Healthy Faces: Meet Jeff Dodson
By Julie Perine on January 23, 2021 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
"Healthy Bridgeport" is comprised of health-concious individuals; the same group that served as the steering committee for Team .JPG)
Bridgeport in The Health Games, sponsored by Healthy Harrison. After winning the competition between cities, Healthy Bridgeport is off and running with a number of initiatives, all intended to make residents healthier. To date, a free health app has been launched and The Biggest Loser and 10% Takedown weight loss competitions are underway. Bridgeport residents who have at least 10% of their body weight to lose are encouraged to enter the 10% Takedown. Those who have 20% or more to lose are encouraged to enter The Biggest Loser. Thousands of dollars in cash prizes are up for grabs.
The deadline has been extended to Wed., Jan. 27 and all weigh-ins/body scans must be completed by Fri., Jan. 29. Learn more about Healthy Bridgeport and all of its programs HERE at the Healthy Bridgeport Web site.
Each Saturday, Healthy Bridgeport features a Healthy Face, someone who takes his or her health journey a priority. Today, meet Jeff Dodson. 
1. What's your favorite motivational/self-help book? I am not a huge reader, but I find motivation from workout programs I follow online. A couple of the CrossFit websites I follow, Competitors training and CrossFit Mayhem, offer short motivational stories to inspire you for the day's workout. I find 
however that most of my motivation comes from within. I am determined to stay healthy for my wife and kids. I want to be an active part of their lives for a long time.
however that most of my motivation comes from within. I am determined to stay healthy for my wife and kids. I want to be an active part of their lives for a long time.
2. Favorite Healthy Meal? Throughout the day, I tend to munch on nuts, fruits and vegetables, but for a specific meal, I would have to pick Salmon salad.
3. Favorite workout? I enjoy just about any type of workout...running, biking, lifting weights, high intensity, etc... which is why I enjoy CrossFit. CrossFit is challenging for any level of fitness and ideal because it offers variety. Each day is different, working all parts of your body. It fosters a very social and inclusive environment. Working out with others is ideal for encouragement and motivation.
4. How do you fit health and wellness into your busy lifestyle? It's simple, I make time. I sometimes workout in the morning before work. I also schedule extra time at lunch to workout. One nice thing as my boys get older is that sometimes I workout with them in the evening when I get home.
5. Favorite motivational quote? "If you don't make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness." -Joyce Sunada
6. How did your health journey start? I have always enjoyed sports and fitness my whole life. I played sports through high school and college and the love of fitness continued after my playing days. As I continued onto medical school, the role of fitness in health became even more evident. Certain genetic risk factors such as heart disease are prevalent in my family. I want to do as much as I can to combat those risks. I have also competed in several CrossFit competitions in the past. Planning for these gives motivation and a goal to work towards.
7. What are some easy tiny habits that you recommend people start with on their journey? The key is routine. Try to keep to a schedule as much as possible. This enables good those habits to form. Also find something you enjoy. Whether it's running, biking, swimming, hiking, CrossFit or whatever you choose, just keep moving. Once you become too sedentary, unhealthy outcomes result.
