1. It gave me more confidence.

I worked hard on improving myself in a way that I could take pride in. I worked hard for my body and I deserved to be proud of myself for it. I was able to walk around in my own body feeling confident and comfortable. No more body-shaming for me.

2. It gave me discipline.

I felt that I had spent so much time training and working on my body, that I did not want to throw it away. I realized that if I wanted to attain something, I would really have to reach for it and keep trying. All of the grueling training, workouts, stiffness and soreness would help me become stronger, mentally and physically. It would not be an immediate thing and all of my hard work would eventually pay off over time. That mental willpower and strength continues with me to this day.

3. It helped me prioritize.

I knew that health and fitness were important, but it also became the forefront of what I did and what I continue to do. I continue to strive to better myself, which ultimately betters my health and fitness. Once I forced myself into a healthy mindset, I noticed that I was a lot happier and positive in general about life.

4. It made me realize how important strength really is and how it is ok for girls to be strong.

Growing up, I thought that being skinny was the real ideal for girls and that you would not be desirable otherwise. I realized that you can still be strong and sexy, and that it was ok for a girl to be muscular. In fact, I have received compliments for my muscle tone from men and women from the time I began training. Muscle weighs more than fat, and that’s a good thing.

5. It helped me make stronger and better friends.

That underlying connection really helped boost my strength and reliance on other’s support to keep me going, in both an emotional and spiritual manner. If I was feeling down about myself or my performance, I had someone else with me to keep me going.