“There’s joy in the journey.”

26-year-old Breanna Foreman is the winner of our October 2022 Instagram Photo Contest. With the help of 140+ sweat sisters, The fit beauty won an exclusive PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT 11th Birthday Box, and her winning photo graced the homepage of our site for the entire month! So she stopped by to offer the inside scoop on how she began making waves in the health industry.

After graduating with a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Mississippi this past May, the Virginia Beach native and Old Dominion Alum kickstarted a career in her field while still finding time to inspire and motivate others.

Tell us how your winning photo came about.

After a busy season of life, the post-workout picture was about prioritizing myself again. I graduated with my Masters in May, moved, and started a new job within a matter of two weeks. This was about getting back to the things that make me happy, challenge me, and allow me to take care of myself. You are your longest commitment above anyone and anything – prioritize yourself.

Please briefly share your fitness journey with us.

Between tennis, volleyball, swimming, dance, gymnastics, and leisure activities (biking, walking, rec center/YMCA, etc.) – I was pretty active through high school. However, in my younger years, my doctor suggested that I participate in this program with a local pediatric hospital network geared towards obesity and chronic disease prevention for kids. I was relatively active and healthy, but I couldn’t figure out why I was there. It was merely prevention – at the time.

I started to attend more group fitness-style classes in high school through my undergraduate college years. I was so mesmerized by the energy and the support. It was truly a vibe. I watched women and men lead others through lifestyle changes and envisioned myself doing the same thing. I earned my first group fitness certification in the fall of 2017.

Currently, I hold 4 certifications, including personal training and health education specialist. I reached a point of understanding WHY I was in that program. It was to understand the challenges of lifestyle change and to help people from all walks of life through it. Today, I work in the field of public health in program development and research for a cancer survivorship lifestyle program.

We believe fitness + friendship = FUN! What is your favorite group fitness workout?

CYCLE! Cycle group classes have so much energy. I love it.

While working out is essential, so is eating the right foods. What is your go-to pre-workout meal? How do you refuel after a workout?

PB&J or fruit is a great pre-workout meal. I do a lot of fasted cardio so I tend to not eat much before workouts.  I usually refuel with a protein shake or smoothie, high-protein yogurt, or a wrap.

What is one item that is always in your gym bag?

You will always find gum or mints in my gym bag.  

What are your top 3 fitness Instagram accounts to follow?

1. @so_manti
2. @squat_university
3. @msjeanettejenkins

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m never good with these sorts of questions. Well, another reason why I love group fitness is because I’ve always had an appreciation for music and choreography growing up. I praise-danced in my church when I was younger and was later a dancer for my high school’s dance team. I danced all four years and was captain for two years. Still looking for ways to continue this in my adult life, so who knows, I may teach a hip-hop fitness class.

What are the top three goals you hope to accomplish in life?

I try not to set my goals by hard numbers like age, within x amount of years, etc – because life is full of surprises. Each year I focus on the habitual and behavioral things that I know will move me closer to my goals.

1. I aspire to continuously evolve and lead by example to inspire others to prioritize their well-being. 
2. Create a beautiful family and teach my kids how to be the best and most authentic versions of themselves in this crazy yet ever-changing world.
3. Build a career and life full of opportunities and fulfillment. 

What does PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT mean to you?

PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT embodies community and a safe space for women to learn and share information with others.  To feel seen, heard, and supported to do the things that challenge us to become a better version of ourselves.  The work is never easy, but doing it alone can be even more challenging.  Thank you for all that you provide for so many women and for their networks of family, friends, etc.

Since PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, what is your favorite deodorant?

• Dove Advanced Care Dry Spray – Cool Essentials ($7.48, walmart.com)
• Arm and Hammer Essentials – Aluminum, Paraben free ($2.98m walmart.com)

How can readers stay in touch with you on social media?

• Instagram: breannarachelle
• Twitter: Bre_Foreman
• Gmail: foremanbreanna@gmail.com

Here’s the link to sign up for my wellness education blog email list (launching in 2023): https://forms.gle/pVkKfRGdAUFwSRhD6

Wow, what a story! Hit the links above to keep in touch with Breanna, and let us know in the comments what you think!