Fitness is my passion and my lifestyle. Nothing compares to the way it feels to be strong mentally and physically. I started competing in National Physique Committee (NPC) fitness bikini competitions two years ago and I received first place, my first show. I have been in nine bikini competitions since and have placed top five and received a trophy in all, with another first place in my most recent show. I plan to continue competing because the self-discipline it requires, makes winning one of the most powerful confidence boosters imaginable.
I’m a firm believer in eating real, fresh, organic, natural foods. I eat what’s fresh and in season. I refuse to eat fast food or anything processed. I cook and prepare all my meals every day. The level of attention I put into buying and preparing my food is a full time job. When I work or travel, I always pack meals and snacks to make sure I eat healthy and clean. My lifestyle is not easy, especially when you’re as passionate about food as I am.
I consider myself a foodie, and by that I mean I love all different kinds of foods. I really love and appreciate the different flavors and pairing wine with them. I recognize the difference high quality ingredients make the way your food tastes, as well as the effect on your body. I love to cook and bake at home, everything I make is from scratch. I have a huge soft spot for sweets. I like going out to eat, but only at restaurants that pride themselves in having fresh, high quality ingredients. Sacrificing the freedom to eat whatever I want is not easy, but the results are worth it.
Staying fit makes me happy, so the sacrifices pale in comparison. It gives me energy and makes me feel alive. As I get closer to accomplishing a fitness goal, my stress level goes down and my confidence increases. As part of my passion for fitness and a healthy lifestyle, I recently became a certified personal trainer. I want to help others experience the happiness of achieving their fitness ambitions and nutritional goals. I look forward to helping people, and hope that I can be an inspiration to anyone who wants to be fit.
I’ve always had a passion for fitness, even as a child. My sisters and I were raised by our single mom in the small town of Winona, Minnesota. I was able to run track for two years and always placed in the top three, I loved competing then and still have the passion to compete today. I learned determination and the importance of having a solid work ethic from my mom. She worked hard all her life and raised us all to have the same values, solid work ethic, dedication and honesty.
fter I graduated from high school, I received an AA in marketing, and an esthetician degree and a massage therapy license from the Aveda Institute. I was able to do this by working hard and staying focused. I worked a variety of jobs in my hometown. I worked at a flower shop, a gym, bartending, and waiting tables at a Mexican restaurant to pay for my education. I also did esthetician and massage home visits for a few years before moving to San Ramon. One of my favorite jobs was doing promotional modeling at Sturgis, the annual motorcycle rally in South Dakota. I have my motorcycle license and love to ride. When I wasn’t working, I went to the beach, worked out, travelled and helped take care of my niece.
One of my greatest joys is being a role model for my niece in fitness and in life. I want to make sure she learns to never give up and always believe in herself. My niece takes dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics. When she gets excited about the things she learns, she calls me to talk about it. She’ll also ask me if I worked out that day or what I did to get my exercise. It gives us a special bond. When we go to the grocery store we choose healthy foods together so I can set an example for her. The importance of what you put into your body and how you take care of it are being passed down to her. When I hear the excitement in her voice as we talk about nutrition and exercise, I know that I am an inspiration to her. It feels amazing!
Fitness changed my life, it is therapeutic. For me, working out helps get rid of stress and melts away my worries. I like to do physical activities for fun too, like snowboarding, waterskiing and kick boxing. I’ve even tried golf. I love to sweat and feel the adrenaline rush of pushing myself through, even when part of me wants to stop. After every workout I feel a sense of accomplishment. It helps me focus and stay on track with other personal goals. I love taking mixed media art classes for fun and creativity. It helps me relax, be free and creative.
I would like to thank everyone who has believed in me and helped me accomplish my dreams and goals. I would not be where I am today without your love and support. Fitness really is my lifestyle.
