Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Harris.
Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Two life events inspired my journey to creating a health and wellness business. The first occurred in the 1990s when double-vision and droopy eyelids sent me to my doctor. Eventually, I received a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, an incurable autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness. The second life event happened a few years later, during a visit to my mother’s senior living facility.
Conversations with mom and her friends led to an epiphany — many of those lovely ladies were simply waiting to move on to the next level of care. They were afraid of falls and pneumonia and of becoming a burden to their families. I realized then, from both of these experiences, that everybody ultimately wants to be self-sufficient. At any age, we all want to enjoy our lives as fully and independently as possible. So at age 57, I decided to invest in myself by pursuing a new career as a personal trainer. Combining my knowledge as a nutritionist with that of a fitness professional, I launched my business, Enduring Fitness 4U. I realized that my skills and experience gave me the tools to help others who wanted to stay strong, active, and independent. My journey to a plant-based lifestyle started a couple of years later when I was researching my first book, Building Your Enduring Fitness. This diet plan–-rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds–-supports a plethora of health benefits, all backed by science. Soon after learned about concentrated fruit and vegetable powders called Juice Plus+, a convenient, affordable way to help people enjoy the power of a plant-focused, whole-food diet. With my business, I’ve been able to transform the lives of my clients and their families. They see improvements in their strength and confidence and can make more nutritious food choices.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has taken many detours along the way. Focusing first on folks over 50, I soon narrowed the age range to older adults (over 65). I simply love working with these people, helping them make simple food and movement changes so that they can remain independent. But I realized that working individually with people had a drawback–once we completed our 3 – 6 months together, these seniors (many living alone) went back to their sedentary ways. So I started focusing on group fitness classes. Now I’ve been working with some people for five years, and they’re still strength building with others twice a week. But with the pandemic, senior centers and dance studios closed down, and I had a choice to make: cancel classes completely, knowing my participants would most likely sit out the remaining months, or try to get 60 – 80-years old on a Zoom call. I opted for the second option and am proud to report that I have 6 – 12 older adults meeting on Zoom twice a week for strength training. What a joy that has been — for me as well as them! When I learned about Juice Plus+ and its many health benefits a couple of years ago, supported by more than 40 published double-blind, gold-standard research studies, I partnered with the company to offer fruit and vegetable options to my clients. I now work with individuals and families of all ages and am building a team of partners looking to work from home during this crazy time. Our business offers flexibility, reliable income, and the joy of knowing others are getting healthy with their help.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Juice Plus+ and Enduring Fitness 4U?
In the fitness part of my business, Enduring Fitness 4U, I currently am offering only online strength-building classes for older adults. This class is free for all seniors who have Silver Sneakers Medicare coverage and only $3.00 per session for others. The movements are mainly chair-based, following guidelines of a program called Geri-Fit, an evidence-based health promotion program and chronic disease self-management support program. I’m proud that my class participants have been with me for many years and are continuing to stay social and strong with online support. The nutrition focus of my business revolves around Juice Plus+ (JP).
JP has been available for 26 years, and the company is planning for the next quarter-century (they’ve got our backs!). The products are supported by more than 20 years of research studies published in prestigious medical and scientific journals. I love that JP leads with its heart, supporting many philanthropic organizations. Being involved with this network marketing company, I can build a business as large as I’m able, all over the world. I can help families take simple changes to support their health as well as their financial futures. The past nine months have been the most successful in the company’s history–we have what everybody needs now: powerful fruit and vegetable nutrition and financial options.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is going to the beach with my family. We lived over the hill from Santa Cruz, CA. A treasured summer trip involved driving the hour to play on the sand. Sometimes, we’d get to the top of the summit, gaze down on what should have been the beautiful blue ocean, and see nothing but fog (on those days, we’d turn around and go home). Other days, we’d have car problems or see other cars stranded by the side of the road with their hoods up (this was back in the 60s when vehicles didn’t do so well on steep, windy roads). When we did make it to the beach, we’d spend hours on the Boardwalk, enjoying ice cream cones, grabbing the silver ring every time the old merry-go-round made its revolution, and scaring ourselves silly on the rickety wooden roller coaster (which is still operating). Invariably we’d get sunburned from our days near the water. I’d fight with my siblings, collect a few shells, and get sand all over the place. I remember sleeping on the way home, which was a blessing in disguise because the painful sunburn would interfere with a restful slumber on many nights.
Pricing:
- Online exercise classes: free or $3.00/session
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: EnduringFitness4U.com; LisaHarrisRD.JuicePlus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisateresiharris
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisateresiharris
Image Credits
Headshot: Sue Loew (first Personal Photo)
