Wellness | What Jenn Wore

What the Heck is Female Incontinence??

January 31, 2020

Yep, we just went there. Female incontinence…it’s a thing AND I’m going to talk about it. (This may be the point that you question: “I thought that I was following this woman for style content??)

Here’s the thing: I have three kids. I was lucky enough to not have a c-section (read between the lines here). After having my first baby, I definitely noticed that I began to experience a few “surprises”…definitely when sneezing and sometimes even when exercising. I now understand why my mother crossed her legs every time she sneezed.

Being an avid runner (I ran half marathons after each of my three kids births) and an active mom, at first this was inconvenient. I couldn’t play a game of tag without a restroom break nor jump on a trampoline for more than a minute. Don’t get me wrong, I understood the value of kegels and, like many women who have had children, vowed to practice them at every red light I hit while driving the daily carpool. (Isn’t that a thing? No?)

Fast forward a couple years. My kids are now all in elementary school and, well…we’ve all gotten older. And my “surprises” have gotten worse. I’ve begun to feel more nervous about attending a mid-day exercise class and certainly wouldn’t go out for a run with a full bladder, nor fully hydrated. As an exercise enthusiast, I began to realize that this was impacting my daily life.

So, I bought Depends pads. From Costco (go big or go home, right?!). These were definitely not the answer I was seeking! They’re huge (or, at least the ones found at Costco are huge) and not concealed when wearing my leggings AT ALL. I donated the entire box (less one) to a women’s shelter.

Then I started researching physical therapy. Yes, this is a thing. And yes, you can even buy weights for toning your pelvic floor (I’ll allow your imagine to figure out how this works for yourself). Down the rabbit hole I went! Why? Because I’m a young woman with, hopefully, more than half of my life in front of me still. And my problem was getting worse. I want to remain active for the rest of my life without having to wear giant pads and (even worse) smelling like urine every time I coughed, was surprised, or went for a jog.

Enter the BTL Emsella device and Blue Haven Medical Spa.

As a part of my work, I get invited to a number of events. I really enjoy this opportunity to try new services, learn about advancements in technology, and experience local finds. This fall, I had the pleasure of attending the RealSelf House of Modern Beauty event in Seattle. This event (hosted in cities around the country) is a fantastic opportunity to learn about various products and services within the beauty industry – everything from extracting your own stem cells to make a regenerating serum to education around cosmetic procedures. It was at this event that I was first introduced to the BTL Emsella device…known in the industry as “The Kegel Throne.”

“What is a kegel throne?” you ask. Basically, you sit on the BTL Emsella device (fully clothed, completely non-evasive) and, for less than 30 minutes, high frequency electromagnetic pulses target the pelvic floor. In essence, these pulses deliver the equivalent of nearly 12,000 kegels in one session! This is not a gimmick, BTL Emsella is an FDA-approved treatment to address female incontinence.

After having experienced one session…fully clothed, speaking with device experts and RN technicians, in the middle of the showroom no less, I was eager to do more. The recommended treatment for significant improvement is a series of 6, 30-minute sessions. A quick internet search netted me few results in the Seattle area but, lucky for me, Blue Haven Medical Spa is located in the Green Lake neighborhood, basically my back yard!

The Blue Have team could not have been more welcoming, which is important as you are talking about a moderately (ok, very) embarrassing topic such as incontinence. I primarily worked with Annie, an ARNP board certified practitioner with years of experience in medicine and medical aesthetics. Annie immediately put me at ease and expertly answered all of my questions. She would stay and chat or leave me to surf the internet, respond to emails, or mindlessly scroll social media during my 30 minute sessions.

Was it painful? Not in the least. It was definitely a “different” sensation…a series of vibrations followed by tapping, targeting the perineum area (again, haven’t included this word in my blog to date!). Perhaps uncomfortable at first, you quickly get used to it. Because the device uses electromagnetic pulses, you are advised to remove any jewelry and (here’s a biggie) you cannot use this therapy if you have any metal implants…read: no IUD devices.

