Fit Friday’s Health & Wellness Summer Series gets up close and personal with our community’s fitness leaders who serve as role models with invaluable tips on prioritizing fitness. This week we speak to Jeffrey S. Harrison owner of Jeffrey S. Harrison Fitness in Lower Pottsgrove.
When and why you began to exercise: I started exercising when I was about 12-years-old. I had grown fascinated watching my mom workout to the likes of Richard Simmons, Jack Lalane, and Jane Fonda. I was just caught up in the body movement for health and vitality. Then as an athlete, I started o appreciate the value of exercises outside of my sport endeavors. I had my first weight set when I was 13 and have never looked back. Today, it’s my career.
Biggest exercise achievement: I was always a weight room guy but I also really enjoyed riding my bike. I participated in a number of cycling events of various distances and challenges. But my greatest achievement was running my first marathon. I’m not a runner nor have the physique of a runner, but I wanted to do it. I ran the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach in 2013 and because that wasn’t enough, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., the very next year.
How exercise helps you: In so many ways. It has always been such a part of my daily living that I don’t even really think about it. There are times where it might be a little more challenging to get moving, but inevitably it always happens. It helps me to relieve stress and just gives me the personal satisfaction that I did something that day just for me.
Approach to food: I’m a foodie and I love to eat. But nutrition has become so complicated for most people that my approach has always been and will remain – eat what you enjoy but just don’t over do it. Moderation is the key to success in any aspect of it.
Inspiration for pursuing a profession in the fitness industry: It’s not enough to “just like to workout.” You must have the passion to be able to coach many different types of people and not “copy” what you see as popular or trendy. Not everyone is going to be like you and not everyone is going to accept the mindset. If you can work with all of the attributes in mind, you will have success. The people need us.
My personal inspiration: I wanted to be able to help people in a way I know how. Exercise is a powerful tool. A tool that is grossly underused but one that I felt I could share with others.
Approach to fitness during the summer months: My approach doesn’t change. Exercise is just a part of my life independent of the seasons. The summer months may offer a few alternatives but nothing I can’t wait for.
Fitness strategy while on vacation: My personal strategy is to just enjoy my downtime to the fullest. Structured exercise for me takes a back seat, however, I still remain active with other activities.
Tips to spice up summer workouts: Get outside, heat and humidity depending Don’t just wade in the pool, use it to swim even just a few strokes. Use the water as a means of resistance against the body. If you golf, don’t ride the carts. Walk. If it’s challenging, play 9 holes as opposed to 18. Run/jog/bike in the earlier hours of the morning. Most gyms are air-conditioned. What a good way to spend a small part of your day.
Current fitness goal: To stay as young as I feel. Age does not dictate my fitness.
Tips to motivate others to prioritize fitness: It’s not a tremendous amount of your day, but one that as time goes on you can ill afford to skip. Pick a time, start small, when you can wiggle in a little exercise. Before you know it, you will be consistently creating a new habit. Recruit others. Find a partner with similar distractions and agree to work this out for the betterment of you both. Medicine is in the business of managing health. There is no better way to manage your health than by taking these proactive steps to putting you and your health first.
For more information, visit Jeffreysharrison.com or find him on socials Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube
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