FYTE fitness

02/15/2024

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/cdCZ0pr


Here's a little excerpt...

"Today I am thinking about yo-yo's. The term yo-yo is used a lot in terms of dieting. It describes the process of starting, giving up, and starting over. We don't quit because something is wrong, we simply aren't comfortable, we don't want to be hungry, and we experience hunger as bad. Unfortunately, that hunger might have had a lesson to teach. There is likely some inner strength that can be gleaned through being just a little bit hungry. Relationships can be another yo-yo space where we avoid change. Unfortunately, if we don't grow, we stay the same person, we attract the same person, and then we repeat the same broken painful patterns (no thank you). We could choose to stay a little uncomfortable and glean a little strength. If discomfort is a catalyst for growth and yet avoid it we better be ready to start over and do it again, and again.

I think I would rather move forward than repeat the same of anything. And so I have to embrace my uncomfortability and my muchness.

Hi, my name is Jessika and I am a handful."

My mornings start with meditation and journaling, I reflect on the day before to never spill a drop, any lesson that has the potential to be learned, I want to learn it. Today I am thinking about yo-yo's. The term yo-yo is used a lot in terms of dieting. It describes the process of starting, giving....

01/24/2024

THE AUTHENTIC JESS PODCAST

NEW EPISODE OUT

BOLD BEAUTY, A Joyful Rebellion against Beauty Norms

When my good friend Libby stepped into the studio, her presence was a radiant reminder that true beauty blooms from the courage of self-expression. Together, we unravel the threads of societal expectations and discover the fabric of our own definitions of beauty. Libby, an emblem of body positivity, shares her metamorphosis from battling with the cookie-cutter beauty standards to harnessing her strength and fitness as a source of empowerment. Our exchange sheds light on the pressures women navigate and the liberating journey of crafting beauty on our own terms, highlighting the significance of mental fortitude in this pursuit.

As we peel back the layers of personal transformation, Libby and I venture into the intertwined domains of motherhood, sexuality, and appearance. I reveal my evolution in self-care practices, from the initial use of hair and makeup as a shield to wholehearted acceptance and celebration of my appearance as an extension of my identity. We challenge the misconceptions that link women's appearance solely to the pursuit of male approval and instead revel in the joy of personal satisfaction and the power behind a compliment from another woman. The conversation becomes a sanctuary where we can tackle the 'catch and release' concept in our interactions, finding delight in attention without the need for further engagement.

Closing on a note of authenticity, our talk echoes the universal quest for happiness and the importance of carving out a life that is genuinely our own. We share anecdotes that underscore the beauty found in the daily rituals of makeup application or the tranquility of nature, underscoring that joy often resides in the simplest of pleasures. As we conclude, I'm reminded of the importance of lending our voices to the critical yet often overlooked conversations about sexuality and identity, promising to run boldly toward rather than away from these topics. Libby's insights leave us with a heartening message: supporting each other's journeys to self-expression is not just empowering—it's essential.

To listen on buzz sprout
https://www.buzzsprout.com/.../14368703-bold-beauty-a...
To watch on you tube
To listen on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/episode/47CNAUsZsOyICjbdY7kjo7...
To listen on apple podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/.../bold.../id1693491580...

When my good friend Libby stepped into the studio, her presence was a radiant reminder that true beauty blooms from the courage of self-expression. Together, we unravel the threads of societal expectations and discover the fabric of our own defini...

