I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my story, it made me stop and think about something I don’t always pause to ask myself: why do I show up?
I’ve struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember, starting Weight Watchers at 14 and spending years stuck in the cycle of dieting, cardio, and chasing a number on the scale. Back then, I was doing step aerobics in my parents’ basement with VHS tapes and thought I was elite. Honestly, I’m still waiting for 212 to recognize this as a missed programming opportunity.
I was always “doing the work,” but it came from a negative place.
That all changed when I found 212.
When I first walked in, I had no idea what I was doing: no machines, heavy weights, kettlebells? It was intimidating, and I genuinely thought I might not survive the warm-up—like, I’m sorry, but a plank to groiners to one foot over the other is just code for “you’ll be planking for three minutes.” But what stood out immediately was the people. I didn’t know anyone, but I was welcomed, encouraged, and pushed in a way I had never experienced before. After a month, I joked that I had joined a cult—but honestly, that’s what made it special.
For the first time, the gym wasn’t about punishment. It became about getting stronger, for my health, my future, and my life.
That shift became even more important in 2016 when I was diagnosed with a rare benign tumor (endolymphatic sac tumor) that caused hearing loss and facial paralysis. Since then, I’ve had multiple surgeries. In 2022, I was also diagnosed with breast cancer related to the BRCA2 gene, which brought even more challenges.
I don’t share that for sympathy—but because it changed how I see strength.
After every surgery, I’ve been told that my recovery is faster because of my mindset and strength training. That reinforced something I now fully believe: we are all capable of so much more than we think.
So why do I keep showing up?
Because while I can’t control everything life throws at me, I can control how strong, capable, and prepared I am to handle it.
I’m incredibly grateful for this community—for the friendships, the support, and the constant reminder to keep pushing. And to my husband Steven, who has supported me through everything.
If you see me in class, I’m part of the early morning crew and easy to spot because I’ll be the one in a sweatband (I don’t know how the other 98% of you function without one). But more importantly, I’m just someone trying to show up, stay strong, and be a little better than I was yesterday.