I’ve known (and sweated) with Jenea for quite some time and didn’t think I would need to give her a call to chat about the intro I would write, BUT I DID. Recently, Jenea began teaching for BODY ROCK, which in the fitness world is a MASSIVE accomplishment. She filled me in that she followed the Body Rock account for 3 years, tagging and trying to get their attention. She kept pushing her craft of creating and recording workouts on her own account and was finally asked to start teaching on Body Rock! On top of sweating with clients on a huge platform, she’s impacting our children’s future as a local teacher, instructing at RISE, and raising 3 kids. My favorite part is that Jenea is not afraid to be vulnerable about her infertility story, and shares it openly in hopes it’s someone else survival guide on how to navigate through that struggle.
Jenea couldn’t line up more perfectly with our next speaker series being “Resilience” : Its just not in her nature to give up.
Read her story below, and then follow her @castanzaj.fit <3
-Danielle
What made you start or brought you where you are today ? Tell us your Story. What makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe?
I grew up at my parents Karate School- spent my weekends watching them run classes, kicking butt, and inspiring people. I always helped out where I could, mostly teaching the 3-4 year old classes. I have always had a passion for teaching and loved working with children even at a young age. I babysat a lot and taught at our local gymnastics studio during high school. I also coached Little Cagers Basketball and assistant Varsity Basketball. Once it came time to choose my college major, elementary education was a no-brainer! I was lucky to land a job at my hometown district AND the elementary school that I attended as a child. It’s even more special to me now that my daughter is here and I get to see her in the halls throughout the day. I truly love my job and meeting all the wonderful families in this special community. As for the fitness side of things, my mom actually competed in tournaments when she was pregnant with me… I guess it all started there! As I got older, I loved watching my mom do her workout videos at home- always amazed at how strong and beautiful she was (I still feel that way now!). From there, I began doing more organized sports. I’ve always been athletic (and competitive) and sports were fun for me. I’ve run 5ks, half marathons, and my husband and I ran the full marathon together too (won’t be doing that again anytime soon!). I got into working out more officially when I was in college. I still enjoyed running and sports but began lifting and learning more. I loved the changes I saw in my body and the strength I felt. After college, I did my first HIIT style workout and became obsessed. I love the high-intensity training and how it makes me feel like Wonder Woman! Pilates also became a staple in my training post-college. I started teaching at a local pilates studio which was my first real experience in the fitness industry. Once my daughter was born, I started posting my HIIT-style workouts to my instagram in hopes of inspiring others on their journeys. From there, I started teaching at a different studio which allowed me to work in my HIIT and spin classes, along with pilates. Then, Rise Fitness Studio was born and I truly felt at home! I love working at Rise because we are always looking for ways to be present in the community whether it’s by marching in the Holiday parade or fundraising for charity events. It’s the perfect combination for all of my passions: teaching, fitness, and community. I also recently started filming workouts for the fitness company BodyrockTv which is really exciting for me as I’ve followed them for over 10 years now! My favorite part about teaching both in the classroom and in the studio is watching the lightbulb moment… that moment when someone realizes their potential. It’s so rewarding and motivating and keeps me coming back each and every day.
Who are your favorite people to follow ?
My favorite accounts to follow are people who are genuine. Aside from my family and friends, I also enjoy accounts that are informational and beneficial. Social media can be wonderful for ideas, motivation, and making connections, but it can also be a dangerous black hole for comparison, jealousy, and false advertising. I choose to fill my feed with people who are real, authentic, and positive.
What are your favorite things to do in the area ? Buffalo and greater WNY
Oh, so many things! Hamburg is such a great place to live and I spend a lot of time staying local. I love our village and community. My favorite thing to do in the area is to walk around through the beautiful village and pop into all my favorite shops and restaurants. T. Boutique, Main and Downing, Molly and Kate, Grayhart Boutique, and Nigh Road are some of my favorite places to spend all my money! I also love eating or stopping for drinks at the Grange, Prima, Alchemy, and Juicy. In the mornings, Spot Coffee and Comfort Zone are sure to give me my daily boost of caffeine. Of course, I spend a lot of time at Rise Fitness Studio both teaching and taking classes with all my favorite people. During the summers, I enjoy walking the kids through the Farmer's Market and attending all the festivals and events. Being a teacher in the district is fun because I get to see a lot of my little kiddos and their families around town too! When we do venture outside of the village, we love to take the kids to the zoo and, now that they’re a little older, we’re looking forward to exploring Canalside and Chestnut Ridge more this summer.
