We recently chatted with one of our fave Flywheel instructors, Jen Dufresne. Check out how she makes time in her busy schedule for fitness and what motivates her! Read more about Jen right here.
What’s your advice to busy moms who are looking to refocus on their health this fall?
Finding time for yourself is so difficult. I have found that exercise is a perfect way for me to get away and do something good for myself. I am in a better mood after I work out. I know how difficult staying motivated to keep up with workouts can be. My advice? Set some fitness goals that are as important to you as everything else. Schedule your workouts and follow through. Flywheel’s online booking has made it easier for individuals to plan their workouts up to a week in advance. Once you can commit to a routine, take a bigger step. Sign up for a race or set a physical goal that is attainable. Take the right steps to reach the finish line and reward yourself. Nothing is more empowering than being successful! 
After the birth of my first child, I went back to work full time (and taught at Flywheel still). Making time for exercise was difficult. I had to find ways to squeeze in short at home workouts and make quick healthy dinners. As a result, I started my own fitness/lifestyle blog that offers tips for being successful as a busy parent. Check it out!
How do you fit Spartan Race training into your busy schedule? What prompted you to take on these races?
After the birth of my second daughter (just six months ago), I was looking for a fitness challenge that would provide me with the motivation that I needed to lose the rest of my baby weight. My husband suggested the Spartan Race in Asheville, NC. I never could have guessed how much I would actually enjoy it. I studied the obstacles and used my own training methods to prepare – ultimately leaving me feeling the strongest that I have felt since I was in college (when I was a school record holder in the pole vault at Virginia Tech at that). It’s difficult to find time, so I have set up a pretty good schedule that can vary depending on how much sleep I get and when my husband is in town. I have a sitter come over two days a week. On those days, I go to Flywheel. I run errands. I strength train regularly out of our garage. I wake up early. I’m talking 5 AM. I take the baby monitor outside. I break if I need to, to check on the kids. I have learned to be flexible. I do short high intensity runs on the weekends. I do high intensity core conditioning at SmartCore Fitness once a week. Variety and flexibility have made my overall life better. I can adapt to unexpected situations and take on the uncertainty of obstacles in the Spartan Race.
What’s your favorite piece of retail featured in our new fall collection?
I am LOVING our fall collection. The color schemes represent fall themes. There are more pant options (not just crops). My favorite thing about the collection has got to be the tanks. As an instructor, we teach the class from a lit instructor podium in the center of the room. With this, our riders get a great visual of whatever top we wear during class. So, I enjoy wearing an inspiring top during class to motivate riders when they need it most. Also, I love the way that they are cut. They are not tight around the stomach, giving riders and pulsers room around the waist while highlighting shoulders and arms.
How does #FlyGear motivate you?
The phrases on our FlyGear are so creative. Our Retail Boutique Team is incredible. It seems like everyday that I come in the studio, I see something else that I want to buy myself. There is a specific shirt that several instructors own that says “I don’t do mediocre”. I actually wore it to the Spartan Race. I got SO many compliments. It is my mantra – in life and in my workouts. I only have a short amount of time to get my workouts in. You better believe that I am going to make it worth it!
Check out Jen’s class schedule here.
