My life has been a series of ups and downs with workout, some years being much more consistent than others. I started back in the "Body For Life" days, then after I broke my ankle, and packed on 80 pounds I used an online website called EBody to help get me back into shape. Then...pregnancy! I seriously ate my feelings (and fears) during pregnancy and put on 125 pounds. Thankfully, I lost 95 pounds in a year, but then...boom! Second pregnancy, and with that one, gee, I only put on 115 pounds. After my daughter was born, I quickly realized that I needed professional help and hired a trainer at my gym. He taught me how to do my first pushup from my toes, my first pull up and how to do a handstand! (still working on that hand stand push up...) Through the power of kettle bells, functional full body movements and a Paleo diet, I am very happy to have the confidence to call myself a "gym rat". And I'm proud of it! Recently I've since started working out at a new gym, who will help me get ready to do a figure competition in March 2015. The trainers there have assured me that I am not in fact "fooling myself" and that I will be able to do it. So let the games begin!!!

I love bodybuilding and working out because at the beginning of EVERY workout there is a little voice in the back of my head that says "You can't do this" and at the end of every workout that little voice says "Wow! You did it." I am just learning what I am capable of, and I've been working out consistently for almost 3 years, but I know I have so much more to learn and that I am going to be able to do things that I never thought possible. Working out also helps me feel stronger and more confidents. I mean, c'mon, it takes a certain amount of confidence to be able to strut around in Lululemon gear! I also think that working out helps me with my self-esteem, because I always feel better after a workout and I know that I have accomplished something and that I tried my best. Oh yeah, I also love bodybuilding and working out cuz it makes me look hot. Just sayin'!