“Living The Pilates Lifestyle” Q&A Series: Jen

Pilates is more than just a workout... it's a lifestyle (in and out of the studio) that raises your vibration and contributes to a happy and healthy life. It makes you feel good from the inside out!

​In this series, we’re sitting down with our very own instructors and students. We're asking them why they choose to live the Pilates lifestyle, what their overall fitness routine looks like and what motivates them to stay healthy and fit.
 
Meet Jen
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
 
A: I am a geophysicist and recently became Chief of the Renewable Energy Section at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Pacific Region. Basically, I’m a scientist working for the federal government in renewable energy leasing and a giant nerd. I’m 43 years old, married to a carpenter I fell in love with while snowboarding in high school. We have two kids: Seth, 13, and Jolie, 9. I’m an adventurous spirt, always in the outdoors—at the beach, hiking, snowboarding, camping. 
 
Fitness Routine
 
Q: What does your personal daily or weekly fitness routine look like?
 
A: I work out often to manage stress. My job is a lot, and on top of that, I’ve had some personal loss and heath struggles over the last few years. Exercise is my release. My weekly routine includes Pilates 2 to 3 times a week, spin once a week, and I like to get in a yoga class or two, plus squeeze in a run, trail run or hike. Pilates has quickly become my absolute favorite exercise, and I honestly wish I could do it every day!
 
Why Pilates?
 
Q: How long have you been doing Pilates & why do you choose Pilates as a part of your fitness repertoire?
 
A: I’m new to Pilates; I just started coming regularly in the last five months. I enjoy the detailed focus it requires and how it both strengthens and lengthens my body at the same time. I’ve struggled with hip pain and tight muscles for a few years now, and no amount of stretching helped. Pilates has strengthened the muscles in my core and hips so that I have much more mobility and flexibility, and a lot less pain.
 
Pilates has improved the quality of my life, made me feel amazing in my own skin and has alleviated my chronic hip pain. I honestly feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.  
 
What Motivates You?
 
Q: What motivates you the most to stay healthy & fit?
 
A: Both of my parents did not take care of themselves as they aged. I watched this as a young adult and did not want to take the same path. As I got older, I needed to exercise to manage stress or just take a moment for myself. I genuinely enjoy working out and moving my body and am motivated when I see improvements—like getting stronger, being able to do more complicated moves and gaining flexibility. 
 
This winter, I surprised myself by getting nearly vertical while making looping turns on my snowboard and dragging my glove across the snow. It felt fantastic, and I could not have done it without all the Pilates and core strength. Being healthy and fit lets me adventure like I want!