01/08/2024

Episode 4 Authentic Jess Podcast

Season two Episode four

12/05/2023

My latest blog
THE STRANGERS PROJECT
A little excerpt
"I was recently blessed to have spent the weekend in Manhattan on an adventure with my bestie, Stephanie. We went to see the iconic Pink in concert; it was a thing that had been on our bucket list for a minute, and we were both excited to cross it off. We landed in Manhattan around 4ish, grabbed some dinner, and went off the show, eager to watch this queen with a mohawk flip, fly, and sing the words that tugged at our souls. Her performance was mesmerizing and inspiring. Pink has an authentic way of writing lyrics that connect to our hearts. I thought I knew every one of her songs, but mid-show, there was one song I had yet to hear. It was all about letting go and releasing trauma. The song was presented almost as an invitation to the whole stadium to collectively release. That's exactly what happened; there was healing, relating, stomping, drumming, and emotion. Madison Square Garden is enormous and packed; there is no way we all shared the same beliefs. We were all strangers, But we all loved pink, and we were collectively releasing our s**t. We had a common bond. The entire concert was an incredible experience. Afterward, Steph and I were beat; thankfully, we had already planned to stay in the city that night. Around 11, we got back to the hotel and crashed almost immediately. The next morning, we were packing and getting ready to head home when we both realized we didn't have to. All four of our kids were occupied, and all we had waiting for us was housework and chores. F**k that, we proclaimed and instead opted to spend the day exploring the city. We started off with an incredible conversation over brunch and then went trapsing off to the concierge for a little input on how best to spend our day. Within a few minutes, we devised a plan...."

https://www.fyte.co/post/the-strangers-project

11/09/2023

I have become comfortable talking about my experience with divorce and separation and how I managed to move forward with my knees knocking together. I am even quite comfortable sharing about my silly home repairs and disposing of dead rodents (what I used to consider a man's job). I am proud of myself for so many little things; I boast about my recent victories, much like my kids used to race up the driveway with their test papers whenever they got a good grade. As I have said in previous blogs, in my first year post-divorce, I was committed to breathing and making new friendships (mostly with people at the gym). That was the best gift I gave myself. By the end of that year, I was finally authentically me and feeling very comfortable in my new life. My shoes were comfortable, and I could run in them for miles.

A few months ago, I got some new incredibly uncomfortable shoes, and I can't return them. They pinch my feet, but they are adorable; I love the style and the color. They got great reviews and have a lifetime warranty. I know that if I keep wearing them, they will stretch out and stop giving me blisters. I have always wanted a pair of shoes like this. I wasn't ready to purchase them, but there was a sale that I couldn't pass up, and I bought them. I love them, but they are so uncomfortable to break in. I have no choice but to wear them until they are all broken in. After all, there is this path I want to travel, and the only way to walk that path is in these shoes.

Okay, here goes nothing. (Take a deep breath, Jess, speak your truth)

I have become comfortable talking about my experience with divorce and separation and how I managed to move forward with my knees knocking together. I am even quite comfortable sharing about my silly home repairs and disposing of dead rodents (what I used to consider a man's job). I am proud of myse...

10/31/2023

THE AUTHENTIC JESS PODCAST
REDEFINING HEALTH: BEYOND THE PHYSICAL

Holistic health encompasses more than just physical well-being; it also considers our social, emotional, spiritual, and mental health. In the latest episode of our podcast, we take a deep dive into each of these aspects, providing a broader understanding of what it truly means to be healthy.

Over the past two years, I have undergone a personal evolution, prompting a shift in my perspective on health. As I have begun to appreciate the simple joys of life, take social risks, and foster meaningful connections with the world around us, I have come to understand that health is about much more than diet and exercise. It is about genuinely connecting with life.

One of the main topics discussed in this episode is the role of resentment in our lives. We all experience irritation at some point, but how we process and release this emotion can significantly impact our health. Holding onto resentment can weigh us down, leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. However, we can improve our overall well-being by processing our grievances in real time and letting go of these negative emotions.

We also delve into the power of a simple compliment. Offering praise to a stranger might seem out of the ordinary, but it can open up unexpected conversations and positive interactions. This act of kindness can not only brighten someone else's day, but it can also enrich our own lives by fostering a sense of connection and community.

