Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Rivas.
Jennifer, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Fitness has been my passion for over twelve years. My journey in health and fitness began in my childhood, inspired by my mom, who taught me to view fitness as a fun and inclusive lifestyle. I truly admired how she would juggle work and all the responsibilities of being a single mom, while still prioritizing health and fitness for our family.
Over the years, life has taught me how important it is to take care of yourself—not just your body, but your mind and spirit, too. Like many women, I’ve struggled with self-confidence, self-acceptance, and the realization that fitness goes far beyond what we see on the outside. A pivotal moment in my life that taught me this lesson came in 2012 when my life did a 180. I was 21 and wasn’t making the best choices for my health in all aspects. I was active and would work out about twice a day at the gym (for some excessive reasons), but my mental, emotional, and spiritual health was far from healthy. Around the fall, I reconnected with a girl I had known in high school. We would go on runs and work out together at the gym. She shared how God was impacting her life in a positive way, and I would just listen. I didn’t have much faith or devotion at that time in my life, but I was always encouraged by her testimonies all meanwhile we were moving our bodies.
Before I knew it, I wanted to attend a church event she was going to because deep down, I knew I wanted to feel “well” beyond the physical. It was a struggle to get myself to go, and even while I was at the service I was fighting many emotions, but that night, October 31, 2012, I gave my life to Jesus. The rest is history, and this is what brings me to where I am today. I began inviting God into everything I did, especially working out and caring for my entire being. I experienced healing and wholeness from the inside out and sought the right resources to help me improve. All this led me to a vision/dream I had to see people whole and well inside and out, and I wanted to be a part of that somehow with my career and personal life.
Two Bible verses really inspire me on this path of living a life of wholeness and encouraging others:
“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NLT).
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8, NLT).
To pursue my dream, I was led to attend college and further my education with additional certifications. I have a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology-Wellness Management and certifications in personal and group fitness training, Revelation Wellness® Instructor, and most recently Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise.
I am so grateful that through my business, Lift and Love Well, I get to coach women virtually through fitness and wellness programs catered to their current season of life, along with hosting community wellness events to encourage movement and faith. I also have the privilege of coaching group fitness classes at a women’s gym in Friendswood (Delta Life Fitness-Friendswood), where it’s a community driven fitness studio.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Over the years, I’ve often had to put my vision and dreams on hold as life took me through different stages. During my last few years of college, I was financially independent, which meant juggling school while working 50-60 hours a week. As you can imagine, it wasn’t an ideal situation. I barely slept, ate poorly, ran on stress, and was still adjusting to a new city. Even though I was on the right path with my studies, I couldn’t gain the experience I needed, nor could I live the healthy lifestyle I once enjoyed before moving.
Post-college years was especially tough. I found myself constantly focused on paying bills and working a job that didn’t align with the future I envisioned for myself. There was a lot of shame during that time, especially in the first year of my marriage, as I struggled with my mental and physical health. I was burned out and couldn’t even imagine pursuing a career in fitness.
Then, in mid-2018, I felt a strong nudge from God to pause and reevaluate where I was with my health and life. It became clear that something needed to shift, so I took a leap of faith and left the job that wasn’t aligning with the life I felt called to live. I started searching for the right resources to support me—mentally, physically, and spiritually. I’m beyond grateful for my husband, who stood by me through every decision, offering unwavering support.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lift and Love Well?
Lift & Love Well is a space dedicated to helping women and families embrace wellness for their mind, body, and spirit as they navigate life’s ever-changing seasons. Through personalized online fitness and wellness coaching, I support clients in creating individual fitness plans that integrate both spiritual and physical practices into their daily routines. My approach focuses on using whatever fitness equipment you have access to, keeping it fun and simple, and helping you stay engaged in your wellness journey.
I also host wellness events that provide opportunities for individuals to gather around God’s truth, experience mental rest, and engage in joyful movement.
Community is at the core of the wellness journey. We were made for connection, and having the right support is key. The name Lift & Love Well comes from Exodus 17:12-13-which reminds me that sometimes we need the right support groups around us to overcome challenges, as well as Matthew 22:37-38 in which we’re called to love God and love others as we love ourselves.
My mission is to inspire and relate to my clients and others as they live with grace, gratitude, and purpose—focusing on a holistic approach to wellness that’s rooted in scripture and nurtures every part of who we are.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Networking is something I deeply value, and I’m committed to connecting my clients and network with the right resources in the health and fitness space.
I’m always excited to collaborate with like-minded health, wellness, and fitness professionals who share a passion for creating a positive change. If you’re interested in partnering for a future wellness event to inspire and uplift our communities, or send your business information, feel free to email me at liftandlovewell@gmail.com.
I’m excited to stay connected with all of you—whether it’s at one of our wellness events, family & devotional walks, Instagram (@liftandlovewell), or through my monthly newsletters. Your support truly means the world to me, and I love sharing my personal wellness journey—especially as a newer mama. Let’s keep growing and supporting one another in love and health!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mailchi.mp/40289ea5cf8d/lift-love-well
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftandlovewell
Image Credits
Location: 201 Lofthaus Content (Novi & G.O)
Photographers:
Harold Brown (Mischif Studio) @mischif.photography
Delila Castro (Digital Dose Media)
@digitaldosemedia.co
