April 18, 2007
I am so proud of Carol! When all the SkyLab clients were weighing in with panicked looks on their faces, I was a bit smug. I knew Carol had lost weight. She had not only been training hard with me, but we were in constant communication via phone and text so I knew she was keeping up with the program. The scale showed she lost 1.5 pounds but her waist had already shrunk six inches! Let that be a lesson to NOT solely rely upon the scale as a good indicator of your fitness level.
I think it’s important that my clients have a good time during training, even while getting their butt kicked. Carol and I can laugh even after she takes a nose-dive into a snowdrift. You ROCK, Carol!!! And in case you were wondering, those green pants said “JUNK” on my butt. I celebrate having a little “Junk in the trunk.” If you want to sport a pair, go to junkpant.com, my new product line. You might as well have fun workout wear, right?
Comments
saundra wrote:
You RULE Zen!!!! Your brothers advice shows in your reactions and attitude. You were asked an episode back by one of the male trainers "are you next" (in Jackies daisey chain).... you'r NOT are you? ;) Keep up the GREAT work, luv watchin ya!!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Heidi wrote:
i love reading your blogs!!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Marnee wrote:
I have to agree with you 100% about the scale not being the only judgement on a persons weight. However I don't think that it would put 15 pounds on a person and I know muscle weighs more than fat but it would have to be a drastic change in that persons body structure to notice that result. keep up the good work!! :)
posted on April 18, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Mary Jane wrote:
Hey Zen,
Let me start off by saying I love everything about you on all the episodes. I guess I relate to you so much because I too, tend to laugh or see the humor in all tense situations to tied everyone over. I was alittle bummed that you didn't get your well deserved attention after the comedy show. The others just took over. By far I love watching you and Erica. You are both so real and honest. I am a 1st degree black belt in Taekwondo and have not trained physically in a couple of years. In my mind and life I still live the martial arts way. After watching the show and seeing all your beautiful bodies and yes seeing your Name!!! ZEN !!! Has made me start to physically train again. I am enjoying it and when I get down to the size I want (Due to determination) I am ordering some Junk pants. They look great on you. Thank you for inspiring me to do what I love the most . Train in the Martial Arts!!
XOXO
MJ
posted on April 18, 2007 at 12:45 PM
amanda wrote:
Zen, I think your great! I love and admire your attitude. I really enjoy watching the show. Keep on keeping it real!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 1:00 PM
Jenny (Florida) wrote:
I think you are amazing, beautiful and have a wonderful sense of humor, as a married Mom with 2 boys and 20 lbs overweight and getting more and more motivated by you and the show. Thank you! By the way, I think you and Gregg would make a great couple, I love both of your personalties and you are both beautiful people, Age is just a number! Take care!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 1:04 PM
Larry B wrote:
ZEN, u are a light. U are a very positive person who feels the room with your enthusiasm. I know that these funny situations-especially with Rebecca and Jackie-must be cracking u up. U have such a great sense of humour and seem to take everything in stride.
I'm not quite sure about SKYLAB as a business. It seems like Jackie is expecting too much too soon with her clients. Losing weight takes time. I was a wrestler in high school. My having to loose weight led to me having an eating disorder. (Scarf and Barf). People never talk about the guys having eating disorders but we do. Anyway, it takes time for some of these people to get into the groove especially overcoming there mental issues.
Finally, I want to talk about Doug. He was an amazing person. I know how much u cared about him. It sounded like while he was doing well in the hospital he got all your flowers which made him happy. He knew how much you loved him. He just wasn't lucky when it came to health issues. My thoughts are with you as the show progresses. I know it will be hard.
posted on April 18, 2007 at 1:07 PM
natalie wrote:
Your so lucky to have carol she seems to be the most motivated.
Your doing a great job with her.
posted on April 18, 2007 at 2:18 PM
Iowa wrote:
Zen,
carol rocks!!!! tell her to keep going she has the best attuided and she will win this. GO CAROL GO!!!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 3:12 PM
Sarah wrote:
You are my favorite trainer Zen. Your clients always seem like they are having fun, even when you are kicking their butts! You have such a great attitude and seem like you would be such a great person to be around. Keep up the great work with Carol, she is totally rocking!
