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Fitness Corner: Diabetes no obstacle for getting fit
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Anonymous user Wed Nov 30, -0001 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments Northwest resident Jenna Widelock doesn't let her
diabetes get in the way of her dreams. Widelock is a
drama teacher at East High who teaches beginning and
advanced drama, literacy, and A.V. I.D. (Advanced Via
Individual Determination), a class for first
generation students who want to go to college.

“I have had these students since their
freshman year. They are seniors now and all of them
are going to college!” Widelock said. Yet, she says she is the
fortunate one because she goes to work every day loving
what she does and passionate about helping kids on the right path to success.

Widelock also works out like a workhouse. Diagnosed on
her 13th birthday with Type1 insulin-dependent
diabetes, Widelock has to exercise regularly and eat with
extreme caution. Her regimen is tough. Every day
after school, she trains with personal trainer and
Kelly’s Biggest Loser’s first place team trainer
Vickie Jensen of Fitness Connexion three days a week.

Between strength training and cardio, two entire days
of dance rehearsals and insulin injections three times a
day, Widelock says she pretty much lives and breathes
fitness. 

Did I mention Widelock and her entourage will
be performing at the Empty Space Theater at the end of
this month? Widelock, along with 15 girls and seven men, will
put on a one-hour long show called “Toulouse.” The play, based on a 1940s
burlesque show, opens Feb. 24 and 25. The show will consist of acting, singing and dancing.

Widelock defines burlesque through the use of the film: performing old
burlesque-style comedy routines, belly dancing and
men in old-style butcher-boy outfits selling trinkets
for 5 cents during the show. Some of the actors will
even arrive in automobiles from the 1940s era, putting
the whole atmosphere in a different place and time.
There will also be girls giving out strawberries and
glasses of champagne during the show! From the
moment the audience arrives and stands in line, they
will feel as if they are in a totally different era. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Widelock is also involved with breast cancer
awareness. The show, called “Titsling” and named after a
bra, is a new nationwide event openning this fall. Widelock will donate a percentage of all proceeds
to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a foundation similar
to the one of City of Hope that fights breast cancer
and researches cures for the disease.

Other credits include, “The Vagina Monologues,” where she sits
alongside Melissa Rivers at the Henry Fonda Theater
in Hollywood. The show is based on empowering women,
promoting a healthy lifestyle and exploring all human
culture.

“I received a standing ovation for my part of it all,” she said proudly.

What I admire about Widelock is her ability to
touch so many lives in the community, from young
adults at East High to the entire city of Bakersfield.

Widelock doesn’t let her diabetes become an obstacle in
her life. Remarkably, she says she just works hard
to fulfill her passions: teaching the young, inspiring
others, helping with cancer research, performing as an
actress, staying fit and sharing all of this with us!

Big shoes to fill.

Dear Readers:
I truly hope this article helps inspires you to become
more fit and active in our Northwest community. I
welcome any questions or comments regarding these
articles.  Please address all inquiries to: Gina Rolow,
Fitness4life@yahoo.com
Today's fitness tip: “Fitness is not a commodity to be
bargained for. Nor can it be swallowed in the form of
drugs and pills. It has to be earned through sweat!”
by Yoga Master B.K.S.I. Yengar.

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