Link to 'Training By Jen' blog page!!!!

http://trainingbyjen.blogspot.com/2013/09/fall-2013-program-pricing-updates.html

Follow this link to get to my Training By Jen blog page!  I have pricing information, effective September 2013, for personal training & virtual training!!

Happy September!

Jen

Let your faith be bigger than your fear...

My blog has gone a little off-track over the past 10 months or so!  With the arrival of Carter, and things getting back to normal (or the 'new' normal- sleep deprivation is now normal!) I think it's time to get back to why I started this blog in the first place!  FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS - in that order!!

FAITH-

I can't tell you how much my faith means to me.  I mean, I can try to express it with words, but it's more of a feeling, and I hope that I express it with how I live my life!  Having Carter is a result of faith &of God's timing!  I know, let the jokes begin, but seriously it is!  I didn't think that we could have any kids.  We had tried in the past and it never happened.  So we quit trying and felt led to foster & adopt.  When we pursued that and truly turned it over to God, we found out that we were pregnant.  It was a bit of a surprise but we couldn't have been happier!  Now we are praying for the next step in our lives... and I am ready for wherever He leads us!  Turning it all over to God is scary- it takes out what our human fears and wants are, and only looks at what HIS plans are for our life!  Hence, the quote above...

"Let your faith be bigger than your fear"

FAMILY-

My family rocks! And so do my friends & clients!! The amount of love and kindness that we have been shown this past month has been amazing!  As our family grew to include Carter, life has been hectic!  

My amazing hubby has been working extra hard to keep the household running smoothly- being self-employed rocks until you don't get a paid maternity leave :)  So he has been working hard & taking on extra projects- did I mention how amazing he is?!  You should check out his projects at facebook.com/patostergrenconstruction Or click right here! There are some fabulous before/after home renovation pictures!

Carter staring at his dad!!

Aside from work, he is an amazing dad!  Carter sure loves his daddy!! And he is the best dad to Elisabeth as well- being a step-parent is not an easy job but he sure is great at it!

Elisabeth is awesome as well- with the new baby arriving and crazy life, we decided it was best to switch her to a different middle school this year.  I was pretty nervous about it, but after loads of praying we did it, and it has been the best decision ever!  I continue to pray about it- I don't think life is ever easy for a middle school student!  She is still rocking it at cheerleading- I love her team this year!  There are some great kids & coaches (& momma's!!)  And she is an amazing big sister- such a big help!  I miss her being here during the day while she's at school!

First day of 7th grade!!

Sis & Carter!

Carter catching some zzzzz's

And Carter is growing by the minute!  He is healthy, happy, and such a fun little dude!  We are starting to see smiles, he's rolling over, and not sleeping nearly enough at night :)  HAHA!!  He recognizes voices now, he is eating really well (like really often, really well!  I think his 2 month appointment will show a huge growth spurt!)  He's very snuggly, and loves to be on his tummy!

The rest of our family is doing great too- my nephew just turned 1 (where has the past year gone?!?!!) and had a rockin' birthday party last weekend!  My bro & sis-in-law are great!  

Happy Birthday Graysen!

My parents are loving having more grandkids!  My sis is out of the country on another MSF trip.  Pat's sis & the kids got to visit for awhile this summer which was awesome- and got to meet Carter!  His parents are doing well and we went to visit his mom yesterday afternoon :)

FITNESS-

I've been asked several times when and if I'm going to start training again...  the when is still up in the air, but I DO plan on training again!  Trying to find the time to schedule classes is a bit more difficult than I had anticipated- once I am getting more sleep it will be a little more do-able.  For now I am only taking on virtual clients, and I am so proud of each & every one of them!  A lot of my bootcamp clients have switched to virtual training while I have been out, and have continued with their healthy lifestyle and working out!  You guys ROCK!!!  Having to be held accountable to me via texts, phone calls, Facebook, etc. might have been a pain in the you-know-what, but it works!  I'm super-duper proud of you !!!  I am still taking new clients as well- since it's 'virtual', you can be located anywhere!!  Talk to me about getting healthy!

