How Jenn Z. Unexpectedly Got Healthy

Can you capture me looking like a badass?

A question we cannot get enough of and probably one Jenn Zeglis never thought she’d ask. But, after having mastered her workouts and eating habits, this member of the OC3 family is feeling like a total badass!

Eleven months of CrossFit + an eight week total nutrition takeover challenge (TNT*) + three months running her own nutrition and Jenn Z. has never felt better. Up until now, she didn’t even know these feelings existed but she knew something had to Jenn-5give. So, she didn’t just try something new, she went all-in!

Has she lost weight and inches? Yes. But it’s what she gained that has her glowing and grinning in her newly established self.  Jenn Z.’s self confidence skyrocketed as her body got healthy from the inside out. Looking better on the outside was just a nice side effect to complement the transformation happening inside.

This all coming from someone who never even had CrossFit and nutrition on her radar! So how’d she get here? She entered a raffle at the local high school where she and her husband both work, wanting to be supportive of the event they were hosting but never expecting to win. Why she entered that particular raffle, she cannot fully explain. “It was like I knew I needed something to change but I had no idea what, or where to start,” said the wife and mother of one.

She won a three month membership and didn’t want it to go to waste, but didn’t expect to continue on either. Her husband purchased a punch card and joined with her for the first two weeks, in a gesture of kindness and solidarity. “It was intimidating to walk into a gym,” she said, “especially one where everyone looks so fit.”

It didn’t take long for Jenn Z. to lose the fear factor become hooked! Co-owner and operator, Colin Cartee, says, “You know right away whether you love or hate CrossFit and most of the new people who walk through that door find themselves coming back, even though they aren’t always sure why. It’s very addicting and it’s your body saying ‘Thanks, I needed this.’ Plus, it’s the kind of place where it’s very easy to feel welcome and make a new friend or two.”

Jenn-18How does Jenn Z. view CrossFit now that she’s been doing it for a while?

“That hour is my time. I usually have my two year old in tow, but it’s my time. She plays with her friends in the playroom while I play with mine in the workout room! My CrossFit workouts are non-negotiable and I work my schedule around them. It keeps me balanced and whole for my home and work roles. I absolutely cannot imagine my life without it!”

Where is she on her nutrition journey now?

We kick off each new year with the TNT but we ask participants to stay diligent after the 8-week contest has ended. Three months later, Jenn Z. is still going strong, “I’m still living it every day. How can I not? It has brought so much peace and joy into my life. Plus, I wear tank tops now. TANK TOPS. Something else that was never even on my radar!”

What does a typical day of eating look like?Jenn-17

“I food prep weekly and it consists of a lot of meat and veggies. I love fruits. I make sure to reward myself with healthy treats, too. I never want to be so restrictive that I’m depriving myself, so I find the balance,” she said. “I still live a normal life, but I’m much better fueled to live it now!” Many of our members will tell you that preparation is key to staying on track.

How specifically does feeling healthier translate to your life?

“I am the best version of myself every day. That still comes with its fair share of challenges, like anyone else, but most days I feel like a superhero. With everything I have on my plate, I figured that I owed it to myself and my family to be better, to treat myself better. It might sound cheesy, but I am going to enjoy that feeling for as long as I can!”

We are seriously stoked for this badass superhero CrossFit mama who serendipitously found another love of her life. She proves that it really is the best hour of your day because it’s the one that is for you and only you! Tell us about the time you take for yourself in the comments!


*The Total Nutrion Takeover (TNT) is an optional program offered each year for members of CrossFit OC3 that is led by a certified nutritionist and dietitian. For eight weeks, we track food, sleep, water intake, mobility and workouts. Each participant chooses a coach based on his or her goals. Inside out health is the focus. Every coach leads a team where there is a daily dose of support. Coaches provide guidance but participants do the work and make their own choices. They take optional before and after photos, which are used at the end for the voting process. Prize money is awarded at the big finale party but everyone is truly a winner at the end! While the competition piece of the program only lasts for two months, healthy living is encouraged year-round.


Images by Iron & Lace Photography

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