SEAM Magazine Cover Story - Jen Enrich-Wills Is Fifty Plus & FABULOUS! - Natural Bodybuilding Competitions - Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, Virginia & Alaska

Cover Story – Jen Enrich-Wills

Iimages captured on Friday, August 11th, the day before Jen competed in the 2023 8th Annual IPL Southwest Grand Prix in Phoenix, Arizona.

Fifty Plus & FABULOUS!

INTERVIEW & PHOTOS BY BEN YOSEF

BEN YOSEF: Okay, here we go! Congratulations on this beautiful magazine cover! I know you have been aiming for a cover feature for many years now. How does it feel to finally get one?

"Words cannot describe how thrilled and excited I am to be featured on a magazine cover! This was a dream of mine!"

JEN ENRICH-WILLS: Words cannot describe how thrilled and excited I am to be featured on a magazine cover! This was a dream of mine! This opportunity has helped me grow and inspire others who know you have to put in the hard work and time to get to this level. I’m grateful to the IPL for believing in me and featuring me and making my dream come true! Thank you!

BEN: Love it! It was a long time coming and very well deserved! Your last feature in SEAM Magazine was in 2020. Almost four years ago. The title of that feature is “50 Plus & Fab!” Apparently this is a recurring theme with you! What has changed for you and all of your fabulousness in the past few years?

JEN: As far as change in the past few years, I changed around my fitness routines by following several programs my coach put together along with other coaches. I followed each one for about five weeks and then started another program for the same length of time. It makes such a difference when compared to just walking into the gym and deciding at that moment what you’re going to do. I’ve learned a lot through these types of programs. Super setting, mega setting, and plyometric type moves! I’m feeling more fabulous with my physique than when I first started because I had and still have many routines to follow.

BEN: What are some common misconceptions about fitness for people in their fifties, and how do you address them?

"...as we age, exercising at the proper intensity and frequency becomes very important."

JEN: One, “I should do cardio and not do weights.” How I’d address this is by saying that we need to be doing both because each exercise is most likely to increase longevity. For overall health, both methods are great in keeping fit and healthy. It all comes down to one’s fitness goals and what they’re looking to achieve. A 2022 study published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine found that a combination of cardio and strength training was associated with a lower risk of mortality than cardio alone.

A second common misconception about fitness for people in their fifties… ”Exercise Needs to Be Hard to Be Effective.” Not true! I’d address this by saying as we age, exercising at the proper intensity and frequency becomes very important. One should only do intense exercise one or two days per week, taking at least one full recovery day off from exercising the following day. Pushing yourself as hard as you can for every workout can lead to overuse injuries and it can keep you from reaching your fitness goals. So be careful, especially with your form to prevent injuries!

BEN: Have you encountered any specific challenges related to fitness in your fifties, and how did you overcome them?

"I’ve made the mistake of waiting too long to treat injuries and it set me back in some of my workouts."

JEN: Other than some basic injuries, I have not encountered any specific challenges related to fitness being in my 50’s. However, the injuries that I’ve had I’ve learned to overcome them by learning how to use proper form. Especially when weightlifting. Stretching after a workout is very important while your muscles are still warm. Treat an injury immediately, so it doesn’t get worse where you end up compensating with other muscles in the body. I’ve made the mistake of waiting too long to treat injuries and it set me back in some of my workouts. So I’ve learned to not make this mistake the hard way and to treat any injury in a timely matter!

BEN: Let’s switch gears a bit and talk about other ways that you are fabulous at 50 plus. How would you describe your personal style? Has it evolved over the years? How do you balance comfort and style when choosing outfits?

"It’s a sign that I’m growing and evolving as a person. As I’ve gone through different phases in my life, my interests and tastes have changed."

JEN: I would describe my personal style as unique. I like to follow the fashion trends but at the same time I like putting my own style together and not looking like everyone else. It can also depend on my mood. I may feel sexy and confident so I’d wear something classy such as a cocktail dress with heels at night or a pair of cute little shorts or low waisted jeans with an off-the-shoulder type of top during the day.

Has my personal style evolved over the years? I would say it has. It’s a sign that I’m growing and evolving as a person. As I’ve gone through different phases in my life, my interests and tastes have changed. So it’s only natural that my style will change too. I believe that changing your style can be a way to express your individuality and to reflect your current personality.

I balance comfort and style by finding clothing that fits my body type well, are made from high-quality materials, and allows comfort. Meaning, easy to move in like capris, leggings or stretchy jeans.

BEN: Can you share some tips for maintaining mental wellness in this stage of life?

"And having healthy relationships will help support good physical and mental health throughout life, especially as we age."

JEN: Some tips for maintaining mental wellness in this stage of life that I would share would be eating right. It really makes a difference what you put in your body. Staying physically active. Exercising your body 3 to 5 times a week is a plus! Not only do you look good, you feel good too! Getting enough sleep. Obviously very important for your emotional well-being and mental and physical performance. And having healthy relationships will help support good physical and mental health throughout life, especially as we age.

BEN: Love it. Jen, thank you so much for sharing such great insight into health, fitness, wellness and getting better with age! I appreciate you and your presence in this community. Last question! When will we see you back on the IPL stage?

JEN: Thank you! My plan is to hopefully be back on stage in April 2024. If I can’t do April for some reason, then sometime for sure this year! SEAM

About the interviewer:

Ben Yosef

Ben is the Publisher of SEAM Magazine and the President & Founder of the International Physique League.

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