Hi Everyone!
First of all, THANK YOU! This month we celebrate 5-Years of Free Workouts since the start of BenderFitness! That is huge, and we couldn’t have done it without you! You guys have worked out with me through Graduate school as I went for my masters, through my first job as an Occupational Therapist, through my first NPC Bikini Competition, through my pregnancy, and most recently through the birth or my son and my postpartum fitness journey!
Cheers to (hopefully!) many more years of BenderFitness workouts!
If you already watched the video above, you know what my big announcement is. I have resigned from my full time position as an Occupational Therapist, and I am dedicating myself to BenderFitness. It might not sound scary to you, but it’s pretty scary/exciting/exhilarating/terrifying to me! This website, and my fitness channel is my passion, and being able to pursue my passion is a dream come true.
With the birth of our son, Jesse and I had to face some realities about how much time we have. With both of us working full time, filming/editing/uploading/blogging, making the time commitment to BenderFitness and being able to spend time with our son was not going to be possible. We sat down and talked about it and we decided to make the leap into pursuing BenderFitness as a full time career for me (and hopefully one day for Jesse too!)
It’s scary to give up a full time job, benefits, and a 401K, but I really believe that we can continue to make BenderFitness grow, and help people around the world live healthier lives. To help us achieve this goal I created a Patreon Fan Funding Page. It allows people to set up a monthly donation to help support our mission. We are not charging for our workouts. Our mission is to continue providing free fitness, but if you want to support that we greatly appreciate it. You can check out our page here: www.patreon.com/BenderFitness.
I also announced a collaboration with Rose from www.MyChangeforaTen.com We are doing a charitable Boot Camp to provide New Blankets to homeless people. Rose will be teaching one of my workout routines in LA on Saturday November 12th (more details to follow!) If you want to join her for the workout I will share the information as it is confirmed. I will also be doing a live broadcast of the workout for those of us that can’t make it to LA. If you want to donate a new blanket you can send it to:
The Monday Night Mission
Att: Sean D. Oney
601 South San Pedro St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
Thank you to everyone for the support!
Melissa
Congratulations on this new chapter in your life! I have been following you for about 2 years now, and YOU are the reason for my six-pack! It is amazing what home workouts are capable of. Thank you for all you do, Melissa!
<3 That's awesome to hear! Thank you!
I’m sure I speak for many others when I say thank you for sacrificing your financial security to continue to provide all of us with your fitness videos and advice! I just don’t want to imagine a life without them!
And my favorite type of workouts that I would like to see more of are weighted workouts that are at least 30 minutes long. I love using dumbbells and my T-Grip barbell.
Awesome! Do you prefer HIIT style weighted workouts, or workouts you can do for Reps?
Congratulations! This is such great news, I was hoping you would stay home with your little guy!!! From one stay at home mom to another you will NEVER regret staying home and raising your children. Sometimes we may have to sacrifice some indulgences but they are worth it. So proud of you for taking this leap of faith. Praying your business will be blessed! My husband and I love and appreciate what you do. Your workouts kick my butt daily!
Thank you! I am so happy to be able to stay home with him. I toured daycares, and my heart broke at the thought of strangers watching my baby boy grow and change. <3 Definitely worth the sacrifices!
That’s great Melissa! Congratulations! I’ve been following you for just about the whole 5 years. I remember when you had less than 1000 likes on your FB page! Look at you now!!
Good for you! I love your workouts! I think it’s so great that you’re following your passion
Congratulations Melissa! What you and your little family do for the internet community is fabulous. Wishing you great success in your new endeavor!
Melissa! This is such amazing and exciting news! I have been following you and your workouts for the past 4 years and I can honestly say that you have 100% transformed my life in a positive and healthy way. I am so very happy that you have decided to give BenderFitness a chance to grow and I will be supporting you and Jesse every step of the way. I think you will have much success with your new venture, your channel is unique and provides some of the best workouts out there. Thank you for all that you do.
Thank you so much!!! <3
Wonderful news. I love bender fitness !! Thank you for your commitment
J
I have to say I’m truely happy for you and this new journey your about to start.
You have a huge heart and I’m so happy for all you do for those of us who follow you.
Your son is blessed beyond words to have such loving parents that not only want to watch him grow up but who want to help push all us who follow you.
Your a true blessing Melissa.
I also would like to say you look AMAZING and it’s been nice to know that you don’t fret over being right back to where your validly had been prepregnancy.
Your an inspiration to all us moms out there!
