“Strong Is The New Skinny”
Jennifer Nicole Lee, founder and CEO of JNL, works to help people increase their quality life through her fitness and wellness products including books, digital products, exercise equipment, DVDs and some of the best workout programs for women and men! Jennifer is a master trainer, life coach and wellness expert who lost more than 80 pounds after the birth of her children. Her motivational weight loss story has inspired thousands, compelling Jennifer to share her tips and encourage others to believe they too can achieve their goals.
For a long time, people have battled body image issues based on what the media portrays as the “perfect body.” In the past, curvy women wearing what is now considered “plus size” outfits were ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ at—think Marilyn Monroe. In more recent times, ultra skinny models have filled the pages of our favorite magazines, and in even more recent times, women are embracing their beautiful bodies and joining the body-positive movement, “Strong Is The New Skinny.” This campaign encourages individuals to embrace and love their own body while remembering that strength of body, mind and spirit is what makes you beautiful.
With the new year around the corner, now is the time when most people start jotting down their New Year’s Resolutions. If “get skinny” has made it onto your list, scratch it out and replace it with “get strong.” No two bodies are the same, so instead of focusing on being skinny or trying to attain a body that is plastered on billboards and in pages of magazines, invest your time becoming your best you! Pay attention to all of the wonderful things your body can do opposed to only noticing the way your body looks. Strong is sexy, and strong is achievable. Below, we will delve further into the “Strong Is The New Skinny” movement, revealing some of the most important things for people to remember when they hear this motivational phrase.
A strong body is only one part of a whole.
Most people associate the word “strong” with fitness, but there are many other parts of you that can be strengthened, including your mind and your spirit. If you have a strong body but are weak of mind and spirit, your life will not feel balanced. To be your best self and feel like your best self, you need to ensure you are exercising self care techniques to maintain a well-rounded, holistic life. So stop criticizing yourself and picking apart all of the things you dislike about your body, mind or spirit. Take action to make the changes you desire. Hardwork and determination pay off, and after all is said and done, you will successfully be able to love you for the unique and incredible person you are!
Mind
Working out your mind is just as important as working out your body. Whether you like to read a good book, solve puzzles, play board games or calculate complex math problems, keeping your mind active is a crucial way to maintain a well-balanced life. It has become far too easy to plop down in front of the TV and mindlessly space out while binge watching your favorite show. Of course treating yourself to some downtime is also a necessity, but “pushing” your mind to work and learn new things will stimulate your brain, thus strengthening it and contributing to your overall health. Invest in a Sudoku book or sign up for a local Meetup to chat with others who know a language you are hoping to learn. Get outside of your comfort zone and you will be inspired by all of the new things you learn and all of the new people you meet.
Spirit
Nourishing and strengthening your spirit means different things to different people. For some, this may involve religious ventures. For others, this may mean taking time to reflect internally. Ask yourself, “What steps can I take that will help me, personally, strengthen my soul and spirit?” Whether you prefer to pray, meditate, talk to a friend, go for a walk or play with your dog, find what works for you and put your plan into action. Our spirit influences many parts of our wellbeing and attitude including how we react to and handle conflict, whether we see the glass “half full” or “half empty” and how we choose to treat those around us. A strong spirit will help you find inner peace and harmony, which may possibly be one of the hardest strengths to achieve. When you are finally able to appreciate and love yourself for the beautiful human you are, you will easily be able to accomplish absolutely anything you set your mind to!
Body
Strengthening your body involves physical activity, but the type and degree of activity varies from person to person. If you love spending time at the gym and never tire of working out, your fitness goals are going to be much different from someone who is training to run a mile for the first time. Though the end goals may vary, each person is using physical activity to strengthen their body. Being strong does not mean being skinny or in-shape or “buff,” it means giving your body and muscles the love and attention they deserve. Just as zoning out on a movie does nothing to strengthen your mind, sitting on the couch while watching the movie does nothing to strengthen your body. Find what your favorite form of physical activity is and go for it! Walking, swimming, running, yoga, spinning, lifting—your options are endless. Another excellent workout regimen can be found in the JNL Fusion DVDs. The workouts we have created are fun and achievable, and you are guaranteed to see results, as long as you stick with the program! Read JNL Fusion success stories, here!
JNL Fitness
Next time you look at your body and start picking out the things you dislike, remember that you are beautiful, unique and have the power to make whatever changes you set your mind to. Work on becoming your best all-around self, and remind yourself that “Strong Is The New Skinny.” Give your mind, your body, and your spirit the love and attention they deserve and they will return that love.
For many people, the first step is the hardest step—lacing up your sneakers and getting off the couch; rolling out your yoga mat and starting to stretch; strapping on your swim goggles and jumping into the pool. If you are struggling to find inspiration or are lacking the motivation to continue strengthening your mind, body and soul, contact Jennifer Nicole Lee today. Her inspirational story will help you understand that anyone can achieve their goals—sometimes you just need a little insight and a helping hand.