Growing up, I played basketball, volleyball and threw the javelin in high school so athletics were always a part of my life. I even ran a marathon in 1999 so I could cross that off my  "Things-to-Do-Before-You-Die" list.

After college, it was difficult to find team sports and commit to the time it took to practice and play every week so I joined the gym and read plenty of fitness magazines. The more I read, the more I wanted to be like all those crazy women who could tumble, flip, bounce, and almost fly through the air during their fitness routines but I didn't have any kind of gymnastics or dance background so I started with baby steps. I got my body in shape by competing in a bodybuilding competition. And, that's how it all started.

I decided to compete in a bodybuilding competition in October 2003. I trained 6 days a week and had a strict diet plan. There were days that I struggled to get through a workout or struggled to get through a carb craving but the physical results were incredible! (Check out my Gallery for proof!) I constantly asked myself, "How badly do you want it?" And, I would always answer, "Badly enough to do an extra set of lunges," or " badly enough to pass on the chocolate craving ." I had committed to getting on stage in a 2-piece bikini and have 7 judges tell me what they thought of my body. There was no way  I was going to walk out there to look like an idiot!

It took a lot of sacrifice (no Happy Hour drinks with friends, no chocolate bunnies over Easter, and a lot of salad and chicken daily) but with some smart self-talk as well as the support and motivation from my husband, family and friends I persevered and the results were well-worth the effort!

I learned that you really can do anything you put your mind to and if you ask yourself "how badly do you want it?" every time you find yourself stuck in a rut, you can find out where you are on the road to health and fitness. There are days my answer is "not bad enough" and I indulge in some cookies 'n cream ice cream with no remorse and that's acceptable.  On most days, however, I truly want it badly enough to skip the sweet treat and just move.....move away from the cake. Or move by walking, going for a run outside or taking a yoga class.  Perhaps, you need to run errands, vacuum the house, or weed out the garden. These are all ways to keep the body moving.

Since then, I've become an ACE-certified personal trainer and tried to spread the good news about health and exercise. One of the ways I will spread the word is through this website. Another is through my own lifestyle.

I am pursuing fitness modeling through the Expressions Modeling Agency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Feel free to browse the "Gallery" to see my pictures. I am also in two workout videos released in January 2006. They are the ":08 Min Pilates" and ":08 Min Core Series" which you can find at amazon.com as well as some local stores.

 So what's the latest? I'm spreading my wings and trying a FITNESS contest. Yes, I, Miss "No-gymnastics-or-dance-background" have found a pro fitness coach to train me...Tracey Greenwood.  This is new territory for me but now everyone knows I'm doing it. Remember failure is not an option. My mantra is once again pounding in my head as I practice my one-arm pushps or attempt to do the splits....   "how badly do I want it?"