FEATURED MEMBER: Jessica

   Our next featured member is Jessica, whom I have run into at the gym every Sunday when we're dropping off our kids at Kids Kove.  She is also one of the people who stepped up when I asked for help adding core exercises to my workouts, and I've had a great time learning from her.  She is a dedicated gym rat, and she works hard to improve her fitness.  She is definitely setting a great example for her kids - and for all of us!

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m currently a stay at home mom to a 2 ½ year old and 14 month old. I used to be a production manager for a publications department, and currently still dabble in freelance graphic designing. With my kids I like to get out of the house, play outside, go to the library, and participate in events with the mom group I organize. Without my kids I like to go out with friends and/or my husband. My enjoyment of craft beer while I’m out usually is the reason for a longer work out! I also have special place in my heart for anything tattoo related. I probably pay too much attention to entertainment news, as well, but sometimes E! is what gets me through my treadmill running!

What is your usual weekly workout routine? 
I work out every day of the week. My routine is made up of 25 to 30 minutes of weight training/target area exercises and then an hour of varied cardio. I always do a different routine every day to keep things fresh and keep my body guessing.

What are your go-to snacks and meals? 
My snacks and meals are just as much about what I have to avoid keeping around, as what I do keep in the house. I love food and have to limit my access to anything unhealthy, because I will probably eat it. I eat a lot of fruit, especially apples. I try to follow up my workouts with some form of protein, such as a small handful of nuts or cheese. I always eat a lot of vegetables, ground turkey, chicken and fish. Luckily I love healthy food just as much as I do the “naughty” stuff so it’s easy for me to find good things to eat. Since meeting my weight loss goal, I do allow splurges here and there, but I always balance them with healthier meals.

How do you balance being active with the demands of your daily life? 
Due to staying home and the Kids Kove at SWAT I’m able to have a flexible schedule and get my work out done in the morning. If the kids are sick, I do make myself get up to be at the gym when it opens, so I can get my work out in before my husband goes to work. I know trying to fit it in any other time of the day would be difficult for me. When I am back to work, I do plan on hitting the gym at 5:30 when it opens. For me, working out is a high priority, so I’m always going to make it happen.

What is a fitness or healthy living goal you have for yourself? 
When I started at SWAT over a year ago, my main goal was weight loss. Two pregnancies close together, poor eating habits and lack of exercise had left me with almost 80 pounds to lose. Once I reached my weight loss goal, I’ve since adjusted my focus to weight loss maintenance, toning and adding some muscle. I still have some trouble areas I focus on as part of my work outs and overall I just hope to continue improving my body and being in shape so I can feel good and enjoy being active.

What do you like about being a member at SWAT?
I love the Kids Kove. That is one of the things that actually made it possible for me to start working out. Being able to do my work out and leave the kids with people I trust makes it possible for me to focus on my goals. I like that my kids get the chance to be away from me for a couple hours and make new friends they enjoy seeing every day.
I also really like the variety of machines SWAT offers. I can always do something new and incorporate different activities into my work out due to the amount of equipment available.

What is your favorite class at SWAT?  Why?
Due to severe lack of coordination, I have yet to take part in many classes. I did try them all during the Fitness Blitz that was offered a little while ago and that was a really cool way to experience all the classes, plus get in an awesome work out for the day. I really enjoyed Combat, but if I did it again, would probably stay in the back because I caught myself in the mirror and was mildly embarrassed! I also really liked Flow, because I’ve always wanted to incorporate some yoga into my routine and that class gave me the opportunity to do so. I was able to take a full class of that once and enjoyed it, but due to my after gym activities with the kids, plus their inability to follow a schedule, I usually can’t work the classes into my mornings at this time.

Do you have a person who is your healthy living/fitness inspiration?  Who and why?
I don’t have a specific person, no. I really just admire and am inspired by anyone who takes the time to work on their fitness and their health. I respect every person I see at the gym because they’re taking out the time to work on their goals and stay active.

Anything else you’d like to say?
I’m enjoying seeing ongoing changes at SWAT and ways everyone is working to make it an even more enjoyable place to go. I never thought I’d be a gym person, especially going as often as I do. After years of losing weight the wrong ways and not staying nearly active enough, I wish I had started sooner. The motivation to work out can sometimes be hard to come by, but it’s one of those things you’re so happy you did after you’re done and seeing ongoing results can really make you feel good. I’m thankful every day that I made the decision to start working out and pushing myself to keep doing more.