 Have you ever hit a point where your workouts start to feel… stale?
Maybe your body isn’t responding like it used to, or you’re just not as excited to move as you were a few months ago. If that sounds familiar, it might be time to introduce one of my favourite training tools: cross-training. Cross-training simply means mixing up your workouts with different types of exercise: strength, cardio, mobility, flexibility, balance, even recovery-based movement. When you blend these together, your body (and mind) get stronger, more resilient, and far less prone to burnout. Here’s what makes it such a powerful approach: 1. You build a stronger, more balanced body. Every type of exercise challenges you in a unique way. Weight training builds muscle and bone strength. Cardio supports your heart and lungs. Yoga and Pilates enhance balance, stability, and flexibility. When you combine them, you develop well-rounded fitness: strength that moves well and lasts. 2. You prevent injuries before they happen. Doing the same movement patterns every day (like running or lifting heavy repeatedly) can lead to overuse injuries. Cross-training spreads the workload across different muscles and joints, giving tired areas a chance to rest and rebuild. 3. You stay motivated and avoid workout burnout. We all know how routine can become… too routine. Changing things up keeps your brain engaged and your body guessing, which is a recipe for faster progress and way more fun. 4. You recover faster and feel better doing it. Alternating between high-impact and low-impact days helps your body recover without losing momentum. So instead of needing to take full breaks, you stay active while still giving your muscles time to repair. 5. You get results that last. Cross-training doesn’t just make you fitter, it builds longevity. You move better, have more energy, and stay consistent because your workouts feel good instead of exhausting. So, how can you start? Try adding one new movement style into your week, maybe swap a run for a cycle, add a yoga or Pilates session between your lift days, or try swimming for low-impact cardio. Your body thrives on variety. The more ways you move, the more capable, strong, and energized you’ll feel. Keep mixing it up, keep challenging yourself, and most importantly, keep moving with purpose. You’ve got this, JP Jenn 💚
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 As Thanksgiving approaches, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a warm, joy-filled holiday.
Every year, our family likes to mix things up a little at the table. One of our favorite traditions has become this beautiful Lentil Wellington: a plant-based twist on a holiday main that still feels hearty, festive, and full of flavour. It’s become such a staple for us that it just wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving without it. You can find the recipe here: https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/puff-pastry-wrapped-lentil-loaf What I love most about this dish—beyond how good it tastes—is what it’s made of. Lentils are one of the most underrated nutritional powerhouses out there. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your plate:
I’d love to know what’s on your Thanksgiving menu this year. Are you sticking with the classics, or trying something new? Share in the comments what you’re making – I always love seeing everyone’s favourite traditions. Wishing you gratitude, good food, and great company, Jenn  There was a time in my life when I never thought I’d be the one standing on stage, delivering training for Corporate to our Partners. Honestly, I used to be the woman in the back row, doubting myself, thinking, “Who am I to teach anyone?”
Well this past weekend, I got to do exactly that. And as I looked out into the room, I couldn’t help but think about how far I’ve come not just in my business, but in the way I see myself. That’s the power of a growth mindset. What I Used to Believe For years, I thought talent and ability were fixed: you were either naturally good at something or you weren’t. Fitness? Business? Public speaking? If it didn’t come easy, it must not be “for me.” But here’s the truth I’ve learned: nothing changes if we let those old beliefs run the show. Staying stuck in “I can’t” keeps us small. Shifting to “I can’t yet” opens the door to growth. What a Growth Mindset Really Means A growth mindset is about believing that your skills, abilities, and even your confidence are things you can build. It’s about showing up for the work, staying curious, and trusting the process even when it feels slow. For me, it meant:
The Compound Effect of Small Choices One of the most powerful things I’ve learned as a trainer and coach is this: your small choices today compound into big results later.
It works the same in business, relationships, health, and even mindset. Momentum builds when you commit not because you never fail, but because you choose to keep going. Why This Matters (Especially in Midlife) At this stage of life, it’s easy to believe “this is just how it is now.” Slower metabolism, less energy, shrinking dreams. But I’ve seen too many women, myself included, prove that’s simply not true. You are not stuck. You are not finished. You are not too old. When you lean into growth, you create strength in your body, resilience in your mind, and freedom in your life. A Challenge for You This week, I want to invite you to notice one area where you’ve been telling yourself, “I’m just not good at that.” Then pause, and add the word “yet.” ➡️ “I’m not good at strength training… yet.” ➡️ “I can’t stay consistent with nutrition… yet.” ➡️ “I’m not confident enough to speak up… yet.” Let “yet” be your reminder that growth is possible, at any age, at any stage. I never imagined I’d be the one holding the mic, teaching others how to dream bigger and do better but here I am. And if I can make that shift, so can you. To your growth and strength, Jenn  Back-to-school season is here and I’ve got the perfect way to make it smoother (and tastier!). Your favourite French Vanilla Complete Single-Serve Pouches are on Back-to-School Sale and this one’s BIG!
