Jenni and I started training together in December 2010, and when initially asked what she’d like to accomplish while working together- she had a few goals in mind. Losing body fat and gaining whole body strength were top on her list. Jenni is the very talented lead singer of the new local band, “The Young Guns,” and she is extremely dedicated to her craft. As lead singer, she is the focal point on stage and appearance is everything. So is stamina and the ability to bring intense energy to every show.
After 10 months of dedication to a healthy diet and exercise program, Jenni has lost 26 LBS of body fat, gained incredible strength and stamina, and has formed a new band. Her first show with The Young Guns is October 22nd, 2011 and she is raring to go like never before.
Here is an interview with Jenni sharing the impact of fitness on her life, who inspires her musically, her love for her newly defined arms, and where she ultimately plans to go with her passion for music.
How long have you been making music and what is your ultimate goal with it?
I’ve been playing guitar since I was 8 years old, and I’ve been singing in choirs at church and school all growing up. My ultimate goal with music is to be a Rock Star of course! Honestly, music makes me very happy and my ultimate goal with it is to keep growing creatively and to inspire others to make art and explore their form of personal expression.
Who are your musical influences?
That is such a tough question. I love strong female performers such as Karen O of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Alice Glass of Crystal Castles, and Emily Haines of Metric. Many of my favorite bands are not scared to use sound to express emotion, and push boundaries; bands like Cursive and Animal Collective, but I also love more mellow neo folk like Bon Iver and Iron and Wine. I love T.V. on the radio, Arcade fire, The National, Atmosphere, Common… I could go on for days, but you get the point, I love music.
What inspired you to want to work with a trainer and get in shape?
I work and go to school full time, and as much as those things are necessary and good for my future, I didn’t feel like I was doing anything for ME. Busy schedules are such an easy excuse to use to not be active and to eat poorly, and I was sick of making excuses for myself. I used to be on anti-depressants and I gained about 15 pounds, that made me even unhappier with myself. I’m glad to say I’m no longer on any medication, and the endorphins I get from working out and the increased energy I have from being active, are better than any anti-depressant.
Are there any similarities between making music and working out?
Absolutely! My band practices twice a week, a total of 8-9 hours, and sometimes there are things we’d all rather be doing. Working out requires the same discipline, getting up and doing it, fitting it into your schedule however you can, even if you don’t feel like it everyday. When writing a song there are times when you hit “plateaus” and you have to figure out how to get through it to finish. It’s similar to when you hit a weight loss plateau, you have to explore creative options on how to break through that wall. I’ve discovered that if there is something that I really want to do, work out, make music, whatever, no matter how busy I am, I make it happen.
You’ve already lost 26 LBS since we’ve worked together, what is your next fitness goal?
I have become pretty comfortable at this weight, and it’s time for me to get my drive back to lose the last five-ten pounds. I want more Abdominal definition- working out has made me vain! I would also like to do a run or a triathlon, hopefully in support of cancer research, a cause that’s close to my heart.
What are your favorite exercises and muscle(s) to train? Why?
I love upper body days! I like working my arms and my core… I have to say I’m most proud of my arms, back, and shoulders since I’ve lost weight. Lifting weights was something I used to be intimidated by, but now it makes me feel strong and empowered. I also love to do Pilates.
What do you enjoy most about working with me?
Any day I’ve walked into a work out feeling discouraged or overwhelmed you’ve gotten me through it. Whenever I’ve hit a weight loss plateau and lost my drive, you’ve gotten me through it. When I gave up on myself- you wouldn’t, (even when it’s pull-ups). I feel constantly challenged not only physically, but mentally; because you challenge the personal limits of what I think I’m capable of. I wanted to lose 10 pounds and I’ve lost 26. You’ve given me the emotional and psychological support to adapt a healthier lifestyle, it’s not just about losing inches or pounds, (even though I love that) it’s about being healthy and strong.
How has your life improved since starting your fitness journey?
Physically: I used to have a resting pulse of 70 and now it’s 62, and I’m at a healthy BMI now, and I’ve lost 26 pounds. Mentally: My stress level has decreased, I sleep better, and I have so much more energy, (which I need with my crazy schedule!) I also drink tons of water now, something I never used to do. Also, I’ve inspired you and others to regularly donate blood- a cause that is very dear to me.
Throughout all these months working together, do you think that fitness and healthy eating will forever be a part of your life?
I couldn’t imagine it not being a part of my life now. If I don’t get my work out in, I get edgy and stressed out. When I eat better, I feel like my body is functioning better, which makes me so much more capable of doing everything I need to do. If I can fit being healthy into my insane schedule now, when I’m not as busy, it’ll be even easier. Plus, I have shows to play and I’ve gotta look hot!