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

Run, run, as fast as you can...

I've been running a lot lately. More like jogging. I'm not very fast! BUT I am finally getting back into it!!

A little background- waaaaaaaay back in the day (in high school) I actually made it to state in cross country! I loved running, but after some basketball knee injuries and lots of time off, it became a painful necessity instead of something I enjoyed. My dad was a marathon runner and I remember growing up and him always running. I ran with him a lot, also!

Anyhow- I have no plans to race again, but I am happy that I'm finally able to enjoy it again!

I would love to hear running tips from all of my readers!! Just leave a comment if you have suggestions or ideas for others that are interested in running!!

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!

Weekend update... :)

I have a few minutes before I have to head to meet my next client- so I'll do a quick weekend recap :)


Cheer camp started for Elisabeth on Friday, and continued on Saturday.  Despite the warmer temp's, she was super excited about it & loves the new routine!  (Friday night she was exhausted- I don't blame her, we got back in town Thursday night, then she was in the gym for 8 hours on Friday!  Saturday was better, though!)  Saturday morning I went for a 3 mile jog, then Pat & I went out to my parents house for most of the day.  Saturday evening we had a party at my parents house for my Aunt & Uncle!  Congrat's to them on their marriage!!  Pat & I went to dinner with some great friends from the gym afterwards :)


Yesterday I decided to go on a 'longer' run (nowhere near long for you marathon-in-training runners, but long for me!) so I went and ran the trail at Sequiota.  4 miles, 40 minutes, in the heat...  it was slow & brutal! But I made it, so mission accomplished!  We then spent the day at my parents house- enjoyed the pool & watched the Olympics!


Speaking of the Olympics- I LOVE watching them!  Elisabeth & I watched the gymnastics & diving last night!  


Gotta head back to the gym to meet Ashlee for some awesome personal training!  I can't wait to watch her progress!!


Happy Monday!  ~Jen

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!  

I'm so excited :)

and I just can't hide it!!  My daughter comes home tomorrow after being gone for almost 6 weeks!  I'm ready to road trip up to STL to pick her up tomorrow- I can't wait!


It's been a few long, hot days in Missouri.  The gym feels like a sauna, even at 5:30am!  (it's definitely a detoxifying experience- LOL!)  I am super proud of all of my clients that are pushing it and giving it their all despite the high temperatures and high humidity!  You guys are amazing!!  The determination of the clients that I'm working with right now is really strong- it's not always that way, and I thank you guys for your hard work and effort!  I know that you have some tough goals that you're striving for, and I have no doubt that you will reach them if you keep up the hard work & the improvements to your nutrition!


Here is a pic of my puppies- Lola is a pug, and Ray is a mix that we adopted from Petsmart last summer!  They are my babies, and they curled up together to avoid going out into the heat!

FAITH:

Today I am thankful for my family & friends!  You help me keep my sanity over the summer as I'm missing my kiddo!  And you have been there for Pat, myself, and E as we've faced some tough times the past few months- thanks for all of your love & support, and keep on praying for R & his recovery process!  

FAMILY:

We weren't able to see R again last night, so I'm a little bummed about that...  but I continue to pray for the entire situation.  I am super excited to see my baby tomorrow :)

Last night we were able to spend some time with some great friends, and the guys all grew up together!  It's always fun to get them together and hear all of their crazy stories from back in the day!  Despite all of their crazy past lives, (HAHA!) they have all grown into these amazing guys (with amazing wives :) !!)  

So, Josh & Katie- thanks for having us over!  And Chris & Vaiata- great spending time with you guys!

FITNESS:

I've been talking to several of my girlfriends about their fitness routines.  I like to get new perspectives on health & wellness.  While everyone has a totally different approach, they are all doing what works for them & their lifestyle!  I realize that everyone needs to find the routine that works for them, and that is do-able int their everyday life!

This was my breakfast today-

Eggs, Avocado, & Sweet Potato :)

And tonight it's salmon & acorn squash- here is the squash fresh from the oven!

Have a great night!  Time for dinner :)

Workout: HIIT Bodyweight, 20 minute

Need to get in a quick workout, or wanting to add a little extra to your existing workout?  (Bootcamper's- this is a good workout for days that you aren't in class!)  


This is a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout, and is a good way to burn some calories!  The effort that you put in is going to intensify the results that you get- so push it!!

50 seconds of exercise, 10 seconds of rest:


Standing forward lunges
Jump Squats
Push-Up's
Dip's
Burpee's


Repeat this sequence 4x for an intense 20 minute workout!



*View the video on YouTube:  CLICK HERE

*Not great video quality, as it is self-shot from my iPhone :)  (And I'm icky after a workout!) But it's good enough that you can see what to do!  If you have questions, send me a message at trainingbyjen@hotmail.com

Get fit peep's!!!  Do work!