"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is within us out into the world, miracles happen." -Henry Stanley Haskins
Hometown: Scottsville, KY
The gym saved my life. I’ve been unhealthy for as long as I can remember. I was always the bookish, artsy, video gamer that was glued to the television as a child and never wanted to move around or explore. That continued through my college years where I suffered with depression, addiction to cigarettes and alcohol, and severely low self-esteem. In 2014 I made the jump from 235 pounds down to 150 by obsessively running and eating minimally but aggressive dieting and straining on my body without guidance did nothing to address that internal health and my self-image. It didn’t matter how “hot” or “beautiful” I was because at the end of the day I hated who I was and eventually fell off the wagon.
In January of 2018 after quitting smoking I joined BAC during a membership drive and wanted to try yoga as a way to heal my body and circulatory system after 9 years of damaging effects. Through yoga I began to push my boundaries and try hip-hop step, spin, Cardio Kick, Green Method, Met-Con and eventually DanceFit. I discovered that sobriety worked better for my personal mental and physical health and was able to open up a place in my heart that made me want to teach and encourage people.
It was through yoga and dancing that I learned to love myself. I like to remind people that you don’t have to be a dancer to express the movement within you. I also like to remind people you don’t have to be a human pretzel to practice the mind, body, and breathe connections of yoga.
These two styles of exercise combined with the friendship and encouragement from BAC staff and members helped me discover that I could be healthier and by being a light in the world I could help others. Through the classes and support of the staff here I found my tribe that has helped me become a better person.
If I can’t help you on the mat or the dance floor, I will find the bike, boxing gloves, kettle bell and instructor that will!