MY STORY

So, wondering what inspired me to follow this passion of mine? Curious how I got to where I am today? Here is (the short version of) my story.

Yes, the short version. And I do have a long version (let me know if you'd like to read it!). I promise my posts will not always be this long - but I did feel it was important to give you all a solid background of where I am coming from.

I've always been an athletic and active person. Growing up, I played just about every sport that you can think of - hockey being the most prominent. I never paid much attention to what I ate, and didn't have to when I was burning hundreds of calories a day in practices and games. Exercise was fun and easy, and (I didn't know it yet, but) I was learning a lot of tools and habits that would come in handy later in life.

Then came college. I was no longer playing sports and no longer part of a team. The sense of camaraderie and ease that came with sports and exercise was gone. I realized quickly that if I wanted to stay fit and be healthy, I was going to have to work for it.

I struggled for a little while, but eventually I found a passion for group fitness classes. Through these classes, along with some running, creating some of my own workout programs and eating (relatively) healthy, I was able to get into the best shape of my life in the months leading up to my wedding in 2010. I felt and looked great and was so happy.

Fast forward a year later. I was struggling with pregnancies and miscarriages, and found myself in a pretty difficult time in my life. It took a toll on me mentally and physically, I stopped taking care of myself, and it showed. When I finally got pregnant with Lily, I was terrified to work out in fear of miscarrying again. I did minimal exercise the entire pregnancy, and ended up gaining 45+ lbs.

By the time Lily turned one, I had shed a lot of the weight, but still had that "last 10 pounds" to lose. I was motivated to get back into shape and take my body back. Clearly, there were bigger plans for me instead - I got pregnant again a few weeks later.

Pregnancy with Cameron was much different. I exercised regularly and had a toddler to chase around. I felt so much better. But in the end, pregnancy still changes your body and once I gave birth I still had a lot of weight to lose to get back to my "normal" self (which, at that point, I was wondering if there even really was a "normal" anymore!)

Over the past year, I've had a lot of trial-and-error in finding my workout niche. With our lifestyle, along with juggling my duties as a stay-at-home mom and with a husband that is gone quite a bit, it's hard to find one set exercise routine that works year round. It takes some creativity - and a lot of motivation and persistence - but it is possible. I've finally found a routine that works great for me - and have finally shed the extra baby weight and seeing numbers on the scale that I have not seen since the year we were married(!!). I feel great and am finally able to carry myself with pride once again. I actually have energy to keep up with these two kiddos now. I am proud of what I am eating and not ashamed and trying to hide what I ate for dinner last night. I have finally found my 23-year-old- happy, healthy, fit self again. I feel empowered to make great, healthy decisions for me and my family. I feel like I am 100% myself, for the first time in a LONG time.

I've always had a passion for helping others and am so excited to combine this with my passion for fitness and health. I feel so strongly about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and want to help others achieve their goals and find this passion as well while being a positive, motivational mentor and friend along the way.