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Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Women in Business Jessica Keegan

Menagerie Photography Studio Celebrating Local Women in Business Featuring Jessica Keegan

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We’ve started a new group of blogs focusing on local Connecticut businesses owned and run by women. The blogs will give you a chance to learn about the women who own these businesses, why they chose the work they do, what drove them to transform that passion into their own business and how their business has a positive impact on others.

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Women in Business

I am very happy to share the story below from one of our own Dream Girls, Jessica Keegan, who runs Jessica’s Dance Fitness in Jewett City, CT.  I’ve had the chance to spend some time with Jessica and she is fun and full of energy as well as being an amazing person!

 

Name: Jessica Keegan

Owns/Operates: Jessica’s Dance Fitness

“It’s not always easy but I just remind myself every day to stay focused on my goals because that’s what makes me happy. That’s what makes me love the skin I’m in. Motivating others to do the same is my biggest goal❤”

 

 

 

“Starting at a young age I’ve always struggled with my weight and body image. I was bullied to the point where I started starving myself and almost put myself into the hospital. My whole life focused around what I ate. I shut everything out including dance (which was my passion since I was 5), but even at my lowest weight of 78 lbs., it wasn’t good enough. Always seeing myself in the mirrors at dance just disgusted me. 

Menagerie Connecticut Photography - CT Boudoir Pinup Romantic Lingerie Sexy Intimate Women in Business

Over the years I started getting into cardio. It was my escape from everything and it made me feel like I had a sense of pride in myself after my workout. Then one day my mom suggested we take a Zumba class. I immediately fell in love. 

I took Zumba for about a year until my favorite instructor left. I decided to take it upon myself and get certified. From there I had my own class at a gym. That alone gained me more confidence in myself once I knew my class was a hit!

 I decided to see if I could open my own place. Two years later I’m still open and it just keeps getting better! I couldn’t be happier! Not only do I get to do what I love, but I get to push and motivate people that do the same for me! 

The connection and camaraderie of people working out together and working towards the same goals is such an amazing feeling! 

It’s not always easy but I just remind myself every day to stay focused on my goals because that’s what makes me happy. That’s what makes me love the skin I’m in. Motivating others to do the same is my biggest goal❤”

Jessica really loves what she does!  She has been featured on Channel 3 with Scott Haney and is always ready to dance and work out.  Check out her videos and business information and you will see how dedicated she is to her business.

If you would like to be featured in one of our blogs, please go to our Contact Us page at MenageriePhotography.com and tell me more about you and your business!

 

 

Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio 5 Easy Exercises Daily Routine

5 Easy Ways to Fit Exercise into Your Daily Routine – From The Photographer

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Going to work, taking care of the kids, the house and the endless items on your daily to do list can be exhausting.  Our days are very busy and it can seem impossible to find time to exercise. Whether you are exercising to lose weight, get toned or just to build your energy, here are five ways to add a little more exercise into your daily routine. These are things you can do without having to carve out special time to go to the gym or buying expensive equipment to use at home. 
Menagerie Photography Connecticut Boudoir Studio 5 Easy Exercises Daily Routine

#1 – Use the Stairs

Whenever possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator.  This is an easy exercise to build into your daily routine. Studies have shown stair climbing burns more calories per minute than jogging, as well as helping to control weight gain and building muscle tone.

 

#2 – Going the Distance

Instead of hunting for the closest spot to park near the store when shopping, pick the farthest parking spot and walk a little further. Take a walk on your break and at lunch to keep your metabolism moving especially if your job includes sitting all day.

 

#3 – Laundry Time

Though not too many people enjoy doing laundry, there are a few exercises you can work into this never ending chore to add some extra benefits. If you have a front load washer, do squats when you are taking the clothes from the washer to the dryer. Once the clothes are dry, set the laundry basket on the floor and do deep knee bends when taking each piece out to fold.  These simple steps give your thighs and butt some great exercise!  Remember to always be careful of your back when lifting wet clothes.

 

#4 – Doing Dishes

Try doing calf raises while you are washing the dishes.  With your legs hip width apart, rise up onto your toes.  Hold this position for 3 to 10 seconds then slowly lower your feet back to the floor. Do this 10 times then rest for about a minute before doing another 10. Great for toning your calf muscles!

 

#5 – Getting off the Couch

While watching your favorite show on TV, get up during commercials and try jogging in place or doing jumping jacks.

Are you a Netflix fan?  Many shows are broken into episodes that last 20 to 25 minutes. Try doing step exercises for an entire episode.

 

Each of these things may not seem like a lot on their own but when you add it up over a week, you will be surprised at how much extra exercise you have gotten.  If you do each of the items listed daily, using 20 minutes as your average time on each, you will have added  over 11 ½ hours of exercise to your week!