Sarah
posted on April 18, 2007 at 5:12 PM
Chevy wrote:
GO ZEN!! You are such a delight to watch on the program; I truly respect the way you treat people and how you care for your clients and the staff. I am also so sorry about Doug's passing and I love the song you put on your my space an that is mine an my granddaughters song!! It says so much in it;s lyrics at least to me!! I am definately ordering some junkpants an I love them!! I wish I lived closer as I would definately want you to help me repair all my muscle loss I recently had with my recent illness which caused me to lose over 45 lbs down to 118 an I am 5'10".. Keep up the good work and you are definatley a great person to have on the Skylab team and you are npw one of hte only reasons why I watch because all the other mess with Rebecca an Jackie makes me want to puke as it is so unprofessional to say the least!! Take care and May God bless and Keep you!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 6:06 PM
Chevy wrote:
GO ZEN!! You are such a delight to watch on the program; I truly respect the way you treat people and how you care for your clients and the staff. I am also so sorry about Doug's passing and I love the song you put on your my space an that is mine an my granddaughters song!! It says so much in it;s lyrics at least to me!! I am definately ordering some junkpants an I love them!! I wish I lived closer as I would definately want you to help me repair all my muscle loss I recently had with my recent illness which caused me to lose over 45 lbs down to 118 an I am 5'10".. Keep up the good work and you are definatley a great person to have on the Skylab team and you are npw one of hte only reasons why I watch because all the other mess with Rebecca an Jackie makes me want to puke as it is so unprofessional to say the least!! Take care and May God bless and Keep you!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 6:21 PM
MaKenzie aka the Spudzter wrote:
Hey Zen... itz tha Spudzter once again... I jes wanted 2 tell u that I think u have tha best client in Carol out of all of them... She seemz 2 b tha most motiv8d out of all tha other clientz (especially Kiki)... I hope that u & Carol win tha contest on which client loses tha most weight...
posted on April 18, 2007 at 7:15 PM
The Kid wrote:
Zen,
It sounds like you should Open your OWN workout place..I bet you wouldn't date your employee...Gregg being a co-worker...alright not really cool but you are not the boss. She's suppose to set the example...
I enjoyed your time with Carol!! I thought it was funny when she fell in the snow...believe me...You would of had to pick me up tons of times if It were me!! She seems like a great lady and YOu are a great person to inspire her...Good Job!!
posted on April 18, 2007 at 7:37 PM
renee wrote:
yeah carol rocks for sure!!! she seems like such a fun person too - and truly a real hard worker and not afraid to do the work :) blessings to you both!! maybe you can start a "carol gasoline fund" for her and her long drives to skysport LOL
posted on April 18, 2007 at 10:17 PM
Angela wrote:
Zen,
I think you are a wonderful person and you always brighten up the room when you walk in. I also wanted to say how sad I was to hear that Doug passed on. I enjoyed the episode where the two of you hiked and talked about issues. You seem so sweet and I wish you the best.
posted on April 18, 2007 at 11:53 PM
Joe wrote:
Hello Zen,
You have a great attitude and you are the best looking girl on the show.
p.s. its my birthday today! YEAH!!!
posted on April 19, 2007 at 3:16 AM
danielle wrote:
Zen,
I love the Junk pants, what material are they made of? Do they shrink?
Also, I just wanted to say of the female trainers you seem to be the most centered and grounded. Like being on the show and being the center of attention doesn't totally consume your life.
Also I really like your response in the episode where you all had to measure body fat. When Jackie read yours you said, something like well this is the best shape I've ever been in. Indicating that you weren't comparing your progress to other people's. That is something that has sort of stuck with me b/c I tend to compare myself to other people. You are beautiful and fit, and I think your personality makes you an excellent role model. If I lived in the LA area I would seek you out as a trainer! Also tell your sky lab client congratulations! It takes time to see real progress, but if she's working on her emotions and her weight, she'll see the progress she desires!
posted on April 19, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Joanie wrote:
Hi ZEN!
Your parents were pretty cool naming their daughter ZEN!
