Hi guys! So I thought I should elaborate a little bit on this whole Beachbody Coach thing I told you about last Friday that I’m now doing. Sorry in advance, it’s wordy!
not gonna lie, I’m pretty stoked about these abs. Especially since they’re better now than they were pre-baby!
Here’s a bit of my fitness backstory: I grew up playing sports years round. Soccer, basketball, horseback riding, karate, track… you name it, I did it. I was always active. If it was organized sports then I was swimming in our pool or playing street hockey out front. I was fortunate enough to be recruited to play volleyball in college which started off great, but with a change in coaching, quickly spiralled down and out of control. I soon became the most inactive I had ever been (also partially blaming college parties/studying/blah blah blah) and broke my foot during my Junior year season which launched me up to nearly 200 pounds. WHAAAT. It’s hard to even think about it now because I was in such a crap place in life.
I made it through college and immediately moved into my own apartment just outside of Boston. A new working-girl lifestyle left me pretty exhausted, but I started spending my free time at the apartment complex gym. In fact, I preferred going there to unwind and would often forego social engagements so that I could watch the Real Housewives of Orange County on the treadmill.
After a year, I moved to a different apartment and joined the YMCA that was down the road. I started attending various classes after work and quickly became addicted to making sure I went every single day. I loved it! (and it was starting to show in my clothes too) One of my favorite instructors? Athena!
Before I knew it, I was taking classes to become a fitness instructor myself. I was so excited to be able to share my love of fitness with others! And then I took the ACSM cPT exam and was a certified personal trainer. Ahh, so exciting. I was looking forward to potentially making this a career rather than a part-time job (outside of my finance full-time job).
But then, I met Tyler. And within 6 months I moved to Canada to marry him. I applied for my permanent residency and couldn’t work for the duration of my application being processed. I tried volunteering at the YMCA’s here in Calgary, but there were so many obstacles that I just couldn’t get over (given my legal status), so it really through my hopes of getting into fitness full-time for a loop.
I wound up getting another financial position once my residency was approved, and was only a member of a local gym- I was so bored with it. SO BORED. I was randomly introduced to Beachbody through a work challenge and bought Focus T25. I fell in love with the change up + I loved that they were only 25 minute workouts that were kicking my butt!
About a month after I bought the program, I found out I was pregnant and continued to do modified workouts from T25 (plus a variety of other prenatal workouts). Four weeks post partum I jumped back into T25. Since Wes was born in April 2015, I have tried 21 day fix, 21 day fix EXTREME, and Insanity.
I came to realize that I had fallen in love with Beahbody programs. Not only because they were quick, but because they could be done at home with the baby (or anywhere), and they were EFFECTIVE. [please refer to above photo]
And unlike before, I was pushing myself to properly complete these workouts. I only have so much time while Wes naps to squeeze in a workout, so I better do it RIGHT. My health isn’t just for me, it’s for him. He’s a big boy, and I need to stay on top of my game if I want to carry him around all the time š
I’m now in the best shape of my life. I don’t think the scale properly reflects ‘fitness’ but I am 60ish pounds lighter than my heaviest weight. I am more mindful of what I eat. (I still drink beer and eat cake). And I am the happiest I’ve ever been. This just reminded me of a time in college I went to the mall with friends and we went into a jeans store. They were all trying on jeans and I realized I couldn’t even fit into the largest size. Insert huge crying emoji and a bottle of vodka.
Then there’s the Shakeology. It came with the first challenge pack I bought and I fell in love with it. I found it to be so worth it to keep my energy up, curb my crazy chocolate cravings, and to keep me satisfied. I was breastfeeding Wes when I first tried Shakeology and it really helped in so many ways (that’s a whole other novel to tell!)
It only made sense for me to become a Beachbody coach so that I could help motivate others. I’m still pretty active outside of these programs- walking, hiking, hot yoga, spin, etc.- but I have Beachbody to thank for allowing me to be this fit. Sound corny? Yeah, kinda. But it’s actually pretty darn true.
