I was in Vancouver from LA for a shoot and needed somewhere to workout that would get me actual results. Knowing my soccer background, one of my good friends suggested Studeo. She said they had a more athletic style, which I just assumed meant super intense—like, hate and love your trainer at the same time intense. Which was cool, because that’s usually what I’m into. Plus, after years on the field, I needed a place that could deal with some of my lingering injuries.

Instead of just designing a workout, they also took a hard look at everything I was putting in my body. It was goodbye delicious Vancouver cuisine and hello strict nutritional plan. I didn’t even have time to mourn the loss of complex carbs, however, because my trainers were always on my case, pushing me harder with every session. Things definitely never got boring.

In the end, I got there. I lost 5% body fat in four months and I did it in a way that was safe and healthy. Since then, I’ve slowed down a bit (and reunited with cheat days) but I’ve already started working to get back to my PB. Now that Studeo’s in LA, I’ve got no excuse. To me it’s important to always be at my best, and Studeo’s combo of physical and nutritional guidance is exactly what I need to keep going.

If you were to describe me in one word, it’d be “busy.” Or maybe “whirlwind,” depending on the day. As mom of two small boys and an entrepreneur twice over, I don’t really have a ton of time for just me. Which is okay. I love my family and what I do. But a few years ago, I noticed my body couldn’t keep up anymore. It was time to make myself a priority again.

I made a promise to myself that no matter what was happening in my life, I’d always make it to three classes a week at Studeo. I figured if regular exercise could make me a healthier, happier person, my family and businesses would benefit too.

At the end of the day, I’m not training to be a pro athlete or anything. I just want to feel good, to be able to eat the food I love (and I love food), and have enough energy to keep up with my businesses (and my kids). As long as I can stick to my 3x a week plan, I have no doubt I can achieve this, and then some.

I started out with group classes like Urban Detox. Figured it’d be a nice way to ease myself in. Wrong. I’ve never sweat so much in my life, at least not in the last 30 years. But I liked it, so I kept going. The results came pretty organically, and I began to feel more like I belonged here. With the coaches’ encouragement, I eventually found my way to CrossFit. And that’s when things really got rolling.

All those hours of training paid off. Last year, I qualified for the CrossFit Regionals and I placed top 60 in the world. It was crazy, but it wasn’t enough to make it to the CrossFit Games. So now I’m training even harder.

To be honest, if you’d told me I’d be doing this in my 60’s, I wouldn’t have believed you. But somehow Studeo’s been able to get me in the best shape of my life. Next spring, I want to place in the top 20 (for 60+) at Regionals, and then hopefully quality for the Games. I know my trainers can get me there.

It’s the only place I’ve ever wanted to be. Whatever role I’m in, I’m always pushing for better. Whether it’s helping someone work past an injury or kill it in the CrossFit box, I’m going to see them reach that goal.

I work with people both pre and post workout, depending on what their body needs. If I’m coaching, I use the same principles. You can make someone sweat, you can push them hard, but if they lack the proper technique, they’re not going to get to that next level or they’re going to hurt themselves.

With my own training, I push just as hard. Actually, Studeo reminds me a lot of my competitive sports days. Everybody is bonded by sweat and works together as a team. I love getting in the box. The energy in there is insane. Even though I’m a coach, I still have my own goals – like making the CrossFit Games as a Masters Athlete. It might not happen for a few years, but I’ll get there.

Then my son was born and everything changed. I realized it was selfish to not take care of myself. My family needed me and they needed me healthy. I didn’t want my boy to grow up with a dad who couldn’t keep up, couldn’t play, run, or shoot hoops. Around that time, my doctor gave me a warning—because I’d let myself go, I’d probably have a heart attack in the next 10 years. That was all the wake up call I needed.

It’s amazing how when you’re fit, you’re fit in every single way. Suddenly, my mind felt as quick as my feet. Even though I had gotten back to my college playing weight, I was still nervous the first time I stepped back on the court. I was only playing with friends, but it was competitive. Like, college-level.

I still train with Studeo and sometimes it’s still a struggle. There’s always so much going on in my life, but i would never even think of giving up training this time. It’s too important. I don’t really believe in competing with other guys at the gym—who’s the strongest, or whatever. The only person I’m competing against is myself. I want to be the best man I can be for my family. That’s all that matters.

I like to take a holistic approach to nutrition. I don’t just look at what you’re putting in your body, but when and how you’re eating and how much sleep and exercise you’re getting, too – it all adds up. I try to strike the perfect balance between nourishing and pushing the body to the next level of fitness. This combination of nutrition and exercise is actually what led me to joining the coaching team, too

When it comes to being a coach, I may break into periodic dance parties (you can definitely hear my laugh from across the gym) but don’t let that fool you. I work my clients hard and I expect results. With my own training, I try to hold myself to the same standards. I do a lot – mostly weightlifting and boxing. And working at Studeo, I’ve definitely been in the best shape of my life. At least I was until a few months ago.