A model and ballet dancer at a young age, the pressure to be thin was excruciating. But it started even before that. Issues with Body image always plagued me. Born an American Filipino, I was tall and larger framed than most Filipino girls my age. I was always teased by my Filipino peers.
As a classical ballet dancer I always felt if I were thinner I could be more graceful and lift my leg higher. As a model I felt if I was thinner I could get more jobs. I was always watching my weight. Introduced to fitness while in LA in the early 80's drew me to teaching aerobics. I was finally happy with my weight and I focused on my well being. I moved back to Boston and continued my career as an aerobics instructor and fitness model.
I even felt confident in competing in a beauty pageant that won me the title Miss Philippines -USA. After settling back in Boston, I lost sight of my fitness and health. A life of being disciplined with my weight I felt I was missing out on something. I began to make poor choices. I stayed out late nightly eating and drinking. My weight crept up almost 40 lbs. As an aerobics instructor, to see myself daily that heavy in the mirror wearing nothing but a thong, tights and sneakers was disturbing! I never lost the weight and instead gained even more after meeting my husband and soon after got pregnant.
Four children later, I longed for my model and dancer size. I struggled to take that extra weight off for 17 years. As a former beauty queen, model, and celebrity fitness trainer, depression took hold when I couldn't get back to my ideal weight. After losing all hope, I chose to create my own program that met my needs. A program that was quick, effective and was gently on my aging body. I soon discovered I was not alone. There were so many other women struggling with their weight. Some women only needing to lose few pounds here and there. However,enough to impact their confidence and self worth. A busy mother of four and owning my own business I created H.O.P. E.
H.O.P.E stands for Help On Personal Excellence. A fitness program I designed with women in mind. Women who aren't 20 something with rock hard bodies, physically fit with no injuries, and all the time in the world. I believe I can help women who struggle with losing weight whether it's 5 lbs or 105 lbs. My approach is safe , progressive, time efficient and non-intimidating. I was fortunate to have a fitness background from UCLA and 30 yrs experience in health and fitness to help me win my weight battle.I fought it alone with my knowledge and experience, but now you don't have to!
