Where it all Began

I spent my weekends with my dad watching World’s Strongest Man competitions during the time when Bill Kazmaier was king. I may have been young, but I envied the strength of those athletes - the way they willed their bodies to do work. I thought, “I can do that – and yet be feminine, too!” Little did I know women WERE doing that and more; just in a different way – through bodybuilding and physique competitions. I discovered this after picking up my first Oxygen magazine before college – but I was an athlete long before then.

Natural Talent

No stranger to competitive sports, and a tomboy at heart, I was raised by a competitive father who showed me I could do better – always. I also have two older brothers who were soccer studs and hated the fact I looked up to them, and secretly, or not so secretly competed with them. I grew up on the soccer field and volleyball court and was singled out in gym class to play on the boy's team - ah, can you say tomboy? :)

Getting Started

It wasn’t until after undergrad that I began being more strategic about my training. Although I participated in intermural athletics and maintained a high level of activity, I was more focused on academics and working two full-time jobs to foot the bill for my education. After landing a stellar job and moving to Chicago, I had more time to dedicate to my passion – fitness.

I quickly found that my presence and hard work spurred lots of questions from folks about the gym – many asked if I competed – I’d answer no politely, but knew it was only a matter of time. I had the drive; I just needed the right tools and knowledge to set things in motion.

After making the move from Chicago to Madison, WI in 2011, I focused that first year on my new environment and career - fitness didn't take the back burner, but priorities shifted slightly. Speaking to a new colleague about my interests is what ultimately set me up for great success through a referral to my coach, friend and now mentor.

After enlisting my coach, I set my first of many goals to step on stage in spring 2012 – not once, but twice. I switched up my diet and began lifting more strategically. As a result, I placed third in each of my spring shows as well as fall. And now, I'm hooked! I’m working independently and improving in my posing while fine tuning my physique in hopes to earn my pro card.

Affair with Fitness

I strive to be the best possible version of me – it’s a continuous improvement thing. Finding new ways to push myself and complement my training are part of my passion – whether it be something as small as switching up my grips, to training with someone new – I’m always challenging my body and what I perceive to be my limits.

Future in Fitness and Role Model

I also enjoy helping others – I’m humbled when approached at the gym or on the street, and pleased to chat up a stranger, or answer questions. I’ve found that my physical presence is inspiring – both to men and women – and that I’m approachable and relatable. My goal is to turn my passion and lifestyle into my career. My current daytime role, working in a very public position for a nationally ranked health system, puts me in a unique place to not only be a role model, but strong advocate for health and wellness as I interact with patients and physicians alike. I also advocate for health and wellness through various social media vehicles and have developed a strong rapport amongst friends, family and fans.

As I look back to what I accomplished in just one year, I realize I’ve only just begun. Stay tuned. Get ready. This is just the beginning.