Who Is Jennie?
Jennie Phillips is a multifaceted fitness professional and educator dedicated to empowering individuals to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. With certifications as a Certified Personal Trainer and Nutritionist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Jennie specializes in Corrective Exercise, Fitness Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Behavior Change.
Additionally, she is recognized as an RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Certified Run Coach, a Certified Stretch and Flexibility Coach, and a Performance and Functional Movement Specialist. Jennie’s diverse career journey began as a Biology and Chemistry teacher at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, Illinois, following the completion of her bachelor’s degree at North Central College.
Inspired by her passion for innovative teaching methods and outdoor education, she pursued a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in outdoor teacher education from Northern Illinois University. Jennie’s dedication to education extended beyond the classroom as she also authored curricula for school districts and state parks, exploring new avenues to engage and inspire.
A lifelong learner and avid traveler, Jennie embraces every opportunity to share her knowledge and insights in various settings, from classrooms and district institutes to corporate environments. She is passionate about educating individuals on achieving energy and vitality in their lives.
As the owner of Vitality Fitness Studio in Troy, Illinois, Jennie focuses on developing personalized training programs that blend therapeutic and performance-based fitness strategies. She is committed to empowering her clients to make informed choices and cultivate lasting positive changes in their lives.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Jennie finds joy in running, hiking, reading, and capturing the beauty of the world through photography. However, her greatest source of happiness comes from spending quality time with her family, exploring new destinations, and cherishing the blessings of faith and the grace of God in her everyday life. Jennie considers her family to be her greatest treasure and derives strength and inspiration from their love and support.
Embracing the Yellow Light Moment
In a world that celebrates speed, productivity, and the 'hustle,' we're constantly in motion—rushing through tasks, commitments, and even moments meant for joy. But what if the key to a more fulfilled life isn't found in the hustle, but in the moments where we pause, reflect, and recharge? I call these Yellow Light Moments—the times we deliberately slow down to maximize our health and vitality.
With endless to-do lists, demands, and distractions, we’ve normalized stress and burnout. It's easy to forget that we’re not machines, and without intentional pauses, we risk losing ourselves in the grind. By pausing, we create space to listen to our bodies, recharge our minds, and focus on our well-being. The Yellow Light Moment is about taking a break before reaching burnout. Pausing is more than just a break—it's a chance to refocus and replenish.
When we slow down, we can give attention to essential aspects of life: sleep, nutrition, self-care, and movement. Research shows that intentional pauses reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. It’s in these moments we’re able to reflect, realign, and restore our health.
Sleep: Set a bedtime routine that calms your mind, limits screen time, and ensures restful sleep.
Nutrition: Make mindful food choices—nourish your body with balanced meals, and take the time to eat without rushing.
Self-Care: Incorporate simple, restorative activities into your day, like meditation, journaling, or deep breathing.
Movement: Prioritize daily movement—whether it’s stretching, walking, or a fitness routine that feels good for you.
In this fast-paced world, true strength lies in knowing when to pause. By embracing these Yellow Light Moments, we’re not only enhancing our health, but we’re reclaiming our vitality. I encourage you to slow down, embrace the pause, and let it transform your life—one intentional step at a time.