Our Story
My interest in weightlifting began in 2005. A friend had a bench/weights and that was my first exposure to it. I worked out with him or solo until I decided to get a YMCA gym membership in 2006. I slowly began the process of living healthier. PROCESS is the key word. I didn’t just jump into a healthy lifestyle. (I was 30 before I even thought about living healthy). Some days I ran, some days I walked, and some days I just crawled. But I kept MOVING FORWARD (thank you to Martin Luther King Jr for that inspirational quote)
Prior to this, in my teens and throughout my entire 20’s; I was a ‘skinny’ girl filled with fear, insecurity, debilitating anxiety/depression, and a rollercoaster ride of alcohol/drug abuse. I was habitually confused. The majority of my self-talk was negative. I was convinced I wasn’t smart enough, funny enough, pretty enough…constantly comparing myself to others. I kept fueling that negative cycle. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and I didn’t feel worthy.
This is not to say I am free from all fear and insecurities today. I still have some fear and insecurities. But I am free from the bo***ge of alcohol and drugs today. I have the tools to move through my fears. I practice more positive self-talk. I’m comfortable in my own skin. My lows I used to feel during depression are not nearly as low. I don’t want to die today. I am fit today. Physically and mentally. I have confidence and self-respect. I have goals.
Exercise and healthy eating have been HUGE in improving my quality of life. A counselor recommended exercise as one variable to help with my erratic moods/depression. She mentioned how exercise increases dopamine levels and releases endorphins. I took her advice and began. I noticed a difference in my overall mood. I had more energy and less anxiety. Action is the antidote that alleviated my anxiety. I continue to take action.
It took about 3 years into sobriety before I was ready to quit smoking, too. That was another 17-year addiction I overcame one day at a time until it has become my new “normal” to be a non-smoker. It was tough, but I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. Most people who know me now find it hard to believe I ever smoked!
About that time is when I ramped up my strength training. I paid more attention to my diet and what I was putting in my body. I began to read Oxygen and Muscle Fitness for Hers magazines and use bodybuilding.com as resources for exercises/recipes. The fit women in the magazines inspired me with their strong bodies and positive messages.
I went back to school and completed my Masters in Education degree in 2010. I have my School Counseling endorsement along with a Group Science (Biology emphasis) endorsement on my Elementary Teaching Certificate. Although I didn’t realize then that my interest in health/fitness would evolve into a career path, I believe my educational studies transfer well over into the fitness field. The skills I developed as a counselor (genuineness, empathy, active listening, providing information, asking open questions, and exploring/removing obstacles to change) will also be useful as a personal trainer and health coach.
I have always found serenity in nature and exercising outdoors is a form of meditation for me. It decreases negative thinking and can boost creative problem solving. I found it reduces stress, anxiety, and curbs depression. With less noise and fewer distractions in nature, it can benefit our mental health. Ecotherapy is a growing field and is even being recommended by doctors. In 2013, I started to sign up for some 5K obstacle races, ran a 10k race, and finished a triathlon. I continue to implement part of my exercise program outdoors.
In 2014, I competed in my first Figure Bodybuilding competition at the Iron Man Competition in Flint, MI.
Since 2015, I have been Manager at a local fitness center/martial arts studio and in the past year began coaching group Fitness Boxing Circuit classes there. I have fallen in love with it!!
I recently attained my Personal Training Certification through NASM and LCTI-Life Coach certification after realizing that fitness has been a consistent passion of mine for 15 years now and I am called to use the gifts I’ve been given to help others believe in themselves and become more physically and mentally fit. I am also in process of earning my Nutrition Coaching certification.
With every fear that I push through, I become stronger. I build confidence. I respect myself more. I’m happier and more comfortable with who I am. I continue to practice healthy habits, willing to grow and remain teachable.
I want to help others by motivating them to push through fears and develop positive healthy choices and support them as they achieve their goals. I want this site to be a source to find energizing workouts, inspiration, motivational tips, and healthy recipes.
Please feel free to connect with me here for personal training and/or health coaching. I want to help others become empowered to start or continue their own journey.
Thank you to everyone who has been supportive of me over the years with every obstacle and goal. I appreciate you all!
Jada VanStrien
“The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you believe 100%”—Arnold Schwarzenegger
“I’m thankful for my struggle because without it I wouldn’t have stumbled across my strength”—TD Jakes
“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn”—Harriet Beecher Stowe
“Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye”—Helen Keller
