I started working out after having 2 reconstructive knee surgeries (one on each knee). I was in college and had a lot of pain in both knees as well as in my back. I was a poor college student and did not eat well nutritionally. My body was suffering and I was in pain a lot. I knew that I needed to develop my quads and back muscles in order to strengthen my body to relieve the pain. I decided that I would join a gym and then began going between 5-7 days a week-I was addicted!! I have since been able to maintain my knee's health as well as my whole body. I am healthier when I work out and feel more energetic. I tend to experience pain somewhere in my body when I am not consistent with working out. Although life has changed a lot for me since I started (such as learning to hit the gym for stress relief in the midst of divorce and challenging me to "find time" with a baby), I have also learned a lot and love learning more about how the body works and how strong my body is! I am still addicted! And now I have two beautiful girls and a husband to continue to motivate me and push me. I do what I can for me but some is definitely for them as well! Gotta be a role model and a sexy wife! :)

I love feeling strong and inspiring my daughters to be healthy, too! I enjoy the confidence that I feel when I am in shape, with being able to do so much as well not feeling embarrassed by my body or limitations.