Sport Spotlight - West Orange Times: Jessica Porritt

For almost six years, Jessica Porritt has been working as special populations trainer at Roper Family YMCA. There, she helps people who struggle with a variety of medical ailments, including diabetes, arthritis and cancer. Previously, she worked in a hospital providing rehabilitation to patients. Now, Porritt now focuses her attention on helping her clients prevent medical problems.

Why do you enjoy helping people as a trainer?

I love working with the people here at the Y, and that’s especially important because we work with communities. I came from sick care as a clinic exercise physiologist, which was very similar to being a trainer, to health care.

Why did you decide to become a trainer?

Our world is changing to being more proactive. I wanted people to understand how to help prevent things from happening to their bodies. What I’m doing now is more meaningful than working in the sick care realm.

Did you always want to work in the healthcare field?

I’m a nurturer by nature, so it just fit. I also come from a family of nurses and physical therapists, but I didn’t want to go into that route. I didn’t want to work with people who didn’t already feel their best.

What motivates you to come to work every day?

The connection to the people. My clients are not just clients; They’re family members.

What is one tip you give to members?

Set goals. It’s not necessarily what they’re doing, but why they’re doing it. So if they know why they want to lose weight, the how will follow shortly after.

What is your favorite TV show?

Right now my favorite is “Chicago Med.”

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Probably the power to enlighten people so they could see their big picture.

What is your favorite sports team?

Anything Michigan. You can take the girl out of Michigan, but you can’t take Michigan out of the girl.