I have always loved working out, ever since was I was in elementary school. My mom spent her evenings doing Richard Simmons Sweating to the Oldies videos, and at the age of 7 I loved to join in on all the fun. Physical activity was always a pleasure of mine, being that was a cheerleader all of my life and danced for several years after high school. However, after touring Japan in 2009 with my Dance team , The Chicago Hot Rox Dancers, I refocused my efforts and set my eyes on finishing school. During this time, I made the choice to become an ACE certified fitness instructor and I have been teaching group fitness classes part time for over two years now. Given my dance background, I fell in love with Zumba and have spent the last two years partying in my classes with all of my fellow Zumba enthusiasts. Upon graduating College this past May, I felt convicted about entering a fitness competition. I remember watching them on television as a child and thinking, "I want to do that some day!" Well, I think that day is near! I started lifting weights this past year and I am ready to take it to the next level. Bodybuilding.com is hosting the Cellucor Strong to the COR 6 week challenge and this seems like the next step for me on my path to become a fitness competitor. I am completely excited and honestly terrified (I mean who isn't scared of failing) about this challenge but cannot wait to start. I love working out but I have never challenged myself in this way. Regardless of the outcome, I know I will learn and grow so much in the next 6 weeks.

There is nothing better than completing a workout. I love to sweat, move and continually push myself. Working out is an outlet to release all the stress, pain, and frustrations of the day or the week. It gives me a moment to stop thinking and just DO! Yes sometimes it hurts (actually most the time) and yes there are times I want to quit and just go home (more times than I would like to admit), but the satisfaction felt after of completing a workout is irreplaceable. Results, strength, confidence, stress relief, relaxation, motivation..the list goes on and on.