High-point Essay #1 Winner (tie): How do you stay fit?

Even though I was cheer captain in high school, I never grew up feeling “fit”. I didn’t like gym class, and the only sneakers I owned were for cheer and PE. Because I didn’t play a traditional team sport (our squad competed minimally), I didn’t consider myself athletic. It wasn’t until my cousin said she thought I was athletic, given all the movement I do, that I began to believe it. And dance, which I started at age three, has been the foundation of my fitness approach since.

Over the years, I’ve explored many ways to stay active—dancing professionally with the Lady Outlawz, pageant competitions with fitness segments, and now embracing a fit lifestyle centered on strength, joy, and longevity.

As an overextended mom (and be honest, what mom isn’t?) over forty, movement must feel meaningful. Some days that’s dance practice, resistance training, or yoga; other days it’s Pilates or walking with my daughter. What matters most is consistency–making movement happen daily.

My group exercise certifications across Zumba, Les Mills, yoga, Pilates, foam rolling, and cycling provide a strong foundation to guide myself and others. Ironically, I now own sneakers for everything from running and hiking to dance fitness and athleisure—something I never imagined as a teenager.

After years of redefining what fitness means to me, it’s moving daily with purpose that supports long-term vitality and models a sustainable, fit lifestyle for my daughter and the people I lead, strengthening confidence so we can show what’s possible at any age.

High-point Essay #1 Winner: How do you encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle?

I encourage others to live a healthy lifestyle by showing how movement shapes not just bodies, but lives. My family story reinforces the importance of consistent movement: my Mimi lived to 90 but declined rapidly when she became less active, and my mom, eager to stay healthy despite genetic risk for heart disease, walks several miles most days, modeling consistency and vitality for her children and grandchildren.

I draw additional inspiration from unexpected sources. As a teenager, I performed a solo as Mary Poppins in my annual dance recital, so it’s funny that my latest fitness inspiration is Dick Van Dyke, who played Bert. Approaching 100, he emphasizes that “keeping moving” supports his longevity—a philosophy that informs how I encourage others.

As a group exercise and yoga instructor, I create approachable ways for people to celebrate small wins and find joy in movement. Students from my Zumba and BODYBALANCE classes have gone on to earn their own instructor certifications, and my daughter, a competition dancer herself, learns and practices new moves while watching my solo lessons. Fellow pageant competitors and social media followers often ask how I stay fit, providing opportunities to model sustainable habits that then inspire others. Nutritionally, I emphasize a balanced approach: prioritize protein, produce, and healthy fats, enjoy temptations in moderation, and avoid chasing perfection.

As America’s Fit Ms, I’ll continue promoting consistent, meaningful movement to build strength and confidence, inspiring others to embrace fitness as part of a vibrant, energized life.

First Runner-up: Alabama’s Fit Ms. – Candice McCool, High-point Headshot Winner, America’s Fit Influencer 2026

Second Runner-up: Virginia’s Fit Ms. – Tammy Highley, America’s Fit Role Model 2026