I know what you are all wondering next…did it work? I am more than pleased with the results! While I haven’t trampoline tested yet (due to the winter weather in Seattle), I have done a series of workouts involving jumping and running. I purposely did these without first visiting the restroom and NOTHING. Think burpees, jumping jacks, rock-star jumps, and sprints without any leaking. The occasional sneeze? Not a problem.

The results of the BTL Emsella therapy are cumulative; therefore, you do need to do the entire suggested protocol to achieve the best results. However, you are not required to do any follow-up appointments to maintain the results (again, this may vary based on the person). I would highly recommend this therapy for any “friends” (wink, wink) who may experience the occasional, or not-so-occasional any more, issues with incontinence.

{outfit details} leggings: nike | top: girlfriend collective | running shoes: brooks (c/o) | jacket: add down

I partnered with Blue Haven Medical Spa to share my experience with all of you. This was 100% my idea and I reached out to the spa to collaborate. Please dm, email, or comment below with all of your questions. Clearly I am an open book and I am honored to share more of my experience using the BTL Emsella device at Blue Haven.

Thank you for reading. ~Jenn

Get Your A$$ to Class

November 15, 2018

Two of my favorite things? Catching-up with friends and getting in a great workout. And when the two collide, it makes for a perfect Saturday morning!

I’m very excited to tell you about a new-to-Seattle, pilates-based workout studio, Pilates ProWorks. The foundation of this quick 50 minute, total-body workout is the Lagree method, which uses a pilates reformer machine to strengthen and tone. Generally classes begin with a warm-up, which often includes a variety of plank exercises; engaging your core. From there, a leg series is usually at the beginning of each class. Think lots of lunges while engaging your abdominal and lots of small muscles in order to maintain your posture and balance. Just when you think your legs are on fire, there is very brief relief in moving on to arms. It’s brief because your arms will soon be burning as well! The springs on the carriage create resistance – arm exercises often use the pulleys to move the carriage (working all the muscle groups in the process). Usually class closes with more core work followed by much-needed stretching.

Eager to try the new studio, which is located conveniently in South Lake Union, I gathered a group of like-minded, fit friends to join me for a Saturday morning sweat sesh. We shared some laughs, as getting used to maintaining your balance on the reformer machine can be humbling. Several of us were new to this type of class but, given that we are all athletic, we easily fell into the class (none of us actually fell!). And, although many of us were newbies, we all got a great workout and felt it the next day(s) for sure!

We’re all busy moms and/or creative professionals. Finding time to catch-up with friends and take care of yourself, particularly as we approach the holidays, can be difficult to do. So grab a buddy and book a class – you’ll be held accountable and, I can guarantee, you’ll feel fulfilled after doing so. New to Pilates ProWorks? Lucky you. You can try your very first class for free! Maybe I’ll even see you there!

Activewear compliments of Brooks. You can find my tights, tee, bra, and tank. Kirsty’s tights and bra as well. Oh, and our matching running shoes too!

Skip on over to Kirsty’s blog to read about her experience trying Lagree pilates, and Pilates Proworks for the first time. Given her grunting and sighs, I can only imagine she’s going to be sharing her true feelings on the workout.

Thanks for reading! ~Jenn

This post was done in partnership with Pilates Proworks and Brooks. As always, you can expect all opinions to be my own.

Thanks to Sarah for photography.

Seattle “Seen”

October 10, 2018

Last month I got an exam at Seattle’s boutique eye clinic and optical shop, Eye Eye. Needless-to-say, it had been awhile. And, while checking my vision is important, particularly as I am getting…ahem…older; I was thrilled to browse Eye Eye’s amazing selection of beautifully curated eye glasses, including independent designers frames as well as a vintage dead stock.

First up: a comprehensive exam with Dr. Pentecost. I learned that, because I am “fortunate” to be near-sighted, I am still able to read a menu at a normal distance. Did you know that the flexibility of the eye’s lens begins to degenerate after age 40; often resulting in far-sightedness (this leads to you having to hold the menu away from you to read it)? Because I am already challenged seeing at a distance, my eye can still flex to see things up close…for now (this is the very laymen’s explanation, the doctor provided much more scientific detail).

