1. Where are you from originally?
Born and raised in Charlotte, NC.

2. What is your favorite WOD/movement?
EMOM’s, sled push

3. What is your least favorite WOD/movement?
Burpees!

4. What were you doing before Northlake Bootcamp? How did you hear about Bootcamp and/CrossFit Northlake?
Going to the gym occasionally, but not as motivated as I didn’t have the support that I do have at Northlake Bootcamp. I heard about Bootcamp from my dear friend and co-worker Monica Martin, who was already a member of Bootcamp.

5. What other sports or activities do you participate in as a family besides Bootcamp?
No other sports, Bootcamp is life!

6. How many times per week do you Bootcamp?
4-5 times per week

7. What is your athletic background?
Never played sports, so any physical activity revolved around going to the gym. Didn’t move much growing up, thus the weight gain.

8. Give us some insight as to your thoughts after your first workout at Bootcamp.
The first time I came to Bootcamp, it was on a Saturday morning in late November 2017 and Diddy made us partner up and pump out 80 calories on the assault bike with a partner. I looked at the bike and said, “Oh, this won’t be bad.” Little did I know by the end of said workout, I would feel like dying (LOL). It was the best feeling in the world to push through that workout and on the spot that day, I joined Bootcamp and officially became a member.

9. Do you have any special or favorite Bootcamp memories/moments?
One of my favorite memories is pushing through a scaled version of Murph during Memorial Day weekend. That was one of the toughest workouts to date and I was so proud of completing the entire workout. Didn’t know my body was capable of pushing through to the finish line, but I learned at that moment that much of it is mental. You can do anything you set your mind to.

10. What advice would you give to a newbie or someone just joining Bootcamp?
If you think the first workout was tough, you are right… and that’s a good thing. Don’t give up! You have no idea what you are capable of and how much your body will appreciate you throughout the process. Northlake Bootcamp has changed my life in more ways than one and I’m forever grateful for the coaches and friends I’ve made along the way.

11. What is your eating style?
I completed the Whole 30 challenge in January 2018 and since then, I have not had processed sugar as it was inflaming my body. I now meal prep and eat clean 70-80% of the week – lean meats, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, potatoes. On the weekends, I may splurge and have a fast food meal, but it doesn’t throw off the results I had for the week. I think it’s important to monitor what you eat as it is significant in making progress.

12. What kind of results have you seen since starting at Bootcamp?
My goodness, where do I start? Let’s start internally – less bloat and no more inflammation. My digestive system has appreciated me this year as I’m clear and do not have issues. I get blood work done yearly and to see my numbers from 2017 to 2018 are miraculous. I remember getting super teary-eyed when I saw my cholesterol numbers. I went from 244 to 182 mg/dL. Less than 200 is within the normal range and starting out at 244 was at an “above high” which could have led me to take cholesterol medication at such a young age. Medication in my 20’s?? I THINK NOT! I knew at that moment last year in 2017 that I needed to change and to get on it fast.

Externally, I am close to my 50-pound weight loss goal. I am participating in the 30-day Nutrition Challenge for the month of November and I have no doubt in my mind that I will hit my goal at the end of this month. To say that I am proud of myself is an understatement. I’ve never lost this much weight before and I’ve got goals I’ve never seen coming. I’m at the half-way point of my weight loss journey and I’m looking forward to hitting the big 100 lbs. mark at the end of 2019. #Minato100

13. What do you do for a living?
I am a high school counselor at West Charlotte High School and have been a counselor for 6 years. I love the kids… especially those that need love and support the most – I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m also honored to take on the role of Department Chair for Student Services this school year. I’m all about leadership and learning how to support and guide my team.

14. What drives you to be an active family?
As I have just entered a new decade by turning 30 and currently single, I am learning what it takes to make healthy eating choices and being active. It starts NOW and I’m hoping to take what I’ve learned and carry it on to my own family.