Quote For All:
It is the heart that makes a man rich.
He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.
~~ Henry Ward Beecher

An Article For You All To Read That I Wrote For FBBWorld.com:
http://www.fbbworld.com/showarticle.jsp?id=38

I Would Like To Share With You My Journey...
It has been a long road regaining myself after the birth of our son! I am NOT someone who instantly looks great after having a baby although I carry a pregnancy exceptionally well and feel incredible just about the entire term. I LOVE being pregnant!! It took me about 5 1/2 months to regain myself after the birth of my daughter when I was 23 years old. I gained 34 lbs with her and nursed for 13 months. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. at birth.
My son was a different story! My BIG BOY weighed 10 lbs when he was born and I gained 50 lbs. at 28 years old. In the photo below I am 9 months pregnant with him and weigh 210 lbs. It took me 10 1/2 months to regain myself after my son and I nursed him for 12 months!
I would like to share with you the hard work the photos below represent. There were times along the way I was frustrated and impatient. I knew I wanted to put on some muscle as I slowly lost my pregnancy weight...but I also knew my weight would come off more slowly. Well...my patience and plan worked!! Take a look at the photos below and you will see...the first photo I am 9 months pregnant with Wade- 210 lbs just days before delivery. The next 4 pictures represent the transition I have made in the last 10 weeks.
My hat goes off to all you "mom's" out there who know what it's like to finally be back in your own body again after having a baby....and for the "dad's" who told your wife/ girlfriend how beautiful she was as she cried about hating her body!!!
Jen;)

9 months pregnant with my son- 210 lbs. just days before delivery!

38 Weeks out from competition- 172 lbs.

27 Weeks out from competition- 166 lbs.

38 Weeks out from competition- 172 lbs.

27 Weeks out from competition- 166 lbs.

Every now and then I receive an e-mail than reaffirms why I started this website. I received such a message last night and would like to share with you a part of what this incredible woman had to say...

"Hi Jennifer,
I just wanted to tell you that you have been an inspiration to me through some rough times.
I lost my mother and father in a car accident last year, and this year my husband to cancer.
I have used the gym as an escape, and am hoping to do my first competition in the spring.
I was wondering if there was any way I could get a signed photo to put up on my wall in my training room.
I appreciate all your time and your dedication to fitness."

I was extremely touched by her short but sincere note! Tears came to my eyes as I pondered the journey this incredible woman had been on over the past few years. I asked permission to share her words with all of you in hopes that it would bring each of you a moment to be thankful for all the gifts in your lives, and to remind all of you that each of you holds the power to overcome whatever obstacles you encounter on your own personal journeys.

I personally have not stopped thinking about this woman since I read her e-mail. She has impacted me...just those few moments and I am changed ever so slightly from what I read, felt and reflected upon.

Amazing how that is.. and how each of YOU have the power to do that for one another.

I thank all of you who have been inspired by what I am doing and continue to use that inspiration for good in your lives and the lives of those around you.

That has always been my dream...to make a difference!! I know one of my dear friends out there shares my dream and inspires me to fulfill mine each and every day!

Have a productive day everyone...I'll be thinking of all of you as I reach for my next goal!