Next up, the fun part! Decisions, decisions. I started with at least 8 frames and was assisted by nearly the entire Eye Eye team in narrowing down my choices. There were so many fashion-forward, classic, colorful, and even vintage frames to choose from! While most shops offer 5 brands, Eye Eye carries 27 independent designers, so you are sure to find something unique to your aesthetic – all while supporting small designers (and small business).

I do love the “nerd-chic” look of a dark plastic frame, but this year I’m digging the retro, aviator-inspired trend. (As evident by my final selection below). And because Eye Eye has an in-house lab, my frames were turned around and expertly fitted within days of my selection. The only downside? Returning to Eye Eye’s beautiful store and being tempted by more frames and sunglasses too! I did go home with these sunnies – to note, Eye Eye can add your prescription to sunglasses and sportswear (think goggles) as well.

sunglasses: Barton Perreira

I’m sending the hubs in next! The entire team are knowledgeable experts. I worked with Milli; she really knows her stuff and can help expertly guide you based both on your preference and face shape.

And, would you believe that Kirsty and I did not go shopping together? Unsurprisingly, we choose almost the identical frame without sharing our choices in advance!

eyeglasses: Moscot

Thank you for reading! And happy Wednesday. ~Jenn

A special thank you to Eye Eye for gifting my eyewear in exchange for my honest review of their services.

Faster Way to Fat Loss: A Year in Review

April 20, 2018

Wow! It’s been hard to believe it’s only been a year since I have completely changed my relationship with diet and exercise?! In fact, exactly a year ago to the date, I shared (perhaps over shared) with you all the journey I had begun with the Faster Way to Fat Loss program, developed by Amanda Tress. I don’t believe in coincidences; therefore, I’m writing an update on my progress this past year, including challenges, learnings, and benefits.

First, I am incredibly proud that I have continued to maintain this lifestyle for more than a year. As you may have read in my previous post, I began the program in February 2017 after feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by my current exercise regime and lack of diligence with my diet. Frankly, I was over-exercising (running several times a week, in addition to various exercise classes) in an effort to combat my poor eating habits. I was feeling frustrated by my continued weight gain and how tight my clothes continued to feel but lacked guidance, knowledge, and accountability to make significant changes to my diet. I signed up for Amanda’s program after a late night social media session, and I could not be happier a year later!

left: April 2017 | right: April 2018

Be read to see my first post for all the “in’s and out’s” of the program.

For 6 weeks, I diligently followed the program to the letter. I had decided that I needed to commit to see if this program would indeed work for me. I followed up with 2 more 6-week programs, to solidify my new learnings and to join friends as they began to adopt this lifestyle. Now, I’m using the word lifestyle purposefully here. I came to understand that this wasn’t a diet (you’ve heard of those crazy diets when you drink only juice or never eat carbs). I knew that I couldn’t live the rest of my life never chewing, or never drinking, or never eating out.

With that said (and with maintaining this lifestyle in mind), I have taken breaks from following the Faster Way (which includes eating a balanced macronutrient diet – requiring tracking, intermittent fasting, and carb cycling). My first break was a week when I went to London this past summer. I must admit that it was freeing not to be entering my food into My Fitness Pal and I even ate breakfast (which I don’t do ordinarily with the 16 hour fast each day). Most recently, I took a break from tracking and clean eating when on a spring break vacation. And after a week, I confess that I am eager to get back on track (literally tracking). I have come to understand that these breaks are key for me to maintain this lifestyle and I have started incorporating them every 6-7 weeks – maybe not an entire week but at least a few days of freedom.

No year in review would be complete without addressing the holidays. Dread…I fell off the wagon. I didn’t just take a week off. I would be good all day and then fall into cocktails, treats, and general bad choices in the evening. Then I would not post nor share my daily updates with the Facebook group (reminder to read my original post with the ins and outs of the program). I continued to workout; because I’m confident doing so, but I definitely was not diligent with my eating. And come January, when I finally had the courage to take stock (which included stepping on the scale – a big “no-no” with the program), I saw the consequences of my lack of will power. I had regained 7 pounds (nearly half of my original loss)! I was so discouraged that all of my hard work could be reversed. But, if I’m honest, I started sliding in early November – so after nearly 8 weeks of poor choices, of course I would experience repercussions.