Moreover, we talk about the importance of taking social risks and the value they bring to our lives. These risks can lead to new experiences and relationships, helping us to grow as individuals and improve our social health. We also explore the therapeutic value of activities like horseback riding, yoga, and dancing, highlighting how these pursuits can enhance our physical and mental health.

Lastly, we reflect on the changes in our lives and how they influence our health. Our experiences shape our perspective and understanding of health as we navigate life. By being mindful, aware, and present, we can better adapt to these changes and continue to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, this episode encourages us to broaden our understanding of health and connect with life. It reminds us that health is a holistic concept encompassing physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. We can enhance our health and enrich our lives by releasing resentment, embracing life, and fostering meaningful connections.

10/12/2023

Its been a minute, I wrote this here blog today.

HOW TO BE TRULY HEALTHY

09/09/2023

GO ARMY

opening day
With the crew

08/29/2023

MY CHALLENGE

After my separation, I knew I had zero interest in dating, the thought of a relationship terrified me. I clung to my bestie, I found a sister in my friend Stephanie (thank you, jesus).

Still, I desperately wanted to build my social network. I needed to find my sparkle. Taking risks, making friends, and meeting new people became my new project. This would be my focus for a year. Since I spent so much time at the gym, it seemed only fitting, but I started taking risks there and trying to introduce myself to new people. I remember sitting at breakfast with Stephanie when I saw these two girls I recognized from the gym, (whom i now know as Jackie and Libby) I decided to go over and introduce myself. As terrified as I was, I did, and we became fast friends. Further along in my journey, I noticed this incredibly strong woman at the gym (whom I now know is Kate). I took a deep breath and started a conversation. Another friendship was born. Next along came Lindsay, tattoed gangster with a mowhawk who naturally drifted into the fold. They were strong, authentic, and inspiring, and I looked forward to every conversation, still do

Not pictured here are more of my amazing friends Sahr, Pete, Greg, and Hans. (I am sure I am leaving some out) Also, my dear friend Roseli, who does not go to the gym but she rides that Peloton like a savage.

I am more than grateful for all of my friends.

I am grateful for the year post divorce spent rediscovering my spark.

Side note.I am also grateful for my now boyfriend, Conrad (the cute blonde guy that pops up in my stories)

💪🏻

08/28/2023

I lost 20 pounds without dieting.

I am almost at my stage weight, and I am in restaurants at least twice a week.
I was heavier when I was forcing myself to diet; isn't that strange?

I challenged myself to lose weight without counting a single number and only change behaviors. I wanted to reduce the diet noise and frustration in my head and find my way to "normal" I had been dieting for my whole life and started competitive bodybuilding, which is a whole other level of dieting.
Behaviors are the foundation that make skills like macro tracking succeed, so I opted to go straight to the source.

I began my experiment about a year ago. There were of course some bumps and bruises BUT I learned things that made me live life fuller and happier and somehow my body followed along... SCORE.

I wont bore you with every little thing I learned and observed.
Just the facts

* I SAVOR FOOD AND THE PEOPLE I SHARE IT WITH (its in caps because its the biggest one for me)

* I eat the foods that power me and make me feel good (prioritize plants and protein)

* I pay attention to my hunger and fullness, and that generally dictates how much food I need based on my activity (intuitive eating model)

* I am a foodie, and so are my friends. When I am out and enjoying, I eat until the food stops being MINDBLOWING. I eat super slow and enjoy every bite. I am not saying that I intentionally eat slowly and don't overeat. I am saying that I try to taste every ingredient, enjoy, wake up my senses, and enjoy the experience. When I have forced myself to eat slowly for weight loss reasons, I still don't really taste my food, I am too focused on my body.

These skills serve me well by allowing my goals to come to me. I have begun using these practices with many of my clients, and they have found the same. Life gets better when we aren't solely focused on body image and food restriction. Let your goals come to you.

Want to learn more, share your story, or ask me some questions? Please reach out. I can talk about this s**t all day.

Enough of the bulls**t, don't you think?

☮ and ❤
Jessika