Be Your Best Show

Have you ever felt like you don't belong in your program/job/activity?  Do you ever question whether you earned your accomplishments on your own merit, or do you attribute them to pure luck?  Do you attribute your high grades to innate intelligence, or chalk it up to hard work? These are classic signs of Imposter Syndrome, a theory to explain why certain high-achieving individuals persist in believing that they are really not bright and have fooled anyone who thinks otherwise, despite earning outstanding academic and professional accomplishments.  If you have, you're not alone. I've been there too - every day for 2.5 years, to be specific. In this episode, I get raw and real about the internal Imposter Syndrome I was facing when I hid my Major Scholarship for half of my degree. Why am I sharing? Certainly not to brag. I share for the young leaders that come after me in hopes that YOU have the confidence to own up to your accomplishments - no matter what size they are. If you're interested in learning more, please check out the links below! As always, please remember to send me a message if you listened! I LOVE hearing your feedback.Xoxo,Your Biggest CheerleaderJess_______Resources/References:Imposter Syndrome Self-Quiz (I HIGHLY recommend doing this - even if you don't think it will apply to you; chances are it will to someone you know)Original Georgia State University Paper on IP (hopefully this works)HBR: Overcoming Imposter SyndromeTedTalk: What Is Imposter Syndrome and how can you combat it?The Atlantic: Yes Imposter Syndrome is Real. Here's How to Deal With It

Confession: I've been putting off this episode for months. Not because I don't care, but because I do. I care about the Confidence Gap SO MUCH that it's hard to put into words. It's the why behind everything I do.I hope that between all my stories, explanations, stats, and ideas, you can follow along. If you like this episode, please remember to subscribe and share a screenshot to your Insta story.If you want to learn more, check out the awesome links below! Xoxo,Jess____________Articles(The Atlantic) The Confidence Gap(Forbes) The Confidence Gap In Men And Women: Why It Matters And How To Overcome It(The Atlantic) Why The Confidence Gap is a Myth(DoSomething.Org) 11 Facts About Body Image(Money and Mental Health Policy Institute) Young women in mental health crisisBooksLean In by Sheryl SandbergThe Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman

Welcome to a special episode! On today's show I interview Nicole Baranowski, who is the Founder of my favourite athletic scrunchie company Hairstrong. If you haven't seen me sporting my Hairstrongs on Instagram before, they are adjustable scrunchies that don't pull and hold you hair in place during any workout - plus they come in all sorts of fun colours!We chat about Nicole's journey as a Kinesiology student and Varsity Athlete on the Rowing team to how she started her company, as well as some of the challenges along the way.You will leave feeling SO inspired and ready to take on anything - I am so excited for you to listen!Please remember to Subscribe to the show to get updates when new episodes come out & send me an Insta dm if you liked this episode!Xoxo,JessPS. You can use code JESS15 to save money on orders at hairstrong.ca. Want to learn more? You can also check them out on Instagram here. 

Welcome to another Weekly Update of the behind-behind-the-scenes of my life & business. Exciting things:We're incorporated! (the royal "we")Going Clubbing mid-Covid?Instructor training updateThis week's theme: passion.Spoiler alert: Being passionate about something is a really, really good thing. That's the REAL YOU!I really hope you like this episode! Please let me know your thoughts  and as always, please remember to Subscribe & Share!  Xoxo, Jess  LINKS: Send me an Insta message: @jesstakimotofitness

Last week I expressed my frustrations about the collision of the academic entrepreneurship world and the actual real-life entrepreneurship reality. It didn't go over so well when I got my grades back (go figure).  So today's episode is the raw and the real... it's a weekly update of all things Behind-the-Scenes, including:Wins: Delegating work & taking a breakAccepting that I won't get everything done Instructor Training crazinessTrying to convince you to give yourself permission to ask for help, take breaks, and say no more oftenIf you like this revised format of what my life is ACTUALLY like with a full-time business (and school as the side-hustle, as I like to joke), please let me know! An insta message goes a long way :)And as always, please remember to Subscribe & Share!  Xoxo, Jess  LINKS: Send me an Insta message: @jesstakimotofitnessThe School of Fitness: Website