My personal fitness journey is still that... a journey!  Trying to figure out what works around a newborn's schedule is pretty much a guessing game!  I've been working out at home, occasionally at the gym with Pat & Elisabeth, and going on walks/hikes with Carter!  I'm prepping meals ahead of time and eating pretty clean (mostly paleo, but with some grains still) and I'm seeing results!  Slowly but surely! I still have a LONG way to go, but I know that I'll get there eventually!  I had someone tell me that I'm 'not bouncing back very fast' - yep, seriously!  I guess we aren't all celebrities that bounce back in a week!  I'll get there, just give me some time!  My main health priority is a healthy & happy little dude at the moment!

Me & the birthday boy, last weekend!!!

Busy day!!! Catching up.... :)

Hi friends!  

I'm not doing well with keeping up with the blog this past week!  So here is an update of everything that's been going on!!  

This weekend was busy, but wonderful!  On Saturday morning, my daughter and I loaded up the jeep with her bike and headed to the Wilson's Creek trail in Springfield.  I ran, she biked, and we had a great time!  Not very fast, but I ran the entire way (Go me!) and finished 4 miles in 40:33.  (Side note:  I've been working on speed since then, so I'm keeping my 2-3 mile runs between 8 and 9 minutes each.  Still not fast, but faster than I have been!  AND the main thing is that my knee is cooperating!!!!)

Proof that it was completed :)

Elisabeth on the trail!

I love running on trails!

Saturday evening, we went to her middle school's 'Back to School Bash' and met up with her friend and her family.  They are awesome, and I'm glad that we know other kids & parents that are going to her school!  Elisabeth went home with them, and Pat & I headed over to a fundraiser for autism.  Dinner & dancing- it was a fun night and we had several friends from Elite Athletics there!

Me, Pat, Paul, Jami, Becki, Kaia, Mark, and Roxy! (I look like a giant next to you ladies!)

The ladies!  And Chris photobombing :)

It was a good night with some great friends, and supported a great cause!

Sunday I woke up late, and went to pick up E.  I then did an easy 2 mile jog, and we headed to my parents. My brother & sis-in-law were also there- no baby yet!  He should be making his arrival any day now :)  We watched some Cardinal's baseball, and then came home and relaxed and watched the closing ceremonies for the Olympics!

Today has been busy!  I had a really good 5:30am bootcamp class.  We have a few new faces joining in, and I'm excited for the next 4 weeks!  I have had 2 personal training clients so far today, and 3 more to come this evening!  I also have a few more classes tonight.  Busy, but 'good busy'!!  Elisabeth and I just ran to WalMart to grab a few last-minute school supplies, so I think that she is all set for Wednesday (I'm just not sure if I am *sniff sniff* ready to have a middle schooler!)

So that's my quick update- I'll be sure to add more as I get adjusted to my new schedule this week!!  Have a wonderful day!

Here is my dress from Saturday night (again, I keep taking pic's with no makeup- ugh!) and my daughter in the same dress...  she is growing up way too fast!!

Jen :)

Monday morning!

I am awake this morning, workout finished, and in a great mood!  (& it's a Monday- I'm usually trying to catch a quick nap at this time!!)  We had a good weekend, and it ended with Elisabeth attending her first youth group event at church last night.  She LOVED it and I haven't seen this excitement in her eyes for a long time- so I'm a happy momma! (she was so nervous before I dropped her off- I remember those days!  Being the youngest age when there are *gasp* HIGH SCHOOL kids there!!)

FAITH:

Yesterday we had such a great message at church.  I think you can find them online, so I encourage you to listen to it!  (Second Baptist Church in Springfield, MO)  It started off as one of those mornings where I didn't want to get out of bed, so I kind of dragged myself to church and wasn't in the best mood (I hadn't even had any coffee yet- YIKES!! haha!)  Once you walk in the building, you can't help but feel welcome!  And again, the message reached out & spoke to me, so I encourage everyone to listen to it!

Today's verse in my YouVersion app is from Psalms.  As I've been praying for direction and guidance lately, it is one that I have read a few times!

