The first time I worked out after my dad passed away I BAWLED my eyes out. I was spinning away on a stationary bike at the very front of the group class listening to Whitney Houston and uncontrollably crying. I knew after that exercise would be an important part of my grieving journey.


Walt and Whitney turned 11 months old on December 14, 2016 when my dad passed. Having small children and grieving was tough, because they needed ALL of me both mentally and physically. I needed a break from them. I started going to PureBarre Round Rock and after every class I left feeling  proud of myself. I felt confident and empowered. Not only did I strengthen my muscles, but I strengthened my mind and heart. My dad was a natural athlete and grew up playing sports. I can remember as a kid him coming to my volleyball games wear a matching sweatshirt and sweatpants drenched in sweat because he had been running laps around the track. He worked night and day on the ranch working cows, fixing fences, riding horses, and working on other various jobs around the land. He also had a full-time day job as a court reporter. I've never seen someone work harder, and often thought to myself he would work himself to death. I always looked up to his strength, and when I was exhausted during a PureBarre class I would think about my Dad cheering me on. Do it for him I would tell myself.

My parents were my biggest fans when I played sports, and my dad didn't yell out often but when he did it was usually, "Come on Jesse. Get up. Don't give up. You can do it!" I want to be a role model to my children, and show them how exercise can benefit them not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I made a choice every time I walked in to a Pure Barre class. A choice that was tough because I knew I was going to have to work hard and push myself, and my legs would shake uncontrollably and my muscles would scream. By finishing the class I had proven to myself that I could do it. I can achieve what I set my mind to. My dad would be proud of me for that He always told me it was about HEART. I wasn't always the tallest or the fastest, but damn it, I gave it my all. If I came up short at least I tried my best.

If you are grieving or going through a tough time in life, I highly encourage you to exercise. Whether it's walking during your lunch break, doing yoga at home, or taking a group exercise class. Push yourself, let your mind focus on something else other than the hard stuff you're dealing with.

I'm thankful for the classes at PureBarre Round Rock that not only changed me physically but also emotionally!