Career Pivots: Quitting and Returning to Coaching

Jen is a kindred coaching soul and a true coach. She’s been a group trainer, American Gladiator, head coach of Biggest Loser replacing Jillian Michaels, online community builder, magazine cover model, celebrity trainer, and now a lead coach for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Pump Club. We dive into coaching, career lessons, and fitness industry insights.

She's been a go-to expert in entertainment, appearing regularly on LIVE with Kelly and Ryan, The Doctors, and Dr. Oz. Jen also serves on SHAPE Magazine’s Brain Trust and authored the bestselling Diet Right for Your Personality Type.

With a background in community leadership and behavior change, her true passion is working with beginners and those who need to begin again, remaining available to people everywhere as their daily get-fit motivator.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

=> The BIG difference between online and in person coaching.

=> The two most important factors when it comes helping clients achieve lifelong results.

=> What skills Jen learned from coaching kids that are extremely valuable when coaching adults.

=> The best coaches have this skill and clients will be able to recognize it.

=> What is the #1 things that leads to trust; because once you have trust you can lead your clients anywhere. 

=> Why Jen doesn’t like doing an entertain then educate approach to social media.

=> What Jen learned through the Biggest Loser that really helped her career.

=> Why autonomy in coaching matters, and when the coach has to take the lead.

=>  When did Jen decide to quit the industry and how WWE (wrestling) made her turn around and get back to coaching.

=> What’s the biggest mistake younger coaches are making in the industry right now. 

=> How getting away from coaching in person can lead to losing your confidence.

=> The lessons from not showing up as your best every day, and why you’re not failing when you do. 

=> The power of connecting with other coaches and going to events to build lifelong relationships and learn faster. 

=> What changed Jen’s mind from going to get her masters degree but “learning more was a detour.”

=> Why experience and being able to make things practical is a super power; THIS is how to learn it. 

=> What led to Arnold Schwarzenegger calling Jen to coach in his Pump Club and what you can learn from it. 

=> What are the most important principles when it comes to staying in great shape over 40.

=> Why being really strict to your nutrition may be leading to more stress than its worth.

=> The best Jen looked for TV is when she was the least healthy. 

Shout out to our sponsors! 

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TrainHeroic. This is the app I use for my Athlete for Life online programs, and it’s also the app we use for our semi private personal training at Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance. This is by far the most user friendly AND client friendly app on the market, which is why I choose for my online and in person/gym business. If you’re a coach you can try it out for free here: trainheroic.co/vigorlifepodcast

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Jen Widestrom site 

Jen Widestrom Instagram 

Super Coach Mentorship 

Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel