I had lots of health problems as a little boy that limited me in several ways. I was the "little one" of my classroom and always had ambition to be big. Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger had bodies that I looked up to and wished to have one day.
My first fitness adventure started at a judo club, but I wasn't fond of the sport. Then a friend introduced me to the gym and I fell in love with the sport of bodybuilding. I had no knowledge about training or nutrition and didn't have Internet at the time, so I went to the nearest bookstore and bought bodybuilding magazines. I also asked a friend to buy any magazine he could find on his American military base. I read them constantly, studied every sentence, and got hooked on muscle and knowledge.
Bodybuilding turned me into the man I am today. I have much more self-respect. I love the feeling of achievement after every training session and love seeing changes to my body. The ability to set a goal and work toward achieving it is a great feeling. I love challenging myself every day and setting a new goal.
Researching training and nutrition is one of my hobbies. I don't compare myself to anyone; I compete against myself and beat my personal best every time. I have never been organized or disciplined and couldn't commit to anything. Since I started bodybuilding and living and eating healthy, my whole character changed. Preparation taught me about organization. If I start something, I see it through despite what people think. It's my journey and the end says more about a person than the beginning.
I was fascinated when I saw Arnold Schwarzenegger in movies. When I entered the bodybuilding world, guys like Ronnie Coleman and Kevin Levrone motivated me to fight for what I wanted.
I also get motivation from my wife who is my biggest supporter. We live the same lifestyle and realize how much it improves our relationship and quality of life to have goals and feel better about ourselves.
On days when I feel like I can't go on, I think about the sacrifices I made on my journey. That will take me higher in this sport. I have a sense of urgency because I truly want this life. It's good to have people around with the same mindset.
I plan to compete and be the best year after year.
Never stop reading to educate yourself. Knowledge is power and there are no limits. Your body is your temple and health always comes first.
My favorite professional bodybuilder is Phil Heath—he's on another level. I could stare at his physique for hours. After everything he has accomplished, he still stays humble. I also admire Ronnie Coleman because he's the best bodybuilder ever.
I always use the informational articles for the best workout advice. The nutrition information provided on the site is top notch and up to date. I purchase my supplements from Bodybuilding.com and always recommend the site to all my friends.
- "Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor
- "Hall of Fame" by The Script (feat. will.i.am)
- "What I've Done" by Linkin Park
- "Throw Your Hands Up" by Qwote (feat. Pitbull & Lucenzo)
- "Bodies" by Drowning Pool