When I moved out on my own at 17, my healthy diet and exercise habits were basically non existent. We ate out for every meal, partied every night, and got essentially zero exercise. I eventually became depressed through all of it. One day it hit me that I didn't need medication to help with my anxiety, I needed a healthy life style. At the end of September 2012, I started running around town and doing plyos up in my room, and began researching all aspects of fitness. I joined a gym that October but basically only did cardio. My best friend had joined a different gym and got help from a personal trainer for a couple weeks, and I eventually ended up switching to that one and that's when I really became dedicated. I was also training to try out for cheerleading for the college I was transferring to (didn't end up making it) & ended up losing about 15-20 pounds. I kept it off but after try outs in May 2013, I kindof let it go. I enjoyed my summer probably too much, but still kept my diet fairly clean. Then in the fall is when I really started to lift. I gained a ton of muscle that quarter, sustained a clean diet, but didn't keep my clean habits up on the weekends ever which kept me from reaching my goals. Then Christmas break came and I definitely let everything go down the drain haha. But now I am turning that set-back into a comeback, & I am so ready to make these changes and finally reach my goals!! I will never forget where I started.

I love it because it changed my life. I went from being a sad teenage tragedy to a confident young adult. Even though I haven't reached my goals, this past year of making exercise and clean eating a priority has made me a much happier, productive person. I also love it because I love doing things everyday that most people don't. I love to push myself.