Vital Stats
Name: Shawn Caswell
Email: Shawn@IMNatural.com
BodySpace: Shawn384 Location: Mountville, Pennsylvania
Why I decided to transform
As a former Marine and high school football athlete, I used to be in decent shape. Post-Marine Corps, and after starting a family, my focus on health wilted and I rapidly gained weight, which led to bouts of depression.
Shortly after my first child turned two years old, my weight shot up to 264 pounds. I was forced to buy size 38 pants for the first time. It became difficult to bend over and tie my shoes. I knew something had to change because I didn't recognize the person in the mirror.
How I accomplished my goals
Marines adapt and overcome. It's engrained in our DNA. I looked up training programs online with free nutrition guides and found a saving grace: Kris Gethin's 12-Week Hardcore Daily Trainer. It's more than a training guide with nutrition advice. Gethin's program has a video for every one of the 84 grueling days, with Kris as your virtual personal trainer and training partner. Along with Kris' motivation, wisdom, and intensity is a foolproof nutrition plan to help you get shredded.
I followed the protocol in every way with only minor slip-ups and achieved fantastic results. I began the program at the end of March 2011 and dropped from 242 pounds and 29 percent body fat to 198 pounds and 13 percent body fat in 84 days.
I utilized many principles Kris teaches and uses himself, like FST and DTP, competed in May 2012, and placed third in men's physique at 5-foot-8 and 174 pounds.
What aspect challenged me the most
Nutrition was the toughest part. My family wouldn't eat what I did, so I had to put out extra money weekly for specific nutrition needs to eat clean while everyone else ate lasagna or pizza.
My future fitness plans
I'd like to complete my personal training certification and take the NPC stage in bodybuilding this year.
Suggestions for aspiring transformers
It's a marathon, not a sprint. Don't look for the easy way or the miracle pill. You have to change your lifestyle and modify your plan to fit your life. The fitness life is bountiful.
How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals
Kris Gethin's 12-Week Trainer was a godsend. I doubt I would've stuck to another plan. Kris made it fun, became myfriend, and got meamped for the next day (even after leg day).
Shawn's Top 5 Gym Tracks
- "Swallowing Razorblades" by Parkway Drive
- "Try 'N Hold Me Back" by Rob Bailey & The Hustle Standard
- "Guns For Show, Knives For A Pro" by Parkway Drive
- "Forever" by As I Lay Dying
- "Sucker Punch" by Free The Fallen