Body Transformation: Markus Keicher Defies Odds At 42

Markus was paralyzed from the waist down and slowly regained mobility after decades of struggle. Check out the amazing story of a 42-year-old who refused to fail!

Why I decided to transform

In 1995, at age 25, I sustained massive injuries in a motorcycle accident including two burst vertebrate, and a fractured right femur, hip, and pelvis. I was paralyzed from the waist down, spent years in a wheelchair, and two years on leg braces and crutches. I regained my mobility by age 39, but my injuries took their toll.

My pain level was severe and I was seriously overweight and out of shape. If I didn't take control of my body, the remainder of my life would be frighteningly difficult, physically challenging, totally debilitating, and extremely painful. I was determined to turn 40 years old and feel better.

My transformation affected my life profoundly on every level. I'm stronger physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Bodybuilding grounds me and is the way to be the best me possible. I was 39 years old when I started my transformation—I felt 50—and am 42 years old now, but I feel young again. I could write for days about the long- and short-term benefits of bodybuilding or can sum it up as simply and proficiently as possible: Bodybuilding saved my life! I receive great admiration on my appearance and people generally respect my stature, physique, and presence.

Before the transformation, my pain level was severe and debilitating. Today, I can unequivocally say as a direct result of bodybuilding/training, my pain level went from a steady 7-8 to almost non-existent. My life has been restored and renewed. I'm like a new man!

Before /// 208 lbs
After /// 175 lbs
AGE 39 / HEIGHT 5'11" / BODY FAT 23%
AGE 42 / HEIGHT 5'11" / BODY FAT 10%
Post To Fitboard

How I accomplished my goals

For me, there was no option besides a full-body transformation. The quality and wellbeing of my life depended on it. I knew I was capable of rebuilding my body because I learned about bodybuilding during my youth and trained off and on throughout my adult life. My acquired knowledge was a major factor to accomplish my goals.

I simplified my life as much as possible and removed all distractions that didn't serve my training, which provided extra energy and focus to stay on task. Quitting wasn't an option. Due to my extensive injuries, I lived in chronic pain. When I walk in the gym, I might be stiff, sore, or suffering from pain, but when I start training and the endorphins kick in, my pain becomes non-existent.

I learned firsthand what a gift and divine blessing a fully functioning body is. I refuse to take my second lease on life for granted. I inspire myself to be the best I can be. Spending months in hospitals and rehabilitation clinics introduced me to less-fortunate people who will never have the chance to do what I can. I'm inspired by the gifts in my life. Your life is your message to the world. Make sure it's inspiring.

What aspect challenged me the most

My injuries are the most challenging aspect of my training. My pain level dropped significantly since I started my transformation, but there's no escaping the pain and discomfort. The first half hour of training is the most challenging, but once I stretch and start warm up, the endorphins kick in and my pain goes away.

My future fitness plans

My goal is to gain corporate sponsorship and bicycle across America from gym to gym, school to school, and hospital to hospital to raise awareness about spinal cord injuries. I plan to raise money for doctors on the cutting edge of spinal cord medicine and surgery, and for those with spinal cord injuries. My goal is to promote the benefits of bodybuilding and inspire those who face challenges in life.

Cool Fact

Saving lives isn't new to Markus. At age 18, he rescued four people
who fell through a frozen lake!

Suggestions for aspiring transformers

You are more powerful and strong than you think. Life challenges are inevitable. Being defeated is optional. I've proven that. Stay consistent and the results will follow. Be humble, live in gratitude for the blessings in your life, and always be nice, especially in the gym.

When you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done. Be sure to have fun while doing it and enjoy the ride.

How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals

Bodybuilding.com is a must to learn the right information about bodybuilding or any form of fitness. It's convenient to have a one-stop site for the best supplements at the best prices. I appreciate the informative articles that keep me on the right track. Thank you, Bodybuilding.com, for giving me the chance to be a featured transformer.

Hopefully, I can inspire future transformers to be the best human they can be. With the right attitude, determination, knowledge, and supplements, any goal can be achieved.

Markus's Top 5 Gym Tracks

  1. "Bombtrack" by Rage Against the Machine
  2. "More Human Than Human" by Rob Zombie
  3. "Schism" by Tool
  4. "One" by Metallica
  5. "California Love" by 2Pac