I started to work out when I realized it was a struggle to hold a milk gallon. I would look up videos on YouTube to find workouts I could do in my room. My 8th grade self wanted to get toned and be able to run for miles without getting tired. However, I lacked the knowledge and proper guidance to reach the goals I wanted to obtain.

The summer before going into my junior year of high school, I got a gym membership with my brother. He showed me the basics of lifting, but the intimidation I felt in the gym was unmatched. I was surrounded by absolute gym bros and fitness freaks. I felt very out of place and stuck to the women-only fitness room for a while. It took me many weeks before I got over my fear of working out in front of others, especially men and to figure out what I was doing. During this time, I focused heavily on form and tried to not let ego-lifting get the best of me.