It's funny, I actually hated lifting weights, but as a high school and college athlete I could not avoid the weight room. I used to hide in the parking lot while my team lifted weights in high school! I played football at the University of Central Florida and the weight coaches there were into bodybuilding, so I begin to gain interest as I listened to them talk about the sport.
I still didn't like to lift weights, but I gained an interest in the sport. After graduation, I continued to lift and realized that I loved the weight room I just didn't like football lifting (cleans, dumbbell snatch, squat jumps, etc). I began to research the sport and I learned how to train, diet, and supplement. Two years later, I entered my first competition, Southern Isles Bodybuilding, and placed third in the heavyweight open class and fourth in the heavyweight novice class.
Bodybuilding has served as a home for my competitive nature. After playing football for UCF, I felt a competitive void that bodybuilding has fulfilled in my life. I also love the challenge bodybuilding presents. Unlike any other sport that I've ever played or competed in, bodybuilding requires full 24-hours-per-day commitment. Your commitment turns into sacrifice, and sacrifice can be made visible on stage.
Bodybuilding has become part of my life. I am praying that at some point bodybuilding can begin to create means for me to be able to do it more.
I really enjoy being healthy. I'm more energetic, I don't get sick as often, and I like the look. I spent most of my life overweight and eating whatever I could get my hands on. But pursuing healthiness has been much more rewarding than a double cheese burger could ever be. I want to live a long time and enjoy as much life as possible. Following a healthy lifestyle will help me with this goal.
I am really working hard because I expect to enjoy a bright future in bodybuilding and also in the business of health and nutrition.
I am now currently training to make my second on-stage appearance of the year at the Mid Florida Classic. Last, I want to catch a LVLV show sometime at the end of this year. I plan to take next year off and focus on putting slabs of muscle on.
I want to eventually earn a pro card. Even though I know that road is tough, I am already on it. Working hard and keeping my mind on my dream of stepping on stage against the likes of Dexter Jackson, Branch Warren, Jay, Phil, etc. One day ...
I'm currently running a weight management company titled Simple Fitness LLC. It went live last year and has been stirring up quite a little buzz. We help people reach or get on track with their weight management goals, whether it is to lose fat or gain muscle. We operate solely online as of now but we are in the beginning stages of obtaining gym space and launching our first ever gym. This has been an exciting experience and we are looking forward to what the future will bring.
Amateur bodybuilders need to have fun. Contests are short and sweet. Enjoy every moment. Take a ton a pictures so that when you're old and gray you can have proof of how awesome you were in your prime.
Lastly, be the best bodybuilder that you can be and do not become discouraged. Hit the drawing board and continue to learn your body. Unfortunately, there are no classes that teach you about you.
"Be the best bodybuilder you can be."
I love Lee Haney and what he has done since walking away from competitive bodybuilding. He is truly inspirational to me.
I appreciate what Arnold did for the sport and also how Dorian Yates changed the game, hitting the stage with undeniable mass.
Kai Greene has taken posing to another level; Ronnie Coleman became the definition of big and strong, not to mention successful.
Lastly, Jay and Phil: the new rivalry in bodybuilding. But Branch is lurking in the shadows.
The question should be what I don't use on bb.com. I use just about everything within my top 5 features:
- Contests: I have to see who's doing what, who's winning what, how this person looked, etc.
- Store: The best place to purchase contest supplies (trunks, oil, tan, etc.).
- Videos: I love to watch some of the series, especially the webcast.
- Training: Great place to find full workouts when I'm feeling too lazy to make my own.
- Forum: Last, but definitely not least: The forum, which is flooded with great advice from many experts.