This former fashionista turned her love of fitness into a career. When her high-stress marketing job was “killing” her, Jen Borman decided to take a leap and start her own personal training business. Keep reading for her tips on staying motivated and cultivating beauty inside and out.

Never a typical workout
One day I’ll go out and run six or seven miles. The next I’ll do an upper body workout using weights and my own body weight. The next I’ll in-line skate for 10 miles. I try to alternate between strength training and cardio five to six days a week. I switch up my workouts every day to keep my mind and body guessing.

No. 1 advice on getting fit—finally!
Pick up those weights! When it comes to women getting fit, I’m a big advocate of strength training. It keeps the metabolism up by burning calories hours after a workout. A lot of women shy away from weights because they don’t know what to do. If this is you, I recommend trying out a couple sessions with a personal trainer.

Culinary specialty
I actually just started to get into cooking this year, which is funny because my mom, both grandmothers and brother are all excellent cooks. Right now I’m really into quinoa. It’s so good for you, and there are so many different ways you can prepare it.

People might be surprised to know
I have a fear of public speaking. This is absolutely crazy because I teach a boot camp class called Rock Hard Girls Club. I have confidence in my workouts. It’s just the first few minutes of saying hello and addressing the class that always give me the butterflies.

All-time favorite beauty look
During the week, I’m typically a natural girl. However, on the weekends I like to dress up. I love long hair with soft curls and a side part. I’m also really digging the smudgy, sexy, smoky eye makeup. Fresh, dewy skin with soft blush and a soft pink lip always complement a smoky eye.

On feeling beautiful in your own skin
Confidence is key. I had really bad skin when I was a teenager, and it was really hard on me. My mom always told me to keep my head up and smile. She said that people will love me for who I am and not what I look like. Her message has stayed with me to this day.

More about Jen

Have you always been interested in fitness?
My journey of being involved in health and fitness began at an early age. From water sports to dirt bikes, I grew up in a very active family. My father competed in triathlons, and my mother was an avid hiker, mountain biker and kayaker. My brother and I followed suit. 

What are your tips on looking cute while working out?
Confidence is key. I workout pretty hard and really don't pay attention to the way I look when I go to the gym. A pony tail, headband, lip balm and workout gloves are my staples. I can look cute later—after my workout is complete.

Any pets?
Yes. My husband and I have an adorable, fluffy Old English Sheepdog named Barkley. He totally looks like a Muppet.