I too am proud of Carol. Food can be a source of comfort, and finding what else comforts you can be difficult but necessary to stop food from controlling you! Once in control of food its a smooth ride. The dedication Carol has is amazing. Please pass on to her I think she's the strongest in the group. It doesn't hurt having you as her trainer either.
Joanie
posted on April 19, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Dave wrote:
Hi Zen,
Will you marry me? Thanks...
posted on April 19, 2007 at 1:30 PM
Lexi wrote:
HeyHey
So i went to your website to buy a pair of "JUNK" pants but i cant find where i can buy them...its all just pictures...Where do i go??
lexi
posted on April 19, 2007 at 2:57 PM
Char wrote:
Hey Zen, love you're attitude! You're comments on the show and in your blog crack me up! Sometimes, when I'm watching the show, circumstances set me off with the giggles... and when the camera pans to you, you're also giggling at it (you're the only one sometimes)!
posted on April 19, 2007 at 5:17 PM
Maddie wrote:
Hi Zen,
Your the most normal chick on this show and I love your straight forward attitude keep up the great work and you definitely motivate me!
I saw you were wearing some sweat pants recently on the show that said PUNK on the rear...I want to purchase .........where did you find those??
THANKS!!!
posted on April 19, 2007 at 5:29 PM
Shele wrote:
Zen, you are without a doubt my favorite trainer. Your smile is so worth looking forward to in each new episode. I wish they showed a lot more of you, but then you'd have to act alot crazier like the other attention getters do. Just don't do it.
posted on April 19, 2007 at 6:16 PM
Laura wrote:
Zen! I really respect the way you interact with Carol and keep your cool when the other trainers are getting caught up with the drama. I don't know if you read these comments, but wondered what kind of bag you were carrying in the scene after Jackie called you all together to complain about the clients' weight gain. It looked very cool. Where can I get one?
posted on April 20, 2007 at 12:59 PM
brandon wrote:
hey zen...you were awesome at the retreat! total kudo's to you! your not letting everyone else's drama surround you, and that is awesome! ladies and gents, zen is the perfect woman! lol i saw the nose dive in the snow, it was kinda funny, if it would have been me, i would be laughing about it myself. how was the skating???
Brandon
posted on April 20, 2007 at 3:48 PM
KJ wrote:
Zen - You're the best! I watch the show just to watch your reactions and comments on all the craziness. And I love your style. Not only will my Junk pants be arriving soon, but I LOVE your red handbag. Who makes it and where can I get one?
Thanks for bringing some calm into the gym!
KJ
posted on April 20, 2007 at 4:15 PM
dvb wrote:
Zen!
you are my favorite! my friends and i love watching you and Erika- you guys are so classy and always keep it real! Your strong character has been an amazing inspiration -iv'e lost 11 pounds so far and started working out since ive started watching the show (this second season)
i will support your junk pant endeavor-theyre so cool!
God bless you
dvb
posted on April 20, 2007 at 4:56 PM
Nancy in minnesota wrote:
Zen,
Really enjoy you and Erika; very genuine and balanced.
Jesse, too.
Jackie is so unprofessional this season with Rebecca, I am so disappointed, may not watch next season....
keep the faith.
posted on April 20, 2007 at 5:57 PM
gabrielle wrote:
hey Zen!
I think you are hilarious and so sweet! I wish you were my trainer!!!! I love your attitude and your sense of humor!
I wish there was more about Doug. He seemed to be a wonderful person.
posted on April 20, 2007 at 6:00 PM
christina jimenez wrote:
I think your fantastic, the way you keep your sence of humar through the seriousness of a hard workout to the drama that unfolds in front of you!!!! Never loose that, we all need what you posses in our lives, I'm in your ring girl keep up the good work......Christina, Chino California
posted on April 20, 2007 at 8:47 PM
Nancy wrote:
Zen,
I just had a question regarding the training. I'm not a PT, but if I were working with someone who was very overweight and who was looking to see results on the scale, I would start off by doing mostly cardio with her, with maybe some endurance strength training. The clients seem to be lifting some pretty hefty weights, and I know that can add pounds. When they look at the scale, the disappointment can be so devestating. The other alternative would be to not weigh them at all, just check inches, as you mentioned. Why are the clients lifting the heavy weights and being weighed? Doesn't that make them feel bad and tend to have a negative effect on motivation? Just curious.