In January, I stopped the VIP program I had joined and re-enrolled in the first 6 week program of the new year. I felt that the smaller group would provide me with greater accountability and the set time frame would give me a greater sense of working towards a goal. I recruited several of my friends to rejoin me as well. It felt great to be back at on track and, even after just a couple of weeks, I was feeling a lot better. I had more energy, experienced better sleep, and my clothes began to fit better. After completing the 6 weeks, I felt back in control and rejoined the VIP membership group. While the VIP group is larger, the workouts are more challenging and I don’t have the sense of “starting over” each 6 weeks. 4 months later, I feel recommitted, reinvigorated and I’m re-sharing with all of you!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I get hungry fasting until noon each day?

Yes, I get hungry around 11:00. But honestly, I got hungry around 11:00 when I ate breakfast each day! I believe that your body gets in a routine with regards to eating (it’s proven with sleep as well). It’s also freeing not to eat breakfast. I get the kids out the door each morning while drinking coffee, I exercise, get ready, and begin my day without having to take a break for food. Then, I eat two substantial meals for lunch and dinner. I’m hungry then and I look forward to, plan and prepare a balanced plate rather than eating what’s available or what I have made for my kids.

Is tracking your food daily difficult?

Once you get the hang of the My Fitness Pal app, it becomes pretty intuitive to track your food. I’m also a creature of habit, and generally eat the same things during the week. It’s easy to use when you eat similar things because the app stores what you enter. The real challenge is guess-timating when I eat out or at an event when I didn’t prepare the food. But I just do my best to enter the ingredients. I really do live Amanda’s motto of “Progress not Perfection.” And yes, tracking food is yet another thing I do in my day but I’ve found that it’s the only way that I stay accountible and mindful of what I am eating.

Are the workouts challenging?

I think that this answer really depends on your level of fitness prior to beginning the program. The workouts generally take me about an hour (including warm-up and stretching). There are 5 workouts per week – 2 interval-based cardio workouts and 3 weight-lifting. Amanda and team offer a beginner, at home and gym workout plan each week. They are designed with recommendations for each day, but I will vary and move the days based on my schedule for the week. There are also two rest days that are considered “low macro” days, when you eat 25% fewer calories. I generally do not workout on those days (and choose them based on my family’s schedule) but hiking, walking, and yoga are also great for these days.

Do I really have to join a Facebook group with strangers?

Yes, you do. This is one of the reasons that contributed to my success with this program. As I shared in my previous post, I was totally not into this when I began my first 6 weeks, but it is actually a part of the program that I have come to enjoy the most. The accountability and support offered by your fellow participants is a major motivation and a key component to making this program work. I personally enjoyed the connections I made with a group of strangers and I was surprised by just how much we had in common, aside from a commitment to healthier living.

Does it become easier?

It does take time to adjust. And the program seems overwhelming at first – carb cycling, daily fasting, macronutrients, My Fitness Pal, weight-lifting – they all may be new to you. They were to me. This is also one of the benefits of the Facebook group. You can ask questions. Amanda and her team are very responsive. And other participants offer what is working for them. And, it does become second nature. Prior to the 6 weeks, you do have a “prep week” to begin to practice and prepare. I truly believe that it took much of my first 6 week program to get the hang of it all. And then I followed up with another round to solidify and practice my learnings.

Do I have to give up everything I love?

No! No. Life has to be worth living. Could I live without ice cream?? Most certainly not. I still eat cheese (albeit sparingly), enjoy desserts (probably more often than I should), and drink. For the most part, I eat what I am feeding my family and I’m eating whole foods. I also have a job that requires entertaining and eating out often and I am still able to do those things and stay on track. Do I fall into an Easter basket of candy? I sometimes still do. I’m still working through my addiction to sugar. Do I save my treats only for leg day? Not always. I’m living that mantra “Progress Not Perfection” and applying it to all aspects of my life.

