My Journey

You may be thinking, "What makes Fitness Pal a credible blogger?" About 3 years ago, I wouldn't have been.  I was at the highest weight of my life...a whopping 300 pounds!  I had let myself go and may have looked happy on the outside, but I was actually miserable!

The new year of 2009 was right around the corner and I knew that I had to make a new years resolution that would change my life for good.  It wouldn't be my typical resolution that would last a few months, it would be a life long change!  I joined Lifetime Fitness in Cary with a friend and there is where I found my fitness family.  I got involved in their TEAM programs where I met others who were going through a similar weight loss journey and I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful nutritionist and several great personal trainers. They, as well as the trainers and contestants on Biggest Loser, taught me everything I needed to know to make the necessary changes to both my diet and view on exercise.

January 2009

Fall 2011

I'm not going to lie, it was a challenge!  I still remember my first day on the treadmill walking at an incline of 5.  It was tough, but in a strange way I enjoyed all that sweat and pain.  I knew even though it was difficult, it would get easier.  And easier it did.  Before I knew it, I was walking at an incline of 15 without holding on. (Don't get me wrong, it was still tough and I was still sweating!)  I was starting to realize that I could do anything I put my mind too.  I went on to run a full mile without stopping about a year later and I even completed a 5k!

I started to try knew things that I would never have imagined doing at 300 pounds...I've went zip lining, kayaking, rock climbing, and I've even finished a half marathon!  The things I can do are now limitless!

         I finished the 1/2  marathon!         

Zip lining

                

I was in awe of my upper body strength

                        I haven't been happy in my career of teaching for several years now and I knew I needed a career change.  I enjoy helping people and I love fitness. I knew that I needed to pay it forward and help others realize their full potential when it comes to their fitness goals.  I enrolled in the National Personal Training Institute in April of 2011 to become a personal trainer and nutrition consultant.  I will graduate with 250 hours in exercise physiology, anatomy, nutrition, and business management, as well as 250 practical hours in the gym in April of 2012. I will then be qualified to help others change their lives!