Since 2012 Jenn V has been helping people feel better, move better, and laugh more through fitness, mindfulness, and coaching.

 
 

Hey! Thanks for stopping by. I’m Jenn V, the founder of Purple Penguin Fitness.

If you’d like to know more about me, and what makes Purple Penguin Fitness different than all the other online fitness companies out there, take a listen to this video where I share a bit about how crazy it is that I ended up here as a fitness professional.

 

Purple Penguin Fitness est.2016

 

How it began

What began as a personal journey to stop yo-yo dieting and learn how to feel good in my own skin became a passion for fitness. After many unsuccessful attempts I (hi, it’s Jenn here) found a desire to stop looking for short cuts and figure out what really worked - for good. I researched, and tried, everything from exercise to nutrition to mindset to stress management and anything else I could find to help figure this stuff out once and for all.

In 2012 I went for my first certification workshop (P90X) and I was terrified. I almost turned around and went home. I felt so out of place. But I survived, and I loved it. I was hooked and began learning as much as I could and earning more certifications. I became a Certified Personal trainer in 2013 while in school for a B.A in psychology which I earned (with highest honors!) in 2016. When I went back to school, I knew I wanted to change careers (from hairstylist) but I didn’t expect to use my psychology degree in fitness. The rest is history!

Fitdamentals

After a few years attempting to find my place in the fitness industry (can you say imposter syndrome?!?), and exploring every new fad, trend, and diet that came along, I discovered four main areas that made the biggest difference. They were pretty simple things that have stood the test of time (movement, nutrition, water, and rest).

I decided that sticking to the basics and adding in lots of fun was what worked best for me and my clients. That’s where the Fitdamentals (fitness fundamentals with a way more fun made up word) were born.

I went on to write a book by the same name. And I use this philosophy as the foundation of everything I do.

 

What Makes Me Different than other Health Coaches?

Great question! The shortest, simplest answer is I’ve been there. I’ve struggled with my body, eating, health, anxiety, and depression since I was a kid. I get it. I spent my teens, 20’s and early 30’s in a constant battle with my body. I yo-yo-ed up and down many times. It wasn’t till my late 30’s that I got a grip on my eating and started working out because it made me feel good (more mentally than anything) and I enjoyed getting stronger and pushing myself to try new things.

That new perspective changed everything. I’ve devoured as much as possible on these topics ever since. I was in the process of my fitness transformation while in school studying psychology. I loved it so much I decided to become a personal trainer rather than going to grad school to become a licensed counselor (which is where I thought I was going). And so here we are. After 10 years working in fitness, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of a well rounded wellness practice. Exercise and nutrition are important but it doesn’t end there. Living a healthy life in all aspects takes effort and intention.

Coaching allows me the opportunity to help you on a deeper level. To get into more than your workout. It’s about finding the best habits/practices for you. We look ahead to where you want to go and focus on what’s working rather than analizing everything that’s gone wrong. It’s a positive approach to goal setting, habit change, and mindfullness.

Now, as for my actual qualifications:

B.A in Psycholgy *suma cum laud baby and I’m proud of it - nearly killed me!

Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM CPT)

Certified weight Loss Specialist through NASM

Certified Behavior Change Specialist through NASM

Health and Wellness Coach through American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Certified Group Fitness Instructor through Athletics and Fitness Association of America

Multiple Specialty Fitness Formats including: PiYo, Cycle, Yoga, Barre, Turbo Kick, P90X

17 years as a hair stylist doing “behind the chair therapy”. :)

Mom of two talented, smart, yet still very dependent, young adults

Wife to a great guy who adores me now as much as he did when we married in 1994 (and it’s mutual)!

Rescue mom to the sweetest, most gorgeous pittie mix, and two adorable Boricua kitties . :)