My journey into fitness started at 19 years old when what I thought was going to be just another day resulted in changing my life forever. Ok, I know it sounds like I'm being a little dramatic, but not really. 

My brother was getting married and I was being fitted for my bridesmaid dress when I was slapped in the face with reality.  Their largest dress did not fit me.  Are you serious?  I knew that at 210 pounds I was overweight but the biggest dress not fitting me?!?  Not only did it not fit me but to add shame to my experience, I had to pay an additional $40. to have a dress made to my size.  That was it for me and the next day I was enrolled in the gym working out like I've never done before.

Three months later, second dress fitting and 30 pounds lighter, the dress was literally falling off of me and to add frosting to the cake (not literally) I had lost so much weight I had to pay another $40. for all the necessary tailoring to now make my dress smaller.  Hands down, best $40 I have ever spent.

Looking back I now realize I really had no idea what I was doing at the gym.  I would go straight onto the treadmill for an hour and once I was done, walk right back out.  I'd go home never even thinking of touching a dumbbell heavier than 5 pds.  

Once the initial weight loss ceased, I tried everything from Atkins Diet to low calorie diets to plain out not eating for 2 straight days at a time and taking those horrible diet pills that would just make me feel sick. I was younger and dumber so don't blame me, but I really just wanted to continue losing weight as rapidly as when I started.  A few years ago, I finally came to my senses and it became less about losing weight and more about becoming fit and healthy.

From weight lifting, to boxing, to yoga and trying new experiences like rock climbing; I'm all for it now and absolutely love what has become my lifestyle.  I've always felt a sense of fulfillment when people tell me I inspire and motivate them, even if it's to get them to the gym that specific day because although it might sound cliché this really isn't just about me.

I'm so happy to be able to say that despite how embarrassing the experience of not fitting into the dress was, it's actually the best thing that could've happened to me.  It made me wake up and realize the slippery slope I was on.  It defined a Before and After in my life.  And for that, I will forever be grateful to the most life changing bridesmaid dress ever.