Jennifer Lynn

Hello, Hello:) I must catch you all up on my weekend. I had a great workout on Friday...Chest & Back. I am progressing farther than I ever thought I could, all good things come to those who GO AFTER WHAT THEY WANT:)
Saturday I took a kickboxing class and felt amazing! I haven't taken it since a few months after I had the baby so I felt like a different person. That evening, my mom and I went to a baby shower for my long-time friend and her husband. It was great to see her cute tummy...pictures attached below.
Sunday I took 6 weeks to contest pics of my client Nicole and she took 27 weeks to the stage shots of me (both will be updated to my members area this week! I also have two new galleries to update with this week. "Close Ups" and "Little Black Dress". See attachments below for a preview.
My little baby boy had to go to the doctor this morning for his 1 year check up. Poor little guy;( He had to get 3 shots:( I feel like I betray him every time they have to give him shots and I'm holding him...I can just imagine what he must be thinking..."Why are you letting her do that mommy- make that mean doctor go away!!!"
I suppose tough love starts young:)
I trained hamstrings and shoulders today and finished with abs. No cardio today i was feeling "toasted" when I was finished lifting so I'll save that for tomorrow when i jog with my client and rollar blade Wade to the park in the evening (gymnastics break for us both).
I have officially stopped nursing and I am on a new "plan" of sorts. I wrote all about it in my members journal a few days ago if you would like to check it out.
I must be on my way... Alyssa and I are going to draw on the windows with her washable markers...she wants to decorate for Halloween...I just love fall, can't wait to go camping this year! We missed out last year..me being as pregnant as I was and then the baby too young to be away from.
Note: Just 11 days until "stage time" for me:) It will be fun to perform "off-season" at Bench America.
www.benchamerica.com
Have a great night,
Jen:)

Preview of Members Only Gallery, "Little Black Dress"
To be added this week.

Preview of Members Only Gallery, "Little Black Dress"

My long-time friend Dana, pregnant...so awesome!
She and her husband Joe, are expecting a little girl in about a month:)

Dana and Joe..the new parents to be;)

Me Kissing Dana's Baby Girl:)

My Mom and I in the "Hawaiian Spirit" for Dana and Joe's Hawaiian baby shower.

Me and my Mom!

Members Preview of "Close Ups"

Good evening...A little update on the past few days.
My members gallery was updated yesterday with new pictures and more photos from my shoot with www.herbiceps.com were post their site. These photos will all appear in my members area as well:)
Yesterday was an in-home client day so I was busy most of the afternoon, then Alyssa had gymnastics for 2 hours in the evening. The baby and I watched for an hour then went rollerblading and to the park for an hour. He had soo much fun on the slide!!
Today Alyssa had a field trip to the local library, (the kindergarten classes all walked there from school), so Wade and I went jogging and snuck a peak at her and said hello as we jogged by;) ...see the photos of Wade below:)
Then several hours at home before training back and chest this afternoon. Great workout!! I finished off with some jump rope as well. I'm just loving my wraps on back days..I am able to push myself harder because the bar isn't slipping out of my hands on bent-over rows and heavy lat-pulls. I even snuck a few pics of Nicole doing bike intervals...see below;)
Finally, I have posted two preview shots from an upcoming Members Gallery update...a request from one of my members who wanted more arm and close up shots done..well, here are a few to preview from my "Close Ups" Gallery.
Have a great weekend..I am tired!! Night-nite,
Jen;)

A preview shot from an upcoming members gallery...
By member request, "Close ups"

By member request...a preview of one of my galleries for next week '"Close Ups".

Wade ready to go jogging with Mommy this morning;)

"I've got my blankie & my thumb I'm ready Mommy:)"

My client Nicole, busting her butt doing bike intervals.
To follow her training progress check out
"Steps To Success" in my members area.
Nicole will compete for the first time in November!!

Nicole thinking I'm crazy with my camera:)

My brother and his girlfriend Lauren..
I just adore her, and so does he:)

Great Quote:
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition
from mediocre minds."
-- Einstein
Members: A very long post today in my Members Journal on "The Next Step In My Journey To The Stage". Members gallery also updated with some photos from a shoot I did in 2002 - "Laying Out" in the Texas sun, and "September Gallery" taken just yesterday;)

Enjoy the day,
Jennifer

Check out www.fitsights.com I am the featured site on their home page! Thank you Fitsights for the amazing job on my members area...my members are very happy!

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Wade!!!
Happy Birthday Kelly!!!

A Huge Smile For The Birthday Boy!

The friend I had always hoped for! Kelly has been one of the greatest friends
I have ever had! She not only inspires me, she humbles me by her natural innate selflessness. Her giving nature is truely an inspiration and a refreshing sight to see!
Happy Birthday My Friend!!!!

Happy Birthday!

Sun Kissed by God:)- Good Morning Beauiful!

