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“You can NOT take me down. I will serve you!” Those were my thoughts as my tennis instructor led me through a drill. I was reacting to his coaching style – filled with remarks like “that’s why you’re not a professional”, “you would have had it, if you weren’t so carefree” and my favorite, “maybe you should have stayed home…
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I’ve gotten messages from coaches in the past that made me feel not confident about playing a sport. I thought if you didn’t know what you were doing that you shouldn’t commit to it. But I’ve learned that all you need is some practice, a little patience and a sense of loving what your do. That’s a different kind of…
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I’ve always had a strong connection to movement. At the best of times it has felt sacred. Whether I’m dancing, running, boxing, lifting or practicing yoga, it’s not simply the relationship to WHAT I’m doing, or even a deeper relationship to my body. When I’m moving in a mindful way- when I’m fully engaged in movement, I feel a presence…
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Mom, Wife, Entertainment Reporter/News 12 LI As a mom with a demanding work schedule, I face the daily challenge of juggling career, family, friends and regular life surprises! Connecting to my fitness routine isn’t always easy – I’m sometimes just too exhausted. NOT feeling guilty about it can be tough – because I know it’s a choice and I am…
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From a young age, I have always felt awkward around people, unsure of what to say, or worried about what others might think of me. No matter how hard I tried to fit in, or how close it appeared I was with a group of friends, I still felt like I did not belong. The pressure to feel accepted turned…
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The Place I Found Myself If someone would ask me to choose a pivotal moment on my fitness journey that dramatically changed my life I would not be able to give one. My journey was gradual. I remember when I moved to NY 5 years ago and was trying to push myself to go back to the gym post baby…
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What I love about surfing is the freedom I get when I’m riding a wave. No one can tell you how to do it. You kind of have to figure it out on your own. I am free and can be myself and can move or go in any direction I want. I love that kind of freedom from the…
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I like team sports because on the field and during a game all the teammates find common ground. We are there together with a common goal: trying to score, defend and win. When I play lacrosse I can feel myself getting better throughout every practice or every time I pick up the stick. It feels awesome to see that kind…
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I have five children. Before I had kids my activities included dancing, volleyball and softball and going to the gym. Motherhood changed my focus from my body moving to a body that was there to mother her kids. My body would bounce back after my pregnancies without too much trouble. With time, a decent metabolism, healthful diet and busy lifestyle…
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I love to dance. It makes me feel like I can let loose and it makes me feel like I can smile no matter what happens. At first, I wasn’t able to do a backbend, a cartwheel or a spin. I didn’t believe I would be able to do it. But my teachers and my friends were able to teach…
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My mission as a trainer is to help my clients see their body’s value as an instrument rather than an ornament. This is a process I myself went through years ago when I transitioned from competing in bikini to competing in strength sports and finally, to where I am today, which is training to enjoy my life With my clients,…
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My goal as a fitness professional and an “influencer” has been the change some of the culture that has been the “norm” in the bodybuilding and powerlifting world. These worlds have been notorious for their self- centered, self-absorbed athletes and their judgemental and exclusive (not in a good way) gyms. My goal has been to create a gym and a…
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One of my fondest memories from college is of early-morning rowing practice.3 In darkness and silence our team would run three miles from campus to the boathouse. Besides the occasional car that drove by, the only sound was the steady strike of feet on the pavement. Teams of eight and four would march their boats to the dock and set…
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I walked into the martial arts when I was around nine years old and I just wanted to do cool Kicks and be like Bruce Lee. As a parent, my mother knew it was good for me. My mother knew i needed a strong male bond as well as a positive outlet. At the time, my family was in and…