New Business Development Part 3… with a twist.Based on YOUR feedback, it sounds like you are loving this behind the scenes look into running a business. Based on feedback from my professor/TA's, my stories are great, but I need to connect more to the academic content.  This episode was born out of the frustration of my academic world and real world not working in tandem. Today's episode covers very little about my readings from last week, and very much about the real-life behind-the-scenes of running a business, including:Incorporation challenges – we need to change our business name!Instructor Training pilot program (starting this week!)Creating a choreography library in one weekendUsing social media to create community, and avoiding being “another pretty feed”Teaser for something very big and very exciting… can you guess what it might be?If you like this revised format of what my life is ACTUALLY like with a full-time business (and school as the side-hustle, as I like to joke), please let me know! An insta message goes a long way! And as always, please remember to Subscribe & Share!  Xoxo, Jess  LINKS: Send me an Insta message: @jesstakimotofitness The School of Fitness: Website

If you are a competitive athlete or retired competitive athlete, this episode is for you! Listen in on this special interview with Emily Coffman, who is a former D1 Rowing Coxswain and now founder of the GirlsGoneHealthy podcast.We chat about:The (sometimes rough) transition from strict athletic training to exercising for health and fitness maintenanceHow to exercise that is enjoyable for YOU, plus Emily's goal of becoming a group fitness instructor Starting a podcast on healthy habits as someone who is passionate about it, but not yet a professional in the fieldBalancing a social media side hustle with a full-time job in finance!This episode is filled with goodness, and I can't wait for you to listen. Please remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess________LINKS:Send me an Insta message: @jesstakimotofitnessEmily's Instagram: @GirlsGoneHealthyListen to GirlsGoneHealthy Podcast: on Apple, or on SpotifyGirlsGoneHealthy Podcast Website

This episode is brought to you by COMM405... yes, that means I am submitting this as a deliverable for my New Business Development class. Talk about making the system work for you - shoutout to my Professor, Kelley, you rock!  Every week we have to create "Learning Diaries" where we reflect on that week's topic, and this week's theme was Ideation Strategies Tune in to hear about how I believed I wasn't creative, started thinking about creativity as a skill not a natural-born talent, and how I've innovated/ideated within The School of Fitness. If you like this episode and want to hear more Weekly Diaries about my entrepreneurial journey starting & growing The School of Fitness, send me a message! If you don't want to hear more of these, I will pick another format to submit my diaries in!  And as always, please remember to Subscribe & Share!  Xoxo, Jess  LINKS: Send me an Insta message: @jesstakimotofitness The School of Fitness: Website COMM405: Course Description

SPECIAL EDITION EPISODEThis episode is brought to you by COMM405... yes, that means I am submitting this as the first deliverable for my New Business Development class. Talk about making the system work for you - shoutout to my Professor, Kelley, you rock!Every week we have to create "Learning Diaries" where we reflect on that week's topic, and this week's theme was Who is an entrepreneur?This is a topic very near and dear to my heart seeing as A. I am an (accidental) entrepreneur and B. I never thought I could beIf you like this episode and want to hear more Weekly Diaries about my entrepreneurial journey starting & growing The School of Fitness, send me a message! If you don't want to hear more of these, I will pick another format to submit my diaries in!And as always, please remember to Subscribe & Share!Xoxo,JessLINKS:Send me an Insta message: @jesstakimotofitnessThe School of Fitness: WebsiteUnderdog Entrepreneur: ArticleCOMM405: Course Description

