How it all began

Thank you for checking out my blog! I have decided to embark on this challenge to help you, my readers, in your journeys of a healthier lifestyle.

This first blog will be an introduction of myself, what I have done in the past and what I am working towards. I would love to hear your comments about what your goals are and what you are doing to achieve them.

These posts will not only be about me and my fitness journey, but I will be here to give you advice on nutrition, delicious recipe ideas and ways to spice up your workouts!

Lets get started.

I have always been involved in some sort of activity, from softball, track and field. Does anyone remember Billy Blanks Tae Bo? You bet I was enrolled in that at a local Karate club! Then as per clockwork, I went away to school and studying/ going out to party was more important then fitness. After my first year of college, I was not happy with the body I had. I joined the Bally's across the street from my school and was given an orientation on cardio and the weight machines.

Every other day I would go and do a full body workout and I had begun lose some weight. This was all fine and dandy until college was over and I got my first bacholor apartment downtown Toronto. I also started as an Assistant Manager to a store in the Eaton Center. Being in the heart of the city makes going out so easy. So I fell into the same trap again. Going out, not eating well and no exercise.

Enough was enough! I joined a women's only gym and again had a orientation. I would go and do weights, cardio and do a cardio kickboxing class. For a month I would go regularly, then I would not go for weeks. This went on for about 2 years and then I quit that gym. Whats the point if im not seing results?

Things were going pretty good at my job, although after having problems with roomates I had moved back in with my parents near hamilton. Commuting from Hamilton to Toronto was no easy task. On top of it all, I still looked in the mirror every morning and wished my "old" body was back.

I decided to join the gym again. There was a GoodLife right across from where I worked in the Eaton Center. I HAD to make this work. I was willing to do anything. When I got there, I was given a tour, but really I had already made my mind up. I'm going to get what I want. As the girl left to get my membership agreement, I noticed on the price presentation: 3 or 6 personal training session at discounted rate. This was perfect. Someone can show me what to do once a week and I'll be good to go. I went for it.

This is when I met Kelly (who still is my trainer to this day!) She called and we booked 6 sessions 3 times a week. This was the best way, I was told by her. And did she kick my butt. There was no question I was signing up for more sessions and thankfully I was in great place finacially to be able to do it.

This was 2 and a half years ago. When I started I was 141 lbs, 27% body fat and no muscle tone at all. When I did my fitness competition in april 2008, I was at 135, 15% body fat and had ABS! I started to compete in 5-10k races as well.

I loved the body transformation that I had gone through, I knew I wanted to help others achieve the same. I changed my career from Retail Manager to Membership Consultant to Personal Trainer. I have been with Goodlife for one and a half years, a Personal Trainer for one year. I am now a Level 3 trainer at the Yonge and St. Clair location.

I have not competed since the first show I did, but my goal is to compete again this fall. This blog will track my progress, as well as share my knowledge for you to achieve your fitness goals.

Thanks for reading,

JG