In this episode, three inspiring women—Jen Eddins, Jennifer Fisher, and Lauren Chambers—shared their fitness journeys, providing insights into how they turned their passion for health and wellness into successful blogs. The conversation delved into their backgrounds, the evolution of blogging, and the intersection of fitness and motherhood. Let’s explore the highlights of this engaging conversation.
Jen’s Fit Fork: A 13-Year Journey
Jen, the founder of Fit Fork, kicked off the discussion by sharing the genesis of her fitness blog. A seasoned professional with a background in advertising and marketing, Jen initially hesitated to enter the blogging sphere, feeling that the fitness and food space was already saturated. However, a client’s persistent encouragement led her to embark on this journey 13 years ago.
Jen highlighted the blend of her passions—running, working out, healthy fuel, and cooking—as the driving force behind her blog. The flexibility of blogging allowed her to seamlessly integrate her role as a stay-at-home mom with her love for fitness and nutrition. Jen emphasized that authenticity and letting her personality shine through were the keys to her success.
“Jen, I follow you and I’m trying to keep up, but you tell me from the Fit Fork, how you got started, what inspired you to launch it?”
Jen’s Response:
“Yeah, I started the Fit Fork 13 years ago in January. I graduated from college in 1988, took a detour to be a stay-at-home mom, and started freelancing. The idea of starting a blog came from a client, and despite initial hesitation, I launched it to share my passions—running, working out, and cooking—with others.”
Jennifer, The Peanut Butter Runner:
Jennifer, the creator of Peanut Butter Runner, shared her journey from advertising to blogging, echoing the sentiment that social media was not yet on the horizon when she started. Originally a food blogger, she transitioned into the realm of healthy living blogs when the trend was gaining momentum. The name Peanut Butter Runner encapsulates her two primary passions—peanut butter and running.
Jennifer emphasized the evolution of her blog, which initially focused on running but expanded to include yoga as a significant aspect of her life. She expressed the challenges of the blog’s name as her interests diversified but underscored the simplicity and authenticity behind it.
“Jennifer, you brought up running. I’m going to turn to you. Tell me what inspired and why peanut butter with running?”
Jennifer’s Response:
“Well, my story is very similar to Jen’s. I have a background in advertising, started as a food blogger, and transitioned to healthy living. Peanut Butter Runner came from my love for peanut butter and running, even though my interests evolved to include yoga. The name has stuck as a representation of my journey.”
Lauren Elyce: Wellness and Motherhood
Lauren, with a background in advertising like her counterparts, started her blog over a decade ago with a fashion focus. Over time, she transitioned to wellness, emphasizing body confidence and celebrating the changes brought about by motherhood. In the podcast, Lauren shared her current challenge—a 90-day commitment to daily, balanced, healthy habits—as a means to prioritize self-care in the midst of a busy life.
“Lauren, congratulations on your new baby! Tell us about yourself and fitness and motherhood.”
Lauren’s Response:
“I started my blog over 10 years ago with a focus on fashion. Over time, I transitioned into wellness, especially emphasizing body confidence. Now, as a mom, I’m navigating the postpartum journey and promoting a balanced, healthy lifestyle that celebrates the body’s changes.”
Lauren also discussed her recent wellness challenge, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from rigid structures and promoting a more balanced and sustainable approach to health.
Embracing Wellness: A Collective Perspective
The conversation also touched upon broader topics, such as the changing landscape of blogging, the impact of social media on wellness, and the importance of self-love in the face of societal pressures. The three women shared their unique perspectives, demonstrating that wellness is a personal journey that goes beyond trends and societal expectations.
Alright, so shifting gears a bit, let’s talk about the intersection of fitness and technology. How do you see technology shaping the fitness industry, and how has it impacted your work as fitness influencers?
Lauren: Yeah, I can start. I feel like technology has just made fitness more accessible for so many people, especially with apps and virtual training programs. People can work out from the comfort of their homes and choose from a variety of workouts that suit their preferences. As an influencer, it’s also changed the way I connect with my audience. The app I mentioned earlier has allowed me to reach people globally and provide them with workout programs, even if they’re not physically with me in a gym.
Jennifer: Absolutely, technology has been a game-changer. With the rise of wearables, people can now track their fitness and health metrics more easily. I think it has created a sense of accountability, and it’s great to see people engaging with their health in a more informed way. As an influencer, it means adapting to new platforms, like TikTok, which has become a significant player. Short-form videos have become an essential part of how fitness content is consumed.
Jen: Yeah, I totally agree. The accessibility aspect is huge. Also, the community-building aspect through technology is fascinating. Virtual challenges, online classes, and social media platforms have created these communities of people who may never meet in person but share their fitness journeys and support each other. It’s quite powerful.
Definitely, it seems like technology has democratized fitness to a great extent. Now, I’m curious about the role of authenticity. In a world filled with filters and curated content, how do you maintain authenticity in your fitness journey online?
Jennifer: This is a great question. I think authenticity is crucial because people connect more with real stories and struggles. I’ve learned to embrace the imperfections and share the unfiltered aspects of my fitness journey. It helps create a more genuine connection with my audience.
Lauren: I completely agree. I think people appreciate vulnerability. I share my postpartum fitness journey, including the challenges and the victories. It’s not always about looking perfect or having a flawless workout routine. Being real about the ups and downs resonates with people.
Jen: Absolutely. Authenticity builds trust. If people see you as a real person with real experiences, they’re more likely to connect with you and be influenced positively. I share my struggles and challenges because I want people to know that the fitness journey is not always smooth, and that’s okay.
That’s a great perspective. Now, thinking about the future, where do you see the fitness influencer space heading? Are there emerging trends or changes that you anticipate?
Jen: I think the focus on inclusivity and diversity will continue to grow. Fitness influencers who represent a wide range of body types, ages, and backgrounds are becoming more prominent, and I see that as a positive shift.
Jennifer: I agree. Also, the emphasis on mental health is gaining traction. It’s not just about physical fitness anymore; people are recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to well-being. I see more influencers talking about mental health, self-care, and mindfulness.
Lauren: And from a technology standpoint, I think we’ll see more integration of AI and personalized fitness experiences. Apps and platforms that can tailor workouts and nutrition plans based on individual needs will likely become more sophisticated.
Fascinating insights. Now, before we wrap up, is there any advice you’d give to aspiring fitness influencers or individuals looking to embark on their fitness journey?
Lauren: I would say, be true to yourself and find joy in the process. It’s not just about the end goal; it’s about enjoying the journey and celebrating every step forward.
Jennifer: And don’t be afraid to be authentic. Share your story, even the messy parts. That’s what makes you relatable, and people connect with authenticity.
Jen: Consistency is key, both in your fitness journey and in your content creation. Stay true to your message and keep showing up for yourself and your audience.