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
-Psalm 32:8


FAMILY:

We went to visit my Grandma yesterday after church, and she was doing well.  She is still in the hopsital, but is hoping to be released today after another test.  Please continue to pray for her & the doctors & staff that are helping her out!
This week is going to be a busy one for our family.  I have some new clients and meetings, Elisabeth has orientation for middle school (again- YIKES! I can't believe I have a kiddo this age!) and cheer practices.  Pat has work & some meetings for R. 
And I'm hoping that my nephew decides to make his appearance this week!  I'm sure that Charith is hoping he arrives, too :)  We are all so excited- it's the first baby to arrive since Elisabeth was born over 11 years ago!

FITNESS:

This is the last week for this session of bootcamp!  It's really been a great 4 week's, and everyone has made some progress!  I'm in the process of trying to figure out schedules for fall, and finding times to get workouts & personal training sessions scheduled for my bootcamper's that can't make the class times!  I'm excited for the changes that are happening, and I'm just leaving it up to God to guide me & help me with the business :) 

Personally, my workout's are going well!  I'm really going to strive for clean eating this week (cutting back on sugar is a definite need!) I've kept up with my bootcamp's, HIIT's, and running.  I'm trying to listen to my body because I don't want to overtrain, but I think I'm at a good balance at the moment!

I saw this on Facebook- I'm definitely nowhere NEAR perfect!  But nobody is!!

TGIF!

It's been a busy week!  I just got home from a great 5:30am bootcamp class.  Can I just say that my clients rock?!?!!  It's been a few weeks (or months!) of really hot & humid temperature's!  Everyone has pushed through the workouts & I'm seeing some great results!  I'll post a short workout later today for anyone to try!  The workout, like all of my classes, are able to be modified for all ages and fitness levels!


FAITH:
I picked a good devotional to be reading because it's definitely been applicable to the events of this past week!  (I'm sure that God had a hand in leading me to pick this one!)  If you haven't been reading my posts, it is entitled Teaching Tolerance and it's on the YouVersion site.  


Today's verse:
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." -Ephesians 4:15


The devo series talks about having a loving attitude towards those who are different from you.  With all of the craziness that erupted with Chic-Fil-A this past week, I think that this is important to reiterate.  

Yes, I am a Christian.  No, I'm not a hater of anyone.  No matter what my views are on something, God says to be loving.  It saddened me to see all of the hate (on both sides of the matter) that was going on.  To me, this was about your First Amendment rights.  He had the right to say what he believes about marriage, just as anyone else has that same right.  He wasn't hateful, spiteful, etc and he didn't say anything to that matter.  The media took it and ran with it.  But that's the beauty of America, we all have the right to our opinions.  So be sure that you are being a good example.  Hatred & unkind words will not lead others to know Christ.  Be a kind-hearted and loving example of what a Christian is!!  Speak the truth in love


FAMILY:
I've had a great week with Elisabeth!  It's so good to have her back home :)  And I can't believe that school starts in a few weeks- BOO!!  Yesterday, we tackled her closet.  This was a huge task, as every time we have her clean her room, I think that she dumps everything in her closet.  I started by having her take everything out of the closet.  As she saw the huge mess that developed in her room, I think she understood why we needed to get it all organized!  After about 3 hours of sorting & tossing out old stuff, we now have a semi-organized closet!  WOOHOO!!

I love that she still has all of her stuffed animals :)

This side will need a little more organizing, but at least all of these clothes still fit :)

Today we are making a trip to the library to get some books.  She loves reading!  We also have to swing by her new school to pick up an info packet.  Pat is finishing up a tile job and working on bid's.  

FITNESS:

Like I mentioned earlier, my bootcamper's and personal training clients are really progressing well!  We've been doing some tougher workouts and they are all trooper's!  Today we did a circuit of strength training, and then went running.  Tough, but awesome!

