27/Senior HR Coordinator/STRONGCAMP Houston 2015 

Why did you sign up for STRONGCAMP?
I was interested when I saw Kelsey posting about STRONGCAMP in Houston, but I was unsure if I would be able to attend. Kelsey reached out to me to see if I was interested in attending and I knew that was a sign that I needed to be there. I was driven to be around a group of like-minded women with similar goals. I decided that it was exactly what I needed and made the commitment to sign up. Boy, am I glad I did!

What was your favorite part of the STRONGCAMP weekend?
The empowering women and the journeys they have all been through to find the STRONG in them! We showed up as individuals, but we left as friends and a team, knowing we can count on each other from here on out. Kelsey and Stacie did an excellent job with the training, and helped break you out of your comfort zone to try something different. Each session taught you to incorporate new exercises and challenged you both physically and mentally to maximize your potential. All the ladies were encouraging each other and pushing one another to get through the workouts, all while laughing and smiling with so much joy.

What was the most valuable lesson or technique you learned (training or otherwise)?
To always believe in yourself. This weekend truly inspired me more than ever to go out and put actions in place to tackle my dreams. I learned that we all come from different backgrounds, and it is important to learn from every experience you have been through. Only you are capable of sculpting your future. The training sessions also taught me it is not always how fast you go, but to focus on quality over quantity. Challenge your body and push it to change.

Who is your biggest supporter?
My husband, Chris Hoot, and my mom, Stephanie Holmes. Words can never express the amount of love and gratitude I have for these two. They have been with me throughout all the highs and lows. They have seen me struggle, but they have also seen me succeed. They push me to be better every day and believe I can take on the world. I would not be where or who I am without them. Love them so much!

What are your future plans?
To attain my NASM-CPT certification with a specialization in Fitness Nutrition. My husband and I want to open our own gym and follow our passion for fitness. We would also love to start a family, so we will continue on the path God has in place for us. He will open doors for us when the timing is right. I would also love to become a fitness model and I truly hope to inspire others while working with them to transform their lives like mine has transformed! As for competing, I would love to compete again in the future, but no current plans or date at this time. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

Anything else we should know about you?
I competed in my first NPC Bikini competition in August, placing 2^nd in Novice, 3^rd in Open and became nationally qualified. I made a transformation from 25.6% body fat to 11.7% in 14.5 weeks. I began lifting about 2.5 years ago, but it wasn’t until my nutrition was on point that I saw the changes I had been seeking. It is proof that you cannot out train a bad diet!