Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Spencer-Gardner.
Jessica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Fitness and sports have always been part of my life. I grew up in a very active family and fell in love with basketball at an early age – the teamwork, competition, fast-paced skill, and strategy of the game is what drew me in, and ultimately, gave me the passion to play in college. I was fortunate enough to play for Oral Roberts University.
Fast-forward through some incredible life events – marriage, four children, a career in public relations – through those years, I searched for workouts that gave me the same adrenaline rush, team atmosphere, and level of fitness I found in sports. That’s when I discovered my love for Group Exercise classes.
Today, I am a LES MILLS BODY COMBAT, GRIT and BODY PUMP Group Exercise Instructor for the YMCA J.E.R. Chilton (Rockwall) and 24 Hour Fitness Rockwall. I am also AFAA-Certified in Group Fitness.
Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been obstacles. In fact, one of the life lessons sports taught me was there will be struggles and failure – and we have a choice, we can either run from our challenges or figure out how to get through them and come out stronger.
Fear almost held me back from teaching Group Exercise. In 2010, I was approached by my gym to train to be a Group Exercise Instructor, specifically for their Cardio Kickboxing and Athletic Conditioning classes. I almost pulled out of the training due to fear.
“How can I get on a microphone?” “Who am I to lead a class through a workout?” Those were the negative thoughts running through my mind.
Thankfully, my husband encouraged me to go for it, with wise words, “Do not make a decision based on fear.” That was the catalyst for me discovering my passion for Group Exercise.
In my opinion, fear and negative thoughts are two of the biggest obstacles women face. Giving in to fear and negative thoughts can hold us back from discovering our full potential. Whether it’s fear of rejection, fear of failure or fear of what others think…alongside the negative thoughts, we allow to take hold of our minds – we can spend years living captive to those lies.
My greatest advice to women is to learn to combat fear and negative thoughts by: 1) recognizing the lie 2) realizing what the source is, and 3) replacing that lie with a positive truth.
The great news is, our mind is just like our body – it can be trained! We can capture the fear and negative thoughts. We can replace it with positive truth. We can step out in bravery and faith. We can tap into our full potential. For me, my faith is the foundation of my life. What God says about me, my life, my purpose, and how to relate to others – His truth is what I use to combat fear and negative thoughts.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I teach 8 Group Exercise classes a week at the YMCA J.E.R. Chilton and 24 Hour Fitness in Rockwall – including mixed-martial art inspired workout called LES MILLS BODY COMBAT, and a 30-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) class called LES MILLS GRIT.
For every single person who comes to my classes, this is my goal: That they be seen, valued, feel successful and empowered. I want to deliver a world-class fitness experience that is not only physically rewarding but mentally – I want to take members on a journey where ultimately, they realize how strong they can be – both inside and outside.
To that end, I bring high-energy, lots of praise and moments of connection to my classes. I aim to deliver specific coaching when it comes to technique, safety, modifications, education and how to do the moves better to get better results.
Finally – the positive team atmosphere from sports is a culture I love to create – where members support each other and get stronger together.
I am most proud of an event we put on earlier this year at the YMCA J.E.R. Chilton, called “Strong Women, Strong Girls: Learning to Love YOU!” It was a free event for women and girls of all ages to unite for an evening of empowerment, featuring a LES MILLS BODY COMBAT workout with myself and International Master Trainer, Anna Lowery; a talk by local blogger and speaker, Jenna Winegeart, on trading lies for truth when it comes to body image and self-worth; a braid bar and Mexican paletas from Rockwall favorite Hallie B. SERVE.
We had 100 women and girls attend – and we plan to make this an annual event! It was a beautiful evening and was really personal to me as my husband and I raise four children – three girls and a boy. I want our girls to realize their bodies are a gift, that the goal is to be healthy, strong and fit. And their self-worth is not wrapped up in what they look like. And for our son, I want him to view girls in the same way – worthy because of who they are on the inside.
For me – the opportunity to use my passion for Group Exercise – to empower women and girls is an absolute honor and blessing. I’m trying to make the most of every opportunity!
Which women have inspired you in your life?
So many women have inspired me, and have spoken encouragement into my life whether directly or indirectly. I’m the oldest of five kids, so my Mom — along with my Dad — worked so hard to give us a loving, supportive home. My Mom inspires me today – after having raised us she went back to college to finish undergrad and get a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Although her season of life has changed, she’s still using her gifts to positively impact others.
My sisters equally inspire me to be healthy in every area of life – we often challenge each other in good ways and encourage each other to do what it takes to grow. Whether its physical, mental, emotional or spiritual growth – we are on the same team and they inspire me to always seek growth.
Then, there are my friends, my colleagues, Group Fitness Directors, Bible teachers and leaders who continue to inspire me with their strength and wisdom.
From afar, I admire any female athlete who is a leader in her sport. It takes incredible determination, courage, and discipline to get to the highest level of competition. Inspiration is all around us – near and far!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_sg32/
Image Credit:
Laura Perkins Photography
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
