I remember the first time I ever took a group fitness class. I was 15 years old and I had a buddy pass to my mom’s fancy gym––this place was magical. I grew up going to “fit-kids” (the gym day care) while my mom would work out. We made forts, danced and bounced on those balls with the handle, and after we would always get lemon water and muffins. This place was basically heaven from a young age! As I grew older and more curious about working out, my mom gave me a pass to try out the gym. fitness classes and spa. The first class I took was called “Piloxing” and was a combo between Pilates and boxing. The teacher was the most energetic person I had ever seen and she filled the room with motivation and joy. I was hooked.
From that moment, I knew I wanted to work in this space. It was like a dream to me. As I kept coming back, I tried out all the other equipment and noticed it wasn’t nearly as fun as the group fitness classes. I fed off the other people in the room, and I felt like having an instructor tell you what to do was way more motivating. I had danced for many years and loved performing; it brought me so much joy and immense purpose. I loved pleasing my teachers and executing the movement they created. I loved feeling the music throughout my entire body and let it drive my performance. Dance was always there for me. It helped me process the highs and lows of my life and I always felt like it was God’s greatest gift to my childhood. I also did sports such as soccer, track, volleyball, and cross-country… but nothing gave me an overwhelming feeling of love and joy like dance. Dance teaches you discipline, structure, and body awareness.
I believe these attributes made it such an effortless transition into my love for fitness. I liked the discipline of conditioning your body, the structure of the class environment, and the specific movement for each muscle group. But overall how FUN it was and how a class would fly by and how you always felt so accomplished when you finished the workout. Once I was 17 and had to start figuring out what I wanted to study in college.. It was a no brainer. I majored in Dance and minored in Exercise Science. I loved learning about the body and then using it in my dance classes. After graduating, I became an Xtend Barre Instructor! Xtend barre is a mix between dance and Pilates and it was the perfect fit for me. I remember being SO nervous to teach my classes in the beginning…
This class is very difficult to teach because you must stay with the music and the movement must flow perfectly. Every time anxiety would creep in, I would just keep coming back to the fact that I knew God placed both dance and fitness in my heart and I truly knew this was my calling. Every time He would provide me with the knowledge and confidence to teach a great class. Now, not every class has been perfect.. I still mess up here and there but it doesn’t bother me as much anymore. Life is not about being perfect, but pursuing your passions and forming meaningful relationships along the way. Group fitness is really all about community! I love forming relationships with my clients and getting to know them on a deeper level than just their names. It’s so wonderful to meet all these amazing humans that I would have never met if it wasn’t for a fitness class. I look up to my clients.. They are dedicated, hard working individuals that have the biggest hearts!
When clients keep coming back and letting me know how exercise is changing their lives, my heart could explode. I have formed so many amazing friendships that I know I can count on and will have forever. My life would be so different if I didn’t choose this career path and I feel so blessed by each and every individual I meet that is working towards their goals to live a healthy happy life. Fast forward five years later and this crazy thing called the internet has absolutely blown up.. I am starting my own online fitness community! At first I was super skeptical.. My husband has encouraged me to just go for it these past two years and I finally am! The internet can be a terrifying place, with people a little too confident with bringing people down behind that little keyboard. I have always been somewhat of a perfectionist and I was scared I wouldn’t be good enough for the awful critics of this world. After many friends and family members encouraging me to go for it, I finally have built up enough courage to just put myself out there and do my best.
I pray that FITXSYD is a place of love, motivation, community, joy, and encouragement! A place where people can come together to learn, grow, and become the best version of themselves. Where you can feel empowered to treat your body with kindness and respect. A place where you can be totally vulnerable and 100% you! I know this may sound cheesy but, to be who God has created you to be, “flaws” and all because you are absolutely PERFECT in His eyes and He wants the best life for you. I don’t know about you but when I am active, eating nutritious foods, and surrounded by an uplifting community.. I feel like I can conquer anything! So please join me on this amazing journey to an incredible life!! Live life where you are confident in your skin, have more energy, and the most natural joy overflowing out of you. Join the FITXSYD tribe and feel the difference.