Tune in for an AWESOME interview with the one and only Jenna Hushka! You may know Jenna from some of her recent viral TikToks (like my personal favourite, "If we talked like corporate emails in real life"), but she does so much more! She not only works in corporate America, but is also an active columnist on ThoughtCatalogue and has been publishing her writing online since College. One day, her goal is to publish her own book!When I read her articles about living life on your own terms, finding the courage to be your most authentic self, and general personal development/life advice, I was so inspired. I reached out and invited her on the podcast on a whim, and was honestly starstruck when she said yes! You are going to leave this episode feeling SO inspired, and I can't wait for you to hear all the little nuggets of wisdom she shares. Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! Xoxo,Jess_________________Jenna's LinksInstagram: @jennahushkaTikTok: @jennahushkaThought Catalogue: https://thoughtcatalog.com/jenna-hushka/ We Are Fredi: https://blog.wearefredi.com/authors/jenna-hushka-fredi-blog-author/

Have you ever thought about starting a blog? Curious what goes into it outside of the writing? Tune in today for our first ever INTERVIEW where I feature the stories of other people on the show. I sat down with Charlie, Sam, and Vicky from the Sweat Source, a blog that interviews athletes of all types! Spoiler: They started this blog as a project for a Digital Marketing course, which was the same course that I started a blog with! (I have since stopped blogging and turned to podcasting instead). Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! AND send me a dm to let me know what you think about this new interview format. Do you want to hear more interviews? More of just me talking? Or a combo of both?!Xoxo,JessPS. This episode was originally recorded in July 2020, and the authors are taking a short break from their blog, but the concepts they talk about are all super relevant. 

Have you fallen off track taking care of your health? You are not alone! We all fall off track sometimes, and the important thing is getting back on. Tune in today to hear about how I fell off track with podcasting, how I am getting back on - and how you can get back on track with your health. Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Have you ever felt guilty for missing a workout? Planning a healthy meal and then eating chicken nuggies instead? Sleeping in instead of following through with your newfound "morning person routine"?This quickie episode is for you!In summary: Drop. The. Guilt. It is not helping you - it is actually hurting you. PLUS - what to focus on instead of feeling guilty! (Hint: let's reframe the situation to set ourselves up for success in the future)Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Okay friend, this hack is seriously going to change your life (insert aggressive hand-clapping emojis)I have been using this trick for YEARS, and only recently learned about the term "mental resistance". I promise you this isn't some woo-woo, load of you-know-what... This little trick will help you actually follow through with the things you said you were going to do. Workouts? Check.Healthy eating? Done. New habits? Oh yeah.I'm seriously so excited for you to listen to this and can't wait to hear how you implement this trick in your life!If it helps, please Subscribe & share this episode on your Instagram story to help your friends and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

I recently did a survey about fitness habits and over 130 of you answered - like, how crazy?!Anyways, some of the questions included:How much exercise do you think you NEED per week?How much exercise do you get per week, and do you think you get enough?I also asked a bunch of other questions about using workout trackers and accountability methods. It was super eye-opening for me so thank you for those of you that filled it out!One of the most interesting parts were the answers to "how much exercise do think you NEED per week?" Many people got the right answer, or close, but many people's answers were way off! Some people said they thought you needed 10 hours per week! No wonder so many people feel "guilty" or like they're not doing enough!This episode I go over the FACTS. We'll talk about the minimum recommended amount of weekly exercise, and whether that's enough for you. As always, remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

-> Diagnosed with IBS ?-> You get so bloated you look pregnant?-> Heard about "gut health" and don't know where to start? -> Wondering what the heck a microbiome is? Say no more, I got you. This episode is Gut Health 101 - if you've never heard about it before, this is exactly how I'd explain it to a friend since, well, we are friends!Want to learn more from the experts? Check out this blog post with links to articles & other podcasts written in plain English (no fancy-pants science terms here!): https://www.jesstakimotofitness.com/post/guthealthresources•••Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

This episode is for anyone that has ever planned to exercise, has exercised, or has avoided exercising. Basically, this episode is for everyone! We have 3 Heart Rate ZONES and understanding them is the key to developing both effective workouts, and an effective workout PLAN. In between all of my rambling, you'll hear about what these zones are and what type of exercise to do in each. You'll also hear about why working out harder =/= working out better! I've been meaning to make an episode on this forever and I am so excited to finally share it with you!Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Do you need to stop making excuses for your health, habits, or life? This episode is for you. I'm going to walk you through the Power of WHY. Whether this is for your health or something else entirely, I want you to be stronger than your excuses. Having a deep-rooted why will help you start looking for reasons to do something instead of reasons to not. Let me help you find your why & be the best version of you. Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

