My World Traveler's Story
I started training with Jen after I got invited to go on a 5 day trek up the high Inca plateau to
Machu Picchu, at some pretty hefty elevations. I knew I wanted to do it, but I also knew that I
was in no shape to attempt it. Fast forward about 8 months and I found myself in some
exceptionally beautiful, and very isolated, landscapes. And although I wasn’t the fasted one in
the group, I wasn’t the slowest one either! That was almost 8 years ago.
After I got back, I made a decision to keep with it, and I’m so glad I have. I can now remove the
AC unit from the window myself and put it into storage! I picked up my 6 year old niece with one
arm and carried her on my shoulder across the beach. I’m 52 years old and easily in the best
shape of my life. And since I struggled with obesity since puberty, that's something I’m
immensely proud of.
I thought initially, when I started, I would get a few lessons and then continue training on my
own. But I quickly discovered that without any accountability, I wouldn’t do it. So Jen is my
accountabilabuddy! She’s the reason I drag my ass out of bed some mornings. And sticking with
it has paid off in some unexpected ways as well. I fell down a flight of concrete stairs at the train
station, knocked my glasses and my shoes clean off! But I didn’t break a bone in my body. I
thank weight training and muscle mass for that!
Jen has become more than my trainer, she’s my friend. And she’s the most important part of my
health maintenance.
From my Outdoor Enthusiast :
I’ve been working with Jen for the last two years, and it’s been a total transformation for my training. I started looking for a way to cross-train for rock climbing and add strength training to my routine. Although I had some experience with lifting, I had plateaued and I was stuck doing the same exercises with little progress.
Jen quickly assessed where I was and created a personalized training program tailored to my goals. She brings a ton of variety to each session, which keeps things fresh and challenging—I’m never bored. Beyond the workouts, Jen is incredibly knowledgeable about full-body health, from nutrition to recovery and general wellness.
Two years later, I’m feeling stronger, more capable, and genuinely excited for each workout. I’m grateful for her expertise and the progress I’ve made with her support.
Empowered Grandmother:
I recently had an unusual experience in which the training I've been doing with Jen played an important part.
We work on strength, flexibility, balance and conditioning and all that helped me when I accidentally stepped into a muddy, quicksand-like pond area. I was trying to get close to a starving giant turtle to feed it. I was soon into thigh high deep mud and couldn't get out.
Help didn't arrive for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile I used my hands and arms to dig out enough mud to loosen my legs. I had to dig out a stone that was impeding my foot and had the strength to toss it away. Help came. They threw me stone to sit on as I pulled my legs free and then I had to shimmy up a pole to get to dry land.
I survived without any physical harm. I couldn't have done it without the great condition I was in thanks to Jen. PS I'm 78 years old!
~Alyce