I started my first diet when I was 13 (the slim-fast diet)... since then I have always been battling my weight. Finally when I was 24 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and started taking medication. Your thyroid controls your metabolism, body temperature, energy level, and many other important factors critical to weight loss. I lost 20 pounds and was so excited to finally have a normal metabolism. Two years later I started working out with weights to build muscle. I was content with my routine for a few years and when I was 30 I decided to work out with a trainer to get better results. Wow! I got toned and lost 25 pounds! What a difference working out with a trainer and having someone not only push you, but show you exactly the right way to move for the most effective workout and to not avoid injury. I had just about reached my goal weight. After a very tough year, both emotionally and physically (my medication stopped working), I gained all the weight back :-( In the meantime my sister trained for her first figure show and won first place! Her fiance also came in first place and won his pro card. I saw how hard they worked and how well it paid off! They are my inspiration to achieve my goal once and for all. I am determined to be successful again. I am on a new medication (one that works) and am more motivated than ever to get back to where I was! I am also working out with the same trainer who saw me to my goal. Lets do this!

I love learning... and bodybuilding is a world filled with a wealth of knowledge - from what to eat, to what supplements to take, to how to train, to how to exercise. I love reading up on new supplements, protein powders, diets and exercises. Its as if I'm in a my own scientific experiment, figuring out what works best for me. Also, exercise is something that relieves my stress and just makes me happy. The results are looking better, feeling better and being healthier - how could I not love it!