The one question that is always asked of me is “what made you get into physical fitness?”
This is a great question which I still constantly answer differently depending on the moment. My answers range from: becoming healthier, become more active, become stronger, become faster, lose weight, gain muscle, being able to wipe my own ass without the assistance of others.
I grew up being called Horse Face Grace from Outerspace, blackout, fat, and ugly. As you can imagine, these hurtful words did and still do constant damage to your self-image, your self-worth, your dignity, and pride. There are still days that when I look in the mirror, I still see that fat and acne covered girl.
I grew up and was raised in one of those households where Mom always cooked BIG meals with heavy creme, heavy milk, heavy salt, and that food was a reward. I know deep in my heart that my Mom meant well; however, that LOVE is what eventually effected my Mother’s and Father’s life. Later in life, they were effected by high blood pressure, mid-line obesity, high cholesterol, and pre-diabetes.
It was in January of 2006 that I made an oath, a promise, and a COMMITMENT to become healthier. I started with surrendering my addiction to sugar. NO more soda. No more candy bars. And joining a gym. Enlisting the help of a friend. That was the year I signed up for my first 5k and first triathlon. Since January of 2006, I have not stopped running, I have not stopped cycling, and I have not stopped swimming. After completing my first 5k, I wanted to do better. I know I could do better. I had to do better. And that is when the next addiction began and has not stopped. This addiction was healthy. This addiction was social. This addiction was FUN!!
It was then that I decided that I needed to share this passion and adventure with others. How can I motivate them? How can I set an example to lead? How can they share this passion and healthy lifestyle with our next generations?
It was at this time that I decided to obtain my certification in Nutrition & Wellness, as well as be a Group Fitness Instructor. With the support and love my of my husband and friends, they encouraged and guided me to obtain my certification to be a Personal Trainer.
So, as you can imagine, there is not one direct answer to the question “what made you get into physical fitness?”. The question is, what drives you to become physically fit….