If you follow me on Instagram, chances are you've seen or hear about my morning routine. I've been a morning routine fan for almost two years and can say that these small habits have, without a doubt, changed my life. If you want to hear about how I got started and the specific steps I take everyday, this episode is for you! I'll also cover my tips to start your own Superstar morning routine, including: start small, mentally preparing yourself, and specific books that helped me. Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess________RECOMMENDED READING:The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod: https://amzn.to/2zlaCVBThe 5AM Club by Robin Sharma: https://amzn.to/2wWpbOuThe 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins: https://amzn.to/34UlplfDisclaimer: The links above are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission if you purchase one. 

Have you dreamt about starting an account/blog/podcast/youtube channel/online platform? Have you been scared or thought there was a better time in the future?Jump right in! Stop waiting and start sharing. The world needs your voice and your passion. In today's episode, I cover the exact tips that will help you start. 1. Start small2. No such thing as competition3. Done is better than good4. Invest in your mindset5. Baby steps6. What's your Why?Most importantly, courage is stronger than fear. Think of these tips as a guide to help you find the courage you need to start something amazing. As always, I'm here cheering you on!xoxo,JessPS. Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! 

Do you feel like you have problem areas? Have you tried to fix them with specific exercises (aka "spot training")?Then this episode is for you! I NEED you to hear this message: Your body is NOT a problem. Listen in today as I dive deep into "problem areas", spot training, and why it needs to stop! Plus, I talk about what we need to do instead!Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

What is the Superstar six week?This is your formula for an awesome week.+ 3 super sweaty workouts+ 2 active recovery sessions+ 1 personal development/self careWhy is it so important? Awesome weeks make for an awesome life. You can't take care of others until you take care of yourself first. Decide that your health is a priority and make the time to invest in yourself, not just for you, but for everyone around you too. You deserve to be the best version of yourself!xoxo,JessPS. Remember to Subscribe, share this episode on your Instagram story, and tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally!   

Are you in quarantine? Do you wear the same thing everyday? Do you forget the last time you did your makeup or hair? I have like 3 pairs of sweatpants that I rotate between. I haven't worn anything that isn't fluffy or stretchy in weeks. I know it's tempting to NOT "put yourself together everyday". This is why you should. It FEELS GOOD TO FEEL GOOD. Listen to this quickie episode if you need a little motivation to put yourself together everyday!Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share this episode on your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Hey friend & welcome to this episode on creating a workout plan! Having a plan is an ESSENTIAL. Not only will you be more effectively working your body, but you will also leave each week feeling more accomplished! Listen in today to hear about setting goals & building a plan that works for YOU, what you need to make sure you have in a workout plan, and how I've made one that is the ultimate combination between Personal Training and Group Fitness! Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Do you have LinkedIn? Well, you should. I also know how intimidating and overwhelming it is. Trust me, I've been there. Although my passion is in fitness and helping you Be the Best version of yourself, my university program is actually in Commerce, which means I've heard TONS of presentations, lectures, and workshops on LinkedIn and building your professional image. I want to share everything I've learned with you. Plus, I will discuss:Why you should have a LinkedIn (it's a good adulting practice)What I mean by professional highlight reelHow to not get overwhelmed - remember, it doesn't show someone's rejections & failures!If you take away anything from this episode, it's this: someone else's success does not diminish yours. When one light shines, the whole room gets brighter. --Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Invisible Force? Don't worry, this isn't some woo-woo stuff. I'm talking about your mindset!In this episode, you'll hearWhy what you believe is what you achieveHow to retrain you brainWhy you need dream a little biggerTell yourself a new story By changing your mindset, you can quite literally change your life!Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

