Ram In Action: Jamie Cherwek

Jamie Cherwek — better known by her Instagram handle @Jamiereneefit — has over 11,400 followers and is part of the growing number of personal trainers building a fitness lifestyle account on social media.

Fitness lifestyle accounts help college students find access to free fitness videos and lifestyle information that could have been difficult to obtain before.

The CT sat down with Cherwek to talk about transitioning from a 3-sport varsity athlete in high school to a personal trainer in college.

What was your inspiration for starting your Instagram account?

I was inspired by others doing the same thing. Everyone relates to people differently and I thought that people could relate to me.

What’s been the reception from your friends or peers who didn’t know that fitness is big part of your life?

It’s been pretty well received. It’s helped me facilitate many connections that I probably wouldn’t have made if I had not made more of a point to express to others what I was now doing on Instagram.

What would you say to a college student looking to change their health habits and get out to the gym?

I would say the number one thing to forming a new habit is consistency and finding something that you love. If you love it, you are going to stick to it.

What does your routine consist of?

Mostly lifting, minimal cardio. I came from a background of just doing cardio and with having knee surgery, I’ve had to find something that works for me.

Is there any tips you have for getting the most of your workout?

Mindset

Is there anything in particular you do to see more results?

It all goes back to mindset, a quote I always tell myself is — “How bad do you really want it?”

What would you say to people who regulate what they eat, which can often become unhealthy?

Having a healthy relationship is important. Health goes beyond physical appearance, it goes with what you do, what you say, what you think. You need to find what works for you and find a balance.

How has been the transition from being a 3-sport varsity athlete to being in college and having to find you own way around health and fitness?

I stopped all sports when I came to college, I played club field hockey but with my knee it was very difficult to do the cutting. Initially, it was like a roller coaster — very hard to find a balance because I would hit the gym really hard but be discouraged when I didn’t see results. So it took a lot of time for me to learn to be consistent and don’t burn it all out at once but to pace myself.

Keyris Manzanares

Contributing Writer