I have never been athletic in my entire life. My muscle that I exercised most when I was younger was my brain, extremely competitive in everything mentally challenging, I excelled in academics, my career, and any goals I set for myself.

In college I was a very motivated individual in an academic program that was strict and competitive. I took the stress from the long hours of studying and project making into the gym. My first college boyfriend showed me how to work out. I have always been petite so working out and eating well was just the college norm for me.

It wasn't until after I had my first child 10 years later that I developed some health issues. While no one would ever call me fat - I definitely had fat to loose. I started working out at my local gym and in October of 2011 started to work out with a trainer. I pushed myself in both cardio and weight training. Before I had started I couldn't perform one push-up, my skinny fat days are close to being behind me. My workouts are intense and goal driven. I push myself mentally as I do when out of the gym. I feel more of mind-body connection then ever before.

First and foremost for the love of health. My desire to be healthy is much greater than my desire to look a certain way. I know that health and a stronger body will create a better life for me. I feel less stressed, more energy, more passion in life in general.

I would not be totally honest to say that there isn't a personal feeling of confidence from the way my body looks when I am in good shape. I love feeling that I can fit into my clothing and look younger and healthier than what I should look for my age.

As a mom the gym gives me time to work on myself. Not having to take care of the family, or the kids, or the housework, or my job for the small time in the gym gives me time to take care of myself. It's my little reward for me every day.