I posted last night (from my phone!  I'm still figuring out this technology stuff, but it worked- YAY!) about running.  I'm following a half-marathon training plan, just to have a plan of attack for my runs.  No, I'm not going to do a race :)  But I'm running (ie- jogging!) Tues/Thur/Sat or Sun.  Yesterday I ran while listening to an audio book and the time just flew by!  "Thanks!" to the Olympics and the iPod commercial creators for that great idea!  If anyone has a great audio book app, please let me know!  

Nutrition- things are still going well.  I read a great article about the 80/20 rule (Thanks to my Twitter friend @PaleoPrimalPost - follow him for some great Paleo articles & info!) and it helped me out a little bit with my guilt :)  I've been struggling with not going 100% in.  I don't feel like I need to at this point, and this kind of helped me out a little bit!  I'm still eating clean for the most part, but I did have a pb&j sandwich and a greek yogurt yesterday.  SO not paleo.  But my guilt is subsiding- LOL!!  Don't get me wrong, there are times that I feel like I NEED to go at it 100%- just a feeling that my body needs that detox.  When I'm at that point, I go for a Whole30.  If you're feeling that way (need to increase your energy levels, lose some weight, clean up your eating, etc.) I suggest that you check out the book "It Starts With Food" - it's awesome & full of very useful info.  Even if you're not interested in a Whole30, I suggest you read the book for the knowledge!!  It can help you plan out healthier meals & snack options for yourself & your family.

Have a HAPPY FRIDAY everyone!  Get your workouts in & make smart food choices!  If you ever have any questions on fitness, or anything else on this blog, send me a comment or a message (trainingbyjen@hotmail.com) and I'll respond as soon as possible!!

~Jen

Olympics 2012 & is that rain?!?!! and 417 Deal redemption info

As I hit the road for a run this morning, it started to rain!  Not nearly enough, but it's still pretty cloudy, so I'm hoping that we get more!  We could definitely use it- I'm hearing about wells drying up, ponds drying up, and way too many local fires.

Yesterday was a busy, but good, day!  I had a good bootcamp & four great personal training sessions!  Today I have this morning off to hang out with my kiddo (who is still asleep- I have a feeling that her & Taylor stayed up WAAAAAAAY too late last night!) and then I work this evening! 

We are all loving the Olympics- although there have been some surprises & controversy!  The post-race interviews in swimming were a little bit awkward (he just lost a race that he was supposed to medal in & you ask him why... or asking Phelps which version of himself would be racing the finals.  I liked his response though!)  The US Men's Gymnastics team had a disappointing finish, and what did you think about Japan filing a complaint and then overtaking the silver?  I don't know enough about the scoring rules to say for sure, but I did feel bad for the team that got knocked out of medal contention...  I was very impressed with Missy Franklin!  She had a phenomenal night & is so poised for a 17 year old!  We are looking forward to women's gymnastics tonight and all of the other great sports that will be on! 

FAITH:
Some days you just have to rely on faith.  Do you ever just have a day where it seems like nothing is going right?  I mean, if there is a good option & a bad option, hold on tight because the bad option is coming your way...  yep, we've all had those type of days.  When we face difficult situations & rough times in our lives, we need to remember to turn to God.  Have faith in His plan, and things will work out how they are supposed to!  This is just as much of a reminder to myself as it is to whoever is reading this!!

I'm still working on the devotional 'Teaching Tolerance'.  It talks about understanding the truth of the gospel, and how non-believer's don't have that ability.  We aren't to judge, rather we are to be respectful & patient regardless of our personal feelings about their choices.  (Read 1 Corinthians 5:12) My reading today was;

"Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."
-Luke 23:34

FAMILY:
We've had a busy few days since Elisabeth made it home!  Here are a few pic's-

Her first cantaloupe!

She started it from a seed (can you tell we woke her up to pick it?!?!!)

Twisted Cheer camp 2012, Day 1 - J2 & J4 (E's on the back row, 3rd from right)

J4 - silly faces! Twisted Cheer Camp, Day 2

FITNESS:



My classes & personal training sessions have been really amazing the past few weeks!  I'm seeing some great results & enthusiasm, despite the crazy hot weather that we've had!  Whatever you're doing, keep it up because it's pretty amazing!!
I have a few new clients starting in the next few weeks- I am so excited about it!  I'm already working on their fitness plans, and I'm excited about their fitness journey that is coming up!

