Balanced with Jess

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Balanced with Jess

Hello, I'm Jess! A nutrition coach/personal trainer by passion and an ER nurse by trade.

I'm here to provide an inclusive and approachable environment for health and wellness.

15/12/2022

TWO WEEKS LEFT IN 2022 ⚡️

We are focusing on an intentional close to this year and a robust transition into 2023. What better way to embody this intention than with movement & meditation?

Join us this Saturday! You’ll receive an introduction to Steel Mace vinyasa- a fusion between yoga asana and unconventional strength training. Our workout will be followed by a guided meditation.

Close this year in community. Book at elektrenstudio.com/book ⚡️

30/08/2022

I’m back, baby!!!⚡️⚡️⚡️

Join me (virtually) Monday evenings with our slow flow class, Bolt Mobility. We nourish the nervous system for the week ahead with breath work, mobility movement, and mindfulness.

Then build some heat and energy in the body on Tuesday mornings (again, virtually) with Bolt Circuit. It’s all body weight- no tools necessary.

Both classes are 30 minutes long and can be booked via www.elektrenstudio.com/book ⚡️

I also have 2 spots open for personal training on Monday afternoons. My goal is that you leave each session feeling stronger and more mobile than when you arrived. Training with me includes a mobility warm up, use of unconventional strength tools, and a dynamic cool down. All specifically curated for your body and goals.

Can’t wait to be back in the house of light! 🌞

01/08/2022

If I relied on motivation alone, I wouldn’t get very far.

It’s fickle, temporary, and vulnerable to the smallest inconveniences and disruptions. Instead, I like to set my environment up so that consistency is achieved in the absence of motivation.

1. Set realistic expectations and goals for yourself. Don’t “0-to-100” your fitness and nutrition. Make your goals attainable so they aren’t discouraging when motivation wanes and your life picks up.

2. Don’t leave yourself hanging.. prepare for your own success. Small things like grocery shopping on a day off, cooking double portions for a healthy leftovers in the week, packing your gym bag the night before, etc make a big difference.

3. Don’t do sh*t you hate.. at least not right off the bat. Pick something palatable and commit to that with regularity. This helps build momentum. Podcast walks always do it for me!

4. It doesn’t have to be sexy, but there is an element of just showing up that has to happen for long term changes. Adjust what’s possible based on your life, events, schedule, injuries, etc. Your workouts don’t have to be beautifully curated for an hour long.. just continue to show up in some capacity for yourself.

Reach out if you need extra help or accountability ⚡️

21/05/2021

Don't let your desire to do it perfectly get in your way of doing it at all.

The "all or nothing mentality" is a very real, painful phenomena that plagues the health and fitness world. I've seen it with nearly every one of my clients.

You've been there with me, right? It's a Monday. We have our workout schedule mapped out, some high-quality groceries in the fridge, and heaps of motivation.

But what about the following Monday? Where the weekend got away from you, work has kicked up ten notches, and you're eating a cliff bar while driving with your knees on your way to work.

Or maybe you're stoked about a new gym you've signed up for but schedules/kids/life disrupts your routine and you feel like your wellness train has been derailed.

Does this sound familiar? Have you felt like you need to bag the whole week after a day like the second Monday? If this has ever been you- you're in good company.

We aren't biologically designed to run on motivation alone. You don't need to own that second Monday or the inability to train as a "failure" on your part. That's life.

Instead, let's play the long (unsexy) game and build up a little foundation of solid habits. This way, our routine can be thrown off or life can happen but we are still nourishing and supporting our bodies at baseline.

This might look like opting for a homemade smoothie as an on-the-go breakfast (so you don't have to drive with your knees). It's not a plate full of fruit, veg, and protein- but it's something! Or maybe we choose walks and mobility when possible instead of no movement at all.

There's a lot of peace and growth to be had when we live in moderation. The middle ground has actually been the setting where I've achieved the most progress in my wellness.

