My Lifelong Fitness Journey

I have always been active. As a kid, I played soccer and softball, took ballet, tap/jazz, and gymnastics, did my mom's 1980's Gilad work-out video with her, rode my bike all over creation, and played outside like there was no tomorrow. As a teen, I cheered, and played field hockey and softball. When I went off to college, I felt lost without having a structured athletic program telling me what to do. So, I figured I couldn't go wrong with doing the most basic form of exercise I knew. I started running and lifting weights and that's when I discovered my lifetime passion for physical fitness.

While at Brigham Young University in Utah, I met my handsome husband Ryan, and we were married June 30th, 2006 in the St. Louis, Missouri LDS Temple. We IMMEDIATELY (as in I'm talkin' like one month after we were married kind of immediately :) were blessed to get pregnant and start our little family. I didn't know much about fitness and pregnancy, so I did what I heard was alright to do. I had a very healthy pregnancy, and have no regrets. After I had sweet little Tucker, I was ably to lose my pregnancy weight +10 extra pounds without trying too hard- just healthy eating, walking, and some fun exercise videos.

After a few semesters at BYU, I felt drawn in a different direction. I felt a yearning to learn how to be healthy and take care of my body. I changed my major from Pre-Elementary Education to Exercise Science with an emphasis on Fitness and Wellness. I knew that that was home for me. I graduated in April 2010, even though I would probably still be there today if it weren't for my husband. I would have taken EVERY class in my major (and several not in my major like... baking, ballroom dance, piano, ect), even if it wasn't required. I just love learning, especially about the human body- how it works and how to take care of it.

My last semester at BYU, I also took a course and test to become an ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist. I knew after I was graduating, I was going to focus ALL of my energy on my two bouncing baby boys we had while in school. But, I also knew I needed to challenge myself and get that certification. I have not had a "job" since graduating, but I use my knowledge for myself, my family, and whoever else is willing to listen to a crazy lady. ; )

Since we have been married, we have been blessed with three beautiful children-Tucker, Cole, and Mackenzie. I am thankful for the healthy pregnancies I had, and the healthy recoveries post-partum as well. I have worked hard to get back into shape after each baby. I honestly believe that you just have to take care of yourself to be the best mother, wife, friend, and woman you can be.

Pregnancy #1: +27 pounds



Pregnancy #2: +29 pounds



Pregnancy #3: +26 pounds



Being physically active was, is, and will always be part of me. I hope that through my blog (which is a family, church, craft, recipe, fitness, and whatever random things I want to talk about blog) I can inspire healthy habits, give you updates on our family life, give tips and ideas, or even just give ya a laugh! : ) Thanks for stopping by!

Workin' hard... or hardly workin?!