Jenifer Spurgeon, director of operations – service at ASI of GE Appliances, is no stranger to hard work.
Homeless until she was seven years old, Jenifer had to fight hard for the things she has today. She was the first one in her family to go to college. She was the youngest and only female director and VP at her former company. She enjoys a loving marriage and two wonderful kids.
But one achievement eluded her.
“The one hill I couldn’t conquer was my health,” says Jenifer.
On an outing with her family, she knew.
“I got so winded just walking through Nashville,” says Jen. “I guess you could say I finally got tired of being tired.”
That realization became motivation.
“When I joined GE Appliances two years ago, I kept hearing about caring for the whole person,” says Jenifer. “I finally realized that in order to do my best, I needed to be my best.”
In October of 2022, Jen started small.
“I work from home,” says Jen. “So, the simplest place to start was with movement. I set my steps goal at 2,500. That feels small now, but it was something.”
By summer of 2023, Jenifer was up to 10,000 steps a day.
Jenifer’s co-workers became her cheerleaders and collaborators. Latiece Hollinger and Cynthia Donner suggested apps like MyFitnessPal and Couch to 5k.
“Those connections were priceless,” says Jen. “We talked through hydration goals, and they checked on me regularly. It’s been nice to have them along for the journey.”
Jen used a Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) Calculator to explore her maintenance and calorie deficit needs.
“I’m proud to say I’ve done it healthy,” says Jenifer. “I didn’t use a fad diet. I didn’t do anything extreme. Instead, I prioritized protein and tracked my calories.”
Little step by little step, Jen saw progress. She’s even coined a new term for her favorite workout.
“Jalking,” says Jen. “It’s running and walking intermittently. I wanted to run longer distances but couldn’t. So, I mixed the two together, running longer distances as I was able to.”
She began working out in her home gym and then tackled group exercise.
“It’s hard to believe, but I’m down 105 lbs. since October of 2022,” says Jenifer.
By Thanksgiving, she hit a goal she never imagined she could reach.
“I ran a 5k and a 4-mile Turkey trot in the same week,” says Jen. “My family has cheered me on this entire journey, so it was fitting that they joined me.”
Jen has learned that celebrating small wins is a big win.
“This journey has been so full of anxiety,” says Jenifer. “I’m always asking, ‘Can my body do this? Am I ready?’ Celebrating these small achievements disrupts that mindset.”
The payoff may be Jen’s greatest achievement yet.
“I’ve learned I have to meet myself where I’m at,” says Jen. “Every step counts. I feel strong and healthy and capable. And that feeling is the best reward. Now I get to ask, ‘What’s my next goal?’ and it feels so good.”