Jennifer Gardner
Since joining Class 80 of SEAL Team Physical Training in 2001. I have been more motivated to get up, get moving, and get involved on a daily basis than at any other time in my life. Fitness has always been a huge part of my life, as I started dancing at the age of 6. By the time college rolled around, I knew that sitting behind a desk wasn’t for me, and that dance and theatre were right up my alley. So, I majored in Dance Theatre, with a focus on performance and choreography in 1992 from James Madison University. I studied intensively at American Dance Festival at Duke University with Pilobolus, a dynamic company whose choreography incorporates grace and athleticism through balance, counter balance, and humor. Like most dancers, I usually worked 4 or 5 jobs at a time to make ends meet. During that time, I taught dance to 3-16 year olds and fitness classes for adults at the Capitol Club in Richmond, Va. Classes included Kickboxing and Maximal Effort, focusing on plyometrics, aerobic and anaerobic exercises, and strength training.
Finding SEAL Team PT has led to some of the most incredible experiences of my life. I’ve actually discovered that running is fun! I was in the back of the pack my first day, and now, even after having three children the first three years of my SEAL Team PT experience, my times keep improving. Recently, I took 7 minutes off my run time at the XTERRA and placed 3rd in the women’s team division. This spring, I ran the Monument Avenue 10K in 41:21, a PR placing me in the top 50 women and 3rd in my age group.
People always ask what kind of training I do outside of SEAL Team PT. The answer is “none”. I show up 5 days a week and focus on good form! Mountain biking and swimming are next on my list. Like John McGuire says, “It’s amazing what the body can do when you want it to.” My husband, Graham, has been a member since 2003 and is currently an assistant, and our children proudly participate in the SEAL Pups classes held in the summer. If you haven’t attended a workout led by Instructor Jennifer Gardner you are yet to experience one of our toughest workouts ever!
You can find Jennifer leading workouts mostly at 9:30am and 6pm.
