When I began my training with Jennifer in January of 2010 (back in her LA Fitness days), she turned just about everything I thought I knew about fitness on its head. She coaxed me out of the bright lights, away from the fancy (aka highly inoperable) cardio machines, and threw me into what most women would consider the “man-cave” of the gym (which is otherwise known as the free-weight room). In a matter of weeks, I was the queen of that man-cave, lifting as heavy and hard as the guys, although sometimes I felt more like the maid (the concept of returning items to their proper places apparently evaded them). I soon became stronger and more empowered than ever before, as I noticed transformative changes both inside and out.

A few months into my training with Jen, however, my husband returned from his deployment, and (sticking to the military stereotype of course) we soon discovered that we were pregnant. While I was immediately overcome with joy at the thought of a brand new life growing inside me, I also became instantly concerned about how to stay as fit and healthy as possible throughout the coming months (…and beyond! Yes, I was already dreading the weight I was inevitably going to gain, and have to lose afterward!)  Throughout my pregnancy, I continued strength training at TAISO at least three days a week, pushing myself during my workouts, while also recognizing my own personal limits- which meant modifying movements and taking breaks whenever I felt like I needed to. Jen and Butch helped make this possible by providing alternate exercises as they became necessary.

I honestly believe […]