Amateur Bodybuilder Of The Week: Andrew Accepts Pain To Gain!

How did your bodybuilding journey begin?

Backpacking through Europe for six months took its toll on my body and it didn't take long for me to lose muscle. No matter how much I ate, I lost muscle fast. After running out of money, I returned home a stick figure on December 20, 2012, and weighed 141 pounds with 16 percent body fat.

Lots of people thought I was sick, so I decided to get back into the gym and alter my diet. After eight months of progressive learning and consistent training, I entered my first competition and placed first in the INBA fitness model and novice bodybuilder category at 159 pounds and 4 percent body fat.

In the beginning, my main goal was to gain lean muscle. Now my goal is to be the pinnacle of natural fitness by promoting an aesthetically pleasing body while maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. I managed to see good results and am motivated to show people they can too. I want to show people they can achieve awesome results with proper training, diet, and hard work.

I was previously in real estate and mortgage brokering but found myself searching for my passion. I believe I found it in fitness. Now I'm competing on stage and doing photo shoots. Hundreds of people have asked me what I eat and how I train. There's definitely a science to it and I love telling people about it.

"Now I'm competing on stage and doing photo shoots. Hundreds of people have asked me what I eat and how I train."

"When I'm not in the gym or talking about fitness, I'm dreaming about it."

How did your passion for bodybuilding emerge?

When I'm not in the gym or talking about fitness, I'm dreaming about it. I'm studying to become a personal trainer, which will allow me to help people achieve their fitness goals. That's what I'm truly passionate about.

What/Who motivated you to be a bodybuilder?

My motivation comes from seeing results and working toward a goal. When I feel down, I remind myself why I'm doing it. You must have a why or the goal has no meaning.

Where did you go for inspiration?

My inspiration comes from seeing everyday people giving it their best shot inside and outside the gym. Seeing old and fat people in the gym on a Sunday trying to stay fit and healthy is inspirational. These people are pushing for their goals regardless of their circumstances and refuse to quit. I love the underdog!

What are your future bodybuilding plans?

I plan to compete on the international stage and become a household name in the fitness world. I will keep evolving my training and diet to suit my needs. The future holds many possibilities. I also want to open a gym, start a supplement and clothing line, and write books on training and nutrition. I plan to take the fitness revolution to the next level.

What is the most important bodybuilding tip?

You must have a goal. When you decide on a goal, never give up.

Who is your favorite bodybuilder?

My favorite athlete is Rob Riches because he achieved an aesthetically pleasing body and promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle. He's full of knowledge and explains things in a way that people understand.

How did bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?

Bodybuilding.com is one of my main sources of information. The millions of BodySpace members encourage and motivate me to keep pushing.

Andrew's Top 5 Gym Tracks

"If I Lose Myself " by Alesso vs OneRepublic
"Wake Me Up" by Avicii
"Animals" by Martin Garrix
"Don't You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia
"Years" by Alesso ft. Mathew Koma

Contest History

2013 INBA Natural Physiques Darwin - 1st Place Fitness Model, Novice Bodybuilder
PNBA Natural Olympia - 1st Place Novice and Open Physique, 3rd Place Sport Model