She is an advocate on behalf of the United Nations and serves as the Commissioner of Pasadena, California. Her focus is gender equality, universal education, and rights for people with disabilities. She has also helped found the ONE World Project and hopes to open a chapter in India.
Meet the very beautiful and vibrant Jennipha-Lauren Nielsen as she talks exclusively to Bhumicka.com about being fit and making a difference.
Jennipha-Lauren Nielsen
Tell us what does fitness mean to you
Fitness is part of my perfect formula. As a Miss California, I was shown the importance; beauty, brains and determination that plays in a girl’s success. Studies have shown people who workout regularly are better able to manage stress and are better organized to seek out success.
Tell us a bit about your journey so far
I have been small, I’ve been large.... 100 KG!! So no girl can say I don’t understand. You can be your best or worst but is always up to you. In my 20s my intestines developed a condition, where I gained 50 kg. They were able to fix the problem but it was up to me, to lose the weight. Today I am grateful for the experience.
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| With Friend Aamer |
Your fav workout?
I developed a workout routine that utilizes my 20+ years of ballet with a blend of light weight training and balance work. My tools of choice are the BOSU, stretch-bands and two 8 pound weights. Starting with yoga/ballet stretches sometimes for an hour. Concentrated stretching is a workout, don’t be fooled, expect to sweat. Flexibility is so important as you age. Have you seen your grandparent unable to bend low, struggle to pick things up and tie their shoes….. its about maintaing flexibility. As I age it may take longer but my flexibility is still there because NEVER STOP STRETCHING! Using the BOSU, I use my core and do a lot of balance work . This is great for women looking to get and KEEP a strong, lean body. Focusing on the skeletal muscles is so important. You will find your entire life changes the stronger and healthier your body is. I walk taller, straighter when I work out. My shoulders naturally fall back slimming my entire figure.
Tell us what you love wearing when you workout
My UNIFORM ! Exercise pants, tank and trainers. I really feel wearing proper workout clothes helps to keep my head in the activity. Putting on my uniform, my whole self prepares for the activity I’m about to take on.
What motivates you
Personally I found using exercise as the “reward", is a great way to look at it. Get my project done, clean the house or finish at the office and hit the gym! I’ve developed such a positive connotation to going to the gym, my mood is elevated just thinking about it…. like ice cream !
Your role model is?
My auntie and father. Earliest memories watching my aunt putting her hair up in hot rollers while working out on a stationary bicycle. She is now in her early 70s and is mistaken for a woman in her 40s. She showed me that if you care for your mind, body and soul… as your temple it should be treated that way.
Give us some advice on fitness and eating habits
When it comes to food, I don’t mess around. My basic diet is meat and vegetables. I eat lots of cheese and fruits that are low in sugar. Avoiding breads, rice, noodles as it can cause to much yeast to form in the body. BUT… now that is a big but, if I feel like a muffin, toast, chips, chocolate, cake or anything else… I EAT IT. Eating healthy in my book isn’t able denying yourself but remembering treats are treats not stables!
Stress is a big factor what can you say about it
Working out to Sade, is great ! It calms my mind and I feel sexy moving to it. Her songs keep a good beat and my motions are fluid. I keep headphones in, once she sings I close my eyes and I am in my own world. It is a sensual experience. Hear good things, see good things and feel good. In my line of work I’ve seen the worst of the world and the best as well. Life is about balance, be like the surfer… find yours and ride the wave.
Your fav dessert
For me its always fruit and not just for dessert, love it all year round. Traveling internationally my work allows me to experience foods I might never have experienced. Partial to exotic fruits.
Give our readers especially the women out there some beauty tips
Lots Sleep, water and low stress, make a point to be grateful. Living in grace is the key to a long and happy life. Its amazing what wonderful things are in store. Live with an open heart and don’t be afraid to be the first to smile.