthy pregnancy and do the best for herself and the growing life inside of her!  Just thinking about this girl gives me goosebumps as she is such an incredible woman with a beautiful heart for the Lord, for others, and for life!

April and her husband Cam work with my husband in the National Park.  When I first met her, I had heard that she and Cam were runners and trained vigorously throughout the year training for both half and full marathons.  So naturally, being a non-runner (my personal best is maybe 7 miles…and that’s being generous to myself) I immediately was intimidated by her; I thought she was fierce and beyond any “help” my coaching services could provide.  Almost two years ago we somehow started a conversation about nutrition (maybe she remembers the exact details better than my old mom brain will) but I was just waiting for her to teach me something about nutrition as I just assumed as an extreme runner/athlete she would have it all figured out.  Turns out, she was looking for something to help keep her energized and sustain her through her long training runs and that actually benefitted her body rather than just spiked her blood sugar.  So we got her started on Shakeology and within a few weeks she recognized a noticeable difference, here’s what she had to say about it in her own words:

“I’ve been running half marathons since 2012, and I was struggling to fuel my body properly for my long runs.  If I didn’t fuel just right, I would get nauseous or I would completely run out of energy.  A little over a year ago I started Shakeology.  I knew my diet needed to improve, and I was curious how it would affect my running.  Within the first week I noticed that I had more energy whether I was running that day or not.  It was also easier to wake up in the morning.  I started to have a shake about an hour before my long run, and with the first run I noticed the difference.  I hit my stride earlier, and my energy lasted the entire run.  My husband was skeptical at first and wasn’t interested in trying the “shakes”.  However, about a month after I started, he tried a chocolate shake and has been hooked ever since.  When we travel overnight for races we always pack our blender!  It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a race, and we wouldn’t consider anything else now. Even when we’re not training for a race, we often replace lunch with a shake.  We notice that we have more energy and feel better overall throughout the day.” 

A little less than a year ago, April reached out to me again to talk about nutrition, but this time it wasn’t just for her, it was for the budding life she was now growing inside of her! April was very honest with me about the fact that in college she struggled with her weight and body image, and said it took her a really long time to lose the extra weight she put on. She was concerned because once she started putting on weight during her pregnancy, all of those “insecure feelings” from college came flooding right back:

“I tell you the first pound I put on brought back all of those feelings. Even though I knew that this time around the weight gain was for a good reason, it was healthy, I still struggled with it.”

April was also very honest about the fact that based on what everyone had “told” her about pregnancy “the aches, pains, weight gain, exhaustion,” etc., left her feeling dispirited about being pregnant. But she had resolved herself NOT to feel this way and she was going to do everything she could to create the healthiest environment for her body to grow this little baby, and hopefully feel great!

Because April was an avid runner, she, like many of us, told herself that she could pretty much eat whatever she wanted:

“Because I was logging a lot of miles I didn’t think I had to focus on the intensity of my workouts or eat healthy…but logging a lot of miles doesn’t make you a healthy and active person.   I was eating poorly and I wasn’t investing good quality time into workouts I was doing.  I didn’t have anyone holding me accountable so I didn’t feel like I needed to do those “things”.”

Those “things” included eating for nourishment, training for strength and with a purpose, and learning what a healthy balanced diet looks like.  So, I introduced April to the 21 Day Fix.  Now don’t freak out, I wasn’t prescribing a “diet” to a pregnant woman; the 21 Day Fix allows you to calculate your calorie intake to achieve different goals.  April’s goal was to learn exactly what a healthy balanced diet looked like, gain a healthy amount of weight according to her body as determined  between herself and her OB, and to create the optimum environment for her bodily systems to function and grow/support life.  We got April off and running (not literally) on the accessible, no-nonsense approach towards portion eating and 30 minute workouts of the 21 Day Fix and here is her personal testimonial about that experience:

“I wasn’t that excited about being pregnant and the whole process.  While I did experience some pregnancy discomfort, I found, I was able to overcome those things through a sound fitness & eating program.  Before Jen introduced me to the 21 Day Fix, I thought eating plans were bland, left you feeling hungry all the time, and I thought all I would be able to eat were raw vegetables.  Thankfully the 21 Day Fix wasn’t like that at all!  The eating plan on the 21 Day Fix left me feeling full and boosted my energy, which I really did need some days (I was growing a human being).  About a week in, both my husband and I noticed our cravings for high fat, processed, and other unhealthy foods had greatly diminished and we both recognized a noticeable difference in our energy levels.  We also noticed how bad we felt on the days we were not fueling our bodies with proper nutrition and nourishing food. The attention to form and detail in the 21 Day Fix workouts was also unlike anything I had ever done before. And there’s nothing more motivating to push through a few seconds of an exercise than knowing that you have to push out a baby in a few weeks.  But I must admit that the biggest change I noticed was a more positive body image.  About one week into the three-week workout program, all of the mental strength I was gaining from the strength training really kicked-in; I started feeling different about my body without even realizing it.  One morning I just woke up and didn’t have those insecure feelings anymore – I felt stronger than I ever had before and I felt good about my body, even though I was putting weight on for pregnancy.  Knowing that the choices I was making daily, even though some days those choices weren’t easy, because I felt tired or uncomfortable or “large”, but knowing they were the benefit of myself and my baby really helped me build mental strength.  It was so empowering to know that what I was doing for my body was helping me overcome some of the pregnancy symptoms that I would be experiencing otherwise, and that those symptoms weren’t getting the best of me.”

april-cam-grace

April, her husband Cam and new baby Grace in the shadow of the Tetons

After completing the 21 Day Fix April feel so in love with the Beachbody at home fitness and nutrition programs that she decided to join my team of coaches to pay it forward and help others lead healthier more vibrant lives.  I asked April about what changed for her and what was different this time around when it came to committing and seeing a wellness program through from start to finish and she said it was because of her “WHY.”

“I want to encourage others to find your reason, find your WHY to take care of your body and to strengthen it – mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  For me it was pregnancy.  But it doesn’t have to be pregnancy, it doesn’t have to be having children.  Personally speaking, it’s knowing that I’m setting a healthy foundation for my daughter by taking action.  She’s going to adopt eating and exercise habits from me, whether I make good choices or bad choices.  I also want her to value her body and what it’s capable of.  So often our bodies are capable of so much more than we give them credit for and I want her to grow up appreciating that.   I also don’t want her to struggle with her body image like I did, and I know that starts with her mother, and setting a good example for her.  So find your why and make sure it has a lot of meaning to you; it should be something that you are willing to fight for.  And then form a plan to get to where you want to be and, even more importantly, surround yourself with a community of people who will encourage and support you.  This is so important and often the part we leave out.  Honestly, that is what has made the difference for me in the past 9 months – having a community of support that has encouraged me to stay committed to my workouts, to eat healthier, and to keep going – even on days when I didn’t necessarily feel like it.   I feel healthier than ever because I’ve had a great coach and community to support me and I’m fueling my body properly.  And now I’m really excited to see what my running will look like when I’m able to return to it in a few months.  So thank you Jen and thank you to everyone else who has supported me during this journey!”

 

april-5k-grace-3-months

April at her first 5K post pregnancy (3 months post partum) with sweet baby Grace
(I’m not loving the Steelers shirt but I guess we can still be friends…Broncos all the way baby!!!)

In May, April gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Grace, who is now four months old.  April is back to running, and has completed several other Beachody at home workout programs since the arrival of Grace and has also decided to pay it forward and became a health and fitness coach herself so she could inspire and serve others in health!  If you are a new mom, expecting mom, or a runner, I encourage you to connect with April as she has a heart of gold and is a wealth of information – your life will be forever blessed by having her in it!  Connect with April on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/aprilpreussalivefitness/?fref=ts or by visiting her blog at:  https://alivefitnessblog.wordpress.com/ .

April and I will be joining forces later this month and hosting an online virtual bootcamp that starts Monday, September 26, Prep for the Holidays: Body & Home Edition.  It’s a one month accountability group where we select a workout program and nutrition plan to meet your individual needs and goals, and then we coach and support you through 30 days of health and wellness.  This virtual bootcamp is unique in that in addition to our health and fitness support, we will be providing practical and simple at home cleaning and organization tips to simplify and prepare you and your home for the holidays. Just think, 30 days of working out, eating clean, support & coaching by two wellness coaches, and a clean and organized home…all before the holiday season begins – sounds like a dream come true!

Registration is currently open for our Prep for the Holidays: Body & Home Edition Virtual Bootcamp.  To apply simply complete the form below.  We can’t wait to get you started on your own personal transformation story!

Go back

Your message has been sent