posted on April 21, 2007 at 2:38 PM
Krystle wrote:
I love your attitude on working out, i think that may be part of my problem is that I 1. rely on the scale and don't really see a change and 2. that I don't have anyone to work out with and make it fun...But latly I've been taking more walks with my dog, and that's fun because he needs it to... lol. Thanks for being positive and helping me do so as well.
posted on April 22, 2007 at 10:40 PM
Margaret McGregor wrote:
My brother got me addicted to the show thinking I would like Jackie, but the trith is that I get a total kick out of your humor. I thought the comedy skit you did at the Laugh Factory was a real hoot. Your Skylab client kicks ass and I'm sure you two will make the rest of the crew jealous. I cannot wait to see what wacky adventures come your way in the next few episodes. In the meantime keep on laughing...
posted on April 22, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Emily wrote:
WAIT A MINUTE! I just looked at your web page "Zen" and it says your name is Jennifer "Zen" Gray...and I thought that "Zen" was actually given to you by your parents. I'm not going to lie, I'm a little disappointed. :-(
posted on April 23, 2007 at 1:42 PM
Carly wrote:
You are by far my favorite member of the gym! I also like to use humor to help ease tension in situations and make the best of things.
It seemed like you were a bit nervous at your stand up act (I personally would've been terrified) but you still totally rocked, watching you on the show, your commentary on the situations with your co-workers makes me laugh out loud. So keep going with your comedy, because you are sooo funny when you don't seem to try to be!
posted on April 23, 2007 at 2:56 PM
Joy wrote:
Zen,
Love you on the show. Your wit is great. Love your commentary on whats going on in the show. You make me laugh.. The best gift you could give a person. Thanks!!!
posted on April 23, 2007 at 6:48 PM
melanie wrote:
O.K. now you need to write a book about fitness with all your tips and it could be funny too!
posted on April 23, 2007 at 7:05 PM
Cecy D wrote:
Zen
You are my favorite. I would love to have the show show more of you. I think you have the perfect shape and I would just love the have one just like it but boy would it take alot of working out. Keep up the good work you are awesome
posted on April 23, 2007 at 7:37 PM
Jen King wrote:
Zen..you are definitely my favorite on the show. Sense of humor is numero uno and you have it at all times. When things are getting crazy I watch for your reaction/comments on the situation because I know they're going to crack me up. And when the day comes that I can afford a personal trainer, you're first on my list.
posted on April 23, 2007 at 8:43 PM
Jen King wrote:
Just re-read your bio...you went to U of I?? Are you from Illinois? It's the midwest, down to earth sense of self that's so noticeable. You definitely rock..
posted on April 23, 2007 at 8:49 PM
erika henriquez wrote:
hello ladie how are you well this is the first time i send you a
comment and is just to tell you the I like you tips for work out
I working hard on the gym I gat 2 kids and you know is hard after we have kids specially if the kids waight what my kids waight am talking aboute 11pounds and 9 pounds and am 5.1
so what you tink I been at gym for 4 mont Iam not see no result
I doint diet am no the type of person how eat fried or suggar and I still don't see not result and am boute to give up so can you give me any sujestion please please am 24 years old am from miami am at college at north carolina I want to go to miami put I don't want to go like this now .........
posted on May 3, 2007 at 9:38 AM
Brian Fansler wrote:
Hi, Zen. I have seen a few episodes recently although I doubt I have seen all of them. I have not yet read your bio but I will later. To be honest, of all the trainers I think you are the best. I enjoy your insight, honesty, sense of humor, perspective, intelligence and modesty. I heard you are from Illinois? I used to live in Nebraska myself so I am familar with that part of the country. It is possible I may be moving to the LA area within the next year or two (I'm working on a promotion) so who knows maybe I will be your client in the near future. I really do enjoy the show and watching your progress with Carol. I exercise regularly myself although I do have a few pounds to lose and I realize most of that is nutrition. I also want to say I am very, very sorry about Doug. I was shocked when they showed that episode two nights ago, I was hoping he could pull through. Please take care and hang in there. Brian in Sacramento
posted on May 4, 2007 at 1:53 AM