Save 35% off (that’s $82 in savings!) now through August 31st but only while supplies last! I've already ordered a few boxes for my hubby and I and our kids because back to school routines are in full effect and Juice Plus+ is our not so secret tool! Why I’m Obsessed with Complete Protein Powder & why you will be too: > Clean, plant-based protein you can trust: no whey, no junk, just whole-food ingredients your body actually recognizes and so can use. > Convenient single-serves: these are perfect for tossing into your teen's backpack or your University student can use as a quick grab when they need fuel between two and 3 hour, back to back classes. The convenience is a no brainer for us parents too: quick out the door meal or even between zoom meetings. > Fuel for real life: steady energy for busy mornings, after-school chaos, or post-workout recovery. Seriously, if you're not nourishing your body post workouts you're missing out on prime time recovery and muscle building support. But here’s the real game-changer… More Plants, Made Simple. As a personal trainer, I’ve seen how most of us struggle to get enough plants in our day, especially protein-rich ones. That’s why Juice Plus+ Complete is such a win. Each serving delivers: ✔️ 13g of high-quality, *plant-based protein ✔️ Real whole food powders from veggies, fruits, and grains ✔️ Fiber to support digestion, balance blood sugars and keep you feeling satisfied, longer *plant proteins offer more impact because of the PHYTOnutrients it also carries with it so it's literally a power punch for effectiveness. Juice Plus+ Complete is an easy “plant boost” for your body in a shake, smoothie bowl, or even baked into a snack. It’s one of the simplest ways to sneak in more nutrition without overthinking it. Can I tell you how much I love this?! Recipe: Back-to-School Raw Cookie Dough Yes, you read that right. Cookie dough that you actually want your kids (and you!) to eat. Ingredients: 1 scoop French Vanilla Complete (or 1 pouch) 2–3 tbsp plant milk (to desired texture) ¼ cup dark chocolate chips Method: Mix Complete & milk until smooth. Add chocolate chips. It's the school lunch that actually gets eaten! Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or late-night cravings (without the sugar crash). Pro Tip: Double the batch for quick after school grab-and-go treats. Don’t Miss This Sale ⏳This French Vanilla Complete offer ends August 31st (or while supplies last). Back-to-school season is hectic enough, let’s make it easier (and more delicious). Grab Your Pouches Here Before They’re Gone! Like this blog post? Share with a friend!  Back-to-school season is exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel like chaos. New schedules, packed lunches, after-school activities, and the dreaded homework battles can leave parents running on empty. The good news? With a little preparation and a few simple strategies, you can make this transition smoother for the whole family. Here are my Top 10 tips to ease into back-to-school with less stress and more health: 1. Reset Bedtimes Early: A week before school starts, begin shifting bedtime and wake-up times so kids can adjust gradually. Well-rested kids focus better, get sick less often, and handle stress more easily. 2. Create a Morning Launch Pad: Keep a basket by the door with essentials: shoes, backpacks, water bottles, sports gear. Having a go-to spot saves you from the frantic “Where are your sneakers?!” mornings. 3. Pack Balanced Lunches Ahead of Time: Think protein + fiber + color. Bento-style boxes make it easy to pack fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. Prepping lunches the night before can save time and decision fatigue. 4. Power Up with Plants: Here’s where Juice Plus+ can be a game changer. Research shows most kids don’t eat the recommended 7–13 servings of fruits and veggies daily. Adding Juice Plus+ helps bridge that gap so kids go to school with better focus, stronger immunity, and steady energy.
5. Streamline School Supplies: Keep extras of the basics: pencils, erasers, glue sticks at home so you’re not scrambling when something goes missing the night before a project is due. 6. Schedule Brain-Boosting Snacks: Kids burn a ton of energy at school. Stock up on healthy after-school snacks like apple slices with almond butter, cheese sticks with whole-grain crackers, or smoothies made with Juice Plus+ Complete for protein and fiber.
