This week’s Meet a Member is Jenny Mosely who is originally from London and has lived in LA for two years.
How did you end up joining Brits in LA?
When I first moved here, my son was only six months old and my daughter two and a half. I was looking for resources of information and I found Brits in LA quite by chance. It was brilliant to discover there was a network of others going through similar cultural and transitional changes. I found it excellent for finding out places to go, general tips and it also provided a sense of a community.
What was your first impression of LA?
I found driving a completely different experience! Aside from the technicalities, I was used to a gentle wave and someone letting me into a lane back in the UK. No chance here, you have to be swift and aggressive when in your car, otherwise you’re not going anywhere!
I also noticed how many young and old people were incredibly fit, working out in parks or the beach. It inspired me to recertify in personal training with the US National Academy of Sports Medicine *(NASM) to be on the cutting edge of fitness.
Do you have a hidden gem that you want to share with us?
For a truly authentic Chinese martial arts training look no further than the Shaolin Temple on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. (13457 Ventura Blvd.) It’s an official branch from China run by Venerable Abbot Shi Yan Fan, a Shaolin warrior monk. I have a couple of other favorite spots including Paradise Cove in Malibu. It’s on a lovely beach and they serve great food. Serviced with loungers, fab cocktails and also great for families. If you’re looking for a peaceful oasis in the urban jungle, go for a walk through the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden’s on the UCLA campus in Westwood. It has a wonderfully diverse collection of plants from around the world.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Be patient, it takes time to find genuine friends, but there really are some marvelous people here.
Make the effort to go to the beach, you always feel good afterwards.
Get yourself a trainer. The RIGHT trainer is not just your coach, they are your educator, confidant, your source of motivation and encouragement. This will have a positive effect on all aspects of your life.
How can we find out more about you? What are you working on right now?
I’ve been a personal fitness trainer for many years and I’m a 35th generation Shaolin disciple, my dharma name is Shi Heng Feng. I train in martial arts, qigong and mindfulness. I teach at workshops/ retreats and private sessions as well as regular classes at the Four Seasons hotel in Westlake Village.
I also compose music for commercials and I paint.
You can find me on Instagram @MyBritishTrainer and my website is mybritishtrainer.com
