My fitness journey began at the age of eight when I found a sport I was passionate about. When I tried my first gymnastics class, I was immediately invited to a level three gymnastics team. This was my natural talent, and it came easily to me, which motivated me even more. I instantly fell in love with the sport and dreamed of achieving great things in gymnastics. Like any little girl that competes in gymnastics, I saw myself becoming an Olympic gymnast.

I competed for about four years until I came down with a horrible case of walking pneumonia that kept me out of the gym for about two weeks. At that young age, I was scared to go back because I was a level seven gymnast doing dangerous skills such as a backhand spring and even working towards a standing back tuck on the balance beam. I let this fear consume me and retired from the sport. During my teenage years, I struggled to find another activity that kept me in shape and motivated me the same way that gymnastics did. I attempted competitive cheer, as most former gymnasts do. While it was fun, it did not fill that void. Gymnastic is a sport unlike any other. It is an individual sport as well as a team sport, which meant trying to be the best for myself as well as my teammates and training at an intensity much higher than competitive cheer. As a ten-year old gymnast, I practiced 25 hours per week. In the summer, I had practice in the morning, a break in the afternoon for lunch, and then practice again in the evening whether I wanted to go back or not. This sport gave me the discipline required to stay physically fit. People will say motivation is the key, but more important than that, consistent discipline is necessary for success. No one will be motivated every single day, and there will be poor workouts and difficult days to push through to stay consistent. As I learned as a young gymnast, consistency is the key to success.

After high school, I had no sports and no exercise in my life, so much was missing. My fitness journey shifted when I was 18 years old and began a workout program with my Aunt Jill. She taught me about working out in the fitness world and helped me transform from a good average physique to a strong, athletic figure. After beginning that program with her, I started working in a gym where I was always around trainers and could constantly ask questions and continue to learn about fitness.
Over the course of a year, I learned from various trainers and worked to obtain my personal training certification and continued to strengthen my own workouts. I coached in a group fitness setting for about two years before moving to one-on-one training. Shortly after, I started coaching clients online as this is a rapidly growing field. The opportunity to coach online was also a lifesaver since I had just learned that I was pregnant.

Because I wanted to protect my growing baby and continue being as healthy as possible, I began researching pregnancy and exercise and learned as much as I could about safely working out during pregnancy. I continued strength training until about one week before my son’s birth, which made both delivery and recovery quick. Since having my son, I have continued my education on the topic of pre- and postpartum training as well as my own personal training.
I am passionate about helping people become the best version they can, and I absolutely love helping women stay motivated in all life circumstances, including pregnancy and even rediscovering themselves postpartum! Since having my son, I have formed myself into my strongest and best physique. Motherhood takes a toll on women physically and mentally, which is why it is so important for moms and their babies to stay active. There are many benefits to exercise for all humans at all ages and levels, such as improving overall health and mood.

So that’s my story! Aside from training, I enjoy spending time with my son and watching sports. We are a big sports family household! I am originally from Kansas City, Missouri, so I love watching the Chiefs in particular. We also enjoy going to the beach and spending time on the water during the summer as we are currently in a smaller town in Florida. Overall, I love helping people create their best life possible and transform their lives so that they can feel confident and free.

Certifications:
Infant and Adult AED and CPR Certified
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
NASM Certified Nutritionist
NASM Certified Women’s Specializations Coach
Girls Gone Strong Certified Pre and Post Natal Trainer

Content edited by Rachel Rinehart, RINRAC Publishing