After a lifetime of inactivity, I decided to get in shape for my 30th birthday-- the best gift I ever gave myself. Since then, I've had the natural ups and downs that come with being a mom. I was a finalist in bb.com's 2011 Transformation Contest, which I entered 5 months after having my third baby (as a gestational carrier-- I'd previously had two of my own children). I've since had triplets, again as a surrogate. In that pregnancy, I followed medical guidelines and fought hard to maximize my weight gain for the sake of the babies. I weighed 220 at delivery, but successfully lost my pregnancy weight within 9 months or so. After 6 babies, I've packed up the maternity clothes and that chapter of my life. These days, I try to stay in the sweet spot of healthy and active, but not obsessive. Looking to spend a long, healthy life with my husband and kids.

It works. I love that with dedication and consistency, I can get results. I used to think I didn't have the genetics to be in great shape. That's garbage. There's no magic pill. It's all just hard work and stick-to-it-ness. I can do that.

I also love that it's become an important value in my marriage. My husband is a firefighter (and part of a technical rescue team) and fitness is obviously a crucial part of his job. I'm happy that now it's something we can enjoy together.