I have always been interested in Bodybuilding. My primary muse/inspiration for getting in shape is, was and always will be Lisa Lyon. Between making babies and working (including Houston traffic travel time), I never created the time for it. In 2009 I joined a gym (again) with my youngest daughter. After a couple of weeks of not going, a trainer from the gym called my child and she wanted me to try it with her. So I did. This man changed my life! The best thing he did was make me realize how many times (in just an hour, I have never counted a full day) I say the phrases "I can't . . ." or "I would BUT . . ." His method for making sure I-GOT-IT? Drop and give me 20. LOL! It certainly made me aware and because we eliminated that right off, I was and still am amazed what I CAN DO. I love it . . .

I love being strong. I am not so much worried about the scale or how I look -- I simply love, love, love being strong. I also love the endurance that comes along with.

I worked out solidly for almost two years and then strained my neck while doing cable tree huggers on an incline bench. I knew the moment I did it even though there was no pain until the next day. Since then, I have days (every day at first) where the pain is incredible and it frightens me. I know part of this is that I am not working out. I know because I had knee and hip stiffness going on for a few years before 2009 and it went completely away within 3 months of consistent exercise. I am looking forward to being strong and back to being able to bench over 125 pounds. Yes, I could do that and it was the most motivating and empowering feeling in my entire life! I will do it because I can do it!