Where did you grow up?
My family moved from Corpus Christi, Texas to Bondurant the year before I started kindergarten. I had 60 people in my graduating class there. Then, shortly after graduation, we moved to Waukee. My dad is originally from here, so we’ve spent many family holidays in “old” Waukee at my grandparents’ house.
Tell us about your family.
My fiancé Brandon and I live in Clive with our almost-two-year-old, Lila. She’s a blast. She’s become very verbal in the last couple of months. We have two dogs, so every squirrel, bird and horse she sees is a “doggy.” It’s pretty adorable.
Tell us about your current career.
I’m the manager at Anytime Fitness Waukee. I’ve been there for three years and I have no intention of leaving! I most enjoy working with members who are new to working out. I love helping them create workout plans that fit into their busy lives. I know that the gym isn’t where your life is lived. You don’t need to spend two hours a day working out to see results. Truly, 30 minutes a few times a week can greatly improve your standard of living. I get to help people find that balance.
What are some of your hobbies and passions?
I grew up with my nose in a book. I always have at least one fiction and one non-fiction book started. I enjoy reading about nutrition from a weight-loss prospective. There is so much information out there and it’s no secret that nutrition is a game changer in reaching fitness and weight-loss goals. I’m passionate about sifting through the nonsense so I can help my clients get where they want to be efficiently, but also with the long term in mind.
What do you like about living and/or working in Waukee?
We plan to move to Waukee proper before Lila starts school. I don’t know of a better community for raising a family. There are plenty of places to go and things to do with Lila, and there are plenty of great options for a date night, as well. It’s so exciting to watch Waukee grow!
What motivates and inspires you?
The members of Anytime Fitness motivate and inspire me. I love to hear their success stories – both the “I lost my last five pounds” and the “I lost my first five pounds” stories. Or, even more importantly, their stories about how they were able to stop taking certain medications, or how they were able to play catch or go on a bike ride with their kids. I joke that I’m sometimes more excited when our friends reach those small goals than they are. But, it’s reaching the small goals here and there that keep people focused.
Do you have a New Year’s Resolution for 2015?
I’ve never been much of a New Year’s resolution maker, but my biggest goal for this year is to get a certain toddler potty trained. We use cloth diapers, so I’d love to eliminate three loads of laundry each week! I’m also going to sign up for at least one adult education class through Waukee or Des Moines Community Education. Also, since we have a wedding coming up, some dance classes might be in order this year!
Any tips to help others keep their New Year’s resolutions?
Small goals keep you motivated towards bigger change. If you want to lose weight, your first goal should be to change what you’re eating for breakfast. Your next goal is to add some movement. Also, find someone who can help you put together a plan specific to your starting point. If you join a gym, don’t be the gym “wanderer.” You know, the “wanderer” who walks from machine to machine doing a repetition here or there but with no specific plan in mind. That’s a good way to lose motivation because you won’t see results! Set a long-term goal but have a good idea of what success towards your goal looks like a week from now, a month from now, and three months from now. Be kind to yourself and celebrate the small successes!
