Pro-Fitness

I am an athlete. I am a power lifter, martial artist, bodybuilder, fitness competitor. I climb mountains. Yet I did not participate in athletics as a child , or even take ballet or gymnastics lessons. My family lived in the country, some distance from school.

It was not until my early twenties that I stumbled upon my first physical endeavor, the martial art of Kung Fu. I was overweight, and had low self esteem. I hoped to improve my self image by transforming my physical appearance and learning to defend myself. As the years and training progressed I realized that the true strength I gained from Kung Fu was not the lethal kicks woman - martial arts and fighting skills but rather the mental discipline and spiritual philosophy. I slowly began transforming my body and developing the inner strength which has guided my growth as an athlete and a human being.

Every athletic endeavor is a new adventure to me, an opportunity to challenge and learn about myself, both physically and spiritually. I have grown as an individual, learning to develop my talents and potential by focusing on goals. The self empowerment from athletics has allowed me to examine myself objectively, to listen to others, and encourage them to achieve their goals. I no longer say "I can't". I know I can, and I will succeed.

As my self confidence has increased, so has the intensity of my challenges. Competing has taught me to confront my fears. Since childhood I have had an extreme phobia of water. A recent competition required swimming in the ocean for over 100 meters. So there I was, eight weeks out from this test, living five days a week in the public pool, holding the hand of my swimming coach, performing bobbing drills. When the day arrived, I remember looking out from the beach on Maui at the start of the race. The Pacific Ocean seemed endless. I was terrified.

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Plunging in head first, my only thought was touching my feet on the sand at the finish line. After what seemed to be a small eternity I finished and dragged myself out of the surf. I had succeeded but more importantly I no longer was afraid . I left my childhood fear behind. I did not win, but will always remember that day as one of my greatest athletic accomplishments.

My choreographer and coach of my fitness competitions, asked me to write down the reasons why I compete. In preparing the list I realized that over the years my reasons have changed dramatically. I started wanting to compete for the trophy, the win, which is ironic considering that fitness and bodybuilding competitions are subjective. Over time I have learned that while I want to be recognized for my extreme efforts (I am only human), the most valuable reason for competing is the confidence it has given me in life. To set my goals, no matter how great or small, and go after them.

Living a healthy life-style has exposed me to a whole new world of knowledge on health and nutrition. I do extensive research on natural healing, such as herbal remedies and healing techniques like massage. I am learning the ancient hands on healing art of Reiki. A major goal of mine is to help people with my knowledge, through writing, seminars, and personal training. I hope what I have achieved as an athlete will inspire others to improve their health and fitness level.

A woman recently came up to me at my gym and said that I am her mentor. She has watched the changes that I have woman-weightlifting made since training there and was amazed. She told me she is a diabetic and her diet really is hard for her but that watching me had given her the motivation to try to improve her health. This incident and others have motivated me to collaborate with endocrinologists in learning the inner mechanics of metabolism, so that I can better help others with physical limitations such as diabetes to improve their quality of life. I realize that most people do not have the time or desire to devote to extreme physical training. However even taking a long walk several times a week can benefit ones health immensely.

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The most important lesson I have learned from athletics is to constantly re-evaluate my goals and beliefs. Looking within myself has given me the confidence to try to see the world through other peoples eyes. I hope to recapture the honesty and creativity and innocence with which I saw the world as a child. I recommend using positive self imagery to imagine yourself achieving your personal goals and desires. What takes place in your heart and soul, always seems to surface into the physical.

My athletic endeavors have taken me places, and led me to attempt physical challenges I never imagined when I began training. Yet most meaningful has been the journey I have taken with my mind and spirit. I hope to share my experiences and knowledge with others. You do not have to be a gifted athlete to reap the rewards of a healthy lifestyle. Only the desire to open your inner strengths to what you can achieve with your mind, body and spirit.

My Reasons to Compete

I believe in God, and I believe in myself.
I know that by empowering myself, I can in turn empower others.
A new challenge gives me a goal, gives me focus, gives me purpose.
I feel good about what I can accomplish, with my mind, my body, my spirit.
Every journey gives me new insight on who I am, on whom I can become, and what I shall be.
I can, I will, I desire, to be all that God has given to me.
Stepping up on stage gives me a moment to shout out to the world.
I am here! I am alive!
I want to share it with you!
I perform in the hope of inspiring others to achieve their dreams.