jen.hughes.fit

I’M BAAAACK!!!

After a 9 month break, I’m now back at lovely and can’t wait to get started!

I currently have SLOTS AVAILABLE ON TUESDAYS from February, so get in touch if you are looking for a friendly face to motivate you to achieve your goals and help you make sustainable changes to your life. 

If we haven’t met before, nice to meet you - here’s a bit about me :-)

⭐I’m 36 and have had an unconventional journey into fitness. After 10 years of life as a lawyer, I decided to make a huge change to do something that both helped other people, and made me happy. Seeing how excited my clients are to train and watching them gain confidence, not just in the gym, but in their bodies and their lives, is one of the most rewarding experiences and I love every second of my job. 

⭐I’m a mum to my 9 month old son, Theo. I’ve been training (myself) since I was 18 years old and have tried all sorts of things over the years, some short lived and others which remain part of my life now. 

⭐My philosophy is about making sustainable changes that work with your life. I don’t do fads and I don’t do quick fixes. I want you to succeed not just when you’re training with me; I want you to learn skills that will keep you feeling strong and healthy for the rest of your life. 

⭐I like to really get to know my clients before we start training, so don’t be alarmed if I ask lots of questions about you and your lifestyle. Everyone is unique and what works for one person, may not work for another. I get to know you so we can make sure your training and nutrition works for YOU. 

⭐My clients describe me as friendly and approachable and their sessions as fun and empowering. So if you think we might be a good fit, drop me a message for a friendly chat :-) 

 

So, it’s been a while…

Last time I posted I had just stopped work to start my maternity leave. Somehow, that was over 9 months ago (funny timing considering what I achieved in the 9 months before that post!). I’ve been busy learning how to be a mum and raising my tiny human, Theo, who is now 8.5 months old.

“Becoming Mum” has been a real rollercoaster. Some real highs finding new levels of love that I didn’t know existed and watching this little guy grow and develop every day, but also some real lows with physical recovery and adjusting to this new lifestyle where everything revolves around something completely different and sometimes it feels like part of your identity (perhaps all on some days…) has been lost. Like I say, a real rollercoaster, but wonderful in many ways.

I’ve taken some time to process this and focus on our new life, so sorry for the lack of updates…I’ve not been here for a while :-) Taking a bit of time from social media has been very refreshing and definitely helped me avoid the horrible traps of comparing myself to others, both as a mum and also my new body and recovery. It’s helped me focus on my own journey without distraction, and there is a lot to be said for that. But…now does feel like a good time to come out of hiding.

So what does 2022 hold? Well, for me at least, I am itching to get back to PTing and can’t wait to spend more time with the team . I’ll be posting details of availability shortly and am really looking forward to seeing a lot more of your faces very soon!

Happy New Year everyone!

💛The final countdown💛

Today marks the first day of my maternity leave from PT duties at 36+4 weeks. I've loved staying active and had a lot of fun spending the winter outside training such motivated clients and have been busier than ever. I'm really going to miss the laughs and working with such amazing people for a little while I focus on taking care of our little lad. But I will be back just as soon as I, and baby, are ready 😁

With less than 3.5 weeks to my due date, my plans now are to rest up, nest, cook lots of nutritious food for the coming weeks, take lots of lovely relaxing baths, lots of stretching and yoga, and nap wherever needed! I'm looking forward to the self-care and cherishing the last few weeks of it just being my lovely husband and I.

Thank you to all my wonderful clients who have been so supportive and understanding while I sat on benches giving instructions while they were busy hip thrusting etc, it's been amazing to share this journey with you, I feel very lucky 💛

 

What a difference a year makes! I haven't been great at sharing progress on my pregnancy, but thought at 31 weeks, it was probably time!

I feel like I've been very lucky so far, managing to keep moving and stay active. I've been surprised by how tired I've felt and how much motivation has been required for even the smallest workout. Walking has become the main exercise of the day, and I'm really enjoying it!

Physically, things are becoming much harder in the 3rd trimester. My abs have disappeared off on holiday which has made a lot of things much more difficult, particularly getting out of bed without feeling like a turtle stuck on my shell. My hips and shoulders are definitely feeling the strain of the extra weight and postural changes. I've had to stop running my posture class now as it was becoming a bit too much on my abs changing positions between exercises and all the core work. I'll miss it loads, but I need to be kind to myself at the moment. Thanks to all those that have joined me and put up with me huffing and puffing and taking ages to change position ❤️

I think for me, the hardest part has been the mental shift. My body is no longer my own and sometimes things feel very out of control. I always knew I would struggle with this side of it and I keep reminding myself that everything is for our little boy and it's all worth it 💙 I've learnt so much about my body and it's truly amazing how it changes to create this amazing new life!

For all those pregnant mamas out there - you are truly amazing 🙌🙌🙌

 

If you're looking for a friendly face to boost your confidence and teach you the basics of resistance training this new year, I'm here to help 😁 I have limited spaces for this beginner package to kick start your fitness regime! Drop me a line if you have any questions and swipe for more info!

 

WEEKEND BRUNCHSPO - got your mouth watering? Swipe for veggie option 🍃

Bacon or Halloumi bagel with spinach, avocado, tomato and cream cheese.... Delicious!

This one feels so naughty, but beats that dirty fry up by a mile!

