My Own Story
There is rarely a day that goes by that I don't get a comment from some random person assuming I have always been in good shape or 'wouldn't know what it's like to be overweight'. Little do those people know, I have been overweight, underweight, and every weight in between.
Don't believe me?
The photo on the left was me in high school. I was overweight, unhappy, frustrated, and wasn't sure how to change. The photo on the right was taken in 2014, after years of progressive training.
I started losing weight my junior year of high school on my own. My dad won a gym membership at the local fitness center at a charity auction, which he gifted to me. Little did he know, that one gift would ultimately change my entire life.
Fast-forward two years, and I decided after one semester as a music major in college to change my entire path for what I really loved--health, fitness, and nutrition. I also earned my very first personal training certification at this point through Baylor Sports Medicine Institute.
I chose nutrition as my major area of study for a few reasons. Nutrition baffles everyone. There are so many aspects to nutrition as a science, that I knew I had to learn more. I loved learning how our bodies actually process different foods, and what we use them for once they are broken down. The human metabolism is an amazing thing.
I also chose nutrition because my own father was slowly deteriorating from late-stage colon cancer. Part of my educational endeavors were to find out why our bodies develop cancers, what we could do to prevent it as much as possible, and if what we ate had anything to do with the development of cancerous cells. We were very blessed to have my father come through his cancer alive and well.
During my father's cancer battle, I found it very hard to emotionally sort my feelings out, and used exercise as an outlet for control within my life. At this point, I struggled with disordered eating and excessive exercise disorder, both of which were used as a coping mechanism. I got down to a all-time low 97lbs at this point. Ironic, right? Here I am, studying nutrition, but struggling to be healthy myself. It isn't uncommon in the people who choose nutrition as an area of study, honestly. I was very lucky to have found help to face my fears with the lack of control, as my father was healing, which also allowed me to heal and move beyond my obsessive behaviors.
I spent the years after graduating from college in the medical field, working specifically in physical therapy, rehabilitation, orthopedics, and diagnostics. I learned so much from the professionals I was around over those years, most of which I was able to apply to my training programming to benefit my clients.
In 2012, I decided to compete in my first bodybuilding competition. While this isn't something that is right for everyone, I wanted to really challenge myself to transform my body into the best shape I'd ever been at that point. It was definitely a 'different' experience, and I learned so many things from that point in my life.
(Training for my first show in 2012)
Since my first show, I have found an amazing coach, Cliff Wilson, who has helped me to adjust my methods of nutrition specific to competitors, and really helped me to develop a physique that I never thought I would be capable of achieving. Without Cliff, I doubt I would have competed again after 2012.
(Left: 2012 show-125lbs; Right: 2016 show-116lbs)
I decided to devote my professional life in the industry that had my heart the entire time around 2014. Though I had been training during all those years, I knew my calling was to help others achieve their best health through proper exercise and nutrition.
I can't say that my work ever feels like a 'job' because of how much I absolutely love what I am doing now. Those who work with me will tell you how passionate I am about teaching everyone I can how to become healthier. My level of empathy and understanding is far greater for all the struggles I have personally encountered.
So, there you have it. You now know my background, my experiences, and why I want to be the best I can be for each and every client I work with, now and in the future.
And to every client I have ever worked with, or continue to work with today: THANK YOU. Thank you for allowing me to do exactly what I love so much on a daily basis. Thank you for trusting me with your health, knowing I will only provide you with the absolute best workouts, information, and results possible. You guys and gals make my life so full, and I am not sure where I would be without every single one of you.
*Important Side Note: If you know someone who may be struggling with orthorexia nervosa or exercise addiction, please consider finding them professional help before permanent damage occurs. For more information on these disorders, please visit:
These links are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended to be substituted for medical advice. Please consult a medical professional if you believe you or someone you care about might be struggling with these disorders. I am in no way affiliated with any of these sites.
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