In August of that year, I decided to start on road to personal fitness and healthy living – not only for myself, but my family as well. God blessed me with a beautiful family and they deserved a healthy mom and wife. It began simply by making healthier choices at mealtimes and getting to the gym on occasion to rehabilitate my knee. That soon grew to venturing into the cardio room. With those small additions to my activity level (which was nothing previous) I lost my first 20 pounds. I ran into someone at the gym who hardly recognized the “shrinking” me and commented on how great I looked. That was all it took to rev me up and beginning in January of 2008, I set my goal to finish losing the weight and compete in my first-ever military bodybuilding/figure competition. I weighed in at 124 lbs.

Having a fitness goal saved my life…literally, and continues to help me stay on track with healthy living. I was headed toward high blood pressure, diabetes, and was the perfect candidate for heart disease if I didn’t change my ways. It’s not only the physical changes that occurred in my life, but the emotional as well. I now recognize how strong I truly am, both inside and out. The confidence I’ve gained in the sport of bodybuilding/figure has opened up a whole new world for me. (There’s nothing like stepping out on a stage in front of 100’s of people in a tiny little suit to develop confidence!). I live each day to the fullest and try to invest in each person I’m privileged to work with as a trainer so that they might discover their strength as well. Most importantly, I want my kids to have a healthy mom for a very long time so that I can enjoy every minute with them. My family is amazing!! I tell my husband all the time, “you created this monster!” He taught me how to lift weights, held me accountable to my goal, and was – and still is – my support, even when I didn’t think I would succeed. My kids are not only my source of motivation, but support as well. They helped me cook my meals and were my biggest and loudest fans at my competitions. Even now that they’re all grown, they are still my motivation. My coach and training partners were also a major source of encouragement and support. They have helped me accomplish things I never (not in a million years!!) would have ever dreamed of. In addition to this, I praise God for the gift of the many many friends that have and continue to encourage and motivate me. Their personal testimonies of the obstacles they’ve overcome in their lives have touched me beyond words.

As a Professional Fitness Coach, I have the privilege of working with our Active Duty men and women in all of our armed forces, our Wounded Warriors, their spouses and dependents, as well as Department of Defense (DOD) civilians and contractors. I am also fortunate to be an active volunteer, workshop instructor and motivational speaker in the Colorado Springs area, as well as our military community overseas during our family’s time there.

I have had the incredible opportunity to be featured in 3 editions of Flex Magazine (Germany), be sponsored by Legal Power in 2016,  Suits By Amy in 2014, NAR Labs supplements in 2012 as well as featured on Bodybuilding.com and AFN Europe as an International Figure Competitor, ModelsObserver.com as a Figure Athlete, and the Kaiserslautern American as an inspirational mother and military spouse. I hope to continue to be a source of inspiration, motivation and encouragement.

If I could only share one piece of advice, it would be to step out and stretch yourself! You are so much stronger than you know! I went from overweight and unhealthy to standing on a universe stage. Five years ago, I never would have believed such a thing was remotely possible. You’ll never know what you’re capable of until you step put and try…..and I promise you’ll never regret it!!

Special thanks…. First, to my Lord and Savior. Without Jesus, I would have nothing. To my amazing husband, Anthony Griffin, for being by my side through thick and thin (pun intended!) My awesome kids – Kait, Jason & Billie – for being my motivation and just being terrific!! My coaches Zoa Lindsey and Alex Thomessen, for investing your time, talents and belief in me. My training partners over the years for pushing me and holding me accountable! My photographers and friends, Becca Allen, Eva Creel, Nick Cormier and Miguel Lechuga. You guys rock!! Jeff and Carla Frankart, Ronny Weihmann, and the AMC Fitness staff Meridian Ranch Rec Center and staff All my friends who continue to encourage me every single day. I couldn’t do any of this without your love and constant support!! You’re the best! Love you all!!!