FitSpiration Friday!!

Happy Fitness Inspiration Friday!  Welcome to another edition of FitSpiration!  For the past few months I have been featuring fellow friends in real life and online who are a huge fitness inspiration to me!  This week I would like to introduce my friend Jenn.

Tell me a little bit about your fitness journey.

I’ve always been a relatively active person, but after having two children, and approaching my late 30’s, I really lost my motivation to workout and my metabolism went down the drain. I also suffered with post-partum depression and anxiety. I was nearly 50 pounds overweight, unhealthy, unhappy and trying to care for two children under age 4. When I felt like going to bed BEFORE my children, I knew something had to change.

I started with a small goal to ride my exercise bike 10-20 minutes each day. Once that felt easy, I decided to up my goal to 30-45 minutes. It was on one of my 45- minute rides that I saw a commercial for one of those home workout programs called P90X. At the time, I thought to myself, “there is no way I can do that.” In the back of my mind, I thought, “hopefully some day.”

I did a little research and found other home workouts that were more appropriate for my fitness level. It really changed my life. Through commitment and workouts of at 4-5 days a week, I lost 30 pounds. Then my mother passed away and the weight started to creep back up. My friend inspired me to try P90X and I did it. I am even featured on one of their commercials for my transformation. I was so thrilled with my results that I decided to become a fitness coach and a personal trainer to help others. I also started my blog, PersonalFitCoach.com during this time.

Unfortunately, I had another set-back this year with a back injury. I’ve gained about 10 pounds since my P90X days. This contributed to a relapse with my depression, but I’m proud to say that I’m working my way back as I did 5 years ago. What is actually cool about having this injury is that it’s forcing me to try new things to workout around my limitations. So far, I’ve tried Zumba and Pilates Reformer classes. I’m looking forward to exploring more dance-based workouts as well.

My current goal is to lose the 10 pounds that I gained and be pain free from my injuries in the coming months. I’m hoping to be well enough to complete P90X2 when it comes out at the end of the year.

What is your fitness LOVE?

Hmm, it’s really challenging to pick just one. The biggest thing that I love about fitness is the way it makes me feel. The lift to my emotional well-being is the most important thing in the world to me.

What is your ONE piece of fitness advice you find helpful to keep you motivated?

It is easy to get caught up with comparing yourself to your neighbor, coworker, or worse, some celebrity or model. We need to focus on our own personal best and then set a goal to get even better.

Follow and continue to be inspired by Jenn’s journey on her blog or facebook.