Going the DIstance

Every year, I like to begin with a word or phrase to reflect on through the year to keep me motivated, encouraged and focused. This year, my phrase for 2023 is “Go the Distance!” When we go the distance, we avoid looking back. We avoid saying things like “I’m too old” or “there’s not enough time”. We also come to the realization that great things do not happen overnight….great things take time and effort.

Starting in January, I am going the distance and starting to work towards becoming a Balanced Body Educator/Master Trainer. It is not easy and takes many hours and years of classes and expertise, but I’m ready.

My first step is to go through Balanced Body’s “bridge” training. Bridge training will take the education, certifications and experience I currently have and combine them with the Balanced Body model. The Bridge training will not only increase my level of expertise, but it will give me the tools I need to stay up to date with all things Pilates.

So, with that said, I am going the distance with my education to create a stronger future for me personally and for Pure Joy PIlates. Friends, I have a lot of work to do! Many hours of training and the cost to get there is no small feat. But, in the end, I know it will give me the tools necessary to give my clients the best experience at Pure Joy Pilates.

2021, Find Joy in Every Situation

My words to live by for 2021!!!! The is no doubt that 2020 has thrown us many curveballs, and now looking back, I wish I could have changed my reaction, or just simply enjoyed or just looked at things a little differently. Here’s the thing my friends, the exhaustion and anxiety took a lot of Joy away from me in 2020, but now it is time to turn things around. Unpredictable and disappointing things are going to happen in 2021, but how are we going to react? Are we going to sit around and complain and scroll thorough tic tok to waste the day away, or are we going to try to make the best of each and every situation. Lets work together to be our best selves this year by creating a healthier body and mind and at the same time, try to find joy in every situation!

Love,

Jen

Ordered to "Stay Home" - How to Stay Healthy, Mentally and Physically

There is no doubt that this new order to “Stay Home” raises many challenges. The struggle is real for us and our families! So what are some simple and effective ways to keep you and your family mentally and physically healthy through this uncertain time? Here are some tips and ideas to keep your body and mind strong and healthy:

1. Get Creative - Studies have shown that drawing, coloring and writing can help reduce anxiety and stress and help you process trauma. It’s amazing the difference in attitude of myself and my kids when I turn on some music and set out the drawing paper, coloring books or legos. Just give it a try….no big crafty production needed. Just set out paper and supplies, let you kids do the rest.

2. 30 minutes of Exercises a Day - Actually, lets bump it up to 60 minutes! Exercises has many benefits including the ability to reduce stress, assist in weight management and fights many diseases. But, in case you need another reason to follow this recommendation, let me give you my most recent experience with how a 60 minute walk improved my mood. Just the other day, my husband suggested that we go for a walk around a local lake. From the time he mentioned the idea to the time I got I took my first step on the trail, I was mad, annoyed and was giving my family the silent treatment. I don’t know what happened in that short amount of time traveling to the trail. Maybe it was how loud my husband was chewing an apple, the fact that my son wanted to bring his football because “walks are boring” or that my daughter fought me on wearing a helmet…going for a 4 mile walk with my people was the last thing I wanted to do. However, by the end of the 60 minute walk, I was once again speaking to my family, I was smiling….I maybe even laughed a little. This is a very difficult and challenging time for us all. But we need to fight those negative and anxious thoughts. So increase the time of your activity and get moving.

3. Drink water,and lots of it! - Water is essential for our day to day life! It gives us more energy by delivering oxygen throughout the body, boosts your skin and appearance, helps us think better, regulates body temperature….the list goes on and on. Do you find it difficult to drink the recommended amount of water needed in a day? Try to start the day strong. I pour myself of glass of water every night and set it on my nightstand, not to drink before bed or during the night, but to drink when I wake up. That way, before my feet hit the floor, I already have had at least 10oz to start my day. The rest of the day, I always try to drink another 10 to 16oz of water before I sit down for a meal. Not only will this trick help you reach your daily recommended intake, but it fills the voids and keeps you from overeating as well.

4. Don’t be hard on yourself! - Now that my husband is working from home, my kids are currently being home schooled and my studio is temporarily closed, we are getting a lot of time together no doubt! Even though we have this beautiful gift of time, you don’t have to be the perfect mom or dad and make every moment count. We’ve made a lot of sweet little memories these past two weeks, but there have been days when I was way too hard on myself because I feel like I’m not making the best use of my time. But it’s time to give this extra bit of stress a REST and let me introduce you to FREE FRIDAYS. I wish I could take credit for this idea, but I can’t! This idea comes from a good friend of mine that knows that the struggles are real, and sometimes, we just need a nap. It’s 11am, I’m obviously embracing the fact that it is FREE Friday because I am still in my jammies!