Thank you for all you do
Thank you so much! 🙂
You change my life competely. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
I was about to say the same thing! I would love to see more weighted work outs, in particular, for arms. I think most difficult part of my body to gain muscle in is my arms. I would love to see what you have done to get your arms looking lean and toned so that I can achieve those same goals. Thank you!
Congratulations Melissa!!! It’s awesome to be able to focus on your passion and get to stay at home with your little guy. Thank you for everything you do!
Congratulations!
That’s a tough question. I enjoy both. But I’ll have to say I do feel like HIIT with 30 seconds cardio in between takes care of it all! I’ll be happy either way.
Yay!! So glad you decided to stay home with your little boy. I was wondering what you were going to do. I had my daughter in April and could not imagine anyone but me watching her. I also quit a secure job to stay home and it was best decision of my life. You think you know, but you have no idea how your life changes after you have a baby and we are all just doing the best we can.
Your workouts have completely changed my life and body and now that I am a stay at home mom they are perfect for nap time workouts. Thank you so much!
I agree with you. You think you know, but until you have your baby you really don’t. I was positive I was going to go back to work, but I can’t miss out on his life. Your time is the most precious gift that you can give someone.
Congratulations and THANK you so much! I found your site just this last March and have loved following along every since. I have 3 kids so your work outs are perfect for my crazy busy life! PLUS I don’t have to pay a gym and I get a fantastic workout with you (and my kids right there with me). Thanks to you I’m seeing changes in my body that I never thought could happen, especially after my third child! Yay we all appreciate you so much!
I’m so excited for you! I’m glad you get to be home with your son. Thank you for the years of workouts. I’ve really enjoyed them! I know that you will continue to be successful with the growth of your brand and website. Much love to you and your sweet little family ♡
Congratulations! Once you have a child it changes everything. You are so amazing and inspirational. I tell everyone to do your workouts. I have seen positive changes because of your workouts. Hoping one day to actually do a workout live along side you;) #randomfanguestappearance
I like that goal! 🙂
Congrats on transitioning to PRN. It is always hard, I know to worry financially if you are making the right move. I am also happy to hear that you are going to con’t the free workouts. I am a single woman, pretty much workout by myself at that gym, but love feeling like I am part of your and Jesse’s workouts. Kind of like you are right there next to me. Yes, during the week, I take my laptop to the gym and put on one of your video’s. The weekends, I stay here at my condo- lol. You two have changed my life in the past couple of years. I have realize more is not always a good thing. I used to work out for hours and hours, but now with your workouts I feel like I see better results and still have energy to con’t with my day, so thank you. I also love reading your stories and/ or watching your home video’s with Maverick and Jesse. I am so happy again to hear you will con’t with Benderfitness. I do believe you will go far!! I 100% support you and I will try to help as much as I can.
Thank you Erin! <3 I love that you take the workouts to the gym too!
Hi Melissa, Congrats such great news and Family always comes first! I work part time now with my little girl and another on the way, best decision trust me 😉 On what I’d like to see more of is weighted workouts(upper and lower) and a longer pilates/yoga workouts, maybe a 40-60 minute one Thanks so much for all you do, really appreciated
Excellent! Thank you for the suggestions! Congratulations and your growing family. <3
Good luck to you and hope BenderFitness will continue to grow , your workouts are simply the best! !!!
Yes yes Melissa!!!! Congratulations on your decision, I know it’s a big move but it’s sooo worth it, watching your precious baby growing up it’s priceless !!!!! I’m definitely going to participate to your patreon site, I’ve been following you for about three years now and I enjoyed every single workouts. I’m actually hoping that maybe you can put a diet together for us to follow and HIIT workouts with weights…what you think???again Melissa thank you love you and your little family. Angela
Thank you Angela! Putting together a meal plan is definitely on my to-do list. 🙂
What wonderful news!!! You are an inspiration and I have been following you for about 3 years. You are always a breath of fresh air and your workouts are excellent. I appreciate your occupational health background because your provide very balanced, achievable, yet challenging workouts. I happy to donate to you and you have my support! You rock!!
Thank you so much!
This is just the best news! A big congrats on 5 years, and for the new chapter in your life! I remember making the decision to stay home, and it was scary and we made sacrifices, but it was ALL worth it… And it’s when I found your channel! 🙂 I am stronger now than when I was in high school, and I have you to thank!
In regards to what workouts we’d like to see, I have to agree with this who recommended weighted workouts. Arms especially! I have larger arms for a woman (or so I’ve been told), which I’m proud of (who defines what’s ‘normal’?), and while they’re really toning up, I’d love to lean them out. I love your workouts with cardio bursts; maybe one for reps that has the bursts?
