Like so many women out there I wasn't first or even second on my list ... so my weight went up and my fitness fell into the dumps. I had neglected myself and my body after having my daughter and getting divorced. Overwhelmed with working and taking care of my daughter, I was depressed and ate emotionally. It was so bad that when the doorbell rang my little toddler would yell "pizza" - even if it was a neighbor or the mailman! Truth was I didn’t even think about nutrition or my health – and what kind of example I was setting. A few years deeper and heavier, a friend dragged me out to a kickboxing class. It was really the first “exercise class” I had ever done. I was hooked. It felt so good to sweat AND to punch that bag!!! I felt all my life frustrations and disappointment put right on that bag and I let it have it. It was so freeing - I could let it all out and when class was over - I was tired and slept like a baby. My energy levels went up and I started to feel better about everything. I did that for a year or so and lost tons of weight and got my fitness back, but I wasn't satisfied. I wanted more than to just be skinny! I had lost the weight and got my endurance up, but I just looked thin. I met my boyfriend and he introduced me to the world of bodybuilding. When I met him I was clueless about my diet. I didn’t eat nearly enough protein and my caloric intake was way too low. I joined 24 Hour Fitness gym (my first gym membership) in April of 2009 and haven't looked back since. I got my diet on track and started to build muscle! I joined your site and made my profile and I have now adapted into the bodybuilding lifestyle. It has affected everything in my life including my daughter, who if asked, can tell you what foods are protein, carbs and healthy fats. She is proud of her Mom and brags about me to her classmates. She practices poses and uses the treadmill :)

Nobody can take fitness away from you – it isn’t a fancy car or a material possession. It does not cost anything – just your own commitment and dedication. It returns nothing but gains in every aspect of my life. I love learning new things. Every experience at the gym is an opportunity. Every meal is an opportunity – it fills life with positive opportunities to grow in every way. I love inspiring others and energizing people to change just by living my life. I don’t have to say anything – just by my actions – change happens. It is inspiring and life changing.