I have been a trainer for 11 years but really started my fitness journey after having my 4th baby (13 years ago). One day at the gym turned into the lifetime of “I wonder what I could look like if I do this consistently”. It quickly turned into how I felt! Consistently challenging myself fed my soul and made me realize how strong I am, both physically and mentally. How I look ended up being the cherry on top! I’m a mom of four, have a full-time job, run my own training business and work at a gym 2 days a week. Needless to say, I love helping people find their own magic in and out of the gym.
Is weight loss more of a fitness issue or a health issue in your opinion and why?
I believe weight loss is more of a health issue. We need to make sure we are living the healthiest life we can and by doing so, I believe it also takes care of our mental health as well. We all want to look our best, but I think the minute we focus on how we FEEL, it will be a game-changer.
If you have 100 tokens in total and you could apply them to the following categories, how many would you apply to each?
- Fitness level: 50
- Health level: 50
I believe these two go hand in hand. Taking care of yourself physically will make everything better health-wise for anyone.
Trainer philosophy:
I believe we find a deeper level of strength and confidence by doing things we’re uncertain of. Finding those things in the gym, it will only make you stronger and more confident in your everyday life.
Training Plan:
I personally work out 5-6 days a week. I add 1-3 sessions of walking or walk/run combo to help lengthen my muscles out.
Nutritional Plan:
I’m not perfect with my eating. None of us are, but I strive for protein and veggies being my main focus every day. I eat yogurt (the only dairy I eat) and coffee. I’ll never give that up. I very very rarely eat a french fry or two and stay away from fried foods. My sugar can get a little out of hand, so I watch that closely to see if I’m eating it to stay awake or really want it.
Supplement Plan:
The only supplements I use at the moment are daily Vitamin, Vitamin D, Zinc with Calcium, and Magnesium. I don’t suggest supplements unless asked specifically about them.
Do you prefer to take and recommend all-natural (no sugar, no artificial colors/flavors/sweeteners) supplements or supplements with artificial flavors and sweeteners? And Why?
I don’t suggest supplements unless asked specifically about them. I don’t want my clients to rely on them. When I do suggest them, I try to find something they live with as many natural ingredients as possible.
What separates Status from other fitness magazines?
Status Fitness Magazine has awesome, easy-to-understand content which is huge these days, and ideas everywhere from recipes to workouts.
If you could ask Status Fitness Magazine Editor in Chief Rodney Jang any industry question, what would that be?
My questions for Rodney would be, how do you structure your days? I love to soak in as much information from successful people to see what I can implement in my life.
Status Fitness Magazine runs model searches across North America including the largest one at the Arnold Classic for the Status cover. As part of the Status family, you will receive a special participation invite. How excited are you about this opportunity?
I am extremely excited about the special invite for the model search. I think we need role models of all ages with all backgrounds. Having 4 kids and staying extremely busy while keeping a positive outlook is something we all need to see more of.
Describe your coaches and the impact they have on you?
I have a few trainers I can go to with any questions I have and their input is priceless to me. It’s important to find those people you trust with your fitness life.
Life goals?
To travel and experience some of this amazing world. Watch my kids grow and become adults, and continue to help as many people realize that being healthy and challenging themselves can be fun.
5 things people don’t know about you?
- I love cartoons.
- I’m a kid at heart and will always think I’m about 20 years younger than I am.
- I hate spiders and earwigs. I will scream. If I have to take care of a spider, I will stomp on it loud so I don’t have to hear the crunch.
- I’ve hunted big game with my dad before I had kids. It was our yearly father/daughter outing.
- I had trouble getting pregnant and now have 4 kids.
5 lessons you have learned?
- Listen to your heart (and gut).
- Asking for help is a huge life changer.
- Don’t doubt what you believe is true.
- I can take on the world by myself but it’s smarter and more fun with friends.
- I found out I can still look good after having kids and I don’t have to act a certain way because of age.
5 most important attributes you see in a person?
- Enthusiasm for life.
- Honesty.
- Love in their heart.
- Integrity/Confidence.
- Eager to learn/explore.
If you could inspire one person, who would that be? And why?
My kids. I want them to know it’s about working hard, believing in yourself, and having fun. Even when life hands you a tough round, you will get through it. It’s just a matter of time.
Your transformation story:
I was always an athlete in school. I played multiple sports and always stayed pretty busy. Once school was done, I had no direction and no idea how to stay in shape without a coach yelling at me. I would go to the gym for 1-2 months and then take 2-3 months off. Once I started having kids, it became my way of clearing my head and getting my body back of course. After having number 4, I remember being at the gym and seeing my bicep for the first time. It was that day I said to myself, I wonder what I could look like if I just stayed consistent. I worked out 3 days a week consistently then added one day, only to add 2 more shortly after that. I was working out 6 days a week and loved the challenge of going extra hard and seeing awesome changes in my strength and physique. It also brought back my competitiveness. I became a trainer so I could help others find the fun and hard in this realm so they could find the confidence in every other part of their lives. It took a long time to find my “calling” but I’m so happy I did and feel so blessed to be able to still do it.
Favorite quotes?
“You’ll never know until you try”.
“Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you”.
“You know, sometimes all it takes is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it” – Benjamin Mee, We Bought a Zoo.
Photos By: Beyond the Lens – Jake & Erica Smith | Allen Baxter