Thanks for all you do, and I’ll be supporting you guys all the way! <3
Thank you for the suggestions!
Congratulations Melissa! It is so amazing to pursue your dream AND stay home with Maverick! My husband stays home with my 2 girls, so we are big supporters of stay at home parenting. It makes such a difference iin a child’s life! I have been following you for about 2 years and I think you and Jesse are amazing! Keep upthr god work and thank you guys for what you do!
Marysue
Thank you always & the best of luck to you.
Yay! Wonderful news. I have been following your workouts for three years now and love them. I am constantly sharing your website info with friends and sharing your workouts. I am so happy for you that you will be able to stay home with your little guy!
Thanks for taking the leap! I’ll definitely be signing up on Patreon to support you!!
<3 Thank you!!!
Hello Benders.
Thank you for everything. I have been following you for almost 2 years now. I just gave birth to my third child and I feel confident I can bounce back physically with your help.
In regards to videos, I LOVE the variety, film what you love and feel like doing and that will translate to us.
I will be supporting you guys of course, because you have given me so much support.
I too left my full time job in health care after the birth of my second child, I have not looked back. There are many sacrifices but this time is so precious. Im proud of you, it is a scary move, you won’t regret.
Thank you so much! Congratulations on baby number three!
Way to go Melissa! I took the leap a couple years back with Shot of Adrenaline and its been one of the best decisions we’ve made! You can do it! Let me know if you need any help. My wife is a huge fan of yours’ so happy to help a fellow fit-preneur. 😉
That’s awesome! 🙂 I am open to any suggestions that have helped you be successful with your venture.
I wanted to add to my earlier comment, that I too love excirses with weights, but I fell in love with your website at first because you had so many body weight only routines. And that is why I recommend you to my friends that are just starting out. It is a great platform for beginners.
I’ll say it again, variety, do what you feel like doing Melissa and we will gladly follow along.
Congratulations Melissa and good luck for your future journey. The news is an absolute delight for you loyal followers.
Finding your blog has been life transforming for me. I have always been very passionate about fitness but your workouts helped me achieve what I wanted. Thankyou so much!!
Hi, congrats! I have been following your blog and workouts for a few years now after searching for HIIT workouts. Your workouts are amazing and have told everyone I know about your website. I’m so happy for you to be taking on benderfitness full time, I was scared you were going to announce you couldn’t do your blog anymore! I would love workouts that include a warmup, and changing up the kind of circuit, whether for reps, to time, weights, weights and cardio mix etc. A lot of HIIT are 50sec work, 10sec rest etc. but I really struggle to find circuits where you perform 4 or 5 exercises one after the other, then rest and repeat a couple of times before doing another set of exercises. I find they increase my fitness a lot quicker, burn bodyfat amazingly and are more intense. Low impact versions of workouts are also great. Thanks so much for everything you do, love checking in each day to see your posts.
Great suggestions! 🙂 Thank you so much!
Melissa!! I am over the moon happy for you guys! I started following you back in 2013 and have watched your blog grow over the years!! Thank you for all that you do! You’re an inspiration to others! I will happily support you and Jesse in your new adventure!!!
Congratulation on 5 years and good luck to you in the future. How exciting for you! All the best.
You are wonderful Melissa!! Thank you so much for your amazing workouts and good luck in your new adventure!! I too have been doing your workouts for 2 years and I tell everyone that I did not see major changes in my abs until I started doing your workouts!! Keep doing what you love and you will be successful!! God Bless You and your family!!
Congratulations! I am newer to BenderFitness but now I feel like it is my magic bullet. I can squeeze it in everyday and sweat like a machine. I am so happy for your success and I am excited to support you as you take on this new adventure! I love everything you post. I would love to see more circuits followed by rest periods – in rounds. If that makes sense – but i absolutely LOVE what you already do! It would just be a nice addition once or twice a week in a workout schedule. Also, because of you i am obsessed with peanut butter yogurt. so thank you!! and again – congratulations!
I have been following you for more than two years now. I would GLADLY send you donations in lieu of the gym membership I’m paying now for nothing. Congratulations on the ability to stay home with your son and to do what you love.
Grazie melissa per aver scelto di dedicarti a tutti noi un grande abbraccio vi voglio bene …
I cannot imagine where I would be without your free workouts. I have had significant changes to my body and am so thankful for your free workouts. Rest assured I will be happy to support you financially as I am able. This is the best fitness thing to happen to me ever!!