Happy 1st Birthday baby Wade!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WADE...our baby boy!!! AND...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KELLY...my dear, dear friend!!!

It seems like just yesterday that I woke up in the early hours of morning...it was time for you to come into the world my little one...
Anticipation and joy, fear and the unknow. How would Alyssa adjust and would I love you the way I loved her? The answer most certainly was YES!!
You melted into my heart like hot wax melting upon a warm fire. God had blessed our lives for a second time...and this blessing felt so bitter sweet, after all we had been through in the past.
Happy, beautiful, Baby Wade Michael...our son!! Happy Birthday little one, you bring light, inspiration and meaning to all of our lives you make each of us laugh and appreciate what is important.
Today, like all days, I am thankful for the love of my children and the love of the exquisite man they know and love...Daddy!
Have a wonderful day everyone, kiss a little one today and remember just how much magic they bring to our lives!
Jen:)

Your Quote For Today...
Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years.
People grow old only by deserting their ideals.
Years wrinkle the face, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.
~~ Watterson Lowe

I have some fun news to share...I will be performing in off-season shape in 3 weeks at Bench America on October 9th at 6 p.m. For details you can visit www.benchamerica.com and click on BA events, then weekend events for location.
Several male and female bodybuilders will be performing as well. Some in contest shape and some in off-season shape. Two girls that will be competing this November, in Rockford, will be performing as well. It should be a fun time along with all the other events of the weekend. The video clips of my performance as well as photos will be posted to my members area.
Below you will find a few pictures from the party this weekend. The rest are posted to my members journal.
Have a great night!
Jen;)

Mommy and the birthday boy!

Singing to the birthday girl:)

Alyssa and Wade with my husband's parents.

Wade and Alyssa with my parents.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA!!!
My little girl turned 6 years old yesterday!
The kids' birthday party was a blast...as you can see:) I posted about 10-12 more pictures to my members only journal as well, so don't forget to check members:)
we had a perfect day and Alyssa and Wade had a day full of smiles and love! Who could ask for more! After the party my husband's life long friends stayed till 3 a.m. along with my brother and his girlfriend until about 1 a.m.
We had a great day!
Time to get ready for the gym,
Jen:)

A Quote To Start Your Week With;
Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice;
it is not a thing to be waited for,
it is a thing to be achieved.
~~ William Jennings Bryan

Friday!! I just had to share these pictures of Hurricane Ivan with all of you. They were taken from an airplane by one of the storm chasing teams for the news. WOW...the unbelievable power of Nature and God!
Members: Awesome quote in my members journal today...don't forget to read it.

3

2

1

Side Chest Pose at Nationals 2002

I was able to get soo much done yesterday for the party! Yahhh! I fell asleep on the couch though after folding laundry at 12:30 a.m.:) My members area has been updated with my pool gallery and gym gallery. the pool gallery pictures were taken in 2002 when I competed at Nationals and the gym gallery was from this week. nicole's 9 weeks out gallery also was updated...take a look at her transformation...she is doing well!
my members journal has some of my stage photos from Nationals posted...here is one for all of you as well:)
I have an in-home client so I have to get on my way...See ya!
Jen:)

I'mm Making A List And Checking It Twice...
Going to Make Sure this Party Is Nice!!
Hi there, just a little humor to off set my craziness this week;) Just a few more days until the kids' birthday party and my list is getting smaller...thank you God!
I just got back from the gym, back and biceps today, and I need to resume my list check off once more. The gym was a nice break! Yesterday I was busy with in-home clients in the a.m. so I didn't get to my list of things until the evening. My hubby and I tried to watch a movie last night but we were both passed out before the plot even surfaced:) I was helping him with a bit of his studying. He has another exam tonight for the EMT class he is taking. He has a very physical job full time as well, as a carpenter, so school is quite a lot. I'm so proud of him for all that is is doing right now..it is a lot to handle but he is Superman so he does it with ease:) F.Y.I...he says I'm his kryptonite (I don't know if that's good or not;)
Well, I've got to go!
MEMBERS: My workout from today will be posted in my members journal and tonight there will be an update..photos and/ or video clips.
JEN:)

