Name: Jessica Muddell
Age: 34
Involved in: Weight and resistance training, running and Spinning
Turning passion into a profession
I began ice skating when I was five years old and from there I became a figure skater, competing in small competitions. I continued to skate until I was 13 years old. In my middle school years I played softball before taking up tennis in high school. I played on the Varsity tennis team for three years, co-captaining the team my senior year. I continued playing team intramurals through college, but haven't played team sports since.
I was a little bit of a tomboy when I was growing up. Now I would say I am a tough, girlie-girl. I like my high heels, but I also like sweating my butt off.
Recently, I started working out a lot again, usually four to six days a week, and I dropped a few pounds. I felt great, so I decided to get certified as a personal trainer. In September I opened a small side business doing in-home personal training for women called Arm & Glamour. Now I am a teacher by day, and a trainer by night. I love it so much that I hope it becomes my full-time job in the next few years!
Staying motivated and challenged
GirlsGoneSporty (GGS): What is your motivation for staying active?
Jessica Muddell (JM): I still have not met my fitness goals. I call myself a work in progress. I still have about 12 pounds that I would like to lose. My motivation comes from my desire to achieve my goal. Also, since I became a personal trainer, that has helped me maintain my current level of fitness and propel me forward. I want to keep going!
Seeing progress is a big motivator for me personally. I love seeing my muscles becoming more toned! It really keeps me going to see changes in my body.
I also am addicted to The Biggest Loser. I am amazed at how these extremely overweight and sedentary people are pushed further than they thought they could go…and how they transform their lives. I cry every week watching that show.
GGS: What sports or fitness accomplishments are you most proud of?
JM: I am very proud of losing about 15 pounds in the last year. That was the catalyst for becoming more fit and active - it's what gave me a passion for maintaining a healthier lifestyle. My weight has fluctuated for my entire adult life. If anyone is in the same boat, you know what an accomplishment healthy weight loss is!
GGS: How do you keep challenging yourself to improve?
JM: I have a competitive side. There is part of me that thinks I can do anything. I use that as fuel to drive myself. I like to see how far my body can take me. When I feel like I want to give up, I keep on pushing a little further each time. I don’t have to be the best at everything, but I definitely want to give everything my best effort. If I don't, what's the point?
I have also found a lot of positive quotes on Pinterest. They definitely keep me going.
Tools of the trade
GGS: What’s your favorite healthy food or dish?
JM: I love raw almonds, almond butter, hummus and raw vegetables. I am big on salads too, but salads with excitement like grilled chicken, granny smith apples or dried unsweetened tart cranberries.
My favorite healthy meal to cook is my own creation…a Shrimp Pasta Primavera (whole wheat farfalle, fresh tomatoes, garlic, cayenne pepper, fresh basil, zucchini, squash, shrimp and chunks of fresh mozzarella).
I also have some favorite unhealthy dishes! I do not believe in giving up foods you love…everything in moderation.
GGS: What's on your workout playlist?
JM: I am a little behind on the times. I have an MP3 player but not an iPod. If I'm running outdoors I do not listen to music (so I can be more aware of cars, traffic and danger). I find that running without music is actually better for me - I'm not the best runner, so a lot of my run is about me talking to myself, keeping myself motivated and telling myself not to give up. When I am at the gym I usually listen to whole albums in my MP3 player. Social Distortion is my favorite band - I listen to their albums when I work out. I also have Foo Fighters, Mastodon, and 30 Seconds to Mars. I like loud music!
GGS: What’s in your gym bag?
JM: I am a huge fan of Under Armour - I love all of their clothing and I think the company is just fantastic. I was in Baltimore last year (where they are based) and it was great to see that many local businesses wore UA golf shirts with their own company logos. What a great way to support your community!
I sweat a lot, which makes my makeup run, so I love the Garnier Make-Up removing towelettes.
Live the sporty life
GGS: What does the phrase “live the sporty life” mean to you?
JM: To me it means to keep moving and to stay active. Just because we're all getting older doesn’t mean we should slow down!
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