My fitness journey started as recreational weight lifting in my later high school years and was supplemented by sports such as cross country and lacrosse. A deep passion for fitness developed during these years as I transitioned from feeling embarrassed about my body to renewing a newfound sense of confidence, self-esteem and healthy stress management through exercise. This passion resonated throughout my college years, where I started applying what I learned in school to my own training. I used techniques to improve strength, cardiorespiratory fitness and athletic performance while participating in club Team Handball and regular recreational basketball.