Welcome Friends!
I’m Andrea, and I am SO excited to walk alongside you in your fitness journey! Though we haven’t met, I believe we have much in common with many of the same daily struggles and fitness challenges.
I know how overwhelming everyday life can feel. I understand how it feels to be under a constant pile and have others dependent on you for meeting their needs. And that feeling when there is nothing left to give at the end of the day? I know that too! There are days when there seems to be no margin in any area of life. Time slips like sand through our grasp and schedules bombard and take over. Feelings of defeat take root and we start questioning whether its’ even worth it to try.
I’ve found myself saying things like, “There is never enough time. How can I get into a healthier space when I lack time and energy to do so? New Year, same old me. Nothing will ever change. I can’t change. Maybe I’m just not meant to be fit.” You may have rehearsed these lines too. And we talk ourselves into staying stuck.
Excuse me: I’m going to cut in right here. Let me tell you that there is hope! You can change. And when this change comes, things will be different. You will find time. You will get unstuck. You will gain energy. And YOU CAN BE fit.
Let me tell you a little about…
My Story
I was a teen when I began my journey with health and fitness. Playing basketball, volleyball, softball kept me active. In my free time, I enjoyed lifting weights and running. I learned Karate and spent time being active outdoors with my friends and family. Like many young girls, I struggled with cultural messages for what true beauty looks like. I fought to reach this unattainable goal of perfection, but at the same time grew to love sports and fitness. I went on to receive my degree in Sports Medicine. Even though I continued to struggle with my own identity and place in the fitness world, the thought of helping others live an active and healthy life energized me.
Although I loved being active, I lived each day feeling like I was an imposter. I didn’t feel athletic. I didn’t feel like I was fit. I didn’t feel like I measured up. And because I allowed my feelings to dictate my choices I eventually ended up overweight, low energy, and not taking care of myself. There were days when I had to remind myself to eat and even then, I wasn’t eating to fuel my body. Instead, I was using food to medicate my emotions.
Ages and stages
Throughout this journey I’ve grown and learned from my weaknesses. Through the different stages of life: first a young married college student with late nights and early mornings, to stay-at-home mom with little ones and no time for me, to working full-time away from my school-aged children who still need more than I can give. This current season of working full-time and running kids to and from events, while striving to make our house a home has only intensified the need for me to be in a healthy space. Because of my busy schedule, lack of time and energy continue to be a challenge. The pressures women face are real! I understand how demanding life can be when caring for the needs of others and how impossible it can seem to find time to care for our own needs.
Stepping out of stuck
Meanwhile, in the middle of all the chaos, I made a conscious choice to step out of the overwhelm of “momming” and actively seek a balance for adding fitness into my everyday experience. If I stayed where I was things were not going to get better. The only real option I had was to work toward positive change. I chose to stop listening to the narrative I had let play over and over in my head for years and created a new one. I am looking forward to sharing more about this as we get to know each other better. This was not an easy road. It was tough! There were grueling days. I cried many tears of frustration. But I stuck with it. I pressed on and leaned into my purpose. And guess what?
It was totally worth it.
Every tear, every sore muscle, every tired moment was ALL worth it because of the end result. During the process of transformation I didn’t see it. But on the other side I traded overwhelm for empowerment, low energy for strength, defeat for victory, and lies for truth. I can’t wait to share this process with you and watch you experience the same positive outcomes.
My Credentials
I hold a degree in Sports Medicine and have worked to obtain my certifications as a Health Coach and Fitness and Nutrition Specialist through the American Council on Exercise. I’ve worked with women in the fitness industry for over 20 years. I love helping women of all ages find their “best fit” life! My desire is to help you find a balance with fitness and everyday life and to see you thrive in your own skin. I want you to believe you are beautiful and know you are athletic enough!
Don’t believe the lie that you can’t be fit or that you can’t do this, because I’m here to tell you that you CAN!
A Little Bit More About Me
I live in Northern Michigan with my husband, four kids and two dogs. I enjoy being active and outdoors spending time with my family. I love teaching fitness classes and singing. Sometimes at the same time!
Everything I do stems from my love of Jesus.
My desire is to help others live to their full potential!
I want to help you simplify your life when it comes to your health.
I know it can feel overwhelming to stay on top of it all AND take time for you. Working in the fitness industry and being a mom of 4 kids has helped force me to come up with a plan so I can stay fit and active and still balance everyday life. I’d love to share my knowledge with you!