Looking at her now, it’s difficult to envision that Jenna Fail was once a 20-year-old housewife who felt unfulfilled and unmotivated, but she’ll be the first to tell you that a life of self-doubt and anxiety was once her reality. That is, until she attended a meet-and-greet event for bodybuilder Jay Cutler with her husband, Chris.
As she entered the event, Jenna couldn’t help but notice the women in attendance who wore their crop tops confidently–showing off their hard-earned physiques. It was right then and there that Jenna decided she would look like those women one day, and the course of her life changed forever.
As she began training, Jenna realized that she had the power not only to shape her body, but also her mind. Her newfound self-confidence permeated into all aspects of her life.
Just six years after that meet and greet, Jenna is a 4x NPC National Qualifier, 1st Phorm Elite Athlete and Elite Trainer, and the 1st Phorm 2017 Athlete of the Year. Despite having earned her success, Jenna is still as humble and kind as ever with a smile that can light up any room. She knows firsthand that if you change your mindset, you can change your life, and she’s made it a priority to share her journey to help others realize their worth and personal power.
Jenna’s journey hasn’t been an easy one, especially after she and her husband lost everything they owned, including their beloved pets Moose and Rocky, to a tragic house fire in 2017. As someone who has followed Jenna on social media for a couple of years now, I’ll never forget reading her Instagram post last March as tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn’t even begin to fathom her pain and heartbreak, yet Jenna, who was actually experiencing the loss, kept looking for light and positivity and remained grateful, which only caused me to admire her more.
While Jenna’s physical strength is undeniable, it’s her mental fortitude that impresses us the most. “I can tell you the most beautiful stories out of tragedies in my life only because I look for the good. The story never changed, only my perception & willingness to make something positive out of a negative,” she shared on Instagram.
Jenna is a constant reminder that things aren’t always as bad as they seem and that positivity and kindness can go a long way. If you’re feeling unfulfilled and are looking to change your life, I suggest looking to Jenna for inspiration. Don’t be afraid to start today, even if it’s just a small step!
A Day in the Life
What does your daily routine look like?
My daily routine varies day to day, but typically it’s something like: Wake up. Love on my animals a bit before getting out of bed. I keep my “Jesus Calling” devotional by my bedside and usually read my page before getting up. Then I prepare breakfast and have my coffee. I try to relax and give myself a quiet few minutes before jumping into work, but it never fails that I drink my coffee cold because I’ll answer just this one email while my eggs cook, which turns into many emails, and before I know it, iced coffee! Somedays I tell myself, “Jenna, you will finish this coffee hot this morning!” Goals!
From there, I continue on with emails, messages, and my Team Fail group while planning what I want to talk about or share on social media that day. After a few hours, I’ll eat again and then do my hair and makeup, which I really enjoy! My first career was working as a cosmetologist, so hair and makeup is something I always enjoy! It’s also a little time that I can shut off work and solely focus on something else. From there I run whatever errands I have to do that day.
On many days, I make it a point to stop by our local antique–salvage shop. I love to restore old furniture and buy unique pieces. When shopping for things like that, you have to be on the lookout regularly because they come and go so fast! Right now my current project is an old church pew I’m restoring for our foyer!
From there, if my husband is off work, we may spend a while getting some different content—pictures, videos, et cetera. Typically we do that at least once a week.
I spend about an hour to an hour and a half in the gym five days a week. Sometimes I go early, sometimes late. It just depends on my work load and my husband’s work schedule.
In the evenings, me and my husband catch up on how our day went and usually relax with something on TV. No phone! Right now we are into American Idol. We love having a scheduled program to watch because in a way to gives us a scheduled time to sit and relax together. America’s Got Talent and American Horror Story are a few of our other faves! Luckily all these shows seem to be pretty well spaced out in the year.
Then it’s time for bed! My schedule varies greatly due to travel and whatnot, but on any relaxed, normal day, this is about it. Nothing too exciting!
What are your favorite ways to practice self-care?
Writing, keeping a healthy diet, eating and enjoying the occasional donut, soaking in the tub, exercising, reflecting, devotion.
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired by the fact that we are all here for such a short amount of time. For many that’s scary, but for me, it easily keeps me in the “why not just go for it” mindset.
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Loving Lately…
What are the best products you’ve discovered recently?
Hands down 1st Phorm’s Opti-Greens 50! I am not the best at getting in enough vegetables each day, so having a quality product to ensure I’m giving my body all it needs to function and feel its best is amazing!
What are your favorite apps?
I am awful with apps. I am not technology savvy! I use the basic socials, and that’s about it.
Whose Instagram is on your radar?
My feed its typically full of my teammates, which I love! I feed off their positive energy and hard work. I believe your social feed should be only things that are positive for you. After all, you are seeing it all day, and you become whatever you surround yourself with. I also follow many animal pages for a laugh and smile throughout my day!
What are you reading, watching, or listening to?
Always listening to the MFCEO Project podcast and Food In Session podcast. They are amazing! I’m currently looking for a good book.
I’ve been hooked on watching Trading Spaces since it came back! TLC has been playing all the old episodes, and I’ve been binge watching! I also religiously watch the Baking Championships on Food Network, and Teen Mom.
Jenna IRL
If your pet could talk, how would they describe you?
Weird for sure. I read an article that said your cats feel loved if you sing them little songs that rhyme with their name. So, yeah, me and my husband sing little songs every day that we try and rhyme with Bug and Darla. The songs never make sense! That article was definitely someone playing a joke, and here I am—lookin’ like a fool! Geez!
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Life Goes On
What woman in history would you love to take to brunch?
Marilyn Monroe!
Would you rather explore space or the ocean? Why?
The ocean intrigues me more. I feel like there’s a bigger variety to see. Can you believe that of all the books and exploring we’ve done, 95 percent of the ocean remains unexplored? Thats crazy! It’s a very cool thought, but also pretty scary! What’s in there?!
What piece of advice has impacted you the most?
When I was growing up, my mom always said, “Suck it up and tough it out!” When I was little, I didn’t like when she said that. I just wanted to whine, but now as an adult I see how true it is. It’s nice for “Shut up and do the work.”
For more information on all things 1st Phorm, down-to-earth workout advice, and the power of positivity, be sure to follow Jenna on Instagram.