I am really looking forward to the opportunity to work with people (maybe even you?!! wink wink) because I know how hard it can be to be in a fitness rut. I will be your buddy from day 1 and help you get to your happy place š
If you have any questions or want more info, please feel free to email me at jennifer(dot)l(dot)linton(at)gmail(dot)com
nutcaseinpoint 
I love reading fitness stories like this. I love how effective BB programs are and you look freakin amazing!! I don’t think I could get those abs even if I ate nothing but chicken and broccoli!
thanks! :):)
I love reading fitness stories too! Mine is similar with gaining SO much weight in college due to partying & not working out regularly after playing soccer yearend all through high school.
Congrats on becoming a Beachbody coach! I would like to try it – The results look amazing – But I love running so much that my exercise time always goes toward training for the next race, and then I feel too tired/busy for anything else.
well if you ever change your mind and want to give one a try….let me know š
I echo the ladies above! I too enjoy reading people’s fitness stories! I had no idea you ever struggled with your weight. You look freakin’ amazing now though! You have every right to be proud of what you’ve accomplished! I wish I was better at working out at home…I just can’t seem to find the motivation to keep it up!
thanks! š I’ll admit, it was SUPER hard for me to work out from home on the regular in the beginning, but now I get excited for how quick the whole process is- I don’t have to pack a gym bag/drive/unpack/etc.
interesting background story! I always enjoy learning about how people find their “thing” when it comes to fitness. I like working out at home sometimes, but I also really love going to the gym and lifting much heavier weights than I have at home. Once I have kids and have {even less} time than I have now, my workouts will probably change and I may be doing more at home stuff.
I would have said the same thing prior to having a baby, but priorities shift like crazy! Although I do love a spin or hot yoga class out of the house eery once in a while š
I know quite a few BB coaches so glad to hear you are a part of the team! I could see how this would be an excellent career path for you as a new mama. It really suits you! š Congrats and best of luck on your business!
Thanks so much, I’m really hoping it pans out š
Love this! Your super inspiring š excited to see things you’ll do and people you’ll help as a coach ā¤ļø
Thanks! I’m excited too š
Hey Jen! You look incredible!!!! Such an inspiration to every momma out there. As you know with the twins I don’t have any extra time at all… like any. I gained 100 pounds while pregnant and that was eating 6 small healthy meals a day ( however no exercise was allowed because I was high risk) I am having such a hard time loosing the baby weight ( I haven’t lost any since they were born and I am really really trying) I am desperate for some motivation and some energy ( I am running on fumes everyday… which is why I lack the motivation ) I love workout videos that I can do from home. Long story short….if someone was just starting out what would you recommend they begin with? I am in the curious stage right now.
Hey Crystie! Thanks so much :):) I’ll email you some info tonight!
I’ve been curious about beachbody! Mostly the workouts, not the meal planning/shakes. Are any easy to use or modify for a pregnant lady? Also thinking they might be good for me and my husband post-baby when I’ll have no time to get to the gym. Any good for both men and women?
Hey Alison! I’ll send you an email tonight with some info š
So glad you are doing this. You are an inspiration!
Hi Jen,
My name is Debbie and Jenn T., SuperDelightful, is my Daughter. Congrats on all your successes! And a Coach to boot! I joined BB, 21 Day Challenge in Oct., 2015. I really love BB. It is a plan I amazingly can stick to regardless what happens in my life. My Coaches are. Mike and Angele Fitspatrick. Have you had a chance to meet them? Maybe not, but they are fantastic people. The most important thing I have learned is not give up. If I lose focus for a day or two, before I would of given up, but with BB I get right back on track. I am down 29 ibs and 23 inches. I know it is a life style and I hope to continue forever.
I hope you and your family have a fantastic day! I really do admire your determination and commitment to yourself, your family and your BB Members. You are the key to them all! Bye for now, Debbie Thompson
Hi Debbie. Thanks! And congrats to you! It really can be difficult to get over some hurdles, so that’s awesome you stuck with it…and that’s when you start seeing results which is the best feeling ever. I have not met your coaches, but am looking forward to meeting other coaches through our online community- they are all really great inspiration and bring different assets to the table. I am hoping to do the same for all my future clients š Have a great weekend!