3 bacon rashers (use medallions to cut cals and fat)/ 2 slices of halloumi/40g
1 bagel
30g Philadelphia lightest
Fat slice of beefsteak tomato
30g avocado
Big handful of spinach
10 sprays fry light

1. Chop up your avocado and a generous slice of tomato, plus your halloumi for veggie option
2. Grill that bacon 🥓 or fry the halloumi on both sides
3. Pop the big slice of tomato in the frying pan until just cooked on both sides and set aside
4. Pop the bagel in a toaster until just browning
5. Chuck your spinach in the pan until just wilted. Season with a little pepper.
6. Spread the phili on the bagel and start to assemble
7. Grab yourself a serviette or bit of kitchen roll - this one's a bit messy 😁

Breakfast at mine anyone? If only we were allowed house guests 😜...

Approximate nutritional info for bacon:
Calories 482
Protein 23g
Carbs 54g
Fat 20g

Approximate nutritional info for veggie:
Calories 498
Protein 24g
Carbs 55g
Fat 21g

 

WEEKEND BRUNCHSPO to bring some colour on this dreary day! 💚💛🧡♥️💜

Breakfast garden bowl, full of the colours and flavours of summer. Full of protein, vitamin C and a good start at nailing that 5 a day!

I love veggies for breakfast, but every now and then when I fancy something sweet, this is my go to. It's so tasty and always feels like I'm setting myself up for a great day!

200g 0% Greek yoghurt
1/2 banana
6 strawberries
1/2 kiwi
0.5 cup mango
0.5 cup grapes
10g dried goji berries
30g granola (I used the protein granola from Aldi 👌)
1 tsp Manuka honey (or ordinary if you only have that, or skip it completely)

So easy - chop it all up and pop in the bowl with the honey on top ♥️

Approximate nutrition: 470 calories - 29g protein and all of your daily dose of vitamin C... and then some! Due to the volume of fruit, theres a lot of naturally occurring sugars in this one, so try not load up on sugar throughout the rest of the day to make the most of this nutritious start! 😇

 

For those of you that have not guessed it from my ever expanding waistline, I have news to share! We're expecting a little baby boy in mid-April 💙 and are absolutely over the moon!

I'm currently just shy of 19 weeks pregnant and starting to feel MUCH more human than the first 3 months! I feel like training and nutrition are now becoming a bit easier with the nausea taking a back seat. The first few months have been a real challenge (feeling sick and exhausted), but I'm happy I've managed to keep running my classes and training whenever I've felt up for it. In the last couple of days, I've really felt my abs relaxing and noticed that my bump has "popped".

Training priorities for the next 4-5 months will be on CV work, plenty of strength and flexibility work to help maintain good posture as much as possible, and core work.

Hopefully in the not too distant future, I'll have completed my pre and post natal qualification and be able to share some pregnancy safe workouts with you all ♥️

WEEKEND BRUNCHSPO!! Spicy chorizo & spinach breakfast stew (see below for vegan adaptions)

This is one of my favourite recipes, I must admit, stolen from my lovely Mother in Law who does this as a side dish at big family brunches (back when we were allowed those 😢!) I like to make this as a brunch dish on its own in the winter - a warming breakfast stew! It's packed with veggies and full of flavour. I've also chucked other leftover veggies like courgette in here and it works well. I hope you enjoy!!

Serves 2 (and freezes well for a speedy breakfast another day!) Takes about 20 mins + chopping time

1 can chopped tomatoes
200g fresh spinach
100g mushrooms
1 medium red onion
1 tsp lazy chilli ( or you could use fresh/dried chilli flakes)
60g chorizo ring, chopped
1 tbsp smoky paprika
1tbsp rapeseed oil
Salt and pepper to season
Handful of chopped coriander if you have it, and like it (but it's still good without)

Great with a slice of buttered toast to dip ♥️, and even some creme fraiche if you have it.

1. Chop all your veggie and chorizo, if using. I chop chorizo quite thin in half moons, but do it however you like it

2. Pop a little oil in pan (reduce calories by using spray oil if you have), fry off onion and mushroom until just softening, and add 1 tsp lazy chilli (for medium spice) and the smoked paprika... Mix and try off for 1 min

3. Add and fry off your chorizo - and open a window - it gets a little smoky!

4. Pop in your canned tomatoes and mix up.

5. Once the mix is bubbling, chuck in washed spinach and wilt it in.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste, more chilli and paprika if you need it.

7. Toast your bread, if having

Veggie/vegan - skip the chorizo and have it with some sliced avocado 💚

Approximate calories for stew - 360 (176 without chorizo, but remember to add 🥑 if using)

 

Poor posture causes a range of problems, from aches and pains and digestive problems to low self esteem and poor form during sporting activities.

It can be a caused by a variety of issues, but in most cases, it can be fixed by a dedicated flexibility, mobility and resistance based plan, as well as looking at other environmental factors which could be causing poor postural habits.

Whether you're a runner, a weight lifter, or someone that rarely exercises, addressing poor posture is always going to improve your day to day life, and help to FutureProof your body against issues further down the line 💪

If you're interested to find out more about how a personal trainer can help you improve your posture, drop me a line. I'd love to hear from you!

 

LIVE EVERY TUESDAY AT 17.30 THROUGHOUT LOCKDOWN ON

Join me, every Tuesday afternoon throughout lockdown for some much needed stretching and strength work.

If you're feeling the difference in home working over this last week - perhaps some tension in your neck, your lower back, hips, then believe me - you need this class!!