After college, when I started a sit down job and got married, I learned that I was not naturally skinny. I had stayed so active all the way through school that when I slowed down, I gained a lot of weight. I realized that I needed to be aware of what I ate and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body weight. I was able to stay within 10-20 lbs of my ideal body weight. During my first pregnancy I gained over 50 lbs, but was back down to pre-pregnancy weight within 10 months. After my second pregnancy I was back down to my pre-pregnancy weight in about 8 months. However, after my second baby, I realized that I didn't just want to loose the weight and be thin; I wanted to become healthy and fit. I got certified as a Wellness Specialist and love to continually read health and fitness magazines to learn more. I love the physiques of the women in the competition world and am working on sculpting my body and eating properly. I want to be a positive and healthy influence for those around me and especially teach my children how to live a healthy life.
Right now my kids are my #1 priority and they are a 24/7 job. I do my workouts at home while the kids are sleeping. I try to get in a good cardio session on our treadmill during nap time and then do some strength training or a little more cardio after they go to bed. Sometimes I don't get in all of the workout I would want, but I make sure that just because I don't have a gym doesn't mean I have an excuse not to get fit.
With a 1 year old and 2 year old there are plenty of days that I don't feel like doing anything (and somedays I don't). But when I actually get up and exercise, it gives me more energy and a great feeling of accomplishment and wellbeing. I'm proud to be the mom who stays active, who can get out and run with her kids, and who instills healthy habits in my childrens' lives.
Workouts is also a form of therapy for me. I'll often say I need to sweat out my frustrations. Exercise is my 'me' time, when I can clear my head and just focus on what I'm doing and what I'm trying to accomplish.
And of course, I love working out for the end result! Looking and feeling great gives you so much energy, joy, and a positive outlook on life.