Gianna Pietrzykowski

My passion for health and fitness began when I stopped playing a competitive sport and started college. During that transition, it was easy to lose sight of who I was—especially after moving across the state away from my family and becoming independent for the 1st time. That experience taught me how to take care of myself and helped me realize how powerful fitness is as a form of stress relief. There are no outside voices or distractions - just me and the weights.

My favorite way to train is primarily through weightlifting, but I also enjoy incorporating cardio through walks or runs, playing pickleball, participating in CrossFit classes, and more. I usually work out alone, though I occasionally train with a workout buddy who helps push me on days when my motivation is low. This is one of the many reasons I love the gym—it’s a place where I’m constantly meeting new people who provide motivation and support in different ways.

Wow, $20K is a lot of money. While I’m not entering this contest for the prize, my true goal is to inspire others and show how deeply fitness can change someone’s life. That said, as I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in nursing, I would be incredibly grateful to put the majority of the money toward my education and donate a portion to the pediatric unit where I work. Being around sick children is a constant reminder that the ability to move my body and workout is truly a privilege.