Over 40 Amateur Of The Week: Macho Muhaluk!

How did your fitness journey begin?

In the mid-80s, I was a 115-pound teenager and saw a picture of Robby Robinson posing. His biceps blew me away and I immediately signed up for weight training at school only to learn that I was weak. So I bought plastic, concrete-filled weights, a bar, a bench, and set it up in my room. I religiously followed the worthless two-page workout manual that came with the set, which meant my form continued to be atrocious.

My Mom did a great job feeding us healthy food and my dad was a great provider, but I was clueless how to eat for my goals. I enjoyed lifting by myself in my room and saw my muscle tone improve without weight increases.

I was 130 pounds in my 20s and my concrete weight set cracked into powder. I looked for a nearby gym and found one in the basement of an old city recreation center. It was great if you didn't mind duct tape on your bench or the ever-present smell of BENGAY. It was my first real exposure to the iron.

In the late 90s, I heard about creatine. A couple guys at the gym took it and got bigger and stronger. I bought some and saw great results. Around this time, I started to learn more about dieting and started putting on size. But it was short-lived. Other priorities took precedence, the weights took a backseat, and my diet became non-existent.

"I'm in the best shape of my life and wish I would've known the importance of bodybuilding diets in the 80 s."

At age 42, I saw a video of a guy older than me doing a bodybuilding show and was instantly inspired. In 2010, I decided to make a concentrated effort to put on weight and scoured for information on dieting and supplements. I learned about protein, what to eat, when to eat it, and how much. I also got serious about my training routine and got stronger and more ripped.

The foundation of my fitness lifestyle is my diet. I'm in the best shape of my life and wish I would've known the importance of bodybuilding diets in the 80s.

"Be proud, but don't be satisfied."

How did your passion for fitness emerge?

When a person works hard to change their body, they're rewarded short and long term. I love the sense of well-being I get in the gym. Targeting a specific part of my body and seeing it respond is a beautiful thing.

I'm fascinated by the progress others make. When I see them make progress, it makes me work harder. I love encouraging others and being encouraged.

What/Who motivated you?

I'm motivated and inspired by anyone who works hard to overcome an obstacle to get better. The most inspirational people are those who start their fitness journey overweight. Seeing them busting their butts to get in shape is very inspirational. Their drive and determination gets me fired up! I hope they're proud of themselves!

Where did you go for inspiration?

I went to Twitter and BodySpace. Seeing the awesome before and after pictures is a great source of inspiration. There are phenomenal transformations out there.

I'm a people person and enjoy interacting with others on social media or in person. I think camaraderie is a huge benefit to this sport.

What are your future fitness plans?

I don't have any competition plans, but I have plenty of body parts that I want to work on. There's always something for me to work on, which keeps me mentally stimulated. I want to improve my legs, calves, shoulders, and back. I look forward to the challenge. I'm not afraid to fail. If you don't fail occasionally, you're not pushing hard enough.

What is the most important fitness tip?

Be proud, but don't be satisfied. Take time to be pleased with the results of your hard work, but don't be finished. Always look for ways to improve. If you're serious about progressing, you won't have to look hard to find them.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder/fitness athlete?

Chris Faildo is a monster. He trains with intensity, he's natural, and we're roughly the same age.

How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

I like that I can go to one website and get everything I need. I can research supplements, read reviews, and buy products at great prices. I can read in-depth articles from well-known writers and researchers, and everyday people like me who work hard to improve.

Anthony's Top 5 Gym Tracks

"Rock Me To The Top" by Tesla
"The Last Chance" by Soil
"Pieces" by Dark New Day
"Rectifier" by Ra
"Unchain The Night" by Dokken

Thanks

I want to thank my wife who lets me go to the gym nearly every day and supports me. I wouldn't be where I am without her. I also want to thank my FitFam on Twitter and BodySpace for the encouragement.