About Me

Hey there! Welcome to Salty Wellness. My name is Victoria! We are all friends here so let me tell you a little bit about me and how I got started on this wellness journey. It all started when I was a chunky 6th grader. I was bullied, had very low self confidence, and didn't know how to deal with the flush of emotions I was having. I grew up in a loving family with 3 younger siblings. Mom was a teacher, Dad was a Marine and a Marine Engineer. I so desperately wanted to stop the bullying so I started doing my research on how to get people to like you. There is a lot of information out there, even 20-something years ago. The main things I found were personality, diet and fitness-based. I wasn't going to change my personality for someone else but I figured if I got fit, there was a chance it could help with my confidence and I would be happier with my appearance at the same time. This was the route I decided to take.

My Mom had been a model and fitness instructor in her 20's so I read every old aerobics book, diet book, and watched every fitness video she had saved. I also began reading Shape Magazine as well as a few running magazines (both parents were very fit). I asked them as much about working out as I could. Mom was vague on information and told me she did not want me to fall into an eating disorder (she'd seen this a lot as a model and makeup artist) so she carefully watched my eating habits. Little did she know, I began sneaking her fitness books and catalogs and working out at home for up to 2 hours a day. I chose to workout rather than hang out with friends. I asked my Dad about his military-style PT workouts. He rattled off something about running and doing push-ups. I began doing push ups and by the time i was in 8th grade, I could do upwards of 50 at a time. I was not a runner but I decided to join track and compete in the 200 meter dash, 4 by 400 as well as shot put. At this point, my confidence was building. People in my classes were noticing that I was strong. Some boy decided to challenge me to an arm wrestling competition. I thought; "what can it hurt? Everyone already makes fun of me." I won the competition. He then challenged me to use his left hand, which was just as unsuccessful. The rumor of my strength spread and eventually I won against every boy in my middle school. This gave me a new confidence. I may not have a boyfriend or a whole lot of gal pals, but I have my strength. I learned to be happy in my own skin, and I got more comfortable with myself instead of trying to please everyone else.

This learning experience gave me strength inside and out and helped me get through middle school, high school and college and I want to share that confidence with you! I am now a Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Group Fitness Specialist, Certified Barre Fitness Instructor and Certified Kickboxing Instructor.

#bullying #bullied #selfesteem #Getstrong #successstory