Q
Why I decided to transform
Right before I finished high school, my life changed in a big way when I was dared to jump over a row of wooden seats. I missed the jump and hit my knee on the edge of the wooden seat which broke my knee cap. The impact forced the bone though my skin and was hanging out. Seven hours later, surgeons replaced my knee cap with an artificial one.
The doctors said I could never play impact sports again, which hurt because I was a great rugby player and was close to having a career in the sport. After the devastating news, I did what most people do when their world crashes down; I just existed in life and turned to food to heal my pain.
I can't recall how long it took to become overweight because I never tracked my size. Years went by before I noticed my weight problem had ballooned out of control and I was 346 pounds. I was married at this time, had kids, and drifted though life. I wasn't happy, my wife wasn't happy, and my kids just watched as I slowly killed myself. I don't remember a meal where I didn't eat my food and the leftovers from my family.
One day at work, I ate a family-sized pizza with two two-liter Pepsi's to wash it down. After that, all I remember was hearing ambulance sirens as I was rushed to the hospital for what they suspected was a heart attack when I was 35 years old. Doctors told me I was lucky to just have a rare chest infection but that my weight made me a walking time bomb. At that point, I had to change or I would leave my children without a father.
My weight lost journey started with a program that helped me lose weight without going to the gym. I learned to pick healthier options to eat and fell to 243 pounds at age 37. I wanted to lose more, decided to hit the gym, and lifted as if my life depended on it. Then a close friend introduced me to Jim Stoppani's 12-Week Shortcut To Size and Kris Gethin's 12-Week Hardcore Trainer.
How I accomplished my goals
I started a BodySpace account and joined Facebook groups that shared in my goals. When I had a hard time and didn't want to go to the gym, I looked at my old photos and kept going. Jim Stoppani and Kris Gethin inspired me on Twitter and replied to my questions, which blew my mind.
I watched Gethin's videos every night and morning and thought if he can do it I can do it.
I followed Stoppani's intense training program and committed to complete it.
What aspect challenged me the most
Kris Gethin's 12-Week Hardcore Trainer and Jim Stoppani's SS8 program challenged me in every way. I wanted to sleep in a few times but always remembered Kris saying if this was easy everyone would be ripped.
My future fitness plans
I want to compete next year and meet Kris and Jim in person.
Suggestions for aspiring transformers
You need to believe in what you want to achieve. Don't put off what you can do today tomorrow. If you set the vision for how you want to look, you can achieve it. It's a hard road but commitment and dedication will be your guide. Use yourself as inspiration to reach higher. Don't be afraid to fail.
How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals
Bodybuilding.com helped me achieve my goals with endless information and programs. When I started out, I didn't know how to exercise but Bodybuilding.com provided the tools I needed. The Forum is great place for info on supplements and BodySpace serves as constant inspiration.
Nicholas's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Master Of Puppets" by Metallica
- "Run To The Hills" by Iron Maiden
- "Number Of The Beast" by Iron Maiden
- "18 And Life" by Skid Row
- "Welcome To The Jungle" by Guns N' Roses