How I Sweat With Jas

Welcome to How I Sweat, where we catch up with members of the incredible Sweat Community to find out more about their lives and why they choose to Sweat. Today, we’re talking to Jasheema (although you might know her better as Jas, a nickname she got thanks to her jazzy personality), who first joined Sweat in March 2019. 

Based in the USA, Jas works full-time in banking, is currently studying and is also a proud mum to her 19-year-old son! As anyone who follows Jas on Instagram knows, she’s a true superwoman. 

“It may seem like fitness is all I ever do, but I also juggle being a mom to my 19-year-old son who is currently away at school, working full-time and recently spent months studying to acquire four new certifications in the investment world,” Jas tells us. 

“I have been in banking for the past 17 years and enjoy what I do, even though it can be stressful at times. Something about the grind, hustle and people keeps my passion alive! And now I have found fitness brings me a different kind of joy.”

Jas is not only incredibly passionate about her own fitness journey but loves to empower other women within the Sweat Community and provide them with genuine love and support. 

“There is no community like the Sweat Community!” Jas says. “To be surrounded by like-minded women who are just as passionate about health and fitness as I am is truly a blessing. The friendships and relationships I have developed over the past three years with women all around the world, most I have never met personally, but who have embraced me like we have known each other all our lives is unreal.” 

“The camaraderie, sisterhood and vibe of the Sweat Community is a feeling I can’t put into words.  From the trainers to the community itself, these women have created a safe space for me to be my authentic self. I can reach out to any of these women in times of difficulty whether fitness related or not, and feel supported. Female empowerment is a real thing in the Sweat Community and I feel lucky to have this in my life.”

Jas, the feeling is definitely mutual! This is how Jas Sweats.

My fitness journey

Prior to joining Sweat I used to work out with a personal trainer six days a week while also juggling full-time work, studying and being a mom to my teenage son. Although my training was a huge part of caring for myself, the schedule was becoming unmanageable with everything else in my life at the time. 

Then I came across Kelsey Wells on Facebook. Her vibe, training style, energy and overall passion for health and fitness made me follow her on Instagram and, at that point, I was introduced to a new world of fitness. It was then that Sweat came into my life and I began to see how fitness goes hand-in-hand with every aspect of health - physical, mental and emotional too. The Sweat app gives me the flexibility I need, along with a variety of workout styles that I find joy in, no matter where I’m at in my journey.

Why I Sweat 

I am frequently asked what inspired me to start working out. I want people to remember this will be different for everyone because health and fitness isn’t a one size fits all kind of journey. For me, when I started it wasn’t to lose weight or look different. In fact, I felt ok with the way I looked and didn’t think I needed to lose weight, but six years ago I made an intentional decision to change my lifestyle. 

I chose to embark on a health and fitness journey because  I wanted to feel different. It wasn’t about looking different but feeling different and prioritising my health in a different way. I changed the way I ate and squeezed in 30 minutes of exercise, 5-6 days a week into my schedule. I knew this change would require discipline and dedication. As a beginner, I was aware that in order for this change to be lasting and sustaining I would need the support of an accountability partner and trainer. I can still remember not being able to do a single push-up. I want to feel good and strong about myself from the inside out - mentally and physically.

Months into my lifestyle change (lasting and sustaining change definitely doesn’t happen overnight) I began to see results. I was feeling stronger, more disciplined, and my confidence was soaring. Along the way, something else happened - I got the feeling that I AM ENOUGH!I didn’t need to look or be like someone I wasn’t. I felt GREAT about being ME, who I was becoming and what I was doing to care for my health. And then I found Sweat and some of the amazing trainers — Kelsey Wells, Kayla Itsines, Chontel Duncan and the Sweat Community to help challenge me, hold me accountable and keep me consistent.

Six years later and I am still loving this journey and the way Sweat fits into my unique life. I can move my body in a way I enjoy at home for 20-30 minutes and feel amazing after. I understand every day won’t look and feel the same and I’m learning to accept the highs and lows. When things don’t go as planned, I no longer see it as a setback.

How I Sweat

Each trainer has some programs that truly can be a fit for almost anyone. Because fitness is about change (physically, mentally, and emotionally) it is important to have options that will work for you in whatever season of life you are in. 

That being said, I find myself gravitating towards Kayla and Kelsey as their programs suit my fitness and lifestyle best. Doing a mixture of both gives me just the right amount of challenge and enjoyment to keep me going.

Monday

For me, Monday is an opportunity to start fresh with a different attitude and mindset. My Monday sets the tone for what I want my day and week to look like.  

I rise with the sun bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 5:15 am (if it did actually shine at the crack of dawn these days) - this should explain my dancing and high energy on my Instagram stories! 

