I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Growing up my parents introduced me to many physical activities and sports; ballet, gymnastics, cheerleading, track and field, and my personal favorite, lacrosse. Staying active was important throughout my childhood and teenage years. After high school I attended Coastal Carolina University where I was a member of the Club Lacrosse team (the college didn’t recognize the sport just yet). This allowed me to get exercise while having fun. However, just like any other college student, my body lacked the nutrition it needed between Ramen Noodles, fast-food and of course, alcohol. I graduated in May 2013 with my Bachelor of Art’s Degree in Sports and Fitness Administration. From there, I moved back home to Cleveland.

 

Once I moved back home I was not committed to a sports team like in college, so I joined a local gym. I’ve always been active in the gym, but little did I know from here out I would consider the gym my second home. I exercised 5-6 times a week, sometimes even twice a day. January 2014 I partnered up with a local trainer to start training for a Women’s Physique Body Competition. I trained hard for 3 consecutive months, and in March I took home 3rd place out of 14 amazing women. My first-ever competition and I was a Nationally Qualified Women’s Physique competitor. The feeling I had was amazing. I was in amazing physical shape, I was fueling my body with adequate nutrition, but there was just one piece missing, I was mentally drained. On the outside I looked amazing, but inside I was broken.

 

Post competition I took the summer off to enjoy food, drinks and get my social life back, so I did just that. I didn’t say no to going out to eat, I didn’t say to no happy hour, I didn’t skip dessert. Instead of finding a balance post competition, I binged for weeks at a time. This resulted in lack of motivation at the gym, where I was exercising maybe 3-4 days a week, sometimes only once a week. Prior to training I weighed 112, competition day I weighed 103, by November that year I weighed in at my heaviest ever, 122. That’s an increase of 10 pounds, purely fat, in a matter of 9 months. This may not seem like a lot to most people, however when you are 4'9 I didn't hide the weight gain easily. I didn’t look or feel like I was a Nationally Qualified competitor. I was insecure about myself. The muscle I did have was lost/hidden. The 6-pack I once had was definitely lost and covered by fat. I was down more than ever before.

 

January 2015 I decided I wanted to get back to training and compete again. I partnered up with another local coach to start training. This coach understood the fall I went through the previous year and was going to help me find balance in training and help me get back in shape. And he did just that. I was working out 6 days a week, twice a day. I had a totally different outlook this time. I was building myself up again, mentally, physically and emotionally. I competed in two more competitions; May where I took home 6th place, and June where I took home 4th. I found that this time around I was balanced with my training, making more time for me and a social life. I was actually having fun with my training.

 

That summer, post competition I found myself having a different outlook then last time. I was positive and wanted to continue a healthy lifestyle. I was active in the gym and still meal prepped. This lead me to study for my Personal Training Certification. Since my last competition in June 2015 I am continuing my own journey while helping other achieve their fitness goals. My ambition in life is to share my passion for living a healthier lifestyle while inspiring others to do so as well.