Health Update: My Fitness Journey Q&A with Jolie Martinez, co-owner of One Spark Fitness – What Experts Say

Fit Friday’s Health & Wellness Winter Series gets up close and personal with our community’s fitness leaders who serve as role models with invaluable tips on prioritizing fitness in the new year. This week, we talk with Jolie Martinez, co-owner of One Spark Fitness in Phoenixville.

How do you switch your workout routine up in the winter months so that you stay engaged, and what do you recommend to others to keep things up?

Winter is a difficult time for most. Shorter days mean less sunlight, and it’s easy to fall into a slump. I tell our members to focus on consistency. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing up multiple times every week. We, in general, typically move less in the winter months as we aren’t out and about enjoying the warmer days; hiking, walking outdoors, etc. So, a great tip would be to add purposeful movement every day. Set a timer to get up from your desk and walk around for five minutes every hour. Those short sessions will add up. In addition, I tell our clients to schedule their workouts like an appt. You wouldn’t miss your dental appointment or parent-teacher conferences, so why do we make excuses to cancel on ourselves? Motivation? It isn’t about motivation, it’s about momentum. Consistency is key.

What kind of classes are you offering, and do you find people are drawn to during the winter months?

I think the lack of sunlight and colder temperatures affects everyone. What we crave, as humans, is connection. At One Spark, our group exercise model is exactly what the ‘doctor’ ordered. Not only do we feed off the collective energy of the class, but our effort increases as we are fueled by the powerful women around us. The type of class doesn’t matter. What’s important is finding a rhythm that keeps your body strong and your stress low.

How many years has your gym been open now and how have things evolved over the years?

This past November, we celebrated our 6th Anniversary. It’s incredible to see how much our community has grown, not just in numbers, but in strength and mindset.

Since you have such a strong community of women who attend your studio, do you find that it helps having a strong workout community to get out the door for workouts during the winter months when it is very cold?

Absolutely! Our community is the main reason people show up … even when it’s dark, cold or a million reasons to stay home arise. It’s about women supporting women. We laugh, we lift, we encourage each other. It’s accountability, but it’s also belonging. Women need more of that…especially as we age.

What have been some topics of discussion in the gym these days related to wellness?

We talk about everything! Think of One Spark Fitness as therapy with dumbbells. Of course, we talk about longevity, muscle gain, weight loss, etc. However, the conversations are more about balance. How do you manage stress? Hormone levels? Sleep? Nutrition goals? Women are tired of quick fixes. They want to feel strong, confident and age with grace…and, oh yeah, and be able to carry all the groceries in at once.

Please share with me what is going on with your health journey and how you’ve gotten yourself to such a good place. You have an amazing attitude, and how have you been keeping that up through your health challenges and managing a business, etc.?

It’s been almost seven years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and that experience completely changed my perspective on so many aspects of life. The medication I have been on, along with menopause, shifted my body in ways I didn’t expect: more weight around the middle, slower metabolism, more aches and pain. However, it also pushed me to learn how to train, not only myself, but also other women in menopause. I focus on strength training, high-protein meals, and, most recently, added walking at night. The gratitude I feel to be here keeps me grounded. Every day I get to move, help women, and live. So many of those around me didn’t get that opportunity. I don’t take that for granted. I aim to live each day … train … spend time with those I love….drink the wine…take the vacation…because tomorrow isn’t promised and no one ever regrets living. Working out and focusing on nutrition allows you to live longer and healthier.

What types of foods do you crave in the wintertime that are both healthy yet feel warm and hearty?

I love stuffed pepper soup (made with turkey), turkey chili, egg white bakes with added whipped cottage cheese, etc. I love comfort foods, but still want them to align with my goals. Do I have French fries? Dark Chocolate? Sure, but I balance my indulgences with healthy choices. When you can find healthier alternatives for your favorites, find ways to increase their protein, etc., even better!

Do you have any fitness tips to share to inspire people to get out the door and to the gym?

You can start small, but just start. Don’t wait to feel motivated. Don’t wait for the perfect time. It will never happen. Even 10 minutes of movement counts! Lastly, plan. When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Pack your gym bag, make arrangements for dinner ahead of time, and schedule your gym time. Keep the promise you made to yourself. You have one body, and only you can take care of it. The hardest part is walking in the door. But, I promise, you’ll never regret showing up; however, you’ll always regret not showing up and quitting on yourself. Lastly, progress and consistency in the winter set you up for confidence and success in the spring.

For more information about One Spark Fitness, visit www.onesparkfitness.com. Your first class is free if you want to give it a try.