I’ve always considered myself a fairly healthy person. From a young age, I swam competitively all through high school, and I stayed active in other school activities as well. I wasn’t the type to sit at home watching TV. In college, I hit the gym regularly and even took up running, despite not having the best knees—dislocations were a frequent issue for me in high school and college. After college, I kept up with my fitness routine and even signed up for triathlons, which reignited my love for swimming, biking, and running.

But then, my husband and I found out we were expecting, and everything changed. My energy levels plummeted. I was so exhausted that I couldn’t work out at all during my pregnancy. Those nine months were both mentally and physically the hardest of my life. And when our little boy arrived, everything turned upside down. My time for myself became almost nonexistent. I had eight weeks of maternity leave before going back to work full-time while still adjusting to being a mom. No one really prepares you for how much your body goes through as a woman, or the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. There were days when I would lie in the closet and sob, thinking, “This can’t be what motherhood is truly like.” Why don’t women talk more about the raw, ugly parts?

After I was cleared to exercise again, I joined the local YMCA and signed up for a spin class. I was so excited to get back into a routine. But something unexpected happened—I threw out my back for the first time. My lack of core strength and postpartum issues with my core muscles had caught up with me. Suddenly, I found myself going to the chiropractor regularly, feeling like absolute crap. And then there was the pelvic floor. No one had told me about the importance of pelvic floor strengthening, or that I’d be bracing myself every time I had to sneeze, hoping I wouldn’t pee myself.

Then, I found out I had the Chek2 gene, which means I have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer, as well as other types of cancer. This trifecta—becoming a wife, a mom, and discovering my genetic risk—ignited a "why" in me unlike anything I’d ever felt before. I needed to put my mental, physical, and spiritual health first, not just for me but for my family. If I didn’t create a lifestyle that prioritized these three things, I knew I’d have less of a chance to be around for the people I love most.

When I found Pilates, it was like a breath of fresh air. It was a workout that nurtured my mind, body, and spirit all at once. After practicing for a while, I made a decision: I needed to share Pilates with other women. The benefits are too many to list, but I’ll be sharing them in upcoming blog posts, so stay tuned! I know Pilates was created by a man, but I truly believe it was made for women. My goal is to give every woman the chance to experience Pilates in a safe, non-judgmental environment where they can take much-deserved time for themselves. And hey, if a firmer butt and a flatter stomach come along with it, who’s going to complain?

I know there are other women out there who can relate to my story, and I feel you! I want to help women find their true "why." It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be real. Once you identify your real "why," you’ll find the grit and determination to keep going, day after day. This is why I created The Shed Studio. I want to be an example of what’s possible when we commit to loving ourselves and living our best lives.