Coach Karen
I discovered a love for fitness through a desire to lose weight, as a lot of us do. Growing up and especially into my teenage years, I was very aware of my weight and discomfort with how I felt about myself. My life has always been fulfilling in many ways, but my overall health felt like a puzzle that I couldn't solve.I work hard to excel at as many things as possible and as any perfectionist will likely tell you, sometimes that can come with struggles involving control. In my early 20s, I went through a period of feeling out of control with my circumstances and current life. This wasn't true of course, but mindset, you know? These feelings led me to search for control where I could, which for me, manifested as an eating disorder. It didn't feel good, and neither did I, but the brain is a crazy thing and it absolutely did feel good to be good at it. I poured my energy into it and while I still had plenty of happy experiences, it was the most un-me I've ever been. I had previously been a marathon runner and eventually stopped working out at all because I had no energy or desire. Thoughts of food controlled everything I did and man, was the hanger real! Part of why it was challenging was because I really liked how I looked - I had never been "skinny" and I knew I was totally unhealthy, but it was easy to ignore the realities of what I was doing.
Fast forward through some major life changes and I met my husband. Never before have I met someone so incredibly kind and straight-forward (and hilarious). He has never stopped encouraging me to be self-reflective and become the person who I have always wanted to be. This version of me is not only loving to everyone around, but myself as well. Actually believing that I'm as awesome as others say is something I never knew if I could achieve.
A huge part of this journey began with learning about strength training. Through his consistent guidance and support, as well as our mutual necessity for competition, my life now feels better than I could have ever imagined. I still have struggles often, just like everyone else; now I am certain that I am capable of handling whatever life throws at me.
Discovering this confidence and happiness made my next steps feel so obvious to me - I want to help other people do the exact same thing! I started with my mom (my best friend) and other family and friends, sharing as much knowledge as I could. Experiencing such amazing changes and helping them see their potential solidified my decision to pursue training as a career. I understand well just how life-changing a healthy lifestyle and mindset can be, it only seems natural to help anyone else I can.
Becoming family at 4F with some of the greatest people I've met is another meant-to-be step in this beautiful life! I am so blessed to be here and lastly, I tell dad jokes and create puns pretty much all of the time :)
