A Brand New Beginning...

It is said that success is the result of preparation meeting opportunity..

If you asked me two years ago where I would be at this very moment in my life, it would be nothing like I would have pictured it.  Everyone catches the "itch" to do something sometimes, but its very rare that this inkling to do something turns into a journey that will transform an individual so much that they are able to find their passion in life.  Fitness is my life.  I live, breath, and exist to transform myself and others into something better by the weight rack.  The iron has a magnificant power to move you in ways you may not even understand. 

As a child, I was a string bean and I graduated high school with my 5’3” frame weighing only 105 pounds.  As soon as I started partying hard in college with excessive amounts of alcohol and 4AM runs to fast food restaurants, I had gained more than the “freshman fifteen.”   Throughout college, my weight constantly fluctuated and I would lose a significant amount of weight, only to gain more than I had lost a few months later.  I can tell you about any fad diet out there- Atkins, South Beach, Special K- only because I have had first hand experiences with all of them.  Though I would spend hours of my week trekking miles on a treadmill in the gym, I would only reward my efforts by satisfying my sweet tooth.  As far as I was concerned, my gym’s weight room seemed off limits to me and a set of five pound dumbbells was substantial in my efforts to gain muscle.  By the time I graduated college with my bachelor’s degree, I was nearly 140 pounds and was physically and emotionally drained from the numerous yo-yo diets that I had been on, an emotional eating disorder, and the excuses that I always seemed to come up with.  I knew that I needed a change and I began aspiring to compete in a figure competition as a means to motivate me towards success. 

In January 2009, I began changing the way that I exercised and began eating clean with the help of a trainer at a local gym.  I began being able to lift heavier and heavier weight than I ever thought possible with her help and I felt my confidence soar.  I loved it!  I was devoted to eating clean and following my plan 100% and after four months I had gone from 28% body fat to a lean 17%.  I thought I was well on my way to getting on stage for my first figure competition, as was my intention.  My trainer and I decided I did not have the muscle definition that was necessary to compete as soon as I had hoped.  I knew deep down in my heart that it would take years of preparation before my first competition, which was not until April 2011.  Though it took me almost two and a half years of training before the show, I trained as hard every day as if the show were days away!  No excuses, no games!  Determination and perseverance can lead to great rewards.  Fitness has truly changed my life and my attitude.  After putting my excuses behind me, I am able to look in the mirror and see the beautiful, strong, confident young woman that has blossomed before my eyes.  I hope to share my experiences here in an effort to extend a wonderful opportunity to find yourself and create a better you through fitness and clean eating.  The world is yours for the taking!  Now go out and get it!