Fitness Maven / Expert
Essaouira Demi Bra in White; Essaouira Brief in White
How would you describe your athletic / movement / fitness practice(s)?
My practice can be described as cross training with a lot of fun. I grew up doing gymnastics and volleyball so movement and performance are super important to me. I incorporate exercises that will not only develop my strength and physical appearance, but will also support my flexibility and mobility. I dance, I box, I power lift, I run, and I do yoga. I will try anything, if it will benefit my performance, mental and physical strength, flexibility, speed, agility and personal development.
When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you say?
I tell them I am a fitness maven/expert. I tell my 5 year old daughter that mommy and daddy are super heroes.
Sieve Demi Bra in Black; Sieve High Waist Brief in Black
What are the top three most important investments you’ve made in yourself?
The top three most important investments I’ve made in myself are:
A. Choosing a lifestyle of health and fitness. This is where I find my sanity, solace, drive, and focus.
B. Asking my husband out for coffee 12yrs ago. That was pretty selfish.
C. Self-realization: Understanding and knowing that I matter too. As a mom, a boss, and a wife it is easy to get lost in giving away my time, energy to those people and things in my life that I feel deserve and require it. However, having the ability to recognize that I cannot truly help others without investing in myself is the single most important lesson I’ve learned. It is important to know when to say yes and when to say not right now and not feel guilty about it. It is important to know when to put aside time for personal regeneration on a consistent basis. I have become quite good at napping and meditating these days.
Essaouira Demi Bra in White; Essaouira Brief in White
What prompted you to pursue a path (career or passion) tied to athleticism / fitness / movement?
I grew up doing gymnastics and volleyball from the age of 10 until college. While in college I started working at a gym and coaching high school athletes. That was when I realized that I could not have a life without sports or physical fitness. I recognized that it was playing a sport did not just build physical strength and prowess but mental focus, drive and endurance. The challenges of balancing high grades, and being a top athlete, made multi-tasking come naturally. I truly enjoyed everything about being physically active and decided I did not want a “desk” job.
From where do you draw your sense of inner strength?
My sense of inner strength comes from not wanting to be “average” and settling. I have a fear of being complacent, therefore not challenging my potential.
What do you love to do when no one is around?
When no one is around I love to blast the music, dance in my underwear, act silly and take selfies that I will never share with the public.
When you’re “performing” (in whatever form that means to you) how do you feel?
When I’m “performing," teaching a group fitness class, running a training and development session, or on stage during a body building competition, I feel free. I feel unstoppable. I feel strong and alive.
Do you think of yourself as a role model? Does that factor into the way you live your life?
Because the path I have chosen puts me in a place where I am constantly being observed, particularly when I go from FB/IG to the office and then to my home, it is my duty to be a role model and the best at it. The woman that people see on social media should not be drastically different from the woman that walks into the coffee shop or takes her kids to school or goes out to dinner with her husband. These days, because of technology and social media, we are constantly being watched and judged. It is important that we put forward the best and most authentic parts of ourselves, but also the part which will inspire those watchful eyes to desire to be better people themselves. Desire to grow. Desire to help others. Desire to learn.
Essaouira Demi Bra in White; Essaouira Brief in White
What’s your personal definition (and/or example) of #treatyourself?
Getting a massage would be my personal definition of treating myself. Something I strongly desire and need but never make time for.
Favorite daily ritual?
That quiet moment from 6:30am-7am when the entire family is asleep and I have my hot coffee in hand, sitting on the couch and watching the news.
Essaouira Demi Bra in White; Essaouira Brief in White
Favorite motivational saying / quote / advice?
“Pain is weakness leaving the body.”
Some of the best things on this earth, including us, were formed under extreme stress. But if we realize that the pain and stress will soon make way to whatever we desire, then it should be worth the battle. We will come out stronger.
