WE LOVE FEATURING OUR EVERYDAY GORGO GIRLS THAT ARE INSPIRING US TO CRUSH LIFE AND A BALANCED APPROACH TO FITNESS.

MEET SHANNON DALTON.

Tell us about yourself!

I am a Career Skills Program Installation Administrator – Fort Knox. My husband, Genrel, and I have 2 four-legged fur babies and live in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. I just turned 43 in April! We recently opened our own supplement shop, D’s Muscle Shop.

Tell us about your fitness life!

Since I was 18 years old, I had the dream to compete in bodybuilding. When diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease and rectal cancer at age 20, I thought that dream would never be a reality. For many years, I let the Crohn’s Disease define my way of life. About 5 years ago, I decided to change my life and not let the disease define my life; I was prepared to do whatever it took to gain my confidence back.

My main fitness goal at first was to put on good healthy weight, as I was very skinny and underweight. My goal was to go from 100lbs to 125lbs. Once I achieved that, I decided to make a new goal, which was to compete in a bodybuilding competition in the women’s figure class.

DO YOU HAVE ANY GOALS YOU’RE WORKING TOWARD?

I would like to concentrate more on helping others with their fitness goals. I recently developed a love for Yoga and became an instructor. I want to continue raising awareness about Crohn’s Disease. In terms of my own fitness goal, I hope to one day earn my Pro Card in Women’s Figure.

Any struggles?

Like most, I still struggle with self-image. I stay very lean regardless of what I eat and am always told I need to eat more, even though I consume over 3000 calories a day. When someone tells me I need to eat more or makes a comment on how lean I am, it makes me feel like I am too skinny still and need to put more weight.

Favorite Quote that inspires you right now in your life?

“If you keep doing what you are doing, you will keep getting what you are getting. If nothing changes, nothing changes.” This quote has been my favorite quote since college. If there is ever something going on in life that you do not like, you can always look at what you have been doing/or not doing and change to make life better.

Do you have any message you feel called to share about where you are at in your life right now to encourage other GORGO GIRLS?

We all have our battles and we have all overcome so much that we can all inspire others who may think they may not be able to overcome the obstacles they are facing. Regardless of how big or small, it is up to ourselves to change to the person we long to be. Do not let anyone or anything hold you back from accomplishing your goals and dreams.

What do you love most about GORGO community?

What I love most about the GORGO community, is the sense of being a part of a group that is there to pick you up and be there for support.

CAMP GORGO: Thoughts about your experience? What made you want to attend?

Truly enjoyed the experience. Definitely able to connect with some truly amazing women. My favorite part of the weekend was the GORGO Games. For about 3 years, I watched as the GORGO Girls would take over Etown Athletic Club and thought what a great time that would be. I decided to come at the last minute by myself. Not only did I want to break out of my comfort zone, but to witness first hand what this weekend was all about. I truly am glad I made the choice to join in on a great weekend. I also found a new love: YOGA. I am now a yoga instructor. I would love to one day lead one of the sessions during Camp GORGO to help others in their fitness journey.