Profile: Jamie Procknow

Multi-Format Fitness Instructor at Intentions Studio and the YMCA
How do you achieve work/life balance?
Achieving balance became easier when I realized it is actually OK to “drop the ball;” the trick was figuring out which ones are OK to drop. Attempting to “do it all” kept me from giving my energy and focus to the areas of life that matter most. If the laundry piles up and my hair went a few days without a wash but I was fully present to the people I love, that’s a win!
Weights, cardio, yoga — what is the most effective, in your opinion, and in what mix?
Diversity in fitness translates to well-rounded outcomes. I have only three absolutes: The workout must be safe, it must be fun, and I want to listen to awesome music while working out. I really enjoy formats that are a fusion of styles, it makes me feel like I’m checking off multiple boxes and maximizing my efforts in one workout.
What nutrition and dietary guidelines do you believe to be effective?
I absolutely love food. I have never been a “diet” person, I just cannot. I lack the mental fortitude to be that structured with food. Still, I pay attention to what I consume. I take an interest in my body’s responses to specific foods and avoid things accordingly. I know I feel best when my diet is rich with fresh fruits and veggies and the right amount of protein. I have worked hard to identify food that is both delicious and nourishing; I really don’t think that eating well requires deprivation or compromise.
What is your biggest health and wellness tip?
Never give up. Sometimes things throw us off our game, vacations/holidays, health setbacks, changes in our family or our schedule, etc. Make it a priority to regroup and work on developing a new health and wellness routine when necessary. When we prioritize self-care, we are better equipped to show up in the world as the healthiest and happiest version of ourselves.
How do you keep your family active and healthy?
We live with minimal technology. We don’t have television (no, not even Netflix). We live outside of town, so it’s not always possible for us to take advantage of the amenities Prescott has, so we have lots of physically engaging activities for our family onsite. We swim in our pool almost every day in the summer, we have tether ball, gaga ball (a “kinder, gentler” version of dodgeball), basketball, an outdoor motorcycle track, and more. Also, there is always work to be done around the property, which is the type of thing we tend to do together as a family to promote physical activity, a sense of individual accomplishment as well as unity within our family.