Right after I had my daughter, I was determined to get the body back I had pre-pregnancy so I did the only thing I knew how to do, which was run and do some callisthenic exercises I had acquired from Army physical training.
In the months following, I met the love of my life while on duty. We started going to the gym together; however, as we walked through the doors, we went our separate ways- he hit the weight room while I decided to continue on being a cardio bunny. Yes, the cardio and light exercises helped me to progressively shed the baby weight, but then I just felt thin and quite honestly, bored of the same treadmill routine every passing day.
It wasn�t until I saw Jamie Eason on bodybuilding.com when I became inspired and intrigued by the fitness world. I remember telling my boyfriend, �Oh my gosh, I want a body like that!�� �Well, you�re not going to get it with you being on the treadmill all the time,� my boyfriend replied. I knew he was right. I wanted something more challenging for myself; I wanted to transform and embark on something I�d never done. I desired to live my life with passion for something; I wanted to feel empowered, live a long healthy life. I wanted to be an example of will-power to my daughter, and something worth telling my grandkids about. I felt drawn in and so excited; I knew this journey was meant to be so I decided to run with it and gave it my all.
I began to immerse myself in research. I was intrigued by this newly found lifestyle and the more knowledge I acquired the more motivated and determined I grew. I began to eliminate the bad things out of my diet like bread, sugars, alcohol, fast food, etc. then I started following Jamie Eason�s meal plan. Instead of spending time on the treadmill, I decided to head for the weights with my man. He encouraged me, motivated me, and opened my eyes to the benefits of lifting heavy. I soon discovered that the cleaner I ate and the harder I trained, the better my progress came about. With every month that passed, I began to see the great changes in my body that motivated me even more.

Once I had a taste of what my body was capable of achieving, I made the decision to one day compete. I picked a show and committed to it. Taking that step gave me the motive and drive to push myself even harder. I knew that I wanted to be the best on that stage and I refused to look like a fool up there. Deciding to dedicate myself to a competition was one of the best things I�ve done for myself. It truly helped me in develop and strengthen my discipline and will power.
I look back now and I can�t believe that I thought doing countless hours of cardio was going to help me obtain my dream body. I�m so grateful that I was able to realize that the heavier I lifted and the cleaner I ate, was going to help me succeed in my fitness goals. I couldn�t imagine not taking that step in committing to this lifestyle. I�ve not only grown stronger physically, but I�ve discovered myself and have gained mental strength as well. I�m happier, healthier, and have something to strive towards and be motivated about.
I love this sport because it has completely transformed my entire life for the best. Now I can utilize my success to give back to others through inspiration!