I first became involved in fitness back in 1985. I wish the reason was because I just decided to live a healthier lifestyle, however that was not the case. I started exercising due to a fairly severe back injury. I nearly ruptured a disc (at a very young age) and could hardly stand up, sit down, get out of bed, let alone consider aerobics or running.

I vivdly remember looking out the window and crying as I watched someone jog by. I thought to myself: "Why didn't I do that when I could have? Then maybe I would have never injured my back to begin with. I would have been strong."

Once they had me out of severe pain, I was able to start swimming. This was not a favorite activity of mine (it doesn't do much for your hair), but I was so happy to be able to move that I swam 6 days a week. Once I was able to start a strength training program I did. This was back when "women didn't lift weights."

My next step was to take an aerobics class. Boy did I look like a frog in a blender in that first class. It was WAY harder than it looked and I felt like I was going to throw up blood. But I was hell bent on doing this aerobics thing (not much has changed!!!).

Eventually, through the help of a wonderful chiropractor, Dr. Bob Videyko in Newbuyport, MA, an exercise program, and learning how to properly sit, stand, lift, and strengthen my core, I began to teach aerobics - with a vengance! This was WAY back when low impact barely existed, we did classes in our socks on a mat, and used records (you know, those plastic frisbee looking things).

I ended up at the Seacoast YMCA in Portsmouth, NH. This is where I met (a still very dear friend of mine) Deb Malin. She is the one person I will always owe my fitness career to. It was by working with and for her that I began a career as an intructor, trainer, and educator.

I don't have enough space to tell of our adventures. But I will mention that she and I were, it seemed, the only two women in the weight room. People thought we were nuts or pissed at the world or something - in there pumping outrages amounts of iron. I've never lost my love of hard core weight training. Or my love or gratitude for my friend "Mammory."

I still have some "issues" with my back. Mostly when I'm not careful, or don't do the proper amount of self-care: get enough rest, keep exercising no matter how little time I have, and try desperately to burn the candle at only one end and not both. Stress also plays a large factor in the pain. I have found if you truely listen to your body, it will tell you what it needs. Whether it be rest, nourishment, or peace of mind, it usually lets you know first in a whisper. If you don't pay attention, your body then will eventually keep trying to tell you something's wrong. My wish for all of you is that you'll listen before it has to scream at you for care.