Each week, Healthy Bridgeport features a "Healthy Face." Today, we feature Leigha Randolph Trippett. Read below to learn all about her and what inspires her healthy lifestyle.
Tell us a little about yourself, your family, what you do here in our community, etc.
I currently reside in Bridgeport with my two incredible children, Martina (5) and A.J. (7), and our dog Stevie Nicks (10). I’ve had the pleasure and opportunity to teach fourth grade, for the past five years, at Simpson Elementary School. Currently, I am pursing a master’s degree in School Counseling through Marshall University. As a family, we enjoy exploring the local treasures that our community offers including walking and hiking trails, riding bikes, and exploring nature.
1. What is your favorite motivational/self-help book?
I have to pick just one? My favorite hobby is reading, and motivational books are my desired genre. My new favorite is Untamed by the incredible, Glennon Doyle. I also continuously refer back to The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer, and #MaxOut Your Life: Strategies for Becoming an Elite Performer by Ed Mylett.
2. Favorite Healthy Meal?
I enjoy grilling and eating fresh vegetables and chicken. However, I am currently obsessed with the Cobb Salad from Winnie’s Café, located in downtown Bridgeport. Also, I’m ecstatic about the abundant sushi selection at the newly renovated Kroger, at Eastpointe.
3. Favorite Workout?
Yoga is my favorite workout. It was truly enjoyable to attend the outdoor yoga sessions, this past summer, at Hinkle and Deegan Lake. I enjoy running with my MOMSQUAD running group in the summer months. Lastly, Cardio Kickboxing, on Saturdays, at WVFITNESS 24 is a class that helps me unleash my inner fitness warrior.☺
4. How do you fit health and wellness into your busy lifestyle?
I have learned, for myself, that in order to do the things that I am obligated to do on this Earth well, it is essential to have a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Those three things are the pathway to ensure the success of my every day. To ensure a healthy mindset, I read a lot of nonfiction and motivational books. I practice positive affirmations throughout my day, and set SMART goals for myself.
To ensure a healthy body, I try to consume nutritional and healthy foods. I try to avoid processed or packaged foods as much as possible, and instead eat various fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. I set a SMART goal for myself to move for 25-30 minutes a day whether that be walking, running, a fitness class, yoga, or practicing sports with my children. Lastly, to ensure a healthy spirit, I read daily devotionals in the mornings and evenings. I pray repetitively throughout the day for strength and perseverance.
Anything I want for my children in their health journey, I have to want for myself, and model it for them.
5. What is your favorite motivational quote?
“When you complain, you remain. When you praise, you raise.” -Joyce Meyer
6. How did your health journey start?
I have always strived to live a healthy lifestyle since I was young. It wasn’t until my children were born that I realized my purpose for living a healthy lifestyle. After my children were born, I taught a group fitness class called R.I.P.P.E.D. for about a year. I then became passionate about running and joined the local group, the Bridgeport Road Warriors to help with motivation and support. Together we ran many races, involving the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon, the Run to Read Half-Marathon, and the Steelers 5K. Last summer, during the pandemic, close friends and I decided to form a running group, MOMSQUAD, to get our kids out of the house to play together while we took turns running around the City Park. I try to implement yoga, a couple times a week, because it is the only workout that I’ve found that helps me work on my mind, body, and spirit.
7. What are some easy habits that you recommend people start with on their journey?
-Practice positive affirmations throughout your day.
-Take control of your day instead of letting it take control of you, by setting SMART goals for yourself.
-Drink plenty of water.
-Move your body as much as you can.
-Reflect on your accomplishments for the day by journaling.
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