Congratulations Melissa on this decision, first let me say you are looking gorgeous as always, 3 months already since giving birth and look how sensational you look. I did the same thing after my son was born a few years ago and left my position and work from home while I raised him. Your fitness page is incredible and helped me get back in shape quickly after I gave birth and your program also helped me with my first competition as well. This is your and Jesses other baby and I know how passionate you are about and I know you guys will reach the stars here. You are loved and supported from Here in Canada and around the world.
Congrats Melissa and Jesse. You’ve been my go-to workout for a few years now, and I’m grateful to have you guiding me along in my basement a few days a week. Like many others, I feel like I know you a bit, so I was strangely excited when you announced your pregnancy, and it was fun to share that journey with everyone. Congratulations on this next chapter of your life. I’m thrilled to do my (little) part to support you because you’ve done so much to help support me. I love your approach, your warmth, your ‘realness,’ and I hope you can keep bringing your brand of awesomeness to these screen for the rest of us to share.
This is great and lots of love to you and your family!
I am doing your workouts on and off since 4 years. Maybe to have some suggestions thrown in for good measure, since I would love to do your workouts more again, i wanted to mentioning that I find the site a bit hard to navigate. I would love to have not too many Tabs for categories and maybe a workout Finder with several Filter instead of the tag cloud. A weekly schedule on the main page would be awesome too.
Congrats! I’m sure, that’s the right decision and I’m happy to support you! Concerning the workouts I’m totally happy with everything you do! A big hug from a very fit woman from Germany. 🙂
Congratulations Melissa!! I also made the decision to be a stay at home mom for my 2 girls, and I’ve never looked back. There is nothing like watching them grow and sharing their experiences with them. I’ve just recently found you and started working out everyday with you, which has been amazing, thank you for your time and generosity with what you share on a daily basis. What I’d like to see is more ideas for modifying some of your exercises. One example is squats — I do them as best I can, but because they bother my knees (prob due to my weight, which I’m working on!), I can’t go very low. Another example is side planks. I just don’t have the strength (yet) to even do them on forearms. So what I’m looking for are either modifications or some kind of substitutions for exercises that I don’t quite have the hang of yet. Thanks again!
Yay Melissa!!! Congrats to you on your 5 years!! best decision ever To stay home and enjoy your beautiful baby I’ve being following you for about three years now and enjoyed every single time, best workouts ever!! I was thinking about if you can put together a weight lost diet and more HIIT weight training workouts… what you think?? You look amazing, thank you for all you do!
Melissa, from all the way across the country in (soon to be) snowy Wisconsin I thank you! Your workouts are awesome, but better than that is your friendly, unassuming manner. From your cat to your baby to Jesse’s encouraging comments from behind the camera, you and your family are a pleasure to work out with and I have never used workout and pleasure in the same sentence. I’ve been working out with you for about a year now and am on day two of the 30-day ab challenge (really though, using only one leg to go from sitting to standing? Aaaargh I’ll be feeling that tomorrow!) Love even more that this site is free and I hope it always stays that way! To that end I am going to visit patreon.com/benderfitness and contributing, and I encourage others to do the same. ,
Bonnie,
Thank you so much for both your encouragement and your contribution! Both mean a lot. <3
Thank you from our whole family!
I am so excited for you and your new chapter just beginning!! I have been doing your workouts for the past two years of my life, and you’re the reason I was able to shed 40lbs in a matter of months. You’ve always been a huge inspiration for me, as well as a good motivator to keep going when things got rough (or busy). I can’t begin to explain the impact you’ve had on me not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. What you’ve done with Bender Fitness has positively impacted so many people and I know it will continue to do so, if not more, now. Thank you so much for all your effort and care for us!
Hi Melissa, Congratulations for your new bundle of life! I wish you the very best, I’m sure this will be for the best. I’ve been following your workouts for around 3 years now, and they’ve definitely been amazing for me. I think the existing catalogue of workouts actually covers a lot of different kinds of workouts so I don’t feel there is much more I want from that. However in the videos if you add the interval timer display somehow, that might be really useful, I’ve seen it on some other online workouts. Also sometimes the lighting in the room can seem a little dark, but I have no experience in making videos, so I’m not sure how that can change. Finally if you can add a low volume soundtrack, just to cover the monotony of silence, some people might like it. You could experiment with it and see what works and doesn’t work, maybe no soundtrack is better 🙂
I’ve been following you about a year and a half. For 5 days a week e do one of your exercices routine religiously. I love what you for all of us ♥ we are in this journey together ♥