Meet Your Coach

NASM CPT, NASM CES, PNL1 CNC

Where I’ve Been

I was the “skinny” girl.  Even though, while I was growing up, society told us it was desirable to be as skinny as possible, I secretly envied other girls with more athletic bodies and feminine curves.  I was always involved in sports, but always felt that I lacked the strength that I needed to truly excel.  And let’s be honest, I ate like total crap because, why not if I could get away with it, right?

Fast forward to age 30, and it happened.  All of a sudden, my poor eating habits and lack of consistent exercise started catching up with me. I had thrown myself into my career, quality sleep was an afterthought, and I was constantly pouring from an empty cup because I wasn’t prioritizing anything for my own well-being. My mental health and self-esteem took a huge hit, and I started scrambling for ways to “get the old me back.”

I knew I wanted to be healthier, but I didn’t know how.

I remember what it was like to feel overwhelmed and intimidated by what steps to take to get started.  I spent years on-and-off dabbling in training and nutrition, largely because sorting through all the information and knowing who to trust and follow and learn from was confusing, and required time that I did not have.

I followed all the fad workouts, all the influencers.  I bought 6-week “Bikini Body” workout programs and the supplements that promised me less stress and better sleep.  I did the juice cleanses, starved myself when nothing else worked, then crashed and stress-ate all my comfort foods.  Gave up, felt defeated, and cycled back through again.  Each time, taking another blow to my self-esteem and questioning what was wrong with me that they could do it and I couldn’t.

I was taught that fat was bad.  Then, carbs were bad.  I was taught to feel shame for eating certain foods, and that all it took was willpower not to do it, which obviously I did not have.  I was taught that “skinny” = “healthy” and that your worth was dependent on aesthetics.  I was constantly chasing aesthetics, but never happy with what I saw in the mirror. And no matter what, I felt weak, tired, and disappointed.

I was powerless to operate without a direct support to reference, because I didn’t understand.  I just followed. 

All the while, my core everyday movements and improper exercise techniques were developing and perpetuating pain patterns, and holding me back from making any consistent progress.

Where I Am Now

Clarity came at the age of 36.  Following an epic struggle with post-partum depression and anxiety, I finally began prioritizing my well-being.  I took a step back and examined the mindset and limiting beliefs that I had about myself and about “health.”  I took it one step at a time, making small habit changes to prioritize sleep, reduce stress, and tune into how my body felt in response to food.  I pursued my certifications, first for training, then for nutrition, then for corrective exercise.  Most importantly, I discovered and defined my goals, identifying what was truly meaningful to me and what I actually wanted to be.

Healthy. Strong. Balanced. Free.

Now, functional, safe movement and core strength form a foundation for my personal training.  Essential lifestyle habits and nutrition concepts are prioritized.  Quieting the societal “noise” of expectations, and staying focused on my unique goals, drives me.  Modeling for my son what a healthy, balanced lifestyle can look like motivates me.

Now here I am, tiptoeing into perimenopause… a whole new adventure begins. But, I’m in a much better place to navigate it. What I’ve gained in my wellness journey is an understanding of what truly matters, and what actually creates change.  I’ve built an appreciation for what my body is capable of doing, and I continue to challenge it and watch it rise to the occasion.  This journey is life-long, and every day I become stronger for myself and for supporting others. I’m not content to just survive, I want to Thrive.

… Where Can I Help YOU Go?