This is a picture of me in December of 2008.
When this photo was taken, I was at my heaviest weight ever. As you can see, I did my best to hide my physique with big baggy clothing.
When this photo was taken, I wasn’t very happy with myself – outside or inside. By the time this picture was taken, I had spent the better part of 10 years pushing down who I really was, forgetting what I was passionate about, and trying to create a life that seemed impressive to everyone else, rather than one that was fulfilling to me.
I was so unhappy with the way things were, I beat myself up mentally all the time, and I used food to fill the emotional void that I felt by not honoring myself.
In the spring of 2009, I won a trip to the Kripalu Yoga Center to assist best selling author Jen Louden during her Get Back Your Life Retreat. I was thrilled about this exciting opportunity; little did I know, it would be the catalyst that would help me begin the journey back to myself.
While on retreat, I was in a YogaDance class when everything clicked for me. I heard the instructor talking about how much she enjoyed helping people find themselves through fitness – and that’s when it hit me. I wanted to do that too. It was actually more like a lightening bolt hit me – I knew I HAD to do that, and I remember wondering to myself why the heck I hadn’t been doing it.
The truth is, fitness has always been a part of my life – I’m one of those unique individuals that LOVES exercise. I’ve danced for almost my whole life, and I’ve taught numerous classes and done personal training. Up until last year, I did all of that only part-time, figuring I could never really make a living following my heart… It seems silly that for so long, I tried to make a living doing anything but fitness… I had actually attempted a career in fitness 4 times. But all 4 times, because of low self-esteem and deep insecurity, I talked myself out of it – telling myself no one would take me seriously, that fitness wasn’t a “real” job, and that I couldn’t have a solid career doing something so frivolous.
When I was standing in that YogaDance class, I knew that all those insecurities were unfounded and that I HAD to honor what was in my heart.
This is a picture of me now (taken December 2009). I’m happy, I’m healthy, I’m honoring who I am, I want to share fitness and nutrition with the world, and that’s what this web site is about.
Particularly, I specialize in teaching functional fitness – that is, fitness that helps you live your life. In my classes and during personal training sessions, we focus on exercises and movements that help you do what you love to do.
I have a unique personality in that, I’m patient, kind, and unconditionally accepting. I’m good at holding your hand and providing guidance… but I’m also really good at motivating you, and keeping you on the path by telling you what you need to hear in a loving, deeply centered, deeply grounded way.
I also have this ability to break things down into manageable pieces, and to make even the most seemingly-daunting fitness techniques totally un-intimidating.
I remember what it was like to be overweight, depressed and totally unhappy with who I was. I use the same techniques with my clients, that helped me find my way back to myself.
Here, you’ll find information on healthy eating (NOT dieting), fitness, and wellness.
The eating philosophy I follow is called Clean Eating. Let me state emphatically – this is not a diet. It is a lifestyle. Clean Eating is about eating whole, natural foods – nothing processed. It’s also about keeping your metabolism going all day by eating 5 to 6 times per day, and watching your portion sizes.
On the blog, you’ll find recipes, tips, inspiration, and information all about Clean Eating. You can also purchase Tosca Reno’s book The Eat-Clean Diet Recharged
As for fitness, right now, I’m a big fan of Yoga (particularly Anusara, Yin, Astanga, and Vinyasa), Pilates, and Kettlebells. I also enjoy and have tried all sorts of other activities. And believe me, I’m not always graceful, confident or instantly skilled at new things – I know what it feels like to be intimidated walking into a new class, or trying a new activity for the first time… sometimes I’ll even share my mis-adventures with you ;)
Check out the blog, and you’ll find exercise routines that you can do right in your home.
I’m so glad you found your way here, and I look forward to getting to know you and doing whatever I can to help you your journey!
