My passion for wellness evolved out of a broken season in my life as a fitness professional. I was both physically and mentally depleted after getting hit by a car in 2009 and working long hours at an elite health club in Washington, DC during the Great Recession. I told myself that I had to keep pushing my body through grueling hours on the job, no matter the cost. I assured myself that I was “important” just because I had high-profile clients like a former U.S. Surgeon General and reality TV stars. My priorities and basis for self worth were all backwards and my lifestyle was decidedly NOT healthy. My poor sleep and reckless diet resulted in weight gain and a mental breakdown. My struggles were glaring and my negative self talk was fueled by perfectionism and shame. I realized then that exercise is worth next to nothing if we’re not mentally and spiritually healthy too. The time had come for me to change and heal.

My physical and spiritual journey with exercise has spanned the globe. I’ve trained in STOTT Pilates down in South Beach, Miami and lived in a remote ashram in India where I learned Ashtanga yoga while eating meals in silence and meditating at the crack of dawn every day. The traditional mind/body disciplines of exercise are incredible, but in truth, all of exercise is “mind/body” in some way.

I’ve been privileged to gain degrees and certifications in exercise science, sports management, strength and conditioning, and more throughout the years. Training in so many disciplines has taught me that no single exercise plan or format is best for everybody. Different seasons in our lives beg us to use different kinds of movement. And that’s okay! In fact, it’s completely natural and healthy for our relationship with different exercises to ebb and flow. This is just part of what it means to be on a wellness journey (which is about a whole lot more than just exercise).

We all have a complicated, multifaceted and, dare I say, beautiful relationship with wellness. It’s a complex force in our lives that is ever changing and ever present. I hope you will join me as I share my professional advice and personal experiences here on this site. I would *love* to hear your story too! Never hesitate to let me know if I can lend an ear or help you out. I’m right here for you.

Yours in health and wellness,

Maggie