Conversations with Jennifer Nuzzo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Nuzzo. 

Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My personal involvement in fitness started when I was a kid. I was always outside playing some kind of sport. When I wasn’t playing sports, I was hiking, biking, or exploring. I simply love being outdoors and moving! 

After playing and coaching sports in high school, it seemed only fitting that I pursue a degree in physical education and health. I taught physical education and health for 8 years before relocating from Wallingford, CT to Sedona, AZ. While in AZ, I earned my personal training certification and started to train clients out of the local gym. 

After 7 years in AZ, I moved back to CT and decided it was time to open my own fitness studio. It was amazing! With the help of a few friends/trainers, I was able to build an amazing community of people. We were growing so fast we were looking to move to a bigger space! But then, the pandemic happened. 

One month shy of our one-year anniversary we had to shut our doors. The entire community we had built was gone in the blink of an eye. 

It took a while for me to shake off the cobwebs, but just like many others in the fitness industry, I started training clients online. It wasn’t ideal but it was better than nothing. Being online wasn’t all bad, in fact, I started picking up clients I had back in AZ. That’s when I decided I could travel to help clients in person as well as online. That’s how I ended up in Charleston, SC. 

One of my clients from AZ was relocating to SC and wanted my help to get her and her husband back on track with their fitness routine following their move. I visit the couple in SC every few months to train them in person and work with them online when I’m in CT. 

I now have clients in AZ, CT, SC, Colorado, and Wisconsin just to name a few. I have recently opened a new studio in Wallingford, CT where I train clients in person and virtually. 

Luckily my reputation preceded me and I have been fortunate to triple the number of clients in just a few months. Dedication, persistence, and a little faith has helped me get to this point in my life and career and I could not be more grateful. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been easy. One month shy of the one-year anniversary of my fitness studio the pandemic happened. I was devasted. I did not jump on the virtual training bandwagon right away, but eventually, I gave in. 

It took me a while to get used to training clients online. I’m such a people person and training someone on a screen was just not appealing to me. Training virtually wasn’t as personal and it made it difficult to assess people’s form, over time, my clients and I adapted to the new “norm”. It was better than nothing and in time we made it work, 

With some coaxing from friends, family, and clients I reluctantly opened a new studio, but in the back of my mind, I wasn’t all in. I was afraid we would have to shut down again and all my of hard work would be for nothing… again. I have had to overcome this fear and move forward. It wasn’t easy but I’m doing it. The support I have received has been nothing short of wonderful. The waves of fear come, but then they go just the rolling tides. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am truly passionate about teaching. I love being able to teach people the proper way to move so they can feel better and get stronger. Watching someone reach and/or surpass their fitness goals is an amazing feeling. 

I focus on functional fitness. Movements and patterns that you use in everyday life. I believe a strong body starts by strengthening the core. I approach this by using minimal equipment. I find using bodyweight exercises, free weights, TRX, resistance bands, stretching, yoga, and balance exercises are key in achieving a well-rounded fitness routine and building a strong core. 

I am most proud of the caring community I have built. I have been able to raise money for charities, food pantries, rehab programs, etc. with the help of some truly amazing people. This has allowed me to give back to the community which is very important to me. I feel very fortunate to be in a position to help others, I do not take that gift lightly. 

My fun outgoing personality and kind-heartedness draws people in. I have a way of helping others see their true worth and potential even when they don’t. I tend to see the best in people and help them feel better about themselves. I feel these are my strengths and set me apart from traditional trainers. 

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The pandemic brought fear, disbelief, pain, and suffering, but it also brought joy, hope, kindness, and compassion. I believe the virus brought people together in ways no one thought possible and made people take a long look at what really matters in their lives. 

At the end of the day, people are human. We have to be considerate and work together. The virus affected everyone in one way or another. I think the pandemic made people realize how amazing, resilient and kind people can truly be. 

Pricing:

• $45 Virtual Training (30 min single session)
• $400 Virtual Training (30 min/10 pack)
• Starting at $50 Online Training Programs

Contact Info:

• Email: diversafit@gmail.com
• Website: www.diversafit.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/diversafit_llc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/diversafit
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiyOdLrM85901_MGmMvIp9A