7. Protect Downtime: Don’t overschedule. Kids need breathing room after school to play, rest, or just be. Protecting downtime actually helps with focus and emotional well-being. 8. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Dehydration can affect energy and mood. Send kids to school with a reusable water bottle and remind them to refill it at least once during the day. 9. Family Calendar = Sanity Saver: Use a big wall calendar or digital shared calendar so everyone knows what’s happening each week—school events, practices, meal plans. Fewer surprises = less stress. 10. Lead with Consistency, Not Perfection: The goal isn’t to be a Pinterest-perfect parent, it’s to create consistency. Simple routines and small, daily healthy habits matter more than big changes that don’t stick. Final Thought: Back-to-school doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By layering in small habits: nutritious food, simple routines, and tools like Juice Plus+ you set your kids (and yourself!) up for a healthier, smoother and more successful school year. Want in on the Healthy Starts program so your child can get Juice Plus+ free? Click this link to see our Basic Bundle and then submit the contact form including the child's full name, birthdate and I will send you a pre-filled personalized cart to ensure you receive FREE CHEWS so you're ready before school starts!  Today, let's talk about the critical role of a balanced diet in achieving your health and fitness goals. Proper nutrition not only fuels your workouts but also promotes overall well-being and supports long-term success. 🥗
 Many people don’t think twice about what they’re grabbing off the shelves: I was that person. The old me would try the “shiny new bottle” with fancy labelling. Protein powders were the same… I didn’t have a taste for them but the convenience was attractive. I would buy brand after brand chasing a drinkable one: I just could not stomach them.
Then I started turning bottles over to see what was actually in them and that felt incredibly overwhelming! Between the ingredients and the promises, I felt disheartened that nothing was worth the money. In 2001, I was introduced to a food based supplement by my 17 year old diabetic client. I was intrigued but skeptic. I wasn’t too humble to know that what I was doing wasn’t good enough. My eating habits were giving my body just the nutrition it needed for baseline health. During this time, I worked shift work as a personal trainer in the gym and travelling to in-homes: I was always on-the-go and I was not eating well! Somedays I’d do better but I was not consistent. Strep throat three times a year was not uncommon for me [this began when I was a teenager]. Razor blades in my throat were brutal. As a self employed pt, if I didn’t work, I didn’t get paid. Between my “on-the-go” food choices that lacked lustre on the best of days and my erratic schedule, my body was deprived of essential nutrients and I felt it. I was over the idea that vitamins could be my “safety net” and more or less accepted that this was just how my body was. The JuicePlus concept appealed to me though: it was real food. My body knew how to use natural fuel and this I understood. What wasn’t computing was how. So I did a deep dive and I started asking the question, do I need a supplement and why? What I learned was that more research was emerging showing that our bodies absorb nutrients more effectively from real food than from synthetic vitamins. My curiosity was stoked. THE QUESTION: what is the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of multivitamins we’re so fond of. Well, despite their popularity, extensive research indicates that multivitamins might not be the golden ticket to better health as we once thought. More studies were showing they had not been proven to significantly reduce the likelihood of chronic diseases. So why do we keep buying them and even giving them to our kids? It's time to re-evaluate this costly habit that may be providing us with a false sense of security. I soon found myself on a path to a holistic approach to our family’s health. Rather than rely on multivitamins, we started incorporating more good in our diets: putting effort into rainbow meals, lean proteins and more grains and so here we are today, 23 years later, eating consciously. Not perfect, because I do love my sweets, but I’m aware. If I’ve shared some information here that has you intrigued or if you feel that you too have a gap in your nutrition, I want you to know that I might have a solution for you. It’s ok if you don’t think you can eat well everyday ~ it’s hard in our modern world of hustle and convenience. But if you’re ready to surround yourself with our community who is committed to wellness, education and inspiring healthy eating, moving and living, we got you. And your body will thank you ~ if not today, for all your tomorrows! I host wellness events, workshops and educational meet ups. If you'd ever like to join in to be emPOWered to live a healthier more fulfilling life contact me. I've got short-cuts to health that are natural and family friendly and because of our beliefs, we even help get more fruits and veggies into kids FOR FREE!  Exercise: The Unexpected Self-Care Hero... Forget spa days and fancy face masks—your new self-care secret might just be lacing up your sneakers. Exercise isn’t just for athletes or gym buffs; it’s actually a top-notch self-care tool. Here’s why moving your body is like giving yourself a high-five:
Why Exercise is Your Self-Care BFF
JP Jenn x  Walking is a simple way to exercise that’s accessible and affordable and can be done anywhere improving your cardiovascular health, strengthening your muscles and bones and enhance your overall wellness. It helps to maintain a healthy weight easily as it’s an effective way to burn calories and when coupled with a healthy eating plan, it can be a game changer for incredible health transformations!
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