A dedicated physician and mother of two, the author found herself consistently placing her own health at the bottom of her priority list. Juggling a demanding career and the responsibilities of raising young children led to a diet of convenience foods and inconsistent exercise. It wasn't until a pivotal moment in 2024, when her daughter's broken leg highlighted her lack of physical strength, that she recognized the urgent need for change. This realization spurred her to embark on a transformative journey, seeking professional guidance to overhaul her fitness and nutrition, ultimately reclaiming her vitality and proving that self-care is not selfish, but essential for thriving in all aspects of life.
The turning point arrived when her one-year-old daughter fractured her leg. The physical strain of carrying her child, compounded by the constant fatigue from her packed schedule and processed food diet, made her confront her declining physical state. At 37, she felt depleted and recognized that her current lifestyle was unsustainable. Inspired by a friend's successful transformation, she decided to join KMAK Fitness, an online training program focusing on muscle growth, fat loss, strength training, and macro-based nutrition. She connected with coach George Pearce and committed to three virtual training sessions per week, starting at home with light weights to master proper form and compound movements.
The initial weeks were challenging, marked by exhaustion and soreness. However, her coach, George, played a crucial role in maintaining her accountability, instilling in her the principle that discipline is more powerful than fleeting motivation. This unwavering commitment began yielding results within three months: she noticed increased muscle definition, a decrease in weight, enhanced mental clarity during work, and significantly elevated energy levels. Alongside her physical training, she revamped her nutritional habits, learning to track macronutrients, prioritize protein, and substitute processed foods with nutrient-dense options. Although there was a learning curve in balancing macros, consistency again proved key, leading to improved physical strength and overall mental well-being.
Now at 39, the author continues her fitness regimen, training three days a week with a focus on both lower and upper body strength, and aiming for 12,000 steps daily. After a year of building confidence and strength with home workouts, she transitioned to a gym setting, LifeTime, to incorporate heavier weights and resistance machines. Her progress was further enhanced by working with Cory McCue, a functional movement specialist, who helped refine her form, improve mobility, and reduce injury risk. Her workouts typically involve six exercises per session, with three sets of 8 to 12 repetitions, emphasizing progressive overload. She can now squat 105 pounds, perform eight push-ups, and is close to achieving an unassisted pull-up, milestones that fill her with pride.
Beyond structured training and mindful eating, her success is rooted in three core principles. Firstly, she adheres to a meticulously planned training schedule, treating workouts as non-negotiable appointments in her busy life. This approach ensures consistency, acknowledging that while not every session will be perfect, continuous effort is paramount. Secondly, she understands that sustained consistency far outweighs intermittent bursts of motivation. Even on days she feels drained, her cultivated self-discipline propels her forward, whether it’s lifting heavy or simply focusing on her daily step count and meal preparation. Lastly, she has learned to value her own well-being. After years of self-neglect and burnout from caring for others, strength training became a profound act of self-care, allowing her to rediscover a more robust, grounded, and present version of herself.
This transformative journey over the past two years has enabled her to achieve more than she ever imagined. She now harmonizes a fulfilling career as Medical Director at Moffitt Cancer Center, where she spearheads immunotherapy research, with a rich personal life. She also leads Tampa Female Physicians, a non-profit dedicated to supporting women in medicine. With a husband in critical care and two young children, her fitness routine serves as the bedrock that empowers her to navigate life's demands with resilience and presence. As she approaches her 40s, she looks forward to continuing her path of growth and strength.