I started my journey into fitness back in 2009, but didn't become serious until the end of 2011. I was always thin, but I wasn't strong. I wasn't active. As an ectomorph I could eat [terribly unhealthy food] and barely put on the pounds. When I hit my max weight of 130 I realized that even though my weight was healthy for my height, I was nothing but a fat, skinny person.

I began to follow along with streaming exercise DVDs on Netflix and then moved on to signing up for a half-marathon. I didn't even do a 5K first, I just threw myself in. I followed a training program and although I don't recall my time (it wasn't important and it wasn't quick), the rush of completing the 13 miles was addicting. From there I began following figure and bikini competitors and decide that at the beginning of 2012 I would not only lift weights, I would pursue a career in fitness.

One personal training certification and nearly 3 specializations later, I am moving towards making a full transition into the fitness field.

Working out, but lifting weights in particular, allows me to focus on myself. I've tuned into my body; how to engage my muscles and improve my cardiorespiratory system. Working out has given me a direction in life back to myself; where as before I was always seeking a direction from anything but me.