Growing up in a big family with 4 brothers, I was destined to be a tomboy. I was always active: sports were my life. You couldn't stop me if you wanted to.
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When I was 17, I experienced a terrible back injury. I herniated two discs in my low back and went through several extremely painful spinal injections. I walked with a cane for an entire year. With lack of movement came weight gain.
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The more I gained, the unhappier I got and the more I ate. After hundreds of trips to the ER, a spinal tap and the unfortunate side affect of chronic migraines, I felt like I was falling apart. I was lethargic, depressed and genuinely hated being in my body.
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When I finally began to heal, I worked up enough courage to start over. We don't realize how lucky we are. when you're healthy enough to walk, jump or play sports (until we can't). My injury was temporary and I refused to let it to define me.
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The smallest indication of progress lit a fire in me that I couldn't ignore. The more time I spent in the gym, the more I felt like myself. The more time I spent outside of my comfort zone, the more I grew. I found comfort and tranquility in the gym.
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I became a certified trainer after a year. The fitness industry was missing a few things and I was determined to fill in the gaps. People need positivity and compassion. People shouldn't be scared to ask questions or ask for help. I wanted people to know that anything is possible.
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A year deep into personal training, I was playing professional woman's tackle football. Every goal or crazy idea I had for myself I demolished. Fitness became such a big part of my life, I couldn't even remember what it was like not doing it.
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Here I am now: still working out, still inspiring, still amazing myself. I went from thinking I never could to saying "watch me." Living proof that anything is possible with a little courage.
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My advice? Go for it. Impress yourself. Test your limits. Do it. It’ll do more for you than you’ll ever think possible. I know, because I’ve been there.”
