Jena's life adventures and unsolicited fit pics

Wow, what a year 2012 was for me! 2011 was really the year I focused on reaching my weight-loss goals, and 2012 was the year I focused on reaching my education goals to become a fitness instructor and a personal trainer. In 2012 I also purchased a small fitness studio,  Studio Azul,  with a couple of my friends and I look forward to keeping this studio up and running so people near the studio have a place to escape to and stay fit and happy! In November 2012 I was hired on at  JL Sorenson Recreation Center  as a fitness instructor sub and in January 2013 I got my own Kids on the Move class that I teach on Mondays and my own TRX class that I teach every other Fridays. I also was hired on a couple weeks ago as a Personal Trainer at JL. I  have a couple of clients so far and I am beyond excited to be able to help others. I also get so excited & nervous when I get a call to sub a class but I love it so much. I subbed my first Zumba class the other day, it was ...

Yesterday in the mail I got this little gem: It feels amazing that I was able to accomplish so many goals this year! It has been a great year full of learning, growing and new lifelong friendships! Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey, I have such a great group of friends cheering me on, I love you all. I can't wait to get out there and start helping other reach their fitness goals! Keep Moving, Keep Smiling, You've got this! --Jena

Wow, this year is going by too fast. Just wanted to give a quick update. Last week I re-took my personal trainer test for the 3rd time, 3rd time is the charm right? I should know by the end of next week if I passed! Today I auditioned for spin class instructor, I taught the first half of class and it was a great experience. I was so nervous but as soon as I started my music and using the mic for the first time, things just fell into place and now I know without a doubt this is what I want to do! I got a lot of great feedback from people who were in class, I feel like it went great! I hopefully will be able to get on the sub-list to start. Thanks for stopping by, I hope to start dedicating time to writing on here again, thanks for your support and patience! Keep moving! ---Jena

Three years ago I ran my first relay race, Red Rock Relay Zion , with Team Herriman Hotties. I was already in the middle of my weight loss journey but I was struggling with losing weight, I didn't know I had PCOS or Insulin Resistance at the time but I was eating right and exercising all the time. This wonderful group of Women let me be part of this amazing team, they loved and accepted me how I was and cheered me on, every step of the way. I was runner # 4 with a total of 18.5 miles to complete over 3 runs in 24 hours time. I had the best time running with these women in this beautiful relay race across Southern Utah that started at Brian Head Ski Resort and Finished at Zion's National Park. Herriman Hotties has had several different runners over the years due to people needing to drop off the team for various reasons. In total, there are 21 Herriman Hottie Alumni, and we all have a very strong bond. I love each of these women, they all inspire me, motivate me and make me ...

Yesterday I had the opportunity to take my Indoor Cycling Certification. It was an awesome day taught by Schwinn Master Trainer Denise Druce. I loved the way she taught us how to be awesome Indoor Cycling Instructors, she was very motivating and inspiring. Her two indoor cycling rides that she taught us yesterday were mentally amazing, she really tapped into our brains and I got a little emotional on both rides. These are experiences I will never forget. Thank you... We had such a fun group of girls that made the day go by pretty fast. I made friends with a couple women that I know will be lifelong friends. I can't wait to start teaching something that I have a huge passion and love for. Keep Moving! --Jena

On July 21st I competed in my first Sprint Triathlon. I set this goal last year and I can't believe it has already come and gone. I will just tell you now what a great experience this was. I was overwhelmed with emotion right before I got into the pool. The swim went by a lot faster than I thought. I had a few moments where it got a little crowded but overall it was a great experience, even with swimming being my weak event. The bike portion was so great, I knew I could make up a lot of time here. The first 6 miles was all uphill but it was fun, for some sick reason, I love hill climbs on my bike. Then the run, the first minute or two was hard getting my legs going but I warmed up quick and kept a good pace until the very end. I feel so lucky to know so many great people who work at the rec center that put on this triathlon and it was great seeing all their faces, hearing their voices cheer me on, it was an amazing experience.                ...

It finally came in the mail, and it was good news. I passed both my Group Ex exams from  AFFA ! I am so excited that I passed my practicals and my written, I felt good about them but having this piece of paper confirming that I worked hard is an amazing feeling! Woo Hoo! I re-take my written exam for my Personal Trainer Cert next week, I have confidence that I will pass this time. Now I need to get me a job ASAP!! My kids are both in school full time and I am bored out of my mind!  --Jena