How Did Your Fitness
Journey Begin?
My fitness journey began when I was in the 8th grade. I was unhappy with my body and didn't like the way I looked at all. Throughout my childhood I was always very overweight, and by the time I reached the beginning of my 8th grade year I weighed as much as 220! I was tired of being picked on because of my weight.
By the time 9th grade started, I had dropped to 150, but I was skinny-fat at that point because my diet was lacking and I wasn't eating enough food to fuel my training. I started putting on muscle, and became addicted from there on out.
In 2013, I was approached by the guy who owned the gym where I trained and competed. I was beyond excited that he wanted me to do a show, and we got right to work. I can't thank him enough, because after I did my first show I was addicted to competing. I simply couldn't get enough of it. Last summer I competed in two shows, taking second in the teen division at both shows, and actually winning novice middleweight at one of those shows!
Being in a posedown in just my second show was a great experience that I really enjoyed. I competed this summer, and once again got second in the teen division. My journey up to this point has been an absolutely amazing one, and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for me!
What Workout Regimen Delivered The Best Results?
I always try to keep my training very simple but very intense. I use heavy weights, high reps, and shorter rest periods to keep the intensity level high. Now I am utilizing different techniques in my off-season to try and grow even more, such as dropsets, squeezing at the top of every rep, and FST7.
What Or Who Motivated You?
I drew motivation from many different places whether it was from my family throughout the years or a bodybuilding competitor. It is great knowing that I have a family that supports me no matter what.
Having certain special people in your life can make contest prep so much easier and enjoyable. Of course people like Phil Heath, Kai Greene and Dennis Wolf motivated me because one day I hope to be in their place.
Where Did You Go For Inspiration?
Some days I feel like just getting on YouTube and watching the pros blast the weights like absolute animals. This always gets me fired up and ready to work out!
Other days I simply talk to a family member who supports me and pushes me to go even harder in the gym. Last year, during my prep, I had someone who motivated me day in and day out , and still does to this day. This person pushed me to become the absolute best I could be. I can't tell you how great that was to have.
What Are Your Future Fitness Plans?
My overall goal with all of this is to eventually become an IFBB pro! The short-term goals for me right now are to compete in—and win—some NPC shows, and then eventually work my way up to competing at Teen Nationals in 2016.
I also plan to one day be sponsored by Universal Nutrition. My ultimate goal is to inspire and motivate others to change their overall health for the better.
What Is The Most Important Fitness Tip?
I think the most important tip I can give anyone in this sport is that you have to realize the importance of diet. It has taken me multiple years to truly realize how important diet is to my success.
The amount of food you must eat to truly grow is really crazy, but if you are serious about this sport then you will take your nutrition very seriously.
Who Is Your Favorite Competitor?
Two competitors I look up to would be Phil Heath and Calum von Moger. Phil Heath is a perfect example of what a champion should be and Calum just has an amazing physique in my opinion.
How Bodybuilding.com Helped Me Reach My Goals?
Bodybuilding.com helps me greatly in reaching my goals. Whether it is providing the motivation to power through a workout or having the absolute best selection and price on supplements, I know I can always count on Bodybuilding.com to help me out on my journey.