If you need help, I have a few personal training as well as a few nutrition coaching spots open. Message me with any questions ✨.

07/05/2021

HAPPY NURSES WEEK! 🖤 From your favorite ER nurse with a selfie problem 👀

I had NO idea what I was getting myself into when I chose this profession. It's been simultaneously the most demanding, painful, and rewarding experience I could imagine. I've met absolutely remarkable people in every hospital I've stepped foot in and I'm proud to share their same title. I'm also grateful for the stories I have after a mere 4 years in emergency medicine 😉

There's a lot about healthcare that I would change. However, I'm honored and humbled to be at the bedside for birth, death, and everything in between.

2020 was supposed to be "the year of the nurse" but let's not do anything like that again, shall we? Cheers to nurses and to being per diem!!!!! 🎉

02/04/2021

My face when a client has a major breakthrough and we haven't manipulated a single thing in their diet.. 😎

I took on my first client almost two years ago and since then, I've had the privilege of coaching a myriad of amazing people with different goals. I've been surprised and heart broken at how many people tell me that, despite all of the coaching or plans or diets they've tried, no one has ever asked them to pay attention to the WAY they eat or how they FEEL. I'm not trying to toot my own horn but, but damn. Really??

Then what is the point? Yes, physique goals are important but wouldn't it make sense to put more emphasis on our vitality and ability to live full, healthy, happy lives?

You deserve to feel good. To fuel yourself. To feel well-versed in both what your body is telling you and what it needs.

We live in a society that loves to try the new hottest thing, the newest trend, the most convoluted diet, etc. We are very rarely encouraged to slow down and pay attention to small cues. In my humble opinion, we don't give our brilliant, adaptive bodies the credit they deserve.

Our mind-body connection is so deep. So, when it comes to nutrition, don't reinvent the wheel. Your cues aren't trying to trick you. My advice: if you're tracking your intake/movement in some way or are following any sort of nutrition plan, track how you FEEL too.

02/03/2021

So I was talking to my little sister about the concept of loving your body but wanting to change the way it looks.

We often think we can't do both but I'd respectfully disagree. Loving your body manifests itself in a host of different ways (I hope) and it's 100% okay to have goals and desires that are physique related. Where we run into problems is how we approach this.

Over the last several years (really since Balanced with Jess started) I've adopted a touchy-feely approach to my fitness and it's been life changing. However, this transition hasn't always been easy and I definitely still have physique-related goals. In fact, I currently have a goal of "fittest of my life by my birthday" in both physique and strength.

HOWEVER, I refuse to accomplish this in any other manner than by doing what I truly enjoy. So I'm consistently training in a way that I LOVE. I'm eating a lot of foods that I know are nourishing and actually taste good to me. Because when you love something, you do your best to be kind to it and make it's well-being a priority.

Loving your body doesn't mean always loving the way it looks. It means continually striving to treat it with kindness and respect. So here's your reminder to quit doing s**t you hate. Quit working out in a particular way if it hurts. Quit eating a certain diet if it makes you feel bad and tastes terrible. Quit doing that one exercise if it's only in an attempt to shape shift. Quit following those people if you're falling into the trap of comparison.

If I could wave a wand to make us all feel beautiful in our own eyes, I would. But I really believe loving yourself goes beyond finding yourself attractive. You are enough. Your health is a priority- both physical and mental. Whatever shape your body takes is worthy of love. You deserve to feel good.

Loving ourselves has to go beyond saying it in the mirror. We gotta show up for it. 💕

11/02/2021

Allow me to introduce Rosie 💫

Named in honor of my cousin who not only loved Rosie the Riveter but also embodied a "we can do it" attitude about most everything.

Susanne has served as my personal Rosie throughout my life. The older I get, the more I'm finding we share many passions and I feel her most close on my rides. I spent this morning's ride grateful to experience this unique joy that she knew very well.

