When I was in college, I tried to move my mattress around in my dorm room. It was too heavy and floppy and I made a hole in the dry wall. I had to have it fixed. It was then that I decided I wanted to become stronger. I started lifting in the schools weight room.

I love the way it makes me feel. I love seeing progress. I love muscles on myself and others. I love being strong and healthy. I have been lifting for a long time and have seen fads come and go. The thinking has also changed. Back when I had my first two children, women were discouraged from lifting because the blood would be diverted to your muscles instead of the baby. By the time I had my younger two, women were highly encouraged to lift and to continue running. I have always admired the bodybuilding women of the day, but because of priorities and personal knowledge, I did not become as muscular as I am today. Now that my children are grown and I have the time, I have hired trainers to help me achieve my goals. It is so exciting to have my trainers encourage me to compete because they see my potential. I am getting closer to feeling like perhaps I will compete. I am definitely a gym rat!!