RISER OF THE MONTH: JENNA SCHWEITZER

Why did you choose RISE?

In April 2015 I was engaged to my boyfriend who lived in Wheaton which meant my days living in Chicago were numbered.. As ecstatic as I was about our engagement and future together, I was bummed at the reality that I would be leaving the city. That also meant leaving a gym and my workout companions of three years. While I’m hesitant to admit it, I was panicked over leaving my workout routine. I immediately started searching online for fitness studios in Glen Ellyn/Wheaton and stumbled upon RISE. I loved that RISE had an active and engaging social media presence that intrigued me to try some classes. Two months later, I was walking through the front door for the first time and knew right away that it wouldn’t be my last.

Tell us what motivates you? This could be related to workouts or life.

My fellow RISERS and results.

# 1. The instructors at RISE are tried and true. Personally, there’s nothing more motivating than having an instructor in your ear encouraging and pushing you to reach your personal limits. They know what you’re capable of and are trained to help you reach your potential. I remind myself frequently of a comment made by a Fusion instructor that still motivates me today: “your body can do it, get your mind out of the way!” The “RISERS” are all so dedicated to their fitness goals and embrace the journey. These people are STRONG – both physically and mentally. I have a very competitive side to me and subconsciously want to prove that I can keep up with the best of the best.

#2. Hard work equals results. I’ve experienced this firsthand when I realized I was strong enough to chaturanga correctly or courageous enough to try a TRX handstand. And completing a 60-minute Kettlebell HIIT class is an accomplishment unto itself.

What are your short-term and long-term workout goals?

Short Term – Master a yoga handstand and all those cool looking leg-stand variations.

Long Term – To maintain a 4-5 class per week schedule

Aside from class format and schedules specifically, what do you like about RISE?

The community – I am always surrounded by friendly, encouraging and hand working individuals. Oh, and I LOVE that RISE carries Chaser Brand tanks—my favorite all around workout and night out tanks.

What impact has exercise had on your lifestyle?

I’ve learned that being active and having heathy habits is a life-long journey. My father has always embraced exercise and this is something that I admire. He’s almost 65 and still goes to the gym daily, if not twice a day. I truly believe that exercise and good eating habits are the reason he looks half his age with a pep in his step.

What’s your biggest challenge in getting to class?

I’m an early morning gym goer due to my work schedule. Sleeping and voluntary napping bring me much delight so it can be very challenging to get out of bed at 4:30-5:30am.

What do you like to do with your spare time?

Spend time with my husband and spoil our rescue pup--she is my baby. I always look forward to dinner and drink plans with family and friends, along with taking trips to different destinations with my roommates from college.

What’s your favorite junk food?

Tacos with a cold beer or crème brulée.

What’s your favorite healthy food?

Sushi! I also love making avocado toast - Ezekiel bread topped with mashed avocado, sliced tomato, arugula, an over easy egg & salt/pepper.

Any tips of your favorite recipe, healthy living, grocery or wellness apps or websites you couldn’t live without?

I try to satisfy my sweet tooth by baking muffins made with almond/coconut flour & Madhava agave sweetener (5 calories per serving). Currently, I’ve been baking Paleo lemon blueberry muffins.

What is your favorite vacation/trip? Where do you want to go?

My favorite vacation was Europe for two weeks with my dad. We went to Switzerland, Germany & Austria. Salzburg, Austria was by far my favorite stop. My extended family on my father’s side is Austrian so seeing The Sound of Music movie and doing a tour has an extra special meaning. Salzburg’s apple strudel is BOMB.

Any tips you’d like to offer someone who is on the fence and needs that extra nudge to start a workout routine?

I love this quote: “Behind every successful woman is the butt she got moving to get her there…”​