Are there other benefits aside from weight-loss?

Aside from the confidence that losing weight and being in control of your diet provides, I have found that I am sleeping much more soundly. I think this is due in part to intermittent fasting. Studies have shown that your body has time to heal and address other issues when not constantly digesting (it takes the body 12-13 hours to digest your last meal). I have been fairly healthy this past year, which I also attribute to healthier food choices coupled with fasting. I am also working on being more mindful with all aspects of my daily life, not just eating. I make choices throughout my day and making good ones around food empowers me to make other good choices (for example, how I spend my time, how I react to events, and respond to other people). In general, I feel like I am prioritizing myself and my own well-being in an effort to live a more fulfilled and meaningful, healthy life.

How do I sign up?

The next 6 week program begins April 23rd (yes, Monday). Here is the link. Please DM, email or comment with any additional questions.

Thanks for reading! Happy Friday. ~Jenn

Mindful Living & Other Aspirations

April 6, 2018

I’m checking-in to provide an update (and to hold myself accountable) on my aspirations for 2018. Thus far, I have been drinking more water…and coffee (isn’t that water too??). I have also been trying the new Goop Glow morning skin super powder which, in addition to adding some more interest to my water routine, promises healthy skin. The super powder is chalk full of vitamins C and E (both help neutralize damaging free radicals and Vitamin C supports collagen synthesis). I have received a number of compliments lately on my complexion, but this could also be attributed to the sometime sporadic appearance of spring here in Seattle. I digress…did you know that you should be drinking your weight in ounces of water?? It’s still a work in progress but I’m getting better.

I’m most proud of my new commitment to meditation. It has truly become a part of my morning routine. I’ve been using the Headspace app to guide me on this journey – which, I must confess has been challenging. Meaning, I don’t know if I’m getting it. Some days feel great while others are frustrating. Yet, I think that is the point. Similar to yoga, it is about a practice. My goal is to be more mindful and present in my daily life. Read more about my aspirations in my previous post.

I began with the 10-day basics (which is free on Headspace). From there I continued another 10 days, simply getting the hang of taking 10 minutes each day to sit, breathe and focus. I try to clear my mind of the constant chatter – ‘to-do’ lists, emails I need to return, family scheduling, and ideas that all wake me up in the morning and distract me from focusing on my goals. The app allows you to modify your time commitment too. I landed on 10 minutes as a “do-able” amount of time in my morning routine, but you can adjust to less or more depending on your schedule and patience.

I practice in the mornings, which has also been a healthy change for me. I have been sleeping an extra 30 minutes each morning (or trying to). Rather than checking my email or social media accounts first thing, instead I get out of bed and remain in my jammies. I make coffee and shuffle our cats around, and then find a quiet retreat on our sun porch for 10 minutes. Only after I have completed my meditation do I then drink my coffee and log-on…then make breakfast, pack lunches, and braid hair.

I’m currently working through the 30 sessions focusing on self esteem. This has involved more visualization and a practice called “noting,” when you make note of thoughts and feeling; labeling them as such and then letting them go. Focusing continues to be an effort but that is what the space to practice is for. Please leave a comment if you have tried Headspace or have any other suggestions for meditation.

Outfit #1 Details
denim: Joe’s Jeans
blazer: Rag & Bone (similar at a fraction)
camisole: Free People (similar, love this one)
shoes: Banana Republic

Outfit #2 Details
denim: Joe’s Jeans (c/o)
kimono: Anthropologie
tee: Bobi
clogs: No. 6 Clogs (similar)
earrings: Lucia K Jewelry (found at Queen Anne Frame)

These beautiful photos were done in collaboration with Fitcode. If you are in the market to update your denim this spring, you must check-out this fabulous online service for finding the perfect pair of jeans. Simply take an easy quiz and the site then directs you to jeans that would most flatter your figure. Yes, it’s that simple. And now dudes can get in on the action too! More denim diaries to come next week, so stay tuned.

Thanks for reading. Happy Friday! ~Jenn

photos by Tawnie

< Older Posts