There are two periods in my life when I have willingly worn baby oil: one as a baby in my swaddling clothes, and the other during my Hot Body competition at the Europa Show of Champions Sports Expo on Aug. 14.

The sheen is highly desired to bring out every line in your body, and of course, to remind the audience that a great time must be correlated to hot and shiny. For the six weeks prior to the competition, I pushed myself physically and mentally, making bi-daily trips to the gym for an hour of cardio and weight-lifting. Of course, the question you’re mentally asking is, “Did you place?”

Alas, I didn’t, as my fellow competitors were true Olympians, but I had a great time doing it. My fellow Mustang Fitness Club member, Jessica Heidari, was also a competitor, and despite weeks of grueling dieting and nutritional science, we would both gladly do it again.

As your health and fitness editor, I would love to welcome all the freshmen to their first independent taste of life. And to all others, welcome back to the journey toward adulthood! With tanned faces and new styles, hip clothes and new books in tow, there is no better way to experience the SMU campus than being among your fellow students.

So why am I so into fitness? As both a student and professional in finance, fitness became a natural outlet for me. I’ve progressed from walk-a-thons to marathons to triathlons, all in an effort to find that next challenge. But enough about me.

Now, let’s define what your expectations of me are going to be, and let me define what I expect of my dear readers.

1. Expect engaging articles about fitness around campus, focused on YOU. There is already a sports section, and to be honest, articles of the NCAA selection largely bore me. I’m more intrigued by YOUR passion, YOUR love and YOUR adventures.

2. Humor is a forte of mine, and readers should read all articles with an open mind and an easy smile. Sure, there will be science to it, but I’ll be sure to present it in layman’s terms with heavy graphics.

3. I love to hear feedback, and whether that comes in the form of criticism or protein bars, give it to me!

If you have a great story or ideas to improve my section, let me know! As is widely known, ideas are like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get, but you know it’s going to be all good.

I’m truly excited about being your health and fitness editor, and have a great first day of school!

I believe the Latin said it best, “Bene vivite, saepe ridete, multum amate.” Live Well, Love Much and Laugh Often.

I maintain the site SMUFitness.com and am the VP of the Mustang Fitness Club (Facebook: Mustang Fitness).Follow us on Twitter: @SMUFitness.