Meet powerhouse pro fitness expert and business-savvy supermom, Jenifer Wirtshafter. She’s been rocking the exercise scene since she was 16 and is now a successful studio owner. Read on to see how you can have it all with desire, passion, and tenacity.  – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of health and wellness? I have always had a personal love of exercise. I started exercising in group fitness at 13 years old and found the results empowering and up lifting. My parents inspired me at a young age to get started. I started teaching group fitness when I was 16 years old!

Your Job Title: Creator and Owner

Company you are with now: JeniFit Studios

Website: www.Jeni-Fit.com

Other Social Media links you would like to include:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JeniFit-Studios/149144015161249 Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeniFit

A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you: Now that I am a Studio owner, my typical day has changed from Fitness Professional to Fitness Pro plus Business. I start each day teaching one or 2 group ex classes, then training privately for a few hours and then managing the Studio.  I have 3 children so aim to be home for them after school each day. I return to the Studio for afternoon and evening classes which I either run or help expedite with guest services.

How did you get your current job in health and wellness? I started operating Jeni-Fit 8 years ago as a way to get fit in the great outdoors. As my clients grew in strength and desire I felt that they needed more programming to get to their goals. I started renting one studio and then a second in order to put together the type of specialized programs that I felt my clients needed to love exercise, stay interested and achieve results.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I was born with desire, passion, tenacity and the gift of seeing the glass half full! I have learned “no” just means no at that particular moment in time – keep asking and keep pursuing. I have always worked; and the more work experience you have, the more skills you pick up that benefit your goals. Whether I was working in a restaurant or in corporate America, each job opportunity offered me insight into people and how every single person is to be valued. As a result, I treat everyone with a healthy dose of respect because I know every single person out there has an important lesson that they can teach me.

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Study hard and stay current in your field. Pursue what you love. Be genuine. Build a team that you believe in and offer people more than they are expecting, every time! Keep raising the bar for yourself and your clients and constantly assessing the past and looking to the future.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? The reward that I get every day helping people feel better not only from the outside in but from the inside out!

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.