My Fitness Story: From Self-Criticism to Gratitude

Coming from a family of sports enthusiasts, I started working out quite young, probably around 12 or 13. My dad was a professional athlete, so going to the gym just felt like the natural thing to do. At that age, I didn't really know what I was doing, and honestly, my motivation wasn't the healthiest. I worked out because I didn't like the body I was in. I felt insecure, uncomfortable, and lacked confidence, so fitness was more about fixing what I thought was "wrong" with me.

Over the years, that mindset shifted completely. I discovered yoga, functional movement, and eventually fell in love with heavy lifting. Today, I believe each of these styles has its place, and I integrate them all into my life and my teaching. As a yoga instructor, I sprinkle in mobility and functional training because I now see fitness as an investment in longevity. For me, it's not about the body we have in our 20s—it's about the body we're building for when we're 80 and beyond. That perspective fuels my passion.

Fitness has impacted my life in every way. When I move regularly, I feel grounded, energized, and resilient. When I don't, it affects my mood, my patience, and even my mental health. What once came from a place of self-criticism now comes from gratitude. I see my body as a gift—a chance to move, play, run, jump, and experience life fully. Feeling my muscles engage and learning what my body is capable of has transformed my relationship with it.