What would you recommend to others who want to be fit and healthy?

Don’t go too extreme too quickly! People get overwhelmed and think everything must be done right now. There is no point in going from one extreme: sitting on the couch for hours to another extreme, working out for hours everyday without recovery time. Start by finding a workout/class/routine that you enjoy and challenge yourself from there. Next increase your daily water intake, then amount of sleep you get each night, etc. “Wade into the fitness pool” diving rarely works

How does fitness positively influence your life?

Fitness has taught me physical and mental toughness. The woman I am now knows she can handle anything life throws at her, I can’t say the same for the overweight girl that began this journey 4 years ago. I have the discipline, self love, and confidence I need to not only succeed but help others find the same passion within themselves

If you were the next Ms Health and Fitness, what would you do with $20,000?

I would firstly pay off my student loans and then continuing educating myself in healthy living. I am a passionate trainer and I try to give my clients as many tools as I can to help them exceed their goals.