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“I began to feel more confident and I liked the changes I was seeing in my body. I was stronger, stronger than I thought possible. I am no longer afraid of what my body isn’t, but instead celebrating what my body is.”

Member Of:

Farmgirlfit Spokane

Occupation:

Paraeducator

Tell us about your fitness journey. How did you come to Farmgirlfit?

I have struggled with my weight my entire life, trying every diet ever invented. As a result, I had developed a love/hate relationship with my body. After two knee surgeries and being told to give up all high impact exercise I began to swim, a lot. Swimming is great, and I enjoy it, but it just wasn’t enough. Then came FGF.

If you could tell your Farmgirlfit story in 100 words or fewer, how would it read?

After two years of constant (loving) harassment from my daughters, I finally came to a workout. I was so intimidated. Afraid of being too old, afraid of being too heavy, afraid of failing, afraid of not being enough. That first workout kicked my butt, but it felt good. I began to feel more confident and I liked the changes I was seeing in my body. I was stronger, stronger than I thought possible. I am no longer afraid of what my body isn’t, but instead celebrating what my body is.

What has been your greatest fitness/performance accomplishment so far?

The Long Bridge Swim in Sandpoint Idaho.

What are your next health and fitness goals?

To fully recover from my shoulder surgery.

Favorite exercise at FGF is? Least favorite?

I love TABATA!! The fast pace and sweat factor is great.

I do not love Turkish get ups…awkward!

When the Grind is kicking my butt, I’m thinking…

Just breathe and keep moving.

My favorite thing about Farmgirlfit is:

The ladies, the coaches and other members: the unconditional love and constant encouragement is amazing. No matter where you are in your fitness journey, they will meet you there and help you to be successful.

Do you have a funny Farmgirlfit story, or favorite memory?

Deadlifting 240lbs with Mel.

How has the rest of your life been influenced/impacted by Farmgirlfit?

I have begun to celebrate my body for what it can do and stopped beating myself up for what it can’t. I actually like what I see in the mirror most days, and that’s a big step for me.

Who/what inspires you to be fit?

My grandbabies – I need the energy to keep up with them. And my girls – they ROCK!!

When you're not pumping iron at FGF, what does the rest of your life look like?

At school, I am trying to be a positive role model to my students and help them navigate life. At home, it’s all about family, the crazy chaos we call life is amazing. I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it, especially Ama Fridays! With my friends, we travel the world.

My happy place is:

Anywhere with my family.

I’m proud…

Of the people my children grew up to be.

As a kid I dreamt I would grow up to be:

A marine biologist.

You might not know this about me:

I like to weld yard art.

Words that inspire me?

Kindness, Acceptance, Love

Guilty pleasure:

Coconut cake from Wild Sage…YUM!

Any advice for new members or your fellow farmgirls?

Don’t limit yourself with self-doubt. You are stronger than you know…and seriously, go try that cake!