Check Out Jessica Loel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Loel

Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I think most of us end up in the place we are meant to be, with who we are meant to be with, and doing what we should be doing. I’m so grateful it finally happened for me, and now my goal is to help as many people as I can achieve the same thing.

I became a dancer at the age of 2 when I ran from my mother’s arms up on stage with the performers at a festival. From there, our family’s life was all about dance with both my sister and I practicing almost daily, in dance companies, national competitions, and many performances. My first job was assisting my dance teacher teaching the younger children around age 14. I thought about pursuing dance even further, but instead I went to college to pursue a degree in elementary education since I knew I loved teaching children. Upon graduation, I moved to CA with my boyfriend at the time and taught there, but he didn’t love CA like I did so we moved back home. Then I went back to school to obtain my master’s degree and started bartending while in school. I graduated first in my education program, but sadly I knew my relationship was not meant to be. So, I then moved to NYC with a couple others. I met my ex husband there and thought I was going to be so happy! Unfortunately, those years of that marriage became the most difficult years of my life. At this time, I was trying to be a teacher as well as a bartender with him on the weekends. To say it was a lot was an understatement. After his infidelities because I was “teaching all day”, I left my teaching career to work on my marriage and also because I would make double the salary as a bartender than a teacher (sadly!). Unfortunately, it didn’t stop and our marriage fell apart leading to my divorce. At this time, I had hit rock bottom. I was 98lbs because I could barely eat, depressed, and I knew I wasn’t doing what I was meant to be doing. I was coping with alcohol and just trying to start over completely in harsh NYC.

But then something shifted. I went to more of my sister’s yoga classes (and even became certified in children’s yoga), started dancing again more, and went to group fitness classes like boxing to box through my pain. Fitness and movement became my outlet. I’ll never forget the words from a dear friend of mine who was also a dancer and now a pilates instructor. She said, “Take this job at Equinox (gym). You were a dancer already and they will teach you the rest to become a personal trainer.” Thank goodness I took an initial job at Equinox and fell in love with fitness and wellness even more, taking as many classes as I could while learning from the amazing teachers and mentors there. I then got my certification, moved to CA by myself, and focused on ME again. Fitness and wellness had healed me and I was living in the place I always wanted to live. I taught at private fitness and wellness studios teaching group fitness classes as well as training clients privately. While working at this specific fitness and wellness facility (FBE), I realized even more that it’s not just fitness and movement but overall health and wellness that helps an individual achieve their goals and create their best life. My new life was completely different and I was the healthiest and happiest I had ever been (and continue to be). I remember laying in the infrared sauna there realizing that I wanted to help people do what I did and have now helped so many over the last 10 years. My passion was to now help people overcome their challenges and be the best version of themselves.

I am now married to an amazing partner, have two beautiful and healthy children, and I know I am doing what I’m meant to be doing. I even taught mommy and me classes while I was home with my children and still teach dance classes. I think everything happens for a reason and things happen FOR you, not to you. I’m grateful for the difficult times and truly have no regrets because it made me the person I am today and appreciate all that I have. My goal is to help as many as I can get there too.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think it’s clear in my story, but I truly believe I had to go through the difficult times and pain to get to where I am now. I don’t think I would be the personal trainer or health and wellness coach I am now without going through everything I went through. I believe this all happened so I can help others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a personal trainer and health and wellness coach. I’ve been a dance teacher, group fitness instructor, and taught yoga even to children. My true passion is working privately with clients and helping them not only achieve their fitness goals, but becoming healthier and happier. I am known for caring so deeply about people and passionate about helping others in all aspects of their lives. I have been told I have a gift of connecting with others and exuding positivity and happiness. I truly want to help others.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
In terms of my character and personality, I feel like I’ve always been the same. I’m an extrovert and have always been pretty active. I’ve always been a hard worker from studying as an honor student, to captain of the cheerleaders and dance company member, to then multi tasking jobs, and now even multitasking as a mom of two, wife, trainer, and coach. I am passionate about my own health and achieving the best life possible for myself and my family. But I also truly care about others and it’s my goal in life to help as many people as I can achieve their best life.

Pricing:

• Personal training sessions: $120/hour
• Health and wellness coaching: $120/hour

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jessicaloel
• Facebook: Jessica Caforio Loel

Image Credits
Klaudia Kaye