I'm grateful to have the privilege of exploring different movement modalities that are so fulfilling. I just thought I'd take a break from shoving sustainable habit tips down your throat. Thanks for allowing me to share some of my joy and inspiration with you ❤️

27/12/2020

This would normally be the point where I celebrated some achievements in 2020 and with vigor, set some lofty goals for 2021.

But to be honest, I really didn't ever get that kind of energy this year. My motivation has waxed and waned with each day. My vigor and vim looks more like stillness, sometimes even boredom.. Anyone else?

I am resolving to head into 2021 with intention. Goals too. They just don't look the same as they used to. What may have once a physique goal is now a goal for feel-good workouts 3x a week. Where I would have added "rules" for products or food is now just a focus on sustainability and nutrient-density.

This is a reminder (probably mostly to myself) that even if it feels the wind has left your sails in 2020, you can still embark into 2021 with intention. I'd encourage you to spend some time thinking about what you personally consider valuable. Day dream about what you want the day-to-day part of 2021 to look like. Then, with gentleness and mindfulness, let's use January 1st as momentum into a year of doing what matters most 💛.

P.S. if you're resolving to shop sustainably this year, check out 😎

03/12/2020

I've spent the majority of my life oscillating between structure and mindlessness when it comes to eating.

I've gone through many periods of "restarting" and "getting back on track" only to burn out and feel a lot of shame.

Over the last few days, I have had the pleasure of meeting several amazing women through . And almost every single one had a similar experience.

While I don't think this experience should be normal, it's certainly common. But I want to encourage you in knowing there's a balance. You don't have to white knuckle this nutrition thing forever. You don't have to feel out of control. Health and fitness doesn't have to emulate a cycle of restriction and guilt. You can have your (four so far today) Reece's cups and eat them too.

I'm now on a path that illuminates areas for improvement. Then, with grace and patience, I find ways to upgrade these areas. I'm on a mission to befriend my body.

This journey looks different for everyone. Bottom line- You're not alone. And you don't have to feel like this forever.

27/11/2020

Hi! It's me! Except now I'm posting from California 🌞. I moved, quit my day job, reunited with my husband, and got two new jobs that are completely aligned with my values and goals. AND. I'M. THRILLED.

You're looking at the newest nutrition/wellness coach with ✨. I'm also going to be training out of a gorgeous fitness studio less than a quarter mile from the beach (with online classes too - more to come).

I've been in California less than two weeks and life looks 100% different now. I'm truly overwhelmed with gratitude for all of these changes and recognize how privileged and fortunate I am.

So here's a little check in and life update. Thank you for all of the love & support 💛.

04/09/2020

PSA: it's not self-care if you hate it.

The fitness industry will encourage you to "pay your dues" and "push through" whatever flags your body is sending you. In my humble opinion, we are working against ourselves by participating in sh*t that doesn't speak to us.

Would your workout regimen look different if you only did what you enjoyed? Would your idea of fitness be different if was founded in the joy of movement rather than obligation?

I love walking! Walking up mountains in my favorite national park is high on my list of things that light me up 💛.

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http://Balancedwithjess.com/

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About Me

I’m a registered nurse working in an Emergency Department, but I can’t let go of the idea that we need to change the way we view our health. I’ve learned through my time working in healthcare that there needs to be an emphasis on proactive, healthy habits rather than reactive, pharmacological solutions. After struggling with the misinformation in the health and fitness world, I decided to spread my love of wholesome, balanced fitness and nutrition through The Balanced Nurse.

I grew up being active and participating in sports, but my love for fitness didn’t grow until my sophomore year of college when I discovered weight training. I began studying exercise science and received a year of education in sports nutrition. I ultimately decided to study nursing, but my passion for health and fitness stuck. Then, a year ago, I was introduced to a few different modalities that change the way we view how to exercise and eat. I’ve continued to pursue the idea that health and wellness is not born out of the cycle of deprivation and punishment, but instead small changes that result in the balance between a positive relationship with your body and the ability to life your life without obsession and guilt.