Being healthy and fit seems like such a simple concept, but oh what a challenge it can be. Being fit is something I’ve strove for as a young adult, but had the toughest time achieving because of a variety of obstacles. I really tried to be fit, I mean I would go out for a jog, but inevitably when I would get home I would go  to the corner convenience store and pick up a half a gallon of ice cream to celebrate my running achievement. I would go to the gym, really not knowing what do, watch what some of the “fit” people working out with the weights, and for quite awhile not even mustering the courage to get off the treadmill or elliptical in fear of embarrassing myself  on the “free weight” deck.  Gradually over time, my own health became a passion for me. I read numerous books on nutrition which really informed me of the importance of the food we put in our body. I started taking yoga and fitness classes at the park district. I learned a little bit more about effective exercise in the gym and started to apply it. And over the course of a few years, my lifestyle was changing and I was really becoming healthier.

All this while, I worked as a middle school math teacher, which I really loved. You may be shocked, but it wasn’t doing math all day that made teaching a wonderful career. It was the relationships with the kids that were developed as I tried to make math come alive. It was the excitement when a student got a concept, I mean really got it or when they would say, “I used to do really poorly in math before but I’m doing so well because you make it understandable and fun!” After thirteen years of teaching math, I decided to take a chance and pursue my two passions: being healthy along with teaching/inspiring.

I went back to school and pursued a degree of certification from a program nationally known for personal training.  I also volunteered my time for one of the best and most respected personal trainers in the nation who owned and operated her own studio locally in Illinois. I wanted to learn from the best and I loved every moment. As I started my new career in personal training, it turned out to be the best experience. The opportunity to work with others who want to be healthy and fit, but like me, a few years ago, weren’t sure the most effective way to go about it. There is no better feeling for me than helping others achieve goals that may have once been thought of as impossible. I know from my own experience, the obstacles that can get in the way, but most importantly, ways to overcome them. From this Bridge Fitness was born, as well as our motto – connecting you to your healthiest self.

BF Challenge:  What’s the new chapter you want to write in your life story?