The Fibers of Who I Am
In 2010, I embarked on an uncertain, self-guided weight loss mission that led to a nearly 70lb weight loss that took my body down 10 sizes. I am a mother, wife, sister, a military veteran, an Ovarian Cancer survivor since 2004 and a FIGHTER. I have had over 12 surgeries and 3 months of grueling chemotherapy to combat ovarian cancer. I was also a serial dieter constantly cycling on and off trendy diets. I stacked on pounds when I was overcome with grief from losing my mother to cancer [the very disease I was dealing with] days before my 40th birthday. The scale tipped over 200lbs. Not only is there obesity and cancer as part of my genetics, high blood pressure and diabetes are very concerning as I’ve lost several family members to massive heart attacks at relatively young ages. No one can outrun genetics. I was essentially writing my own death sentence if I continued down this path. Having lost both parents (my father when I was 16 and now my mother), I NEEDED to secure my future with my own son by choosing LIFE and fitness as my beacon of hope to my own life’s longevity. |
Goals Paved the Way
Consistency and working toward goals are the two cornerstones to my successful fitness achievements and overall weight loss. Achieving goals fueled me to do more than the numbers on the scale. My size and weight were direct by-products of my achieving MY goals. In the beginning, I set goals like committing to walking 1hr each day [no matter what], no alcoholic drinks during the week or things like being able to do full-fledged pull-ups and push-ups. As a new novice to exercise, these were BIG challenges, but I persevered. I quickly learned small victories lead to larger victories with my overall fitness and health. I used 5k, 10k and 20k races as my building blocks to build up to half marathons. I set out to compete in a bodybuilding show. As a result, I am in the best shape of my life and I am now a Top 10 NPC bodybuilding competitor. Who knew any of this was possible at 45 years old?! I also adapted clean eating habits that I could live with to cast out serial dieting. I slowly removed processed foods, limited alcohol and sugar and began to eat more lean meat. The hallmarks of my cleaning eating success are the savory meals I cook and not be overly restrictive. When food tastes good, I feel satisfied. Period. |
Motivation and Inspiration
I am you. As a working mother, I struggle to keep all the balls in the air, sometimes I don’t feel like exercising, sometimes I don’t want to eat nor cook healthy, but no matter where my life’s path has led me since 2010, I have ALWAYS remained faithful to the commitment I made to myself and my son and stayed on course to better health and fitness -- no matter what!. Fitness is My Way of Life Variety is the spice of my fitness life. I am constantly broadening my scope to reduce boredom and stay knowledgeable and current with the “new” trends in the fitness industry including: HIIT, Barre, Pilates, Kettlebells, boxing, TRX and bootcamp. You name it -- I've probably tried it! Today, I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer and the proud owner of 110% FIT. I am not like other trainers, I share my challenges and hope to shine that beacon of hope to motivate and encourage others to do exactly what I did, but their way in their own time. Become the VICTOR not the victim in your life! Don't you want to be a better you, FOR YOU?! I can help. Let's talk. |