I come from active and attractive parents. I can remember when my Dad would take us on bike rides to the nearest high school and we would race on all the obstacles. My favorite was climbing the skinny pole as fast and as far up as I could. Once my feet where back on the ground, I would count my blisters on my hands. My mom did a good job enrolling me into as many sports as she could. I have been in just about every sport besides basketball - I could never tackle the dribbling and the traveling.
As time went on, I continued my athletic lifestyle through high school, which was my awkward stage. I was a late bloomer and acceptance was not a big hit for me. Though I was made fun of for being as athletic as I was, I followed my heart. Once out of high school and in college I felt as if I was lost, I needed to belong to something. I then found the gym (took a few years to do so), but it didn't feel right. I was lost there.
I stuck it out and kept trying. In the meantime, I started dating this guy who was the biggest jock and knew his way around the weights. I felt intimidated and challenged at the same time. I would get frustrated when we would work out together because it bothered me more than anything this "boy" knew more about the gym than I did and could do more.
One day, I picked up a magazine called Oxygen Magazine at the grocery store and started reading it faithfully. I gained knowledge and became very assertive with myself when I was in the gym. I then noticed that every fitness model had been in a competition, with being a fitness model as my goal, I knew I had to find a show to compete in. I moved from Bakersfield, Calif, to Rogers, Ark. to finish college at the University of Arkansas.
I found work at a local gym called FUSE. There I discovered the owner. He was a bodybuilder himself and led me to the direction of the local shows in town. Once I finished my first show, I was hooked. I could not stop. I set my goals around the competitions so I could climb the ladder.
I love fitness because it helps me in numerous ways. For starters, I feel amazing when I am on a routine workout. It is so rejuvenating. Also, my youth is intact. Forget botox, workout! I like to pound the pavement when I am feeling stressed, another great reason I love my lifestyle.
Kids! I know it may sound crazy but I want to be a fit and an attractive mom. Too many parents out there let themselves go once they start their family. I also want my kids to have great genetics. If I take care of myself now, my kids will be better off. I am sure my husband wouldn't mind either!
As a young girl, I would see Victoria's Secret commercials and tell my mom "I am going to be one of them one day." Her response: "you are too short." So when I discovered the bikini competitions, I knew I had to pursue my childhood dreams and prove her otherwise. Bikini competitors are far better than any Victoria's Secret model, right!
I want to earn my Pro Card and become a fitness model for girls of all ages to look up to.
I want them to know that being healthy and strong is the new sexy. To dedicate an hour of your day to a solid workout is the best gift you could give yourself.
Have fun and rock that stage!
I look up to Kim Dolan Leto, she is a sweetheart. She has given me some helpful tips.
I like to use BodySpace and the blogs to learn about others progress, experiences, successes, the diets and training.