My personal fitness- things are going well!  I've really picked up the pace the past few weeks & started running a lot more.  Okay, like I said before, not a lot compared to some of you marathon runners, but a lot more than I was running before!  Today I got in a good 2 mile run in the cooler temp's, which was nice!  I even got rained on a little bit :)  I've been doing MWF early bootcamp, working out with Elisabeth doing HIIT workouts each day, and running TThS.  Nutrition-wise, I've been pretty hit & miss, but overall I'm doing pretty well with it.  I have slowly added in some dairy (greek yogurt) & bread, and while it's a very low amount, I've been feeling fine with it.  It's not a daily thing, and I still follow the paleo & clean eating ways the rest of the time.  I just wanted to experiment and see how my body reacts to different stuff :) 


417 Deal Redemption:

I ran a 417 Deal yesterday on personal training, and while I sold a few, it was not the success that the bootcamp deal was last month.  I'm still working on perfecting the timing of my marketing deals :) 

I'm looking forward to meeting my new clients!  If you have purchased a deal, make sure that you send me a message (trainingbyjen@hotmail.com) or call/text (839-8186) to get your sessions set up!  Let me know if you prefer morning/afternoon/evening, and what your availability looks like!

July 26th #FFF

Today is the day!  I am back from a run, and ready to head to STL to pick up my kiddo!  I'm praying for a safe flight, and safe driving back & forth today!


FAITH:


I wasn't sure what I wanted to do as far as devotional readings, so I haven't done anything for a few days.  Today I started a YouVersion devo called 'Teaching Tolerance' and I really like it.  It is intended for a family to do together, and addresses the difference between God's word and the Biblical tolerance, & the world's tolerance levels.  It says, "What you choose to believe about God matters.  It is the most important choice of your life."  I know that for me, it's easy to get caught up in the worldly views.  I just have to remember to turn to the Bible for answers instead of looking at what is tolerated in today's world.  Obviously, our 'world' has lots of issues!  I think that we are desensitized to a lot of stuff (violence, sex, etc.) because we see it on tv and in the movies.  Or video games!  We aren't gamers, but some of the violence that I hear about in the games is unreal!  I think that kids know that it's not real, but that's not the real issue- it's the desensitizing to violence that is the issue!  (just my opinion- I'm sure that there are many other professional opinions that would differ!!)  Anyway, I just went off in a different direction with that :)  Today's Bible reading can be found Here- Deuteronomy 30:19-20

FAMILY:

Pat is at his Thursday morning Bible study this morning.  He has been meeting up with these gentlemen for a few years now and I think it's pretty great that they get together!  Encouragement, prayer, and a community of Christian men of all ages- it's a great thing!  I need to finish getting ready & get some snacks packed for the road trip :)  I didn't sleep much last night- I always get nervous when it's time for her to leave & come home!  Don't get me wrong- it's an excited nervous!!  I just cross my fingers that everything goes as planned & she is home tonight!!  

No baby yet- Pat was at my brother's yesterday and said that the nursery looks great!  Now we just need him to arrive, safe & healthy!!  I know that my parents are beyond excited- they weren't there when Elisabeth was born because she was early & I was in NY- so this is their first experience with a new grandbaby being born!  We are all excited- my sis will be flying in from Texas too!  This baby is going to have so much love from both sides of his family :)

FITNESS:

Since my dogs woke me up again, and I hadn't slept well anyway (sorry hunny, I was a wee bit cranky this morning! HAHA!) I got up and went running.  I made it 3 miles so I was happy.  I'm really trying to ease into the increase of mileage in hopes that my knee will tolerate it better.  So far, so good!!  (other than the heat & humidity- it makes running so much worse!  lol!)  

The view from my run this morning- sun rising over the clouds!  I'm hoping they are going to be rain clouds by this afternoon!

