Introduction

Hi friends! I am a pizza and cupcake loving, Netflix watching fool. Over the past 5 years, my life has changed so much! Let me tell you...

When I was in college, I was a certified personal trainer. My bachelor's education consisted of psychology, sociology, and wellness. I worked out at least 5 times a week, ate fairly healthy (this has always been a struggle for me), and was generally in great shape. After graduating from college, I stole my brother's p90x workout dvds and really saw my body change. Guess it goes to show that a trainer needs a trainer, huh? I was so impressed with the dynamic moves, the balance of the program, and getting it all done within an hour. Soon, I incorporated Brazil Butt Lift and Shakeology. Being more pear-shaped, this is when I really noticed my lower body start to change. I had always done up-hill sprints, squats, and leg machine work but nothing compared to how Brazil Butt Lift worked for me! The results literally looked like I had surgery--my lower body was much higher, tighter, and nicely rounded. Adding Shakeology--oh my, where to begin! I've always suffered from an iron deficiency and chronic sinus infections. After consuming the dense superfood nutrition consistently for a few months, I saw real and measurable changes with my health. My iron levels tested normal and I have yet (knock on wood) to suffer another sinus infection. During this season of my life, I finally felt confident. Did I look like a Victoria's Secret model? No. But my body felt so capable, clothes looked better (hello, love style!), and most importantly, I was healthy.

As time progressed, I obtained a great job in an office setting. I really enjoyed my job but always felt stressed. I think largely in part to my own need to feel like I'm serving others. My clients became my priority and my life was unbalanced. I was sitting for 8-9 hours during the work day, would come home exhausted and drained (hello fellow introverts :) ), would make dinner, and just decompress on the couch. I knew what I was doing was not good for myself. I also felt like I was stuck. I was so tired, both mentally and physically. I started making excuses and in the back of my mind always thought that "tomorrow" I'd go back to being the healthy Erica. Well, friends, guess what? Tomorrow is not a day of the week. After nearly 2 years of this behavior, I gained about 30 lbs. Being 5'10, this weight translated into 2 dress sizes. Ugh, how did I let this happen?

After looking at pictures of me from the past compared to the current, I decided that there it was no longer a decision to be healthy or not. It was a must, an absolute necessity. So, I began P90x3, stopped indulging in nutrient poor foods, and signed up as a coach. My fitness journey is still a work in progress. I'm not where I want to be, but I'm better than I was.

Being a coach originally helped me stay accountable and I loved the discount. Now, I am my own business owner and creating a full-time, stay-at-home career. I still love to serve my clients and I can now do so with much more freedom (and in yoga pants!). For me, being healthy and taking care of myself allows me to better serve others. In addition to my health being my priority, my relationships mean the world to me, and I feel called to help others free themselves from the bondage of weight, debt, and unbalanced living. I personally feel like I was designed for more than the 9-5 and netflix binge, and I feel like life has been brought back to me. So thankful and feel so blessed!

I'd love to hear what your goals are! What do you feel you were designed to do? Where can you improve in your life?