I started training with my dad at home with I was about 12 years old. I was overweight and didnât fell good about myself. I then walked into the gym for the first time when I was 14 years old, training with my dad. I was immediately hooked and loved lifting. I was fortunate and was able to gain muscle pretty quickly. I was able to lose the weight and I competed in my first powerlifting competition that year. I was hooked. I have done many competitions since then and now have become interested into pushing my body my body in a different way by training for my first figure competition in April 2019 with my coach, Brooke Erickson.
I love everything about working out. The excitement, the anticipation I feel before a workout and the "high" after an intense cardio session entices me to keep coming back for more. The gym has literally saved my life in the past. To describe the gym as simply a "hobby" does not do it justice whatsoever. It's more than a hobby. The emotion you feel when you grasp the metal bar and set a new PR is beyond euphoric. Stress does not exist in the gym. Stress pours out of my body in the form of sweat and leaves my mind. Working out also is a creative outlet. You can create and mold specific workouts or diets to achieve a desired look. There are many sports involved with weightlifting as well such as Strong Man competitions, powerlifting, bodybuilding, CrossFit, etc. The gym is essential for my wellbeing as I am sure many others on bodybuilding.com can attest to :) :D