Taking care of others was something I always did. As the oldest of four in my family--often the babysitter. As an elementary school teacher--leading my little flock. As a mom--loving my kids. But in order to give with your soul, you have to take care of yourself.

When my kids were young, I worked full-time and my husband worked nights. I worked all day and then came home to do all the things for the kids myself. There was never enough time in a day and I was really stressed out. I began to notice I was always really tired. My back always hurt-- and I knew I needed to change something or I was going to lose it.

A friend of mine suggested trying a little bit of exercise. She recommended Jillian Michaels: Ripped in 30. I agreed that changing my routines, and adding some exercise was probably a great idea. I got that video and-- OMG! I couldn't make it through 10 minutes of it! Huffing and puffing and wanting to puke, I'd shut it off and swear I wasn't doing it the next day... but something made me press play again the next day, and the next, and the next. Eventually, I did get to the end of the first video, and Jillian explained something to me that I wouldn't have believed could be true-- she said although it was noble for me to want to get stronger for my family and friends, I had to do this for ME. Because I'm worth it. Because there's only one ME-- everyone else is taken. Yes, I was sobbing on my living room floor. Because I knew she was right.

I kept at it and started feeling better and better. I got stronger. My back wasn't hurting anymore. And do you know what? Because I was stronger, I wasn't so exhausted. I was way less overwhelmed between work and home. I know it sounds crazy. I added workout time to my already-packed-with-things day and became less overwhelmed? Yep. I did it right after work before getting the kids. And it wasn't always videos. I started running. Just like the videos, it was awful at first, but once I was able to get through a mile, running became my favorite. Just me, the road, maybe some music. It gave me time to decompress and refocus before moving on to the next part of my day. And I was so proud of myself. I kept raising the bar, and finding that I could meet new goals every time with some effort. At 45 years old, I am in the best shape of my life. I am SO close to a 4 hour marathon! I completed three Triathlons last year, including a 70.3 Ironman. And this year, I am attempting my first FULL Ironman. 140.6 miles - 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run. Go stalk my socials to see how I'm preparing!

I'm sharing this with you because THIS is my WHY. My life changed when I chose to make it healthier. I committed to a lifestyle and I'm constantly improving. I discovered I was strong and capable of anything. These changes reset my attitude and gave me a chance to love my life and impact those around me positively. Especially my children, who I hope are also learning from my example.

It was not an easy road, but I managed to set priorities so that my life could include work, kids, family, friends, house-duties AND fitness. I became certified as a Personal Trainer through the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association in 2015. Following, I obtained additional certifications, including Jillian Michaels' Bodyshred, Group Exercise Instructor, Aqua Aerobics Certification and Barre.

My kids are older now, but my hands are still happily full. I teach in an elementary school library during the day, and at a luxury fitness center at night. I take personal clients when I choose to and I train EVERY DAY on top of all that. I am passionate about all I do and want you to know that all things are possible when you choose, commit and improve every day. 
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Kelly

Love Your Body...

Feel Fantastic!