Women’s Fitness Specialist and online trainer, Jillian Paige, believes that along with a strong body, women must also possess a strong mind. Her body/mind approach to fitness is reminiscent of her first love..Music! Jillian is a Queen of positive thought and says that her drive to achieve fitness success is for the health of her future self. Also a singing actress, Jillian’s drive for her physical goals go hand in hand with her theatric career. She trains the hardest to deliver the best!
FWM: Jillian, it’s an honor to conduct this interview. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
JP: I’m Jillian Paige! I’m a NASM CPT, Women’s Fitness specialist, and cat mother and an online trainer of body and soul. In online training, I make sure my clients get the well-rounded mental and physical health help they need on the often-difficult journey of self-betterment.
FWM: What led you to the fitness lifestyle?
JP: I was never athletic growing up.
In fact, I’m still fairly shocked that I’m now considered fit because it was never a part of my formative years. I went to college for vocal performance and maybe had too much of a ball at the student cafeteria buffet. I started to go to the gym to work off my newly-acquired weight and was hooked.
Weight training reminded me of my first love, music. Just like practicing voice, when I went to the gym regularly, I could build upon my work and see results. It was love at first lift. Fitness also fed into my love of positive thinking (thanks, The Secret) and helped fuel my love of practicing gratitude, maintaining mindfulness, and learning about human psychology.
FWM: Do you feel that the level of a person’s fitness can be determined by their weight?
JP: No, no, no, and again, I say no! When I have a client who comes to me with strictly aesthetic and weight-based goals, it’s a red flag for me. Health is encompassing and if we don’t meet our bodies where they are today, there’s no way that any lasting change can be made, habitually or physically. I believe that health is about living our best lives and that starts purely from the inside.
FWM: What keeps you motivated?
JP: I often think about doing this for my future self. When I’m sweating my ass off or jumping around in a workout, I think about myself as an old woman and how grateful she would be if I kept working my ligaments and muscles so that she’s more able-bodied. There’s nothing more empowering than keeping promises to yourself for yourself.
FWM: What prompted you to start your live class videos?
JP: The studio that I teach through, Livekick, serendipitously approached me right before the pandemic hit. My first live class with them was March 11th! I know. So these online group classes came at the perfect time. I love teaching so much and the energy we all get from a group class setting is palpable. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to give up doing during a workout but then looked over at my class members on the screen and have been motivated to continue! It’s a blast to be able to check form and workout together while socially distancing.
FWM: Along with being a fitness guru, you are also a singing actress. Are you currently seeking any movie roles or Broadway plays?
JP: Our beloved Broadway is shut down until 2021! I just shot a movie called Screen Test in which I got to play the worst kind of fitness influencer – basically me gone wrong. It was a comedic role shot in a mockumentary style (like The Office) and such a blast to make. In quarantine, I’m working on learning the role of Rosabella in The Most Happy Fella, a musical by Frank Loesser, who’s known for composing Guys and Dolls. The artistic community is really hurting in this pandemic so it’s been a blessing to keep learning a role, even if nothing is being produced right now. Someday!
FWM: How can our readers connect with you outside of this interview?
JP: They can follow me at @theJillianPaige and check out TrainwithJillian.com if they’re interested in online training. If there are any singing actors reading, they can follow me at @MeisnerinMusic and check out my classes and trainings on truthful acting through song!
