Journey to Fitness, Wellness, and Inspiring Women Worldwide – Exclusive Interview With Jenni Rivett
I'm Jenni Rivett, and at 64, I'm feeling the best I've ever felt. My husband, Andrew, and I live in the beautiful winelands just outside of Cape Town, in a place called Franschhoek. We have a daughter, Kirsti, who is a successful entrepreneur and lives nearby.
I've been involved in health and fitness since my early twenties and continue to work and teach my unique method of training online to women around the world. Outside of my career, I'm passionate about gardening, hiking in our stunning valley, fostering dogs, snow skiing, and travel.
Jenni Rivett, Health and Fitness Consultant
What inspired you to create your fitness philosophy and training approach?
For me, training is about getting results! There's so much confusion and conflicting advice in the fitness world, which motivated me to create my "Train Like A Woman" program. It's a practical program designed for real women, and the results I see are phenomenal. I stay ahead of the curve by blending my experience with the latest research and science. I believe that women don't need to work with heavy weights to get results, and I've created inspiring workouts using moderate weights and resistance bands. My late mother, Adeline Rodd, was also a significant inspiration. She released the first-ever exercise LP in South Africa, called "Come Slim with Me."
How do you tailor your programs to meet the unique needs of your clients?
Good form is the foundation of any exercise program, and I prioritize teaching this to my clients. It's about the subtleties of moving an arm an inch, stabilizing your core, and keeping your hips forward. When my clients perfect their technique, they see incredible results: backaches, sore knees, and joint pain disappear, and fitness levels improve dramatically. Since I work remotely, I schedule online appointments with clients who have health concerns or injuries before they join my online training.
What role does mindset play in achieving long-term fitness goals?
Mindset is crucial for achieving results. I teach my clients to avoid the all-or-nothing mindset. If they slip up with their eating, I encourage them to "press the delete button" and move on rather than falling into a downward spiral. If they can find the discipline to start a workout, even for just two minutes, the rest will follow. This approach resonates with my clients. Consistency is key to long-term health goals.
Can you share a success story that highlights the impact of your methods?
I have so many wonderful success stories, but one of the best compliments I ever received was from a client's husband. He tapped me on the shoulder in the supermarket and said, "Thanks for my wife's firm butt."
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your own fitness routine?
Knowing that over 150 women around the world are waiting to do my workout three times a week is incredibly motivating. Exercise has always made me feel good, and it releases amazing hormones like testosterone, human growth hormone, and endorphins, all-natural antidepressants. At 64, my strength and mobility allow me to water ski and snow ski with ease. I look forward to having grandchildren one day and being able to run, jump, and play with them, which wouldn't be possible without my fitness level.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
Being personally chosen to train the late Diana, Princess of Wales, for seven years was an incredible honour and a highlight of my career.
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