My fitness and health journey started out like most… at the bottom.

As a single mom trying to hold down a career, I felt stressed, anxious and exhausted all of the time. I was trying to break into the male-dominated corporate world of real estate while also being the glue for my 5-year-old little girl. Any decisions I made for myself were based on expedience and convenience. As a result, I didn’t eat right, was sleep deprived, and was out of touch with my body. It’s amazing to me how many of us can live on autopilot like this. Whether it’s putting others’ needs before our own, blindly pursuing our ambitions, or getting stuck in a pattern of unhealthy habits- most of us have suffered from neglecting our bodies. 

The catalyst for me occurred when someone recognized the suffering happening within me. An honest comment about my appearance and anxiety was the nudge I needed to make a change. I joined a local women’s gym and began taking the 5am group fitness classes. What started out as an impossible time commitment blossomed into passion. I was sleeping better, eating better and felt better than I had in years. As a result of being active, my energy levels increased, and to my surprise- I found that I was more present and attentive as a parent. A small change turned into a lifestyle. Within a year, I had the first of many national fitness certifications and was teaching weekly classes of my own.

That was 35 years ago, and my life has changed dramatically. As a single mother, I didn’t have the luxury of teaching full time. I taught classes before work, in the evenings and weekend mornings.  It wasn’t until my daughter graduated from high school that I was able to leave my full-time corporate job and make health and fitness my full-time career.

Over the course of my 35 years in the health and fitness industry, I have earned over 18 national fitness certifications, and a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in exercise science and nutrition. I have taught hundreds of group fitness classes at gyms and studios all over Southern California and have had the opportunity to personally train some of the most amazing people, including athletes, parents, grandparents, and adolescents. Many have been clients for a decade or more. I believe I have been able to work with a large and diverse clientele because I recognize that despite our backgrounds or goals, we all share a unique challenge… We all have to take that first step. One of the rewards of doing what I do is getting to take that step with you. Furthermore, I know that the most effective approach to sustainable health and fitness is one that is tailored to your individual strengths, needs and unique goals. I once had a client tell me that I “truly put the personal in personal training.”

One of the highlights of my fitness journey has been competing in fitness competitions. This experience taught me the value of proper nutrition and finding a life of balance. Rather than a restrictive approach to nutrition, I believe in the importance of a wholesome and balanced way to eat healthy and still enjoy the foods we love- including a glass of wine now and then. Additionally, my approach to exercise has evolved. Years of spending hours and hours pushing my body to its limits only to suffer from metabolic damage and injuries to my joints has motivated me to find a better, less invasive way to stay strong and fit. This has transformed my approach to create strategic fitness and wellness programs that incorporate resistance training, cardiovascular training, flexibility, and most importantly-foster a healthy mind-body connection.

Every challenge, obstacle, loss, and success are opportunities to learn, evolve, and create a better life for ourselves. My years of experience as a fitness professional have provided me with a unique perspective regarding exercise, nutrition and equanimity for each individual client.

I invite you to share your health, fitness, and wellness journey with me. Together, we can find your personal balance with nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness to help you reach your goals in an effective, holistic and enjoyable way. If you are seeking a full, active and joyful life, take that first step by reaching out to me.