Contingent Workers: Jenny
Like many members at Contingent Works Jenny Tomei has had to quickly adapt her business from in-person to online. We are lucky to be hosting her in a new series of Weekday Wellness body sculpting classes and nutrition-based Q&As. It’s part of our drive to help our members’ wellness and we’re lucky to have Jenny guiding us.
At a Glance:
On the web: jennytomei.com
Sounds: Dance, hip hop – I also listen to Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber
Reading: How Your Body Reacts to Stress – goes through all the different illnesses triggered by stress.
I can’t work without: My phone.
Contingent Works: How would you describe your business?
Jenny Tomei: My business is all about helping improve people’s fitness, confidence, motivation, and general health and wellbeing. I specialise in weight loss and strength training. I’m a running coach and a nutritional therapist as well so I help people with weight loss plans. My speciality is working with people who struggle with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). I have recently qualified at the National Centre for Eating Disorders, so I can help and coach people struggling with eating disorders.
CW: How has COVID affected your business?
JT: It has been unbelievably stressful – I lost one quarter of my business which was very hard to accept. I moved everything online and networked a lot during lockdown. I had to build an online business from scratch and that’s what I did. I got online clients via zoom and started doing classes and posting on my social media. I was in the mentality of I just need to do this.
CW: How important is exercise and nutrition during a lockdown?
JT: Exercise is great for mental health, it’s a great way to lift your mood. It’s also great for your gut health and a whole host of things because 72% of your immune system is in your gut – getting outside and into nature is a good aspect of that. [In terms of nutrition] we are what we eat! Having a healthy balanced diet – helps your brain, skin and hair. How we eat is what I focus on – sitting down, eating slowly and mindfully can make a massive difference.
CW: What are the best exercises people can do from home?
JT: [Without any equipment] I would suggest using the kitchen counter or table to do press-ups or half press-ups, because you use multiple muscle groups its good for general health and bone strength. Focus on weight training as well with squats and lunges. There are some great High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercises you can do anywhere at home.
CW: What bought you to Contingent Works?
JT: I live locally so I walk in, a great bit of activity to start the day. It’s very good for my mental health. As I work more online being at home can be stressful. Being able to get out of the house and be surrounded by good like-minded positive people is essential for me. These are challenging times and it keeps me focused and more productive.
