I feel most empowered when I'm dripping sweat after a fun workout. I struggled with body image and my weight much of my life, with an on-again, off-again relationship with exercise. I went to college, gained the "freshman 15" (and then some), and progressively felt worse and worse about how I looked and how I felt. It took a lot of trial and error, but finally I realized fitness and wellness is a lifestyle, not a fad or trend, it changed everything. Now I'm out to help other people achieve the happiness and fulfillment I've found in fitness and wellness. That's why I became a personal trainer. As a personal trainer, I take a realistic approach and perspective for fitness training. What does that mean? It means that I believe in refining functional movement, progressing slowly, maintaining balance (in muscle conditioning, and cardio vs. strength training), and setting realistic, achievable goals to keep clients motivated. It also means that one size doesn't fit all, and connecting with clients to find out what is important to them, what they enjoy about fitness, and what they don't enjoy, are critical to success. I'm fresh out the gate as a personal trainer, but my decision to get fit changed my life, and I'm excited to help others experience that feeling of accomplishment and pride.