Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, I have always been exposed to outdoor activities and the importance of exercise and eating healthy. I played soccer and softball as a child and upon entering high school I moved on to cheerleading and competition dance.

Because I spend my days sitting at a desk in front of a computer, I have realized more and more the importance of staying in shape, stretching properly and keeping up my posture and of course, eating healthy and nutritious foods. And I don’t see myself working in an industry where I will be standing up or moving around, so my health is always top of mind.

In my 27 years on this planet, I have been fortunate enough to travel a lot, which has given me the opportunity to experience a lot of different cultures and ways of life. I have done yoga in India and Kung Fu in China—I love to explore the traditional forms of movement found all over the world. And I’m not done yet!

I always find a way to stay active and tend to make a workout out of every activity—doing butt lifts walking up stairs, working my obliques while sitting at a counter on a stool, or doing calf raises while waiting on line. When I’m at home, I choreograph dance routines around my apartment, practice cheerleading kicks or attempt to improve my handstand. It may sound odd, but I honestly see the results. I just don’t see the point or have the patience to stay still…for more than maybe five minutes.

I have always been somewhat of a healthy eater, but I live by the motto of “I eat whatever I want, within moderation.” And this seems to work for me; I have maintained my size 0-2 for many years. My at-home diet consists of veggies, grains and fruits, but when I go out to eat, I tend to eat meats and I really do LOVE French fries.

I think I will be a lifelong member of Equinox, but in the meantime, I like to explore other gyms, yoga studios or just ride my bike along the Hudson River Park.