Body Transformation: Type 1 Dia-Badass

Type 1 diabetes put Nich in a hospital bed for nearly a month. He recovered and discovered football, which required heavy lifting. See why this teen refuses to take 'no' for an answer!

Name: Nich Schmidt
Email: Nichtjschmidt@hotmail.ca
BodySpace: VinniePaz

Nich Schmidt Nich Schmidt
AGE 16
HEIGHT
6'1"
WEIGHT
104 lbs
BODY FAT
15%
AGE 17
HEIGHT
6'2"
WEIGHT
205 lbs
BODY FAT
12%

Why I Got Started

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on July 23, 2008. I was released from the hospital after one month's stay, at 6'0" 104 pounds, bone dry. The disease I was diagnosed with was so foreign that it was incredibly mind blowing that I was diagnosed with it. I had no idea what it meant, but before I was diagnosed I weighed in at about 140.

I was a skinny-fat, mid-teen who knew nothing about lifting. I began lifting in November of 2010 on my 16th birthday. My mom got me my first gym pass in August, but I never used it. In November, I began lifting and was inconsistent, with poor training, dieting, and sleep.

Being a gamer, I spent countless hours a day on my computer doing mindless crap, wasting my days away. I changed schools in 2010. At my previous school, there was no football team, so when I came to my new school, I became very interested.

I began playing football, and two years later I went and played at the Provincial All-Star Senior Bowl where I got a lot of notice for my football career. I decided I wanted to stick to lifting and put all my energy and focus into lifting for aesthetics and bodybuilding. Staying fit and healthy is a goal of mine for life.

Nich stiff-armed diabetes on his way to the gridiron.
Nich stiff-armed diabetes on his way to the gridiron.

How I Did It

Motivation is key. You don't make "mad gains" overnight. Most people and friends in my experience quit lifting after a few months, because they're not seeing the results, but I understand why.

Either, they train half-assed, never breaking a sweat, begging the spotter to let them put the weight down, or they don't understand the art of bodybuilding.

I get motivation from bodybuilders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman, Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu, Kai Greene, and Zyzz (yes, I am a fan of the aesthetic lifters as well).

I also am very into music, I like anything from death metal, to hip hop, to progressive house and dubstep.

The key is motivation, surround yourself in it; engulf yourself in things that will keep you motivated. Friends, magazines, movies, and a good workout partner!

Suggestions For Aspiring Transformers

  • Eat a lot!
  • Hit your macros AND micros!
  • Sleep long!
  • Train hard!

If you are living with a chronic disease, or any type of disease that you think will put you back, get over it, as harsh as it sounds.

Anything is doable; you just have to have the right mindset! You can do it! No matter what it is, there is a way! Rick Hansen did it, I AM DOING IT, and you can too!

You Could Be Our Next Transformation Of The Week

Male
Male Transformations.

No longer content to sit on the sidelines of life these guys have gone from wimp to pimp!
Female
Female Transformations.

Done with giving excuses, these ladies have given themselves the bodies they always wanted!

Teen
Teen Transformations.

These amazing teenagers have made changes in their lives that most adults only dream about!
Over 40
Over 40 Transformations.

Age is no excuse for these over 40 women & men who have decided to feel and look young again!