My nutrition is pretty good- and my water intake was really high yesterday!  Yesterday I did my early morning bootcamp, and then came home & did 30 minutes of HIIT- I was exhausted!  Last night I had a training session with Nicole at the gym, and she did AMAZING!  I'm super proud of that girl :)  After that, I met up with Angela and Marc at their house for personal training, and it was a tough workout!  They both pushed through it, and I'm happy to hear that they are working out on their off-day's and making positive eating choices!

Here is another pic of my dog, Ray.  Last night I turned on the tv downstairs and 'Zookeeper' was on- he was totally intrigued by the animals!  He was whining at the monkey, and just stood there watching tv!  

Tuesday July 24th #FFF

Happy Tuesday!  Today is my morning off for the week, so I had big plans to sleep in a little bit...  however, my dog Lola had other plans :)  So I was up & at 'em at 6:30!  Since I was up anyway, I decided to go for a run before it got too hot.  The run was good, but avoiding the heat was not possible :(  It was already hot & humid (but better than it would have been a few hours later I'm sure!)  Anyhoo, I got in a nice little jog through the surrounding neighborhood's, had a friendly run-in with a doberman (scared me to death!  He came running towards me- I thought I was in for it, but he was friendly!!), and got to spend a few minutes with Pat before he left for work!  So all-in-all, it was a good morning! :)

FAITH:
I've been working hard on TRUST.  (not with anyone in particular...)  We have had a lot of stuff going on lately that is just plain old frustrating!!  I can't imagine going through all of this craziness without God to turn to- at least I know that He is there for us, watching over us, and somehow things continue to work out okay.  If I didn't have that trust, I can't imagine how hopeless that I would feel.  So if you're in a situation where it seems like life just sucks, I encourage you to trust in God.  Talk to other people that are encouraging & that will listen to you instead of discouraging you, pray, & spend some time reading the Bible.  I can't tell you how many times I am having a frustrating day and I open the Bible (or the Bible app) and the first verse I see is totally applicable to what I'm facing!  It's not a coincidence- it's awesome how God speaks to us!

Psalm 56 is a great resource about trusting in God.  Read it Here

FAMILY:

I am so excited to see my baby on Thursday!  This week is just creeping by :)  I pick her up on Thursday at 3pm, and I am probably more excited than she is- HA!!  We have R tonight, and will be spending some time with some friends.  It should be a good evening! 

FITNESS:

I already mentioned my early morning run- apparently getting up early is rough on the dogs because they are both sleeping under my feet right now :)  haha!  Nutrition is going great- my water intake is definitely higher with this heat wave that has been overwhelming the midwest most of the summer!

My bootcamper's had a great class yesterday- the early class pushed through a rough workout, and the evening class had to fight the 100+ degree temp's.  Despite the heat & humidity, everyone did a great job!  And just as a reminder, look back at where you were when you first started bootcamp...  every single person is making great progress!  Increases in fitness don't always show up on the scale, but look at your body!  You are losing inches, fitting into smaller clothes, and gaining strength (think about the increase in push-up's, box jumps, pull-up's, and running!)  Woohoo :)

My personal training clients are all making good progress, too!  I met with Ashlee yesterday for the first time and I'm excited to see her progress and meet her goals.  Plus she is a super cool chick who is married to one of my highschool friends!  Nicole and I have been meeting off and on for about a year, and she continues to progress.  Her recent gains in strength are awesome, and she had a great session yesterday!  And I met with Angela and Marc last night for a tough workout!  They are both doing very well, both with the nutritional changes & the workouts!  So yesterday's clients all rocked!!!

I still have openings throughout the week for personal training.  I have some daytime openings, which would be great for anyone not working during the day.  You can bring your kiddos along, it's not a problem!  I have limited evening & early morning openings- just talk to me about your preferences and we will work out something to get you going!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Jen



TGIF :) #FFF

This is me & my water :)  

If you've been to the gym, you know that I'm always carrying water around!  (again, no makeup, sorry!  HA! But if you see me at the gym, I'm usually bare-faced anyway!)

Water is very important with this heat that we're experiencing in the midwest!!  (FYI- It's always important- I carry it around all year long!)

