Lisa Bartgis

My name is Lisa Bartgis and I am a 45-year-old wife and mother of three adult children and grandmother of two beautiful grand baby boys!

I was born and raised in a small southern town where appearance was of stellar importance, (in the south you don't even go to the grocery store without your hair and makeup done!).  I was a chubby kid in late elementary, middle and part of high school. I was called "fat" and "ugly" and "not good enough" by some of my peers, which led to a poor self-image and low self esteem.  I started starving myself when I figured out that I could lose weight and transform into the socially acceptable "popular and pretty crowd", which eventually led to more eating disorders and a problem with food.

I became a mom at a pretty young age and quickly found myself in a physically and mentally abusive relationship for almost four years, which, of course, led to more self-image issues and eating disorders.

When I first met my current husband, I was a 20-year old young woman with a three year old baby and could not/would not even look him in the eye because I was so fearful.  However, with his love, his family's love and by Gods' GRACE and MERCY, I was able to overcome many things.  It then became very important that I put my family first and be the best mom and wife I could be.

My husband, who is very active, has ALWAYS encouraged me to explore and find something for ME, but I made excuses and continued to devote myself to my beautiful babies and husband. Somehow, somewhere, once again, I realized that I had "lost" myself and had made EVEN MORE EXCUSES so as not to be active or involved in anything unless it supported my family.

In addition, I have battled several health problems throughout my life and never enjoyed going to the gym.  I have, sporadically, gone to sports clubs with a "hit or miss" dedication and more or less followed my husband and daughter around and even christened myself the "weakest link", as I reluctantly went through the motions.

We met Tim and Carrieann Hall during our workouts at the club and eventually our youngest, 17-year old daughter, Baylee, who was a gymnast and dancer, stood out to Carrieann and was asked to consider competing on her team.  Because of Baylee's age, Carrieann requested to speak with me and my husband regarding the "I", "ME" syndrome versus the MSMC's foundation of "TEAM BUILDING" and 'HAND UPPING" and always having Baylee's best interests in the forefront of her competing regime.  We agreed, and so began her fitness journey in November of 2014 as a bikini competitor.  I watched and helped her prepare for the competition and admired her for her strength and dedication.  I looked up to her for her endless effort to succeed.

When Baylee stepped on the NPC Pizza Man's Alaska State stage, I was SO proud for her and all of her hard work.  It paid off - she WON her division!!!  Carrieann was there every step of the way and has been, and continues to be, an amazing mentor, as has the other empowering women on the team.

After the competition, I was asked to join the Midnight Sun Muscle Club.  "ME???....NO WAY!!! I am NOT bikini material and I am TOO old!"  There was NO WAY I was going to get on a stage with my 45-year old body.  WELL, after much coercion I went (reluctantly) to the first MSMC meeting and NOW, with the encouragement of Coach Carrieann and my peers, here I am - stepping out of my comfort zone AND in 5" heels, might I add!

I am on a new journey...

A journey, with the assistance and a little push now and again from the MSMC to FINDING LISA...a NEW, HEALTHIER, more comfortable ME.