I started lifting in high school, but never took it seriously. I was skinny and accepted that my metabolism would never allow me to grow. After high school, I went down an unhealthy path and started doing drugs. I was lost.
My mom looked at me one day and asked me if I had been eating because I looked so thin. That sparked something inside me. It was time for a new life. No matter how much hard work and dedication it took, I was ready to see it through to the end.
I got serious about lifting in 2007 and was shredded in no time because of my low body fat. I became a personal trainer and sought more knowledge from people I worked with so I could help my clients and myself. I made steady gains and reached 160 pounds. At the time, I didn't think that was possible for me. But my success was short lived.
Tragedy struck at motocross practice when I flipped my motorcycle going 50 miles per hour. I fell back and my bike landed on top of me. I fractured two vertebrae and was taken to intensive care, where I stayed for a few days. I was lucky to walk out of the situation, but I was devastated because my hard work was gone.
I spent a few months in a full upper-body cast and slowly dropped to 140 pounds. Depression got the best of me. I didn't realize how small I was until I saw a picture of myself. It was a slap in the face. I hadn't come to grips with the reality of the situation because I lived in denial, but it was time for serious change.
I took a new approach to lifting this time. I read fitness magazines, watched inspirational movies, and researched new training regimens. I started slow so my body could adapt and my back could handle it. I tried heavy sets with low reps, circuit training, and supersets. I discovered what worked for me and chose exercises that provided the best gains.
Most of my training is based around Arnold Schwarzenegger's old plan. He's been my idol since I started lifting and plays a big influence on my goals. My goal is to reach Arnold's competition weight with a similar physique. I limited partying and drinking so my gains would come quicker. It became a lifestyle. If I missed the gym, I felt terrible.
I remembered people's negativity toward me and used it as motivation to accomplish my goals. I didn't let anything hold me back. Doubters were fuel and I loved proving them wrong. I started training six days per week, transitioned to two-a-days, and saw insane gains. I never saw progress like this before. It became an addiction. The never-ending search for perfection in a world where you are your worst critic kept me going.