Kassandre Harper-Cotton

I always knew that fitness and nutrition played an integral role is preventing and treating many illness and in improving one's overall sense of well-being. And I exercised intermittently during my twenties. I was able to camouflage my weight gain for some time with posture and clothing. In January 2004, I became a mother. In her eyes, I saw all of my hopes and fears. I wanted to be able to protect her furiously. I wanted her memories of me to be of a woman who was confident, disciplined, passionate, and healthy. The mirror reflected sloped shoulders, tired eyes, and a body that was looking and feeling older than it was. It was time to change. Once I got over the guilt that came with taken an hour or two for myself, the gym became a sacred, quiet space. As my weights got heavier it seemed that problems got smaller. I did more than reclaim my body, I discovered an athlete. Last October, I entered my first figure competition and this season I am training for three. My tells me often how proud she is of me and is sure to tell anyone who will listen that I lift weights. Muscles, eating well, lifting weights, and being strong is the norm to her. And I am thankful that I can be the mom that she deserves and that she is proud of.