Journey To Vitality by Jill

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Arlington, VA
Journey To Vitality by Jill

Personal Trainer/Crossfit and Nutrition Coach

02/09/2026

I have been following the Monks .usa progress for 107 days as they travel from Texas to Washington, D.C. I was not aware that their journey would take them into my neighborhood. I was grateful for the opportunity to see them. A flower was given to my friend , who then gave it to me

01/29/2026

2013 — right before I started CrossFit.

I was terrified. It took me three years to build the courage to try it. I was intimidated and thought what you saw on TV was what really happened inside the box. I was so wrong.

A job with Reebok finally pushed me to give it a shot, and what I found was real support—for everyone. Moms, dads, sisters, brothers, cousins, grandparents, friends.

I still feared weights and stuck mostly to cardio, believing the myth that lifting would make me bulky. Over ten years later, I’m still chasing strength—and grateful I didn’t let fear decide for me.

01/15/2026

Before strength, there was fear.

Thirteen years ago, I was a cardio bunny — gloves on to protect my hands, afraid of calluses, afraid that lifting weights would make me “too bulky.”

I was lost. The year before, I lost my mentor in a car accident, and I was carrying trauma I’d been holding since I was 15. I didn’t yet know how to sit with pain — so I tried to outrun it. I burned calories, ate as little as possible, and thought smaller meant safer.

What I didn’t know was that not long after, I’d find strength training… and eventually therapy, where I learned how to process instead of suppress. I found friends who became family, people who showed up, lifted me up, and reminded me I didn’t have to do life alone.

I learned how to fuel my body instead of punishing it. How to build muscle, confidence, and resilience. Strength became more than physical — it became grounding.

This journey was never about aesthetics.
It was about survival turning into self-respect.
And choosing, again and again, to stay.

01/14/2026

I PR’d my bench press today after being stuck for two years — and this one means more than the number.

I think about the younger version of me, the kid who struggled with her weight and confidence. She could never have imagined this strength, and I know she’d be proud of the woman I’ve become and the way I take care of myself now.

Age doesn’t limit you, a healthy lifestyle supports you. Rest, recovery, nourishing your body, protecting your mental health, and surrounding yourself with people who lift you up.

This strength wasn’t rushed. It was built patiently, intentionally and with a lot of self-respect.

Grateful for the programming and community at

HealthyLifestyle

01/02/2026

Hit a lifetime PR today — 242.5 lb deadlift 💥
My last PR was 235 2012, and this is proof that strength doesn’t have an expiration date. So grateful for the intentional programming at and a community that shows up, cheers loud, and makes moments like this unforgettable.

08/10/2025

This weekend filled my cup in every way.

Time with my best friends & soulmates reminded me how rare it is to feel truly seen and understood. We shared deep conversations, laughter that healed, meals that fed more than just our bodies, and quiet moments that said everything without words. The ocean gave us whales, waves, and a humbling reminder of its power (and my seasickness 🤢). The beach brought warmth, connection, and gratitude for simple joys.

02/01/2025

Just made my comeback, and it feels amazing! My first crossfit competition was 10 years ago, and I’m grateful to being my awesome partner - we snagged 2nd place!

12/18/2024

Twelve years ago, I made the decision to take my fitness journey seriously. At the time, I avoided weightlifting, clinging to the pervasive myth that it would make me “bulk up”—a misconception I still hear from women today. My approach to fitness revolved around endless hours of cardio, yet my body remained stagnant. I was “skinny fat”—soft, flabby, and lacking tone.

Despite my efforts, I was frustrated to see no meaningful change; my weight barely shifted, and though my bones were visible, my body felt weak.
Everything changed when a trainer encouraged me to incorporate strength training into my routine. It was a transformative moment. Not only did I begin to see tangible results, but his belief in me inspired me to pursue becoming a trainer myself. Tragically, I lost him to a car accident shortly after, and he never got to witness how profoundly his guidance shaped my life.

At the start, I couldn’t even do a single pull-up. However, as I built strength through weightlifting, I achieved things I once thought impossible. Fast forward to today: I’m stronger, healthier, and continually improving with age.

Fitness is not a quick fix—it’s a marathon that demands patience, dedication, and resilience. Success comes from consistent effort and surrounding yourself with people who uplift and believe in you.

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that transformation is possible for anyone willing to commit to the process.

12/07/2024

In my early 20s, a hairdresser once told me my natural hair color was “mousy and homely.” That comment gave me a complex, and it started a long journey of dyeing my hair to change how I looked.

During the pandemic, I stopped dyeing it—mainly because salons were closed. When restrictions lifted, I went to a hairdresser who told me to keep dyeing my hair and not let my gray grow out. Even though it wasn’t what I wanted, I didn’t have the courage to say no.

Now, it’s been over two years since I stopped coloring my hair. I’ve embraced my natural look, gray and all, and I couldn’t be happier. I finally feel confident, free, and absolutely love living my truth.

04/13/2024

As I look back on this week’s competition at the USA Nationals Masters Weightlifting, I’m focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling on the past. While I may have been stronger in previous years, I’m avoiding thoughts like “why am I not as strong as I used to be,” as negative self-talk won’t benefit me. Life circumstances, hormonal changes, work, and relationships all impact our mental strength.

Instead, I’m maintaining a positive attitude. At 46 years old and weighing 61 kilos (134 lbs), I successfully je**ed 63 kilos (138 lbs) over my head and cleaned 65 kilos (145 lbs). My goal is to inspire others, regardless of age, to embrace and appreciate their bodies. Let’s celebrate our strengths and be grateful for what we have

04/06/2024

I vividly recall a day nine years ago when I surprised my mom at one of her workplaces. She proudly introduced me to everyone, and it felt as though they already knew me. She was the kind of person who made everyone exercise during work, always caring and active, talking about family and helping others. The past three years have been filled with highs and lows. I hope you read the letters I write to you, and in my dreams, the hugs are real. You were so young, with so much life ahead. I miss you deeply. If only you had made it three more days until your birthday, on the 9th, maybe this week wouldn’t be as difficult. Love you.

02/27/2024

Such sadness behind my eyes at 25 years old. I hid the hurt for over 10 years. For 3 years I was verbally abused, sexually harassed and assaulted by a boss. I was in a small office with one other employee. I was told I wasn’t good enough, I was screamed at if I made a typo, I was timed on my errands and if I was late, I was yelled at. He ordered me to buy him alcohol and would get drunk and would sexually harass me. I was told I could never get a better job, I was worthless and I believed him.

I developed stomach issues due to stress, I had anxiety and cried all the time. I was also dating someone who did not treat me well and made me very insecure because he was always checking out another women.

I look at this photo and see a sad person. I have worked a lot on self development, and I still am. I didn’t have anyone telling me that things would be ok. I thought I deserved all of this. I sometimes have the anxiety that everything is my fault and I am not good enough and I have to work through it.

I want to tell you, anyone that listens, that you are good enough and strong enough to accomplish ANYTHING you want!!! Don’t let the negativity take over. Push it out the door and never let it back in.
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Address

2130 N Glebe Rd
Arlington, VA
22207

Website

http://bakedfit.com/

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