Jen is a New York City-based Group Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer with more than nine years of experience. She prides herself on being fiercely inclusive, loves to coach HIIT and strength workouts, and believes movement can add unending joy to our lives. Outside of fitness, she loves eating her way through NYC, traveling, and taking as many trips to the ocean as possible.
“One foot in front of the other”
I'm not sure who said this originally, but it applies to not just fitness but life in general. When we feel like giving up, taking one literal step at a time (or meeting, day, etc) keeps us present and before you know it, you usually have completed what needed to be done or have gotten through the tough time.
Q&A
What form of exercise do you teach?
I teach HIIT classes, strength (both with weights and bodyweight), core focused, indoor cycling, TRX, and I also coach running.
What does your exercise do for you - outside and inside?
On the outside, it keeps me strong and able to move well which, to me, is the most important aspect of staying active. On the inside, it centers me, focuses me and allows me to take on the days' hurdles as they come with more grace and a clearer mind.
What is your favorite inspirational or motivational quote?
"One foot in front of the other" - I'm not sure who said this originally, but it applies to not just fitness but life in general. When we feel like giving up, taking one literal step at a time (or meeting, day, etc) keeps us present and before you know it, you usually have completed what needed to be done or have gotten through the tough time.
What's your favorite reggae song? What does it mean to you?
Bob Marley's 'Could you be loved' makes me instantly happy- i absolutely love the beat and the vibe. To me, it means to love yourself and love others and accept love from others, to literally BE love and loved. It represents unity to me.
What does nature mean to you? How does it inspire you?
Nature to me is any element of being outdoors; this can be Central Park in NYC, a beach, the top of a mountain, or a desert. Seeing trees, a stream, a snowy trail, a cactus or a palm tree are all features of nature that immediately centers me and connects me back to who I am. It inspires me to take deeper breaths and to appreciate this world in its purest form. It ignites adventure in me and makes me feel playful which is something that is often lost in the day to day shuffle, especially living in a big city!
How can our natural world help bring people closer to their true natures?
Being in nature strips us down to a much more minimal, free version of ourselves. It heightens our senses, allows us to see the true beauty in this world and really allows our mind to clear the things that we don't need but tend to carry around.
How can exercise make us stronger human beings, better able to connect with others and embrace everyone's right to thrive?
Exercise makes us physically stronger which will always lead us to being stronger in every other aspect. It promotes longevity and health and allows us to live our lives to the fullest; it helps alleviate pain and releases chemicals that elevate our moods, resulting in putting our best selves forward to the world!
Why is it important for us to connect with other human beings?
Life is about connection- without it, we wouldn't be able to live even close to full lives. It takes a village to keep the world running. Everyone brings something to the table and is here for a purpose. You never know what a connection might bring to you or what you might bring to another human. The rich diversity in the world is what makes it SO beautiful.
What does the phrase "One World, One Love" mean to you?
We all live in one world regardless of what country you live in or came from, regardless of what you look like or believe in and that is such a beautiful connection to all of humanity. To embrace the whole world as one is love.
In a universe of exercise platforms, what makes OneFirelight special?
We have connected our movement to nature and reggae which we believe connects us to the world. We want everyone who takes our classes to feel like they are right there with us on that beach or near that waterfall, sweating together and connecting our movement to the world. We are united in love and movement and that message will really come through in all of us on the OneFirelight platform.
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