If you haven’t been to Jenna Muller’s barre3 class, we recommend you jump on that! Her class has been one of Randi’s favorites since she started embracing her pregnancy workouts. Jenna’s high energy, positivity and sensitivity towards expecting and current mothers will transform your workout (and body!). As a dancer at heart passionately teaching while launching her site Fit Collective NYC and riding the new waves of motherhood, Jenna is finding ways to be grounded. Find out how this Beyond Mom is letting go of her perfectionist tendencies and prioritizing the present moment.
1. What makes you a Beyond Mom?
As a new mom (my daughter is 9 months old) I’m still trying to figure it all out! However I’ve always been an “above and beyond” type person in all aspects of my life. I’ve had the fast-paced, high- stress PR job for many, many years prior to having my daughter and I’ve made the conscious choice when I was pregnant to find fulfilling projects and work that is in line with my values. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve been teaching more than ever now, and thanks to barre3, I’m able to take my daughter with me to certain classes. I also take on freelance PR and marketing projects in the fitness and beauty industries. Now it’s just a matter of finding balance! Plus, I’m always looking ahead, which you’ll see in question 5!
2. What are the parts of you that have grown and expanded since becoming a Mom?
Beyond my heart expanding leaps and bounds whenever I look at her, I continue to learn, grow and go with the flow now that I have someone else who depends on me. Speaking of going above and beyond, I’ve also (quickly) learned that I can’t give 110% to everything simultaneously. I can multi-task like a fiend, but since there’s only a limited amount of time during the day, I need to prioritize and focus on what’s in front of me and move on. I’m also trying to let go of my perfectionist ways, which is a hard one for a type-A like me!
3. Can you share a collaboration/success story with another woman; what helped the collaboration become successful?
I’ve collaborated with so many amazing women in my career both past and present. I love the idea of women lifting each other up vs. tearing each other down. I feel the barre3 community as a whole is such a welcoming, loving, strong group of women. From founder Sadie Lincoln leading the way, to studio owners that have supported my growth to fellow instructors who motivate and inspire me on a daily basis, it’s hard to pick just one!
4. What relationships help you stay connected to yourself?
My Mom and my girlfriends keep me grounded and are always there to offer support, encouragement, and great advice, especially new mom advice! My husband, because he’s my rock, and is able to provide perfectly placed comedic relief to keep life light. Clients also help me stay connected to myself by energizing me, keeping me present while inspiring me with their progress and feedback.
5. Do you have a ‘Beyond’ dream that you are pursuing? If so, please share…
Yes! I came up with a concept for a new website a few months ago, and just started developing it with a friend. It’s called Fit Collective NYC www.fitcollectivenyc.com and we hope to launch it very soon. We just received our logo, secured social channels, and will be shooting a few pics and videos soon, which is all very exciting. I also love doing TV. It’s a passion project for me, and I’m not sure how I will find the time or what will come of it in the future, but like a friend of mine told me, just begin! So I did. Our mission is to create a safe haven for like-minded fit individuals (of all levels) who share a love for health, fitness and lifestyle.
6. What wellness activity can you not live without? What is one thing you do daily that balances you?
Besides dance and exercise, deep tissue massage! I absolutely love massage and wish I could get one everyday. Instead I foam roll and take Epsom salt baths (Dr. Teal’s!) to get the kinks out. On a daily basis, going for a walk clears my mind, keeps me moving and is also something I can do with my daughter. We’re lucky enough to live along the Jersey side of the Hudson River with a walkway that expands from our building all the way to Hoboken. So walking while gazing at the beautiful New York City skyline simply puts everything into perspective. We also just bought a bike trailer for our daughter so I can’t wait to start biking with her too.
7. How does style influence the way you stay feeling ‘Beyond’? Who is currently your favorite designer?
Style is an extension of who you are. When I feel good in my skin and then complement that with a favorite pair of jeans, top or heels, my confidence level instantly rises. As far as designers, my life is more studio to street these days. I just received a top from Lole Women that I really love. Lulu of course, and I have to stop myself from buying everything on Carbon 38! Outside of the studio, I’m a huge fan of Zara, and if I had an unlimited budget, I’d shop at Maje, Sandro and Zadig et Voltaire. I used to work for a French company so I have a soft spot for French brands!
Favorite NYC Spots that Embody The Beyond Mom:
I’d love to take my daughter to the Bronx Zoo and then to FAO Schwarz, before it closes! Central Park, or walking around SoHo while enjoying gelato or ice cream is a perfect summer treat.
Beyond Cocktails and/or Food:
Margarita on the rocks with chips and guac from my old neighborhood spot Baby Bo’s, Bond Street Sushi, wine and homemade pasta at Novita or Pepolino. Everything in moderation of course!
Beyond Workout:
barre3, Bikram Yoga, pilates, and dance classes at Broadway Dance Center. If I had my way, I’d take a ton more classes but there’s only so much time in the day! There are so many new boutique fitness studios opening up that I’d love to try them all at least once.
