Samantha Look

My name is Samantha Look, I am 21 years young, currently living in Long Beach California.  I was born in Fort Worth Texas, and grew up in Sacramento California.  Fitness has always been a huge part of my life.  Unlike many, I have very, very early memories of being in the gym.  My mom was always my greatest influence in life, whatever she did, I wanted to do also.  She was my hero.  Every morning my single mom would wake up 4am to get to the gym right when it opened at 5.  As a little girl I hated leaving my mom’s side, and the thought of her being away in the wee hours of the morning frightened me.  So, I would climb into the car and we were off to the local gym.  Since I was only about age 6 or 7, and way to sleepy to exercise, I would find a bench in the quietest corner of the gym and sleep until my mom was done with her workout.  Everyone would always ask my mom, “How does she sleep through all the ruckus in here?” and she would always respond, “She feels at home.”  As soon as I was old enough my mom got me a gym membership to 24 Hour Fitness.  We began to work out together every so often, and I loved those times we had together.  She had trainers in the past, so she stressed from a young age the importance of exercising correctly.  My moms influence stuck with me all through my life, and I developed a true passion for the gym.   I started to see not only the physical effects working out had, but also the emotional effects.  I made exercise a priority in my life, and I woke up each morning with such excitement to get to the gym that I had butterflies in my stomach.  I never left a workout session feeling bad about myself.  I knew I had found the secret to happiness, and hopefully my calling in life. Two years after I had moved 362 miles away from my mom, I got a job offer one day while working out at the gym.  A trainer approached me and gave me the opportunity to have a career in something I was truly passionate for.  I jumped at his opportunity, I got certified, and I got the job!  I have been given a chance to do something I truly love.  It is my mission in life to teach others they can greatly improve their quality of life through exercise.