I did dabble in weight lifting and fitness for the first time while I was still in high school. But back then, I didn't really know what I was doing, I just knew that I liked it. Then again around 2003, I worked out with my roomate who was a lifeguard at a community recreation centre. From there, I joined the YMCA/YWCA and started focussing more on lifting. In 2004, I took my Fitness Theory through the Y and haven't yet pursued completing the practicum side of if neccesary in obtaining accredition as a personal trainer. I did use the knowledge aquired to further catapult my interest in fitness and nutrition. In 2005, I really started taking weight training more seriously, training specifically towards reaching goals for myself. Shortly after joining a new gym in 2005, I met my fiance! We have both since changed to a new gym, as of 2008, and fitness and clean eating are very much a big part of our everyday lifestyle together. However, it wasn't until recently (the last few months) that I began a new journey of taking things to a new, optimal level, setting new goals and iron-clad determined to reach or even exceed them! This is the first time that I have really applied myself to diet and clean eating - more so than ever before and I can finally say that I now understand and beleive it when I hear that "diet is responsible for 70% of results." And "Great abs are made in the kitchen." Almost always a healthy eater, I never really concerned myself with calorie counting or macronutrient profiles. Now, armed with new information, I feel empowered to reach my goals and feel more in control of my outcomes! Wish me luck!

It makes me feel confident, at peace with myslef and okay with being in my "zone" for a while each day. I love seeing the results and feel as if I am an artist; my body the canvas or clay, that I am sculpting a work of art, a bit more each day, week, month and year. It also makes me feel happier, healthier and more at optimistic about all things, including aging!