I wake up, prepare and warm-up for my Monday workout which typically is a lower body workout day - I’m currently following the High Intensity with Kayla’s Sweat Challenge and have chosen the “Challenge Me” option. After my workout, I stretch if I have time or hit the shower to prepare for the workday. Mondays are one of the busiest days for me, so I love to work out before going into the office - it makes me feel amazing and in such a positive headspace for the day ahead!

On Mondays, I find it also helps to have a plan in advance of what workout I will be doing, what I will wear to the gym and to work, my meals, my to-do list and how I will structure my time. Things don't always go to plan and I am coming to terms with that. As long as I have accomplished most things on my to-do list — that is ENOUGH and feels like a big win.

Tuesday

On Tuesdays I have business meetings and presentations with other managers. This creates some anxiety and pressure for me, so I like to have my work and exercise clothes ready the night before. 

To stay on schedule I always opt for a 28-minute full-body boot camp workout and on Tuesdays I definitely do not stretch, I simply can’t fit it in! In the evening I am often exhausted and low energy and head to bed at about 9.30 pm. 

Wednesday

Depending on how I feel, Wednesday is either a rest day or I push through and get my workout in. Midweek, I often need to blast some upbeat music to get in the groove and muster up the energy!  

When I’m feeling low on energy I go for something Low Impact or choose Arms and Abs. I find it’s less jumping and just what I need to move my body. If my body is calling for a rest day, I do exactly that!

On Wednesday I also have talk therapy, where I sit in a space that allows me to speak freely and openly. This is my power hour! It grounds and centres me and helps to create balance in my world.  

Thursday

Thursday is here and I am over the hump! Like most days I’m up at 5 am ready to get the day started but tend to wake up even more excited to crush a workout knowing the weekend is almost here!  

To match my energyI often do a HIIT style workout.  Something about Thursdays makes me go full throttle!  

This is a lighter workday in the office for me,  and once I get in the mindset that the weekend is almost here my brain goes into social life mode! I try to eat healthily throughout the week and  what helps me stay on track is my meal prep. Bringing food to work helps me avoid having to think about what to eat and slipping to eat whatever is convenient at the moment which isn’t always the healthiest option.  

Friday

It’s Friday! I am the happiest on Friday whether I have to work on Saturday or not. This day brings me so much joy and even more so when it’s sunny outside!

Even though I have business meetings today I tend to feel less stressed.  

My Friday routine is similar to the rest of my week, but there is something special about my Friday workout. It is Pink Friday as many of us in the Sweat Community like to call it! We all wear pink to work out and tag each other on Instagram - it’s so fun and motivating. 

Friday is more of a freestyle workout day. I find a workout from the On Demand section of the Sweat App, combine Kayla’s Express Legs and Abs or go to one of the Sweat trainers workout posts I have saved on Instagram. It’s just about getting my body moving. 

Saturday

Saturday is gym and treat myself day!

Most Saturdays I don’t have work, so I sleep in a little longer and look forward to back and triceps with Sweat Trainer Kelsey Wells. I don’t spend hours in the gym and am usually done in 45 minutes. I like to enjoy my Saturdays, whether it is relaxing at home or taking strolls through the city.

Typically on a Saturday I indulge in all my favourite foods. I have come to realise restricting what I eat during the week is not a healthy or sustainable lifestyle and I’m allowing myself the freedom to enjoy whatever foods I like, in moderation, regardless of what day of the week it is.  

This journey is all about growth for me. Every day I am learning and growing.  

Sunday

On top of everything else going on, I am studying for a series of certifications in the investment world. I have successfully passed three and will be wrapping up with my fourth in the next few weeks. It has been quite the journey but with willpower, belief and commitment anything is possible.  

Leg day in the gym is how I end my week. Because of a knee injury, I am limited to what workouts I can do and make adjustments when necessary. The old me would challenge my body but that did not serve me well. Overall I always go out with a bang on Sunday!

In addition to my workouts, I use Sunday to prepare for the week ahead by getting a grocery shop in, doing my laundry, preparing my meals and catching up with my son over the phone. I like to de-stress and mentally prepare for the week ahead so listen to music, read and meditate. 

How do YOU choose to Sweat? 

No matter what you’re juggling in your day-to-day life, what form of movement you enjoy the most, or what time of day you can squeeze it in (let’s be honest, we don’t all wake up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed like Jas!) Sweat can fit into your lifestyle. 

There’s a large variety of programs, workout styles and trainers to suit any fitness level or goal, and an amazing community ready to cheer you on every step of the way. 

So tell us in the comments, how do YOU Sweat?