Jolene Matthews Bio: Who IS this chick?
Jolene Matthews is a renowned and nationally known certified Group Fitness Instructor/Dancer, Model , Celebrity and private Personal Trainer.
Some of her on-camera work includes hosting the “AbCoaster”, “The Secret To Winning Beauty Pageants” DVDs and has made a variety of appearances on such shows as FOX Morning Show, Comedy Central, & Saturday Night Live. Jolene was also on-air for the #1 radio station in New York City “Scott and Todd” Morning Show doing movie and concert reviews. Jolene also writes her own column weekly called “Lifestyle and Trends” where she discusses a variety of wellness topics.
Through her unique personal program and philosophy, Matthews is beginning to establish herself as an authority on health and wellness issues, beginning with her own company called ‘Addiction Fitness and Wellness’ – and not just because many of her clients claim that they become addicted to their workouts with Jolene! Matthews’s goal is to turn the general population from negative addictions to positives ones through being both physically and mentally strong. “It was an issue in my family growing up; but, recovering from it has given me an added appreciation for
everything I’m teaching. I think in a very real way it strengthened my commitment to life, to myself and others with a much needed visual portrait for those who suffer from food, alcohol or any kind of addiction.” In the process of becoming a licensed Alcohol Counslor/Interventionist for people who suffer from the brain disease of alcoholism, Jolene also specializes in turning the lives around of those who have suffered from childhood traumas.
Other charitable organizations that she is greatly involved in: Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Animal Rights and also founded “The Page Family Foundation”, which provides meals to needy families who are living a life of active recovery and sobriety.
My Story of Recovery-Back From a Fatal Disease:
Hi, I am Jolene Matthews and I am a nationally known certified Group Fitness Instructor/Dancer, Model and Personal Trainer. I love inspiring others through fitness and wellness! As an avid athlete, I enjoy teaching all formats: Boot Camp, Spin, Body Sculpt, Weight Training, Rebound, Bosu Cardio, Body Pump, Cardio Kickbox and Zumba and Cardio Striptease Dance. A former Miss New York and an Alumni of SUNY Oswego, I have been awarded Oswego’s “Graduate of the Last Decade” award and Top 40 Under 40.
Through my volunteer work, I have received several honors through Disney and ABC Inc. I am EXTREMELY outgoing, and love making people laugh! My most important attribute is that I am honest and caring. People tell me that I have a heart of gold…that means so much to me!
I have always considered myself driven, hard working and a positive role model. That all changed about 2 years ago.
I was born in London, England and came to America to live the American Dream when I was a child. The family we left behind was mostly on my mother’s side and alcoholic. My grandparents died that way at a very young age. Way too soon. I hate to admit it, but I used to look down on them and judge them harshly. I couldn’t understand why they refused to stop drinking! Little did I know, they didn’t have a choice.
Two years ago, the gene of alcoholism manifested in me but I was in denial. I did not think I was like that half of my family. I thought I was better and much more successful. After a two year battle of trying to control it on my own, I realized that I lost the war. I couldn’t stop the addiction on my own and it got so bad that I thought I was going to die that way. I went into treatment and learned all about the genetic brain disease of alcoholism and am now living a full life of recovery!
I was also able to finally grieve over the issues I faced growing up. We didn’t have a big family to begin with, and not too long after we came to this country, my father abandoned us when I was 12. I never allowed myself to care about that trauma in my life. Instead I stuffed it down, and became bitter with hatred to him. (That is a still a work in progress). However, I learned that we need to deal with loss or loss will eventually deal with us.
Today, it’s my turn to ask for forgiveness from the family I criticized so long ago. They were unable to get the help they needed. I was the lucky one! Living my life by the spiritual program of the 12 steps is invigorating to me. I am so much kinder to myself. I don’t push myself as hard as I used to to be the best at everything- looking for love, approval and acceptance from others. Now, every minute of my life feels like a prayer and I am happier than I have ever been.
Most importantly, I am rigorously honest about my program because I don’t think living a life of sobriety should be kept a secret. I want to create awareness that will change society’s stigma on this disease. So many people tell me that I don’t look like an alcoholic. What is an alcoholic SUPPOSED to look like? That’s the negative belief in our culture.
I am so grateful for the supportive relationships I have in my life, especially my husband. He stood by me at my worst and gave me the
opportunity of a lifetime by getting me into a good treatment facility at Hazelden. My husband is the only man in my life in so many ways.
It used to be a struggle to settle down into this relationship and trust it completely with my abandonment issues. Subconsciously, I didn’t trust in
unconditional love- having watched my own father turn his back on us 22 years ago. However, my husband is patient and loving.
We are embarking on the next chapter of our lives by trying to get pregnant with our first child… finally, my very own family!
Learn more about Jolene through her website and be sure to follow her blog ! You can also follow her on Twitter .