1. Tell us about yourself. How did you start working out with DanceFIT?
My name is Jennifer and I live in downtown Boston but I am a Texas gal at heart. My husband and I have a crazy fun 15 month old and I work about 4 days a week as an attorney at a government agency.
I discovered DanceFIT almost four years ago through a deal – maybe Groupon? My first class took place right after one of Gina’s classes at the Brookline studio. She was probably 7 or 8 months pregnant at the time and I thought, “Okay, if this gal can still do this then I have no excuses.” Unfortunately, this was around the time of my wedding and things were hectic so I ended up letting the classes expire. Then a few months later I was looking for a way to add variety into my fitness routine. I had been taking a ton of boot camp classes and doing lots of running during my “I need to get into the best shape of my life at age 30” phase. Coincidentally, I received an email about the first ever 6FIT around that time so I signed up and was immediately hooked. The classes were tough but much easier on my body. I was surprised by how much my strength and stamina increased immediately. Butterfly arms, anyone? Enough said.
I did another 6FIT about two years ago right before I got pregnant and I credit that session for preparing me for a healthy pregnancy. I did another 6FIT about three months after having my daughter and it really helped me balance my postpartum/nursing diet with some healthy physical activity. This current round of SpringFit is part of my “I just turned 35 and need to find my body again” phase. I hope DanceFIT continues to be there for whatever life brings my way!
2. As DanceFIT Studio Virtual Client, how has DanceFIT changed your workout routine?
VirtualFit has helped me create and maintain a new routine. I switched to taking virtual classes after I had my daughter and it is the only reason I can continue to work out on a regular basis. I have options at 6:15am and after her bedtime – no excuses!
3. What songs on your playlist keep you motivated during a workout?
Honestly? I took my IPod with me to the hospital when I went into labor and I don’t know where it is right now. My work out time has become my quiet ‘me’ time – I don’t even miss the music anymore.
4. What is your favorite Virtual DanceFIT class and why?
This is tough! I am loving the yoga classes right now. Both Manda and Emily are awesome at creating a great virtual yoga class. Yoga is one of those things I always thought was best done at a zen studio far far far away from my apartment. However, both ladies do a great job of taking you away from chaos of your home. And they are both great at providing feedback and modifications via Skype. So often they will say, “Now you should adjust X” and, guess what? I needed to adjust X at that precise time. Love them!
I also love Arms & Abs with Laura on Sunday night, especially when she incorporates upper body boxing techniques. It is one of those classes that goes by too quickly and yet, at the end, you realize how tough of a workout you just went through.
5. Tell our readers what your favorite go-to pre-workout snack is!
Half an apple and some all-natural almond butter. Or Greek yogurt and some berries.
6. What is your best piece of fitness advice or inspiration?
It depends on what is going on in my life. Right now I am totally inspired by these "Four Simple Rules" and am trying really hard to follow them.
7. What is your FIT fashion? What do you usually wear for workouts?
Sadly, over the past few months, it has been old maternity tops or jammies. I roll out of bed and hit the mat just in time for a 6:15am class. But I can wear my DanceFIT sweatshirt before and after class and look somewhat cute. Well, at least I feel attractive once I throw it on! This reminds me that I need to shop for some new gear . . .
8. What do you tell your friends and family when they ask about why you love DanceFIT so much?
Awesome instructors and a great community! I am constantly inspired by the women in the DanceFIT community who juggle jobs, school, businesses, and kids, and still find time to challenge themselves on the fitness front. I will go to other studios and gyms but nothing comes close to DanceFIT. My friends are probably tired of my Facebook posts praising the awesomeness of DanceFIT but, really, it is a mama-owned kick-you-know-what place with a class for everyone!
9. You live in MA and we LOVE surprise visits from you in our Brookline and Natick Studios. What is your favorite in studio class and why?
When I could do it, I loved Maeve’s Zumba class and any class taught by Gina. Maeve’s class is so much fun and easy-to-follow. Gina makes her Ballet-based classes so accessible for the non-dancer. They are hard yet make me feel graceful.
10. You are a busy, working, beautiful mama! How do you fit workouts into your day and do you think it's important for your kids to see you working out?
Prior to having my kiddo I could work out at any time. My new approach is to schedule my workouts in my calendar like any other important meeting and stick with them unless someone is ill or I did not sleep at least 6 hours the previous night.
It is absolutely vital that my daughter see me live a healthy lifestyle. I come from a community in which moms tend to sacrifice their own health for the sake of their families – and, sadly, it shows. The rates of obesity and diabetes and other health ailments in the Hispanic community are abysmal. At some point in my late 20’s I decided to live a healthier lifestyle and it is more important than ever that my daughter see this first-hand. She is now at the age where she will run and throw herself on my mat when she sees me pull it out. It’s really cute! I cannot wait until she can take Tippy Toes at the Brookline studio.
Thank you so much for letting us feature you, Jennifer! We love following you and your beautiful family on your adventures around Boston :) Keep up the great work and healthy lifestyle!
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