Four Inane Questions with Wellness Warehouse’s Jill Boland
Courtesy of Jill Boland
If you’ve already abandoned your New Year’s fitness resolution, Jill Boland feels your pain. She’s been helping people get back on the workout wagon for more than 15 years.
As the owner and trainer at Wellness Warehouse, Boland knows a thing or two about helping newbies maneuver around a gym. “My fitness journey began when I was fifteen,” she says. “I started lifting with an Olympic weightlifting coach in my small hometown in Iowa. That’s where I immediately fell in love with the whole aspect of strength training, health, and its numerous benefits.”
Boland says half the battle is getting people psyched to get their sweat on. “My approach has always been to train/coach with positive instruction and motivation along with healthy and positive guidance on nutrition,” she says. “My philosophy is: the reason we work out is because of the love for our bodies. Working out is not a necessity of duty but merely a manifestation of this love.”
We caught up with the fitness guru after a recent personal training sesh to zing her with our zany questions. Looking back, we probably shouldn’t have brought a dozen donuts as a thank-you gift.
The Pitch: What’s your favorite non-swear swear word?
Jill Boland: “Son of a biscuit!”
I’m working on my “non-cuss” words and this phrase has become one of my favorites. Let’s face it—working in a gym, it’s easy to get a little colorful. And why not—it’s a gym! But now that I have a niece and nephew with little listening ears, I’ve been working on my expressions and trying to keep them a little more PG.
What smell/scent deserves to be banished immediately if not sooner?
Black licorice. I don’t know if it’s a scent, but if it is, I think it should be banned! I don’t like black jelly beans at Easter, either. I don’t know who came up with this flavor/scent, but it has to go!
Courtesy of Jill Boland
What holiday doesn’t exist, but needs to?
I would make a “Move Your Body” holiday. Everyone would have the day off with the idea that the day should be spent outside, being active, and working on their health. Suggestions include: having a picnic, taking a walk, trying yoga, or going for a bike ride. Anything to promote movement, self-love, and self-care while also highlighting the importance of movement.
If you had an identical twin, would you be the good twin or the evil twin?
I would most likely be the “good” twin. I chose the health/fitness industry because I truly love to push people to be the best versions of themselves daily—both inside and outside of the gym.
I tend to fight for those who are less fortunate and demonstrate to others to keep an open mind, see the big picture, and put everything into the proper perspective. At Wellness Warehouse, we welcome everyone and encourage them in a kind, accepting community. I think our members feel loved, seen, and supported here—so, I don’t think that would be the goal/vision of an “evil” twin.
Bonus 5th Question: If you were a pizza topping, which pizza topping would you be?
Mozzarella cheese! It goes with everything and everyone loves a good cheese that is versatile. And mozzarella is an essential ingredient in a good Margherita pizza—one of my favorite choices.