Tell us about your favorite collaboration or dream collaborations ?
I love collaborating with small businesses and like-minded individuals who are fun and creative and truly just want to make a difference. One of my favorite parts about working in an elementary school and at Rise Fitness studio is the opportunity to reach so many people and to continue to build up this already amazing community.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
If I could have coffee with anyone in the world it would be my father. My dad unexpectedly passed away when I was 11 which left a hole in all of our hearts. I would love to see him again and hear his laughter even if just for a brief moment. I would introduce him to my amazing husband and 3 beautiful children. I would sit back and watch as he interacted with them and just take it all in trying to savor every second. My parents owned a martial arts school growing up (my father’s dream), and I still have people come up to me and tell me how influential my parents were and how much they had impacted their lives all these years later. It means so much to me to hear stories about my father from others. I enjoy passing on those stories to my children and strive to build a legacy like he did.
What are your hopes, dreams, goals. Big or small?
Personally, my goals are to raise kind, happy children and to be there for all their moments-big and small! I want to continue to grow in my marriage and to show up as my best self every day. I want to model hard work and compassion and to be a positive role model for those around me. Professionally, I love my job teaching 2nd grade! I am constantly working at bettering myself and finding new and creative ways to engage the students in my classroom. As for the fitness part of my life, I plan on continuing to further my education and certifications. I love getting to know all the clients that walk through the doors at Rise Fitness Studio and appreciate them trusting me on their fitness journeys. I have a big dream to get fully certified in pre and post natal fitness and to help women as they venture through their pregnancy journeys.
Tell us about your family?
Oh man, how much time do you have?! My family is my world. I’ll start with my roots: I come from a large Italian family who all mostly live in Hamburg (we lovingly refer to ourselves as “The Blob!”). My nana and papa created a beautiful legacy and my aunts, uncles, and cousins mean so much to me. My mother is one of my biggest cheerleaders and also the strongest person I know. She raised all 3 of us on her own after my father passed away- oftentimes putting her own hopes and dreams aside in order to ensure that we had everything we needed. She advocates for my brother in order for him to receive the services and support he requires as someone with special needs. She is a positive light to anyone who is lucky enough to have met her. My sister is my best friend and it’s been so fun raising our children together- they’re all little besties too! My brother is one of the coolest kids you’ll meet and could easily be mayor of this town. He has battled so many things in his life but continues to grow stronger from it. As for my own family, I could not be any more blessed. My husband and I have been married for almost 12 years. We met through mutual friends at the Buffalo Gus Macker! I married into a wonderful family and my in-laws are a blessing. My husband is one of the hardest working people I know (he gets it from his awesome parents) and is always putting our family’s needs first. After years and rounds of infertility, we now have 3 beautiful miracle children. Our daughter, Arianna, is 7 and is a creative, strong, kind-hearted soul. She loves school, books, and art. She’s the best big sis to her brothers! We also have fraternal twin boys who are 2. Luca (“Baby A”) is a little loverboy who enjoys snuggling with our dog, Zoe, and anything related to cars and counting. Kai (“Baby B”) is our wild child, always laughing and on-the-go but when he finally stops and gives you a hug, it’s the best. The boys love books, police cars, fire trucks, and wrestling with their big sissy. Our children make life fun- it’s always an adventure with the Smith Crew and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! <3
FEEL GOOD FAVORITES
Restaurant in Buffalo: The Grange Community Kitchen
Color: Blue
Super Power: teleportation
Animal : Monkey
Season of the year: Summer- early fall
Favorite thing about Buffalo / WNY: The community! Also... go Bills!
Photo Credits : @Kevy_schwertz / Under The Old Willow / Sak’s