Let's rewind to my childhood, where my relationship with working out began. The motivation? Overcoming weight issues and forging a path to self-confidence. Little did I know, this humble start would evolve into a life-altering commitment to powerlifting and strongman competitions in my adult years.
I'm here to share a deeply personal journey that began in my 20s—a journey that saved my life and reshaped my entire perspective. Buckle up as I take you through the highs, lows, and the incredible transformation that unfolded through the power of fitness.
My fitness journey began roughly 33 years ago, right after welcoming my first child into the world. Like many women, I experimented with various exercises, hoping to discover a passion and drive for fitness. Subsequently, I became a mother to five more children, and life became a whirlwind, with fitness feeling like an arduous task on my endless "to-do" list. I eventually accepted the reality that, at that point in my life, my workouts had to be done at home. With almost always an infant, sleeping baby, or toddler around, I needed a solution to maintain my fitness, body health, and sanity.
I’ve spent over four decades dedicated to transforming lives through fitness, a journey that has been as rewarding as it is challenging. My passion for fitness stems from the teachings of my Master and Guru, Vince Gironda, whose philosophy laid the foundation for my approach to BodySculpting. Together, our combined experience spans over 85 years, a legacy that has shaped countless strategies and programs aimed at helping individuals achieve their ultimate fitness goals.p>
I’ve always believed that the greatest journeys in life begin with a spark of passion, and for me, that spark was martial arts. Over the past three decades, my journey has evolved into a multifaceted career as an athlete, actor, trainer, and coach. I’ve been fortunate to experience extraordinary achievements, but the heart of it all remains my dedication to martial arts and fitness.
My fitness journey has been a rollercoaster of sacrifice, setbacks, and self-discovery. It started back in my college football days when I committed to working out four to five times a week to maintain my competitive edge. It wasn’t just about staying in shape—it was about keeping up with my friends and pushing myself to always be better. But in 2023, things took a turn. Between the stress of pursuing my Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (Ed.D) at SNU and a knee injury from playing recreational basketball, I found myself in a tough spot. Over eight months, I gained 30 pounds of fat, pushing my weight up to 255 pounds. I felt embarrassed every time I looked in the mirror and turned to unhealthy eating habits as a way to cope with the physical and mental toll.