Self Care with blogger Modern Ensemble

Jen Wilson has a successful fashion blog, Modern Ensemble, works full time as director of design, is in a serious relationship, has a burgeoning social life and stays in great shape. In the many years I’ve known Jen, she has always done a great job at practicing self-care.

Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we, especially as women, very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with yourself and others.

Jen and I were workout buddies before I became a baby machine and we had the best time together. I have some funny stories about all the fellas that would line up to get a chance to talk to this blonde beauty at Equinox.

In this day and age it is hard to find time for self care in the form of exercise for a number of reasons. For me, I do not and cannot afford time wise to have to get ready more than once per day. I am also a night owl so the idea of getting up at the crack of dawn to exercise sounds like torture. I have a career and three children so, after work, I rush home to make dinner, do homework, baths, bedtime stories and then I usually work on AOBF. Exercise seems to evade my schedule on a regular basis.

My mom didn’t work out -at all- ever. My dad was a professional body-builder among other things (how’s that for a fun fact- haha!) but he never made it look fun. I want to set a good example in this department for my kids because it becomes second nature for them if they see us doing it. I get on the wagon and fall back off frequently, but this time of year it’s definitely “on the wagon” time.

I always love to hear how other women do it- from time management to diet and exercise. AOBF is a place to figure out how other women do things so we can all learn from each other and use what applies!

We are all at different stages. I am post baby #3 and I gain 65-75 lbs with each pregnancy. Losing that amount of weight that many times is aggressive. Don’t even get me started on the havoc that is wreaked on my hormones with going in and out of breastfeeding and pregnancy back to back! Some women are pre-baby and trying to maintain or get that beach body ready. Other women are headed into menopause or are post menopause and what those hormone imbalances can do to your weight…ooooh wee! You can eat one berry a day and still not be thin like you used to. Not looking forward to that!

So, we are all doing the best we can. No one needs to tell a woman where her flaws are, she already knows. Exercise should be about more than how we look and what we weigh- apparently the magic lies somewhere in there – where you make it fun and it’s a more well rounded experience. I wouldn’t know, I’m not there yet, however, someone who does a great job at executing a gameplan and who also actually eats food like a normal human being– burgers and fries and enjoys wine etc- is Jen Wilson.

Without further ado… have a read ::

How do you work full time, have a successful blog, a relationship, social life AND FIND TIME TO WORK OUT? Tell us when to squeeze it in please.

I don’t sleep! 😉 On a serious note, I work out early in the morning at least 2-3x’s a week. I get it out of the way and have the rest of the day to be at the office and then go to any events or dinners at night.

What motivates you to stay “up in the gym working on your fitness?”

I have found over the years that I am one of those people that require a workout class. I can’t depend on myself to do a good workout. I love pilates reformer classes, barre, and spin classes.

We feel that new gear motivates us:)

New gear absolutely motivates me! Who doesn’t like having new workout gear to wear? I love ALO right now. I always want every single thing in the store.

What are your favorite headphones to listen to music?

Beats by Dre are the best headphones! I use them all the time. A must.

What music to you like to listen to when working out? What are your favorite songs right now?

I need music that pumps me up and energizes me for my workout. Since I do classes I usually am at the mercy of the instructor’s playlist but some of my favorite songs right now are Cardi B – Bodak Yellow, Halsey – Bad at Love, and Taylor Swift- End Game.

Do you use Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora?

I love Spotify. Truth be told I am the worst at music but I usually add songs that I like to my own channel and listen to that.
When you’re laying in bed and you want to skip that class you know you’ve scheduled how do you force yourself to get up?
I have a workout buddy that goes to all of my pilates classes with me and it forces me to not cancel last minute because she and I hold each other accountable.

Do you wear any makeup to work out?

Definitely not. That is the worst thing for your skin. I put a tinted sunscreen on before heading out the door but that is all.

What are some of your favorite brands to wear for workout gear?

ALO, Outdoor Voices, and Bandier– they always have a great selection.

What tennis shoes are your favorites right now?

Nike and APL always have a great selection. I usually stay low key with the colors but they do a nice job at making classic black/grey/white feel fun.
There are so many trendy classes, do you really love any of them?
I LOVE reformer pilates. It is my favorite. I have been doing Eden by Eden Sassoon in Beverly Hills lately and can’t get enough. I also love Physique 57 barre classes.

How do you think your self esteem is affected by staying in great shape? How important do you think it is for women to make this a priority?

This is very important. I think when you look good you feel good and when I workout I have more energy and can be far more productive in my day. If you are like me and like to eat, make it a priority 2-3x a week. One hour out of your day is nothing -so make it happen.

Do you feel the stress relief that exercise promises?

Yes, it immediately de-stresses me and that hour I am in class is my “me time.”

Do you have a workout buddy? Does having an accountability partner help?

Yes! My friend Lindsay who lives down the street. She and I force each other to commit to working out every single week.
What about a trainer? How important is it to workout with a trainer because that gets expensive as an ongoing expense.
I have a trainer that I used to work out with 2x’s a week in Newport Beach and when I am down there I will call him and get a workout in. I think classes are great on a regular basis but if you can add a trainer in at least 2x a month, it definitely helps because I find myself doing the squats and lunges I learn from him while I am watching tv at night. You can learn a lot of *at home* moves from them that you can do while the kids nap or you have a spare moment at home.