Healthy Faces: Meet Jennifer Conley
By Julie Perine on February 27, 2021 from Healthy Faces
"Healthy Bridgeport" is comprised of health-concious individuals; the same group that served as the steering committee for Team
Bridgeport in The Health Games, sponsored by Healthy Harrison.
After winning the competition between cities, Healthy Bridgeport is off and running with a number of initiatives, all intended to make residents healthier. To date, a free health app has been launched, The Biggest Loser and 10% Takedown weight loss competitions are underway and a 5K and Wellness Festival are in the works.
Learn more about Healthy Bridgeport and all of its programs HERE at the Healthy Bridgeport Web site. Download the free Healthy Bridgeport app at The App Store. Interact by tracking your goal progress and you might just win some fitness-related prizes.
Each week, Healthy Bridgeport features a "Healthy Face." Today, we shine the spotlight on Jennifer Conley.
Hello!! My name is Jennifer Conley; most of my friends know me as, Jenny. I am a Bridgeport Middle School Teacher and a certified yoga teacher (200 RYT). I teach yoga at Riversong Spa in Bridgeport and R.G.T. in Clarksburg. I am a mom to three amazing, talented, kind and loving young adults: Katie Conley 21, JR Coburn 19, and Sam Coburn 16. My family loves spending time outdoors skiing and snowboarding, swimming, golfing and lounging on lazy Sunday afternoons playing cornhole and basketball. We celebrate the days when everyone is home at the same time! We attend Bridgeport United Methodist Church and love
our small-town community.
our small-town community.
What is your favorite book?
I love anything uplifting and motivating, but the one that I have been reading since childhood and have never finished, and yet, am still reading is…. the Bible.
Favorite Healthy meal?
Hmmm this is easy! I love to eat and cook, and I like simple foods. I absolutely love delicious, crisp, romaine greens topped with kalamata olives, grape tomatoes and thinly sliced onion with mashed avocado as my dressing. Once in a while I crave a meaty pan-fried or grilled grass-fed burger. I like to mix Worcestershire sauce, pink salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika and shredded dairy free cheese into the beef before it cooks. The result is a slightly blackened burger that tastes juicy and satisfying. Since I am Celiac (no gluten, dairy, eggs, soy or nuts) I serve this in my salad!!
Favorite workout?
HIIT classes (high intensity interval training) I love these workouts because they are short, burn a ton of calories, and HIIT burns belly fat!! Look for HIIT classes coming soon on the R.G.T. schedule!!!!!! I am also a fan of dancing, so I have to give my Zumba girls at Main Street Fitness a shout out!!
How do you fit health and wellness into your busy lifestyle?
Health and wellness is my lifestyle. I teach Career Exploration at Bridgeport Middle School, and I bet you are wondering where health and wellness fits into that class. As part of that program, I teach wellness, focusing on building confidence and practicing good decision-making skills. Incorporating wellness into the middle school program includes regular meditation practice for our middle schoolers. It boosts their overall health, reduces anxiety, fosters compassion and increases performance, not only in academics but in all areas of life.
In addition, I am a certified yoga teacher (200 RYT) and currently offer gentle yoga and warm power yoga at Riversong Spa on Main Street in Bridgeport. I am very excited to offer a new wellness series at R.G.T. owned by Machelle Cava (operating on the second floor of the Cava/Policano Building in Clarksburg). Tuesdays in March this beginner class will focus on meditation with some basic yoga.
I am a huge believer in regular meditation practice. When you feel healthy and vital and alive you attract more of all of those things. Meditation is the gateway 
to connecting with your inner self and achieving your greatest desires. Make time for your most basic need (LOVE) and watch the blessings unfold.
to connecting with your inner self and achieving your greatest desires. Make time for your most basic need (LOVE) and watch the blessings unfold.
Join my wellness series on Tuesdays from 6-7pm in the Cava building. R.G.T. (Rent Gym Time) is a great option not only for trainers but also clients. Fitness trainers can rent gym time by the hour while, clients, workout in a fun, safe space knowing the gym is disinfected with the latest technology. In addition, R.G.T. helps pair clients and trainers for personal or small group sessions. Good things are happening at R.G.T. Join our team as a trainer or client/member and see what you can accomplish!
Favorite motivational quote?
“You’re never too old to take baby steps.”
How did your health journey start?
My health journey began with a Celiac diagnosis (an autoimmune disease) more than a decade ago resulting in allergies to gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and nuts. I began taking baby steps toward a new lifestyle. I could not imagine giving up all of these delicious foods that I loved so much. When I changed my perspective to think about the many ways my body would benefit from eating healthier, I began feeling better about my diagnosis. Soon, my energy increased, and I added fitness into my routine. Today, I am addicted to the benefits of healthy living and want to help others discover this incredible resource!
What are some easy tiny habits that you recommend people start with on their journey?
- Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Your body is comprised mostly of water. When you are thirsty you are already deficient.
- Take time to slow down and breathe! 80% of fat leaves the body through the LUNGS!! Yes, that is correct! Most people think you sweat it out. Practice deep breathing. Come try my meditation class at R.G.T.!!
- Eat your food in an eight-hour or ten-hour window. This is called intermittent fasting. Studies show your body will burn more calories and fat if you eat in this window. It is recommended to eat more protein with your first meal and more carbs for your last meal.
