I played basketball since the 5th grade and would run to lose weight in high school. I joined the military at 18 and kind of just did what I had to do to pass the semi-annual fitness test, PRT consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, and mile and a half run. Not much else was required.
In 2005 I got really out of shape from drinking too much and eating too much and I was at an all time low. 185 lbs. At a tanning salon one day I saw a flyer for a personal trainer and she was all hard bodied so I called her up. I wanted to pass the Navy Diver PRT and possible change jobs to that. She trained me for 2 months then we became work out partners for 2 months. She taught me how to lift weights like a beast and I loved it.
I had my first child in 2007 and second in 2010. Just got back to the gym on August 2012.

I love working hard and feeling strong. I love seeing my muscles work and develop. It helps me to stay positive, be patient with my kids, have more energy, feel good physically (a lot less pain and inflammation).