Who are you? Be sure to include something most people don’t know about you.

Most people do not know that I am 44 years old and have four boys. I am a leader of 8 years with Young Living Essential Oils with a team of about 5,000 members and we are always growing! I love helping people find freedom through wellness, emotionally and physically with non toxic products. 

Why do you keep coming back to Bellhouse CrossFit?

The community. I have not ever found a workout routine like this. In a group setting, Bellhouse excels. The positive atmosphere and environment is something I crave. Normally, I am the cheerleader. Here, other people are cheering me on. I love that. I previously thought CrossFit was only lifting heavy weights. I did not see the cardio side of it. I did not see the coaching side of it. I did not realize you could modify every workout and movement to fit your own needs. My sons who workout with me are 10 and 16 years old. We each have different needs and skills. We each need different modifications at different times. If I knew this 10 years ago, I would have started then.

What are the accomplishments you are most proud of since joining the gym?

Before coming here, I never lifted a barbell over my head. I needed help with groceries and carrying suitcases. Since coming to Bellhouse and being consistent with it, I feel stronger outside of the gym. I have more endurance and physical confidence. I have seen an increase in my physical activity outside of the gym too!

I have been doing less yo-yo dieting since beginning CrossFit. Now I am focused on eating for performance. I feel stronger and can even see my muscles!  I love that Bellhouse is a family setting. There are all ages, shapes, and personalities coming together for the same goal. Everyone cheers each other on regardless of where they are in their journey

I am proud the boys can see me being consistent in the gym. I love that we cheer each other on as a family. We have conversations about our own personal improvements outside of the gym. When they see me pushing hard, I believe it is helping us bond closer together. 

How did you overcome some of the obstacles in starting your health journey?

I just kept showing up. It was a matter of setting the alarm, putting on my shoes, and walking out the door. I wanted to see the smiling faces of the members in the gym. I just did it. If it was not for the community, then I would not be here. I know the boys want to be here, and that helps me continue to make it to the gym. Because I work from home, it would be very easy to stay there. I feel most creative in the morning so I would get lots of work done. Once I realized that working out in the morning helped me feel better, I made it a priority. It still fits into my schedule and I am productive throughout the day. 

What is your current focus or goal in the gym?

To continue being consistent, reduce my body fat percentage, and improve in all areas. I want to get stronger and have more endurance.

What is your favorite household appliance?

My coffee maker. It is awesome. It grinds my organic beans right before it brews!

What is your favorite home cooked meal?

My mother makes German pigs in a blanket and not what you think… It is bacon wrapped in steak, over a bed of noodles with gravy. YUM!

What advice would you give to your teenage self?

Stop being stupid. You can really accomplish more than you ever thought you could

What is your dream car?

A four door Lamborghini.