So friends, take care, be well, and give yourself a break.

It's a New Year!

Despite the dark, cold, sunless days, I adore this time of year! It’s only a few days into the new year and I already freshened up the studio with a new coat of paint, organized my kitchen, cleaned closets and donated items we no longer use. This give me that great sense accomplishment and makes my heart so happy! But today I sit and think about how important it is to do the same thing for our body and mind! Today, I wrote out three things I want to change personally in my life to help grow and strengthen my body and mind. First and foremost, I want to make time to read the bible. I attend River Valley Church and recently they gave the church a goal to read the entire New Testament in the month of January. Friends, I thought this would be pretty easy…. it’s not! I realized in the first couple of days, this was not going to work unless I decrease the amount of time I spend on social media. Therefore, my first step to de-clutter and refresh my spirit was to step away from the FaceBook and Instagram. And let me tell you, I don’t miss it a bit! Yes, I have been on a couple times to make a post for the studio and respond to a message, but when my thumb begins to scroll, my mind puts a stop to that and I close the app immediately! Go Jen!

Second on the list, decreasing sugar and increasing veggies. Honestly, I like to think that I eat pretty darn good….and I do. But like many, I slip. When I slip, I splurge, when I splurge, I bloat, when I bloat, I feel so gross. I don’t know about you, but I hate that gross feeling! I want to to decrease the sugar to decrease the gross. And having my pants fit a little better would be good too.

Third on my list, I am making an extra effort to connect with people in my life. In this busy time of life, it is so easy to leave sweet friend in the dust as we run kids from one event to another, work, clean….I could go on and on. But this year, I am making it a point to schedule time for friends! I am challenging myself to meet with a friend once every week. Good friends are so good for the soul!

I know I said I only had three, but I have one more….water! 100oz of water a day!!! I challenge you to try it too!

Have a awesome day my friends!

Jen

3 Simple Ways to Fill Your Cup

If you’re like me, your days can be jammed packed from sunrise to sunset. On most days, I am at Pure Joy Pilates starting my day by 5:30am. Therefore, by 8pm, I am running on empty and mind is thinking three things and three things only, Netflix, Wine and a soft place to land. Unfortunately, this is the time that kids are melting and the dog just peed on the carpet. So, another day goes by. Times like this we have to be intentional and find time every day to fill our cup so we can be there for the ones we love. Here are three practical ways to fill up so we stop running on empty.

1. Wake up Early! A perfect morning for me consist of waking up before the rest of my house, pour a cup of coffee and sit in my favorite spot and read my bible. I wish I can say that this happens every day, but sadly, it doesn’t. Sometimes my body needs the extra 20 minutes of sleep, but let me tell you friends, that quiet, alone time first thing in the morning is a game changer! It gives me time to process my day ahead and get perspective on how I want the day to go.

2. Meditate! You don’t need a thing to meditate except for a quiet space. And studies have shown the even 5 minutes of meditation can improve your mood, energy level and brain function. Don’t know where to start? There’s an app for that.

3. Take a walk! Its amazing what fresh air can do for the mind and body. The benefits of a daily walk are endless. It can change your mood, increase your energy, curb your appetite….the list goes on and on. Just tie your shoes and go!

My challenge for you, take one of these simple ways to fill your cup and practice it every day for the next five days. No doubt, it will be a game changer!

Post #1 - Outside my comfort zone

Welcome to my first official Blog post! I’m told that the more you blog, the easier it gets….let’s hope! I’ve been wanting to start a blog ever since I started Pure Joy Pilates to provide at home workouts, encouragement and advice. So now, two years later, I feel it’s time….even though it’s still out of my comfort zone.

The past two years have flown by! I have learned so much by running my own business and I am beyond grateful for every client who walk through the doors! My hopes for Pure Joy Pilates is to offer a space that builds community and strength. A place where you walk away feeling better that when you walked in. A place where you feel encouraged, loved and accomplished. For those of you who are reading this, you have had some part of making Pure Joy Pilates what it is….and for that, THANK YOU!!!!!