I picked up my first weights at the age of 12 where I had a remarkable bench press of 65 pounