As a three-sport varsity high school athlete and dedicated collegiate softball player, I was used to being in excellent playing condition in my teens and early 20s. However, something shifted once I entered the workforce. It seemed like the more intensely I worked out, the more weight I gained. I tried many different styles of training from HIIT, cycling, resistance training, cross training—nothing seemed to get me the results I wanted. Then, I suffered a serious knee injury which kept me from many of the sports and activities that I enjoyed for years. I was at a loss, but I was ready for a change. I decided that it was time to deepen my understanding, so I became a NASM certified personal trainer and gained a fresh perspective on my training. Instead of training strictly with the mindset of calories in versus calories out, I began to discover holistic ways to reclaim my health, see more of the world, and get the results I want.

Now, when I am not at the gym, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, walks with my dogs, and Latin dancing. I believe that fitness can and should go beyond the gym. When you find an activity that brings you joy and leads you to incorporate movement into your life on a consistent basis, you can reclaim your mental and physical health while having fun, just like I have.