General Manager / Trainer
Monkey Bar Gymnasium

MBG: What was your physical condition before training at MBG?

JR: I was a big girl. I didn’t look big. I had a lot of body fat, but I looked thin. People who are typically longer can have a high percentage of body fat on them and look thin. I was 35% body fat, which is considered obese. I was smoking and drinking and didn’t care much about my body. A typical meal for me at McDonalds was two Big Macs, two large fries, a shake, and if I had room I would eat an apple pie!

JR: Then I met Jon (Hinds) and started working out at MBG because I saw that the members were doing things that looked fun. I got away from smoking and drinking and in about a two to three year span I gained about 24 pounds of muscle and went from 35% to 16% body fat, which is getting to an athlete level. And It wasn’t a painful change. I changed day by day until now where I am at the point that I can hardly remember what I looked like years ago, unless I look at pictures. I had knee and back issues when I came to the gym. At first, these old injuries and others I didn’t even know about were more pronounced. But now I recognize pain as a sign, when back then I saw them as danger. And because I now pay attention to how I move my body and what I am doing to my body on a daily basis, I know my cures.

JR: Especially Eishens Yoga. It is so profound in its philosophy and for what it can do for you, its amazing. Before, I had aches and pains and didn’t know why and would grin and bear it. But now with Eishens I can completely get rid of those pains, right there on the spot! Even if its emotional, sometimes I can manipulate that a bit. I also used to have a hard time with certain positions because they would expose my belly. But I’ve been able to create freedom from that fear. Now I am able to do back domes and open up my body with no problems.

JR: The mental changes that have happened since my training at MBG have been the most intriguing. When I first started I was not connected to myself in any way. Now I am more aware of my surroundings, more concerned about the environment and where my food comes from. And I know that’s true for a lot of Jon’s clients and members. They become more in tune with themselves and their environment. Plus you get ripped too, and that’s cool!

JR: I’ve been a trainer for over four years and I try hard to be honest and a good listener. I train clients of many shapes and sizes and expect them to be honest and good listeners as well. Jon’s training instills confidence in your abilities. He expects ONLY the best from his trainers and he helps you to break through any blocks you might have. My philosophy is to reach your goals and have fun doing it. I love being at MBG.

JR: I only eat organic foods and keep the foods as simple as possible, meaning not processed. So raw nuts and seeds, greens, grains, healthy starches like yams and of course plenty of fruit. I feel great eating this way and keep improving in my strength and abilities. I also rotate my foods. I like the practice of eating what’s in season. I save one day out of a month to eat animal protein. I keep this moment special. I go to the Willy Street Co-op and buy whatever fish is local and farm raised. I don’t know how to fish, otherwise I’d catch it myself! I make it a really special dinner and give respect for what I’m eating.

JR: I play the piano, read books on nutrition and meditation, hang out with my cats, and go shopping.

JR: Power Sports Trainer, Vertical Jumper, Sandbags, Kettlebells

MBG: What is your favorite exercise?

JR: Plyo Jumps

MBG: What are your favorite resources for fitness and nutrition information?

JR: Jon Hinds for fitness. Colin Campbell and Michael Pollen for nutrition.