So make it a point to stay hydrated :)

FAITH:

I'm still working on the YouVersion devotional called Experiencing God's Renewal.  

Yesterday's reading referenced Romans 12:1-2.  The reading starts off with the phrase "It has been often said that the mind is the devil's playground."  I know that this is VERY true in my life!  So many battles occur in my mind each & every day, and I'm working on allowing God to help me win this battle!  Ignore the guilt and the negative thoughts that pop into your mind, and let God take over & renew you!

Today's reading referenced 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.  I've mentioned these verses many times in my life!  As a matter of fact, they are the basis for the Christian fitness class I'm working on!!  Your body is God's temple. What are you doing to take care of it??  The devotional talked about continually renewing our bodies and taking care of them so that we are able to carry out God's purpose for our lives.  It can be mental, physical, or emotional renewal- but make sure that you're taking care of your body so that you can use it for its intended purpose!

FAMILY:

"BUSY"  If we had to describe our family in one word, that is the one I'm thinking of for the next few months!  My daughter comes home next Thursday (she's been at her dads house for almost 6 weeks!  Such a hard time for this momma!!) and immediately starts in with cheer camp.  And in a few short weeks, she starts middle school!  I'm very excited that she will be attending Reed Academy, but we have to figure out carpools & schedules to get her there & back each day.  So we are soon to have two kiddos in middle school!  AAUGH :)

My schedule is ("and I say this very thankfully!- I am blessed to have such great clients who give me referrals!") picking up, and my hubby is busy also!  I am SUPER HAPPY that we are busy, but this weekend I just plan on enjoying the 'calm before the storm' HAHA!  We have a family get-together, and I need to get food prepped & the house cleaning caught up.  

FITNESS:

I really love my job.  I am so thankful for each of my clients!  And I am so happy that they are getting healthier!  While the physical appearance is great to improve upon, the best part of the job for me is when they tell me that they are feeling good.  Things like being able to play with their kids & enjoy life, or getting off of their medications because they have lost weight & improved their health- THAT is what makes my job so amazing!  So a great big THANK YOU to each & every one of you!!

Yesterday I renewed my certifications & licenses, so I am all set for more training!!  (a little early, but I was ready to roll!)

On my personal fitness- I've had good workouts this week!  Today I lifted heavier than I have in a long time (which I will definitely be feeling later, HA!) My eating was pretty awesome until last night when I had pizza...  however, the rest of the week was very strict!  I could have stuck with a salad, and I probably should have, but I didn't and life goes on!  I tell you this not because I want you to eat pizza and say "oh well" but because I want you to know that you just move forward each day!  (And because apparently some of you think that I'm perfect in my eating & workout routine- I wish that I were, but nobody is perfect!)  If you ate something that you shouldn't have, then move forward & make better choices!  Don't use that as an excuse to go on an eating binge full of junk food because you 'already screwed up'.  Make smart choices and fill yourself up with lean proteins, fruits, & veggies!

Today I had the 5:30am bootcamp, where we did a killer workout!  Legs, legs, legs, & CORE!  Ending a tough workout with 50 burpees is the perfect Friday workout, right?! :-)  I came home and had eggs, avocado, and some leftover chicken!  I'm on glass #2 of water (it's already hot & muggy outside, yuck!) and I'm working on scheduling, blogging, responding to emails, and then it's time to clean the house up!

Does anyone have any fabulous Paleo or clean eating recipes they would like to share?  Email them to trainingbyjen@hotmail.com and I'll try them out & may post a few of them on here!!

A little Paleo humor I found online-

Have a wonderful Friday!!

Jen :)

Q&A with Jen: Personal Training

Hi blogger friends!  I hope that you're all having a spectacular Thursday!  My day has been busy- and it is SO HOT outside!  Unloading cases of Coca-Cola products in a non-ac'd gym was torture!!


I've had several questions about personal training lately.  (Yay!)  If you ever have questions, just send me a message & I will do my best to answer you quickly.  






