I became less active throughout high school which in turn made me feel unhappy with my physical features. I believed I was fat. I had started showing signs of an eating disorder. I had been skipping meals and analyzing my body in a mirror up to ten times per day. I was fortunate enough to have great family and friends to show me how unhealthy I was becoming.
I decided to make a positive change in my life. I made a decision to become as healthy as I could and increase my self-esteem. I joined a local gym and became instantly hooked.
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In 2001 I enrolled in Fitness and Health Promotion at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. I decided that I was going to educate myself on being healthy and physically fit.
I never wanted to go back to having an eating disorder. This course educated me on how to be a healthy person emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually, and intellectually.
As a Personal Trainer
n 2002 I became a personal trainer at a local gym. I enjoyed meeting new people on a daily basis and teaching others about fitness. I wanted other people to optimize their lifestyle and live the best quality of life possible. This was such a rewarding job but I knew I wanted more.
In 2003 I enrolled in the paramedic program at Fanshawe College. I graduated the program in 2005 and was hired on as a paramedic by Thames EMS London. Instantly, I realized how important it was to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. Shift work and lifting patients on a daily basis was a strain to my body. Even though I was a personal trainer and attended the gym on a regular basis, I decided to hire my own personal trainer. I wanted someone who would hold me accountable for being at the gym and to motivate and push me as hard as I could be pushed. I hired Brad fowler from the Athletic Club, London who is now ironically my fiancée. I started training at the gym on a regular basis and became addicted. My self-esteem was raised and I felt good about myself.
On Competing
I have thought about competing in a fitness competition for years but have always thought of it as the impossible dream. I decided to “bite the bullet” and have a consultation with IFBB Pro Stephanie Worsfold. I was curious if she thought I had what it took to compete. After a few discussions, I decided to train for an upcoming figure competition for the Ontario Physique Association (OPA). With Stephanies coaching and Brads Training I entered my first competiton on November 24th, 2007 at Centennial Hall London. To my amazement I won. I won my division (figure tall), and I won overall figure. This was the HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE!
I competed in my second competition on May 24, 2008. It was the South Central Championships held in Mississauga. I had once again won first place in my class. I was so excited to move onto the provincial championships in my hometown. June 21, 2008 I competed in the provincials. The guest poser was 8x Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman. I was just happy to be on the same stage as him. I ended up with 2nd place in figure tall.
