About Us

Jennifer Russomanno, co-owner & creator of New You, has a background in a variety of areas. Born and raised in New Jersey, Jennifer relocated to Orlando, FL in 2007 and finally to Knoxville, TN in March of 2009. She has a background in corporate event planning, party planning and fitness event planning in addition to her passion, personal training and life coaching. Jennifer has a Bachelor's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and also holds a personal training certification through the National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) as well as a group exercise instructor certification through AFAA with a specialty certification in indoor cycling.

Jennifer's Personal Journey

I have never been considered "fat" in the physical sense. Ever since I was young, I was always active - from soccer to field hockey to basketball to softball, there was always a practice to go to or a game to prep for. Even though I was never heavy in the physical sense, as I got older, food became a major part of my life and eventually controlled it. While in high school, I went through a rough patch in my personal life. I felt like everything in my world was spinning out of control. Amongst this craziness, the only thing I felt I could control was my weight and my eating. I became obsessed. I watched every calorie, every carbohydrate, every ounce of fat that went into my mouth until I finally reached an unhealthy weight of 105 lbs. I was officially anorexic. Through the help of my friends and family, I was able to overcome this demon in time and get my weight back up to a healthy level. Little did I know that a few years later, I would battle a much larger issue with food that still plagues me to this day.

During my senior year in college, I had a lot on my plate as all budding graduates do. Finishing my senior thesis projects, deciding my career choice, handling an internship and keeping my honor student status proved very overwhelming to me. Again, as I did earlier in life, I turned to food as comfort, this time in the opposite direction. With life again spinning way too fast, I found solace in eating. Eventually I found myself turning to food instead of friends...hiding my overeating from the people I loved most. In my own mind, as long as I looked okay and maintained my status as a softball star, no one would be the wiser. I would skip parties and outings with friends in exchange for pajama pants and a gallon of ice cream. This behavior eventually led to weight gain, depression and an overall negative attitude about myself.

After graduation, I started turning less and less to food, still having the occasional bouts of binging. As they say, old habits die hard. Living alone, every time I felt stressed or hurt or sad, I looked to food as my comfort, and there was no one around to tell me not to or to distract my focus. It was nothing for me to sit home on a Friday night while all my friends went out with a bag of Cheetos and a good movie.

It was only about a year and a half ago that I decided that I was worth more than what I was doing to my body. I took control of the situation and started dedicating my life and career to helping others overcome similar feelings and emotions. I got certified as a personal trainer and have discovered my passion in making others realize that with physical strength also comes emotional and mental strength. I still struggle sometimes with emotional eating, but I have come to realize that food cannot and will no longer dictate my life. I chose to share my story with everyone because I am now happier and healthier than I have ever been. My goal with this company is to help others do the same and make people realize that if you are having the same issues, you are not alone.

Personal Accomplishments
Completion of numerous competitive endurance events including:

Springbrook Sprint Triathlon 2009
Disney Marathon 2009
Disney Half Marathon 2008
Rutledge Half Marathon 2008
Minnie Marathon 15K 2008
In-training for multiple triathlons in 2009/2010

Jennifer is also a 2008 Inductee into the Fairleigh Dickinson University Athletic Hall of Fame for softball.

Kim Bryant, co-owner of New You for Life is a Senior Family Counselor and holds a Masters degree in clinical social work. She dedicates her time to helping families and children overcome emotional and mental problems preventing them from living the life they deserve. In addition to her clinical work, Kim is also an accomplished potter in the Knoxville area, with her work showcased in several galleries in Gatlinburg, TN.

Kim's Personal Journey

I was always an active person, playing sports and riding horses were my passion for as long as I can remember. I never struggled with weight as a child and even into early adulthood, I managed to maintain a healthy weight of 110-130 lbs while eating whatever I wanted. I was happy and healthy with two wonderful children and took for granted that my life would be that way forever.

However, in 2004, at the age of 34, I suffered a heart attack. After the attack, I was informed that due to a congenital birth defect that was never discovered, permanent damage was done to my heart. I was given a maximum of 3-5 years to live. I was devastated. Suddenly, my seemingly perfect life came to a screeching halt, and in an attempt to appease my depression, I turned to food as comfort. Over the course of a year, I lost track of myself and gained 100 lbs. Fast food was my solace - eating it for almost every meal, along with my favorite beverage of choice - Coca Cola.

After years of unhappiness, I finally decided to take control of my life on February 29, 2008 - leap year. It was my final attempt, my leap of faith. I dedicated my life to eating right and working out. I said goodbye to fast food and cokes in exchange for grilled chicken and veggies. My focus switched - I was no longer going to sit and wait to die. I wanted to live...and live life to the fullest. By August of that year, I had lost 65 lbs of the weight I put on and my prognosis from the doctor was hopeful. He no longer put a timeline on my life. I had won back my control.

That year, I began training for and completing endurance events. My first triathlon was in August 2008 and I haven't stopped since. According to my original diagnosis, I was not supposed to be alive in January 2009. Not only was I alive and well, I completed my first marathon that month. Today, I am back down to 140 lbs, happier and healthier than I have ever been.

I wanted to share my story in hopes that people realize you can overcome any obstacle in life. I don't know where I would be today if I gave in and said "I can't." I know I CAN and I WILL continue on my path of health and wellness and hope my story inspires you to do the same.

Personal Accomplishments
Completion of numerous competitive endurance events including:

Springbrook Sprint Triathlon 2008 & 2009
Numerous local 5Ks, 8Ks and 10Ks
Disney Marathon 2009
Rutledge Half Marathon 2008
In-training for multiple triathlons in 2009/2010