Why I Decided To Transform
When I started my freshman year of high school, I always chose to sit in the back of the classroom, avoid talking to anyone (especially girls), and only wore clothes three sizes too big for me.
I had few friends and went home every day to my only form of social life, which were online video games. I hated my life.
I wanted to change how I felt about myself, but never knew how, until I joined the wrestling team. I started the season with no confidence or dedication.
I weighed 183 pounds at 14-years old, and was 5-foot-6 with 26 percent body fat (according to my high school athletic trainer).
After three months of intense programs and training, I was down to 145 pounds.
Although I was slim, I got addicted to the weight loss and was completely uneducated on what to do, so I stopped eating almost all together. I ate salads without dressing, and ate whole bags of celery. I was getting no more than a half gram of protein per pound.
By the time summer rolled around, I was a gaunt 126 pounds with four percent body fat. After losing the weight, I was extremely unhappy with life.
I was constantly stressed by measuring and weighing everything I ate. I did absolutely nothing but cardio for as long as I could every single day. I began to binge eat, and everything went downhill from there.
I began therapy for eating disorders in the summer of 2010, and by winter had almost overcome my fear of food, but I was still an out of shape, super skinny kid.
How I Accomplished My Goals
One day, something changed. Completely unexpectedly and from out of nowhere, I had a realization of the truth. I was sitting in the sauna thinking about all the great physiques I'd always worshipped, and I decided I was sick of being the little guy who had no muscle and no right to be proud of myself.
I met a couple older guys at my gym who I'd always wanted to look like, and they took me in as a little brother and began teaching and training me. I owe everything to those two. They introduced me to what I want to do for the rest of my life. I've never had a passion so strong for something.
I began eating more than ever and cleaner than ever. I was reading everything I could find once I joined Bodybuilding.com - and I mean everything. I would spend, and still do, at least three hours per day reading as many articles as I could on supplements, nutrition, and training programs.
His muscles are an extension of his mind.
After a month of training and focusing strictly on my diet, I gained 10 pounds; my body fat increased by one percent, bringing me to 147 pounds with 9 percent body fat. I continued to train with those guys for a year. They no longer work out at the same gym as I do, but they still provide me with motivation and knowledge. I've become almost as knowledgeable as them, with a full fitness library.
After a year of serious lifting and training, I competed in my very first show at age 17, taking third place in the Junior Division and second in Novice. I plan to do many more shows in the future and continue to excel.
Nothing will stop me from making my dreams come true and landing on the front page of Bodybuilding.com!
Supplements That Helped Me Through The Journey
I'm a huge supporter of supplements. However, I also believe they're exactly that: supplements, not shortcuts. They should be used primarily to fill the gaps in your diet.
They will have no use or benefit if you're not busting your butt in the gym and eating a proper diet of whole foods. Supplements make up less than five percent of bodybuilding, but used correctly, that can be a big five percent!
I don't take a pre-workout because I try to get my energy from more natural sources like fruit, and I avoid caffeine except before cardio.
My current stack is:
What Aspect Challenged Me The Most
Without a doubt, the most challenging part of training is the diet. It's not hard to eat healthy, but it can be stressful having to pack every meal.
It took me forever to figure out what kind of diet plan worked best for me, and I'm still learning how my body works. I finally found a diet that I love.
My Future Fitness Plans
I already know I'm going to be in the fitness industry for the rest of my life, I can't see myself doing anything else. I just competed in my very first show, and I'm hooked. I plan on doing many more in the future, and someday going pro.
My top three goals in life are:
- Get sponsored
- Get my pro card
- Be featured on multiple magazine covers
Defined goals lead to defined physiques!
Suggestions For Aspiring Transformers
The number one piece of advice I can offer to anyone, not just other teens, is don't stress. I know it's a lot easier said than done, especially with this lifestyle, but stress is the number one muscle and mind killer. I had to learn that the hard way. Like I said, if you don't love every aspect of the sport, you will fail. Stress will make you fail faster than any injury or milkshake.
Also, do your homework. I spend as much time as possible reading and researching all about new and old supplements, workouts, diets, and anything related to bodybuilding. If it wasn't for sitting down and reading on Bodybuilding.com, I wouldn't know half as much as I do about fitness. You'd be amazed the progress you can make just researching a little every day.
How Bodybuilding.com Helped Me Reach My Goals
I owe so much to Bodybuilding.com! It's the number one source of information that I'm constantly seeking. I literally spend every second of my free time on Bodybuilding.com, whether I'm browsing the store, researching on the articles, or checking out the forums.
I've met some really awesome people through BodySpace. I even met up with a guy I'd never met a month before my first show, and he happened to be doing it too, and in the same division! Bodybuilding.com is the absolute best place for young and old bodybuilders.