With the slogan "keeping a lid on the junk in the trunk", it's easy to see that the ladies of the health and fitness site Fit Bottomed Girls, don't take themselves too seriously. Fit Bottomed Girls' co-founders Jennipher Walters and Erin Whitehead approach fitness with fun and emphasize health and happiness over the numbers on the scale. Through their site and personal blogs, the Fit Bottomed Girls send the message to women that health and fitness are all about how you feel, being kind to your body and yourself, and that you don't have to deprive yourself to be healthy. It's about eating well, living well, and getting active. We caught up with Jenn to learn more about finding a balance in fitness and nutrition, staying motivated, and some of her favorite ways to bring fun to her fitness routine.
Where did you get the idea to create Fit Bottomed Girls and how did it all come together?
To be honest, I had the idea after having a bit of an existential crisis. I loved fitness and was working in the industry but just really felt that a sane and realistic approach to fitness, that was approachable and fun, was lacking for women. I wanted women to understand that their worth is not tied to the number on a scale and that being active and feeding your body nutritious foods is really a gateway to having a better life all around. It's not about sweating it out at the gym or being perfect. It's about truly living your best life. As soon as I talked Erin into joining me down the crazy path of starting a blog and website to get this message out -- it's a serious labor of love -- everything really just clicked.
What is the definition of a fit bottomed girl?
Being an FBG is more of a mindset than anything else. We always say that fit bottoms come in all shapes and sizes- it's not about looks but how you treat yourself that matters. Being an FBG means that you love yourself unconditionally, talk to yourself like you would a best friend, consistently choose healthy foods that you love, and move your body regularly. It's all about feeling good and doing what you love. FBGs don't deprive themselves -- and they don't determine their worth by the number on the scale.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Fit Bottomed Girls’ philosophy of striking a balance in both fitness and nutrition?
You'll read the phrase "all good things in moderation" on our site at least once a week -- and maybe even daily! While this is usually about honoring your cravings and never making any foods off limits (just eat according to your hunger!), it can also apply to workouts. Life is too short to spend hours in the gym -- unless, of course, you really love the gym! And obviously, being truly healthy is about both eating right and moving your body. They both combine to support you in feeling good, strong, and alive. So we take a sane approach to both -- eat whole foods most of the time and move your body daily by doing activities you love.
How do you go about accomplishing this in your own life?
My balance of fitness and nutrition has been an evolution over the years as I've really fine-tuned it. I'm always learning, growing, and figuring out what feels best for me. Everyone is on their own health journey, and for me, it's about eating fresh, organic foods and free-range meat, and then doing high-intensity workouts that really push and challenge me. Again, I didn't start my journey here, but for me, it makes me feel fantastic. I find joy in eating big colorful salads and going to the farm to see the buffalo I'm buying and knowing that it all fuels my workouts. It's all about abundance -- not deprivation -- and it's different for everyone.
What are you top five tips for women to stay motivated with a diet and fitness routine?
- Wake up each morning and write down three things you're grateful for. This sets a positive tone for the day, and it's easier to work out and take care of yourself when you feel good!
- Follow a healthy lifestyle to feel good, not just to look good. If you do the first part, you'll stick with it. And the looking good part will come naturally!
- Find five activities you love. Working out is so much easier when you like what you're doing. Whether it's walking the dog, dancing or even cleaning (hey, some people like it!), do what you love!
- Set SMART goals. Not all goals set you up for success! Set ones that will help propel you.
- Track your progress. That way you'll know how far you've come and it'll inspire you to want to do even more!
Where does your own motivation come from to stay fit and healthy?
Good question! It comes from deep within -- my inner desire to be the best person I can be while still being true to who I am. Working out and eating right makes me feel good, gives me energy to be a better everything (wife, writer, friend, daughter, pet owner, etc.) and allows me to hopefully be a positive role model to those around me and those who read Fit Bottomed Girls and Fit Bottomed Mamas.
Do you have any favorite workouts or tips that you could share with our readers to liven up their fitness routines?
- Stop the obsession with the scale and start doing the activities you enjoy!
- If you like to dance, Zumba classes are AWESOME.
- Laugh at yourself -- often.
- Try something new -- be it a new healthy food or a workout class -- at least once a month.
- Everything is better with friends, so grab a workout buddy!
What else can we look forward to from the Fit Bottomed Girls in the upcoming year?
Oooh, lots! We're unveiling our new health and weight-loss program FBG Life, that uses an interactive and live online classroom to help readers take their wellness to the next level. We'll also be celebrating our 4-year birthday in May, which will include a week of special content and HUGE giveaways. Lastly, Erin and I are working on a special project on teen fitness. We can't say much more on that one, but stay tuned to www.FitBottomedGirls.com for details!
Jennipher Walters is an ACE-certified personal trainer, lifestyle and weight management coach, advanced health and fitness specialist, and an AFAA-certified group exercise instructor. Jenn has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and an MA in health journalism from the University of Minnesota. Be sure to vist Fit Bottomed Girls to learn more about Jennipher and get all the latest fitness news, new product information, tidbits on healthy food, workout music suggestions and playlists, personal fitness accounts, and more!
