The phrase “age is just a number” is widely used but has proven correct in many cases. If you need proof, Jami Debernard is the place for you. She works as a trainer, but she has participated on stage at the highest level. At 40, she not only became a professional, but also took part in the Olympics twice. This experience serves as inspiration and credibility in their current profession.
Jami Debernard joined Femme Flex Friday host Lenda Murray and guest co-host Whitney Jones on this week’s episode to talk about their careers and share their wisdom for competitors, including the fact that you’re not in your twenties have to make the leap into physical exercise.
“It was one of those things that I got so passionate about, and I fell in love with lifting weights and the idea of being able to change your body so dramatically,” she said. “It’s like sculpting a work of art, making it was so exciting for me, and then getting up and showing it.”
Ultimately, she found another way to get involved in sport in the form of coaching. She tells Jones and Murray that their current job is giving back, but her Fit Body Fusion business has grown into something much bigger in the 10 years since it was founded.
“I almost fell into it a bit. Given my corporate background, which started now, I think we have around 1,300 athletes on the team and 25 coaches. “
Debernard also believes it is important to dispel many of the myths about training and competition that have been circulating in the fitness community. Murray started with perhaps the greatest of all; Weight training will massage you. Debernard was quick to address this problem.
“No, definitely not, and strength training has so many benefits. For myself, now in my 50s, I’m so happy that I found this so early on. It has enabled me to stay a little leaner, to stay healthier and more functional in my body, ”she explained. “There are so many benefits to lifting, and it takes a lot to build muscle, so many years and a lot of hard work. It’s not like you go to the gym, look at some weights, and all of a sudden (flex) you boom. I wish it was so simple.”
Another myth they cover is that doing lots of cardio is the key to losing fat. Debernard shared that she is actually taking what is believed to be the exact opposite approach.
“I do my best to keep my cardio training pretty minimal,” she says. “I mean, we definitely want heart health and things like that, so it’s great to be doing something. But building muscle is really what boosts your metabolism. It gives you the long term benefits. So cardio is a component, but it shouldn’t be what you’re leaning on. “
The co-moderators and guest posts also encompass the spot reduction myth, how their business allows their coaches to focus on coaching, and several other topics. Check out the full episode and each episode of Femme Flex Friday on wingsofstrength.net.