I actually had a different episode planned, and it didn't feel right to share during this time.  Listen in for an impromptu episode on how social distancing is going for me & ideas of how you can spend your time more productively. Spoiler: one of those ways is exercise! ;)I know having so much time can be tough, and we are stronger together. Reach out & have the courage to let others in. Remember, I'm always here for you!---Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Want to know a secret? I procrastinated making this episode for a long time - like, really long time. After half a decade of dealing with IBS, I've tried so many things and have so many stories that I got overwhelmed even thinking about making an episode. Why? I was worried that I would miss an important detail… and that was stopping me from recording the whole thing!I decided to just go for it, details be darned! So, this is the gist of it. It's an overview of the things I've tried, including:Eating HealthierExerciseReducing stressVarious diets (elimination, low FODMAP, gluten-free, dairy-free, low fructose, cutting sugar completely, etc) I also talk about how I got diagnosed, and why IBS is considered an "umbrella diagnosis".    Maybe I should've titled this episode "My IBS Story - Part 1" because I'm sure I missed a few things, but I figured something is better than nothing. If you take nothing else away from this, I want you to know that if you're facing a health challenge of ANY kind, you are not alone. Maintain unwavering faith that you WILL get better, and find the courage keep trying. We are in this together!Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

 This is an episode you don't want to miss! I am so excited about this topic and believe in it so strongly. Tune in to hear:What a non-negotiable commitment is, and how it's different from a priorityMy non-negotiable commitment (spoiler: it's not exercise)My advice to create your own Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess 

Do you believe in the Power of Positivity? I do! Tune in today to hear:Why I (try to) avoid complaining at all costsHow you can become more positive (it's a habit!)My answer to the question: Can you ever be too positive?   Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

There is a limit on how hard you can work, but there is no limit on how "smart" you can work. Listen today to learn:How working harder can lead to burnoutWhy I believe so strongly in "working smarter"My story of working myself to burnout, and deciding to prioritize my health firstThe person that inspired this episode If you take one thing away from this episode, it's this: you can't take care of business until you take care of yourself first. Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Do you sometimes struggle getting (or staying) motivated to workout? Me too! But, I do it anyways! Listen to this episode to hear about:- Why I love working out- Finding a type of workout you love  - Why fitness is more fun with friends- The benefits of social accountability - Why exercise is always worth it!Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Hey & welcome back! Tune in to this episode to hear:- How this podcast has been fun for me!- Why using fitness transformation pictures can be dangerous- Why I'm inspired by mom influencers- What is means to seek "Process"No matter where you are in your fitness/health/personal development journey, you are crushing it! I am cheering you on every step of the way; you got this!I hope you like this episode and thanks in advance for tuning in! Please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Welcome back to the Be Your Best Show! I hope that you've been liking it so far, and are as excited about future episodes as I am. Tune in to this episode to hear about:- Where in the world I recorded this- Explaining willpower to you like a friend, not an expert - How your willpower is a limited resource- How willpower is connected to reaching your goalsI am seriously so passionate about this topic because it has helped me be way more successful achieving goals and staying committed to my resolutions all day, and I know it will help you too!Thanks in advance for tuning in! If this episode is helpful to you, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Welcome to the first ever episode of the Be Your Best Show! I am so excited to share this with you, and to begin our journey of getting better together! Tune in to this episode to hear:- What fitness means to me as a fitness instructor and personal trainer- My opinion on the "fitness industry"- Why you can't measure fitness with a number, like weight or body size- How I went from chasing a 6-pack to chasing feeling goodI hope you like this episode and thanks in advance for tuning in! Please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story. Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess

Hello & Welcome to the Be Your Best Show! After weeks of perfectionist procrastinating, I decided to just go for it! I might not have all the right resources or the best structure, but I have the two most important things: a message I care about, and a drive to start. Tune in to this podcast to hear:- Why I'm starting- Who I am - What I hope to accomplish with this podcastThanks in advance for tuning in! If you liked this episode, please remember to Subscribe and share a screenshot to your Instagram story! Tag me @jesstakimotofitness so I can thank you personally! xoxo,Jess