I've been an athlete my entire life. Growing up, I was a premiere soccer player, and a varsity track athlete. Unfortunately in 2007, I received a severe concussion that changed my life. Not only do I not remember my fresh year of high school and suffered from horrific migraines, but I had to give up the one sport I loved the most... soccer. Going through high school after being diagnosed with Post Concussive Syndrome was extraordinarily difficult. I had to readjust my entire life around my injury. Being told I could never play contact sports again was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to go through.

The summer after graduating college I got very very sick. I was in excruciating pain, I could barely move, and I kept gaining and losing 10 pounds over and over again with no explanation. I was misdiagnosed with everything from Hashimoto's Disease, MS, Lupus and as even told it was all in my head. I pushed through my freshman year of college and decided I wanted to take back control of my life... and my body. So, I hit the gym and picked up the weights. A year later I was finally diagnosed with Lyme Disease and went through two and a half years of grueling antibiotic treatment.

Lifting weights, and utilizing proper nutrition not only helped me recover more quickly physically, but it also helped me mentally cope with all that was going on with my body. Being extremely sick at 96lbs in 2011, I am now almost 30 pounds heavier, with a heck of a lot more muscle, and much more appreciation for myself and my body.

I documented my journey from the start through my blog and YouTube channel, in hopes that I could find other people going through similar situations. Instead, I was lucky enough to help inspire others to keep fighting and to keep persevering through their own difficult times. My readers, viewers, and the amazing people here on Bodyspace encouraged me to compete in my very first show at the age of 20 in 2013! I was just finishing my Lyme Disease treatment when I stepped on stage. Without the support and encouragement from this amazing community, I don't think I would have had the courage to take myself through prep at such a young age.
It's been three years since competing, and almost six years since I first started this lifestyle. So much as changed, and I'm so proud of how much I've grown in my physique, and also who I am as a person. I took these three years off to grow and really figure out who I want to be in the industry. Over the past year, I have been published here on Bodybuilding.com where I was able to share my story in more detail. I've also been interviewed by Real Talk Real Women, and I was also published in Shape.com.

Through these opportunities, I've been able to talk to, and even meet in person several of you, and hear your stories! Five years ago, when I was so incredibly sick... and stepped in the gym, I never would have thought I'd be here today. I've graduated college, am now a NASM CPT certified, and help other Industry individuals share their message of health and fitness through social media for a living. In these three years of growth, and the contact I've had with so many amazing people, I just want to continue being myself and helping others find their own health and happiness.

"I love the woman I've become... because I've fought to become her",

I may be young in this industry, but I love it... and I'm just getting started.



You can follow me on my other social media pages:

Youtube: www.youtube.com/taryngilligan
Main Blog: TarynGilliganHealth.tumblr.com
Instagram: @Taryn_Gilligan
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TarynGilliganHealth
Twitter:@Taryn_Gilligan

It's liberating. I feel like a total badass and it helps me feel more confident in my own skin. Instead of obsessing over the number on the scale, I care about PR's and my new gains when I look in the mirror. It's a sport where you are competing against your previous best and trying to be the best version of you that you can be.