I've always been active - gymnastics as a young child, track and cross country throughout high school, and joining my first gym at around that time.

My true start in bodybuilding/working out began in my 20s and my love for the gym consistently grew. I would say by 22 I was a consistent member of the gym community with a definite focus on what I needed and wanted to do in the gym. I was training for a triathalon so I did a lot of intense cardio supplemented with weight training. Now that I'm a figure competitor, my training fluctuates to accommodate where I am in my competition prep.

Bodybuilding and working out are things that we have control over in our lives. I love knowing that I can go to the gym, park or track and push myself through a hard workout and see results. I have never felt better about myself but know that there is always room for improvement. I think it's so rewarding to see the changes take place in my physique, and I know that I am living a healthy lifestyle. I can't imagine a life where working out didn't play a huge part in my plan.