Influencing with Purpose: Jennifer Kieta

Social media influencers are everywhere, but not all influencers are created equally. Some use their platforms for more than advertising themselves. This issue’s Influencing with Purpose focuses on a familiar face: our associate publisher, Jennifer Kieta. Jennifer is a fitness guru at Zyn22, a singer, and a breast cancer survivor. - by Madeworthy Editorial Team winded, so here are some quick ways to include exercise into your daily routine:

Madeworthy: How did you start your fitness journey?

Jennifer Kieta: This will date me, but other than riding a bike with my grade school squad, I took my first steps in my fitness journey with the trailblazer of fitness herself, Jane Fonda. Her VHS tapes had the greatest full-body workout in the game! The next big leap into my love for movement came after a very emotional breakup with a guy I had been dating for about six years. Running became my therapy.

• Plan Ahead. If you work out early in the morning, lay out your exercise clothes, book your class, or download the exercise app you’ll use the night before.

• Do Something You Enjoy. This is the best way to stick to an exercise routine.

• Take Time Alone. We all struggle to make time for ourselves. Taking a walk, running, or enjoying yoga class can help turn off your brain.

MW: You are five years cancerfree. How did cancer change your perspective on health?

JK: By God’s grace and mercy, cancer left me stronger, bolder, and on a mission to convince people they are worthy of the fight. Brené Brown said, “One day, you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through, and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” This is exactly what I’ve chosen to do. Exercise is life insurance for your emotional and physical well-being, and you ARE worthy of the fight!

MW: What does Fort Worth have going for it in terms of fitness

JK: I’m grateful Fort Worth offers such a vast variety of options for people to choose from. Yoga, Pilates, HIIT, spin, karate, rock climbing, running clubs... Finding something you enjoy is key to sticking with a workout routine. Fort Worth has something for just about anyone searching for a way to get

MW: As we age, what kind of exercises should we do?

JK: Low-impact exercises are a better choice as we get older. Pilates focuses on posture and body alignment, and even people with injuries or physical limitations can do it. Indoor cycling is also easy on the joints and is a ton of fun (in my humble opinion, of course!).

Never underestimate the power of walking. It’s simple but very effective. Walking is a form of body weight movement that helps promote bone me. I also love a good happy hour with friends. My friends help me keep perspective and motivate me to be a better human.

MW: Music is so important to you. How do you come up with those bangin' playlists?

MW: What's your favorite story of someone who conquered their fitness goals?

JK: One of my favorite stories is about my friend Lauren. She started a program over a year ago called the 75 Hard Challenge. She needed a holistic reset – physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Losing weight was never her focus. Her focus was healing in all aspects of her life, and she stayed committed to the program. I had the privilege of walking alongside Lauren from the very beginning of her endeavor.

MW: How can someone add exercise to their daily or weekly routine?

JK: Goodness, I could get long-

• Start Small to Lead to Big Results. Thirty minutes a day is the goal, but simply moving more and sitting less will help. A little movement is better than none!

• Group Motivation. When you make workout friends, you also create accountability.