But here are a few common questions & my answers:


Q: Do you still have time slots open for personal training?
A: Yep, sure do!  You have to talk to me about your availability, because the 'busy' times (ie- before & right after work) fill up quickly!


Q: How often should I meet with you?
A: It depends on a few things.  Your goals, your time available, and how much you would like to spend.


Q: So, how often should I work out?
A: Again, it depends on your goals.  I personally work out 5-6 days a week.  If you can schedule the time, 3-6 days is optimal.  And I can give you stuff to do on the days that you don't meet with me!


Q: How much does it cost?
A: Click here for pricing & package options (if you buy a package, the price goes down per visit) Pricing for personal training- Click here! 


Q: What will we do?
A: We will get you healthier & in shape!  I usually mix up cardio & strength training, but it would depend on your goals.  Example- if you're a runner and are you're only needing a strength workout, then that is what I will plan for you.


Q: Can I have a friend/spouse/child/co-worker join in the training sessions?
A: Absolutely! If you have a large enough group, I will give you each a discount on the package you purchase!


Q: I can't make it to the gym/I don't want to do personal training in the gym when there are other people there/etc.
A: I can travel to you!  I can come to your house or office to do personal training.  I usually ask that you have some weights on hand, but there are several options available.  If you live within the Springfield city limits, the price is the same as the personal training in the gym.  I will travel outside of Springfield city limits, but there is a small charge to cover my expenses (Gas!)


Q: Do you offer Corporate Training?
A:  Yes.  I can come to your place of employment & conduct a group fitness class.  Healthy employees are happy employees (& they have a significantly lower number of sick days per year- Win/Win for employer & employee!)  Send me a message for a brochure with information & pricing options.

Wednesday July 18th

This morning's bootcamp class rocked!  I am definitely feeling the workouts lately- I'm glad that I decided to step up the intensity of the classes (& my personal effort is much better now that I'm eating right!)  I am so proud of the progress that everyone is making!  


I had a protein shake on the way home from the gym, and then had 2 eggs with avocado for breakfast.  And black coffee!  All of the plants & the garden are happy & watered- it's going to be another really hot day.  It sounds like the rest of the week is going to be above 100 degrees this week.  I'm praying for rain, as I'm sure many local farmer's are.  They said on the news this morning that this is the worst drought in the past 50 years.  Yikes.  That doesn't lead to good things for our local food, crops, animals, and not to mention the economic effects that it will have...


FAITH:
I'm on day two of the "Experiencing God's Renewal" reading plan.  Today the devotional talked about the heart.  Not only is it the key to physical life, but also to our spiritual life.  The Bible says to guard our hearts.  


Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it




And this is one of my favorite verses-

FAMILY:


Pat has a hard job.  It's physically exhausting, and that just wears you down!  I went to help at one of his jobs yesterday, and although I wasn't much help (LOL!) I was out there in the sun & the heat.  It was hard work, and I had the easy job!  Although I have a physical job, at least we have fans in the gym to keep air circulating.  He was up in the air, in the sun, building a deck.  (and baking in the sunshine!)  The homeowner has been awesome and has been taking care of the guys- which is awesome!  She brings them water, snacks, & popsicles!  So remember to take care of those that are out there working in the elements.  At the very least, tell them "THANK YOU!" (think of the building industry, parks workers, etc.)


"Thanks, babe, for your hard work!  Your clients appreciate it, and so do I!  I love you!"- From me to my hubby :)




FITNESS:


I already mentioned our awesome workout this morning- seriously, I'm beaming with pride in my clients!  And last night was a good one also!  I'm really trying to push my fitness level.  My goals are to get toned & to be happy with my body!  I definitely put in the gym time, and I'm really working on cleaning up my diet.  I'm doing pretty well, so I'm excited to see the changes!


And you know that I love fruit- well, the watermelon right now is sweet & AWESOME!!!  Here is a 'watermelon pie' LOL :)

I have new personal training clients starting up soon, and that always gets me pumped up!  They are each so different and have different goals, so it keeps it challenging for me!  I can't wait to see them progress!!


I'll try to post some new recipes soon!  Have a great Wednesday everyone :)