Quote for the Day:
The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that humanbeings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change theouter aspects of their lives.
~~ William James
Members: Details from the day and my leg workout this morning posted to my members Journal;)

Standing Cable Flys

Cable Flys on the Exercise ball

Weekend Update!
Well we worked our butts off this weekend getting a lot of work done in the yard for the kids' birthday party next weekend. This morning I had clients and then I went to the gym with the kids and took them swimming afterwards...we needed a break from Friday and Saturday. Tomorrow I will be back to checking more off of my party prep. list:)
Thanks to Nicole I was able to get a bunch of my training photographed in the gym. More of my training shots are posted in my members journal and a bunch more will appear as a member's update soon.
The pictures above and below were taken in the gym today and a few from the pool.
I also did an update on Nicole's contest prep. progress! She is now 9 weeks out from her first competition and looking great!! All her photos are in my Steps To Success section of my members area. You would never believe she just started training about 2 years ago. One incredible mom that's for sure...she has two girls ages 4 and 1. All her hard work is paying off!
I need some sleep for my busy day tomorrow...
Hope you all had a great weekend filled with laughter and life!
Jen:)

One of the trainers at the gym teasing Nicole and I for taking pictures and flexing:)
THANKS to Nicole, my client I am guiding through her contest prep. and choreographing for, I was able to get a bunch of pictures in the gym today...Thank you Nicole!

Front Double Bicep- one of my manditory poses for competition.

Rear Lat Spread- one of my manditory poses for competition.

Alyssa building a water tunnel in the sand:)

Wade's ready for the start of football season!!

Beautiful baby Wade making mommy smile at the pool!

Happy Birthday to my little brother, who's not so little anymore!! He turns 23 today :) We had a nice time last night at my parents' house for dinner to celebrate. A beautiful night to have dinner on their deck (my hubby built theirs too:) My members only journal has the details of my workout from yesterday and the events of today. So don't forget to take a look.
In honor of September 11th...I have a remarkable poem to share with you tonight, in remembrance of all those who left this world...who went on,
to what is next!
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side
spreads her white sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the blue ocean.
She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until at length
she hangs like a speak of white cloud
just where the sea and sky come to mingle with eachother.

Then someone at my side says: "There...she is gone!"

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar
as she was when she left my side, and she is just as able
to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There... she is gone!" There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is dying.

Henry Van Dyke

The rails are up:)

Getting ready for the top boards.

Spirit checking things out:)

Deck View #1

Deck View #2

Deck View #3

Deck View #4

Good Morning! Just wanted to let you all know the interview/photo shoot I did with FBBWorld has been posted to their site. You will learn a lot about me by reading it:) more photos are to be added to the profile soon. the address is www.fbbworld.com
I had a busy day yesterday!! Two in-home clients while the baby played at daycare with the babies;) and then home to get Alyssa off to gymnastics...then my mom took over at gymnastics and I went to another INSTONE demo from 5:30-9 at the Vernon Hills GNC. Whooo, glad today I have some time to get my workout in and get some things done at home. The deck is BEAUTIFUL...check out the pictures below. There are still benches and flower pots to put in and the black and white over hangs to remove, but you will get an idea. My husband is a "master of trades"! Thank you to his dad for helping with the electrical too:)
I better get going on my mental list of projects for the day but before I go I would like to say a little something about the time I spent with my clients yesterday.
The personal training business is often thought of as a superficial profession and I find more and more each day how UNTRUE that mindset is by the incredible interpersonal relationships I develop with my clients. There is something very unique about being welcomed into someone's home,e, and in essence, someone' s life...as almost an extension of the family. I feel it to be a gift in my life and I am thankful for the entertaining, enriching and interesting relationships I have developed over the years in my field. To all my clients...Thank you!! You continue to enrich my life:)
Jen

Jeremy Kasper and Mike Fritzler- GNC Staff