1) Who is Jen Esquer? (where are you from, what do you do, a bit about yourself (hobbies, etc)
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with a big passion in movement and healing. I grew up doing gymnastics from an early age until I hit 16 years old. Years later, I still love to be upside down, workout and learn new activities such as AcroYoga. While acquiring my Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and DPT, I taught Pilates for 6 years. To this day, I continue to inspire through movement, creating a platform dedicated toward education about the body and working independently as a physical therapist.
2) How many years have you been training?
I have been an athlete my entire life. I don't consider it training, for me, it's a lifestyle. I did gymnastics for 9 years, danced and competed in track and field briefly before moving into more of the fitness world. I taught pilates for 6 years, competed in calisthenics for 1 year and have been dabbling in AcroYoga for the past 3 years. I have been an avid mover for as long as I can remember!
3) Whats been the hardest part of your journey so far? and how have you overcome them (set backs, rejections, injuries, basically anything difficult that you have had to overcome)
The "hardest" part , or the part that takes more effort is in continuing to learn. Which I don't see as an obstacle, only as a necessary part of the journey. It took me 9 years of college to get my doctorate of physical therapy degree. Then as my social media grew, I've had to learn to build a business around it, move to online marketing, and adapt from my physical skills to more technical/business skills. But as hard as it is, I don't see it as setback or even something to overcome. It's just apart of moving forward toward what I really want in life.
4) What does your typical workout/diet routine look like?
I wouldn't say I have a typical workout or diet. But I would say the majority of my workouts are a quick 30 minute HIIT workout. A great way to get an intense sweat, feel sore and not have to spend hours in a gym. Other than that, I love pilates, yoga, circuit training, weight training, going for a run with my boyfriend or sprints. I try to dabble in it all. My eating consists of trying to be fairly mindful about eating whole, real food (veggies, fruits, nuts, meat) and staying away from anything processed or sugar as much as possible. But I'm far from perfect and don't beat myself up if I enjoy the "bad" things in life as well.
5) What have you learned over the past year regarding training, lifestyle and nutrition?
The more you beat yourself up for what you're "not doing correctly," the more stress you hold within your body. More stress leads to increased weight, decreased results, and increased pain. Adapt to a lifestyle you can maintain as a way of life. Not a diet and training schedule that is not sustainable for you.
6) Whats your favourite cheat/Treat meal?
I love almost anything with chocolate and wine :)
7) One supplement that you could not live without?
I can live without any supplement. They are called supplements for a reason. They are meant to help support your life, but aren't necessary to live. I love my protein shakes, but I also know there are many other ways to obtain protein :)
8) If you had to start out from scratch with your physique what would you do differently and why?
I don't focus on physique. I maintain a healthy lifestyle because it feels better physically and mentally.
9) Who do you look upto in the fitness industry and why?
In the fitness industry, I look up to Kelly Starrett because of his contribution toward changing the mindset on physical therapy in the fitness world, and Kaisa Keranen because of her relentless pursuit toward living her authentic, badass self with no focus on outside appearance or vanity.
10) If you had to give one bit of advice to people starting out what would that be?
Just move. If you have the ability to take care of this body that is allowing you to live, show up for it. Find a workout setting that you feel excited to be apart of and just start moving.
11) What new goals are on the horizon? (new goals, aims, etc)
I want to help thousands of people begin to understand the value in taking care of your body and give them the tools to start to move better, feel better and decrease pain.
12) Where can people find you? (website, social media accounts)
Currently updating my website at www.docjenfit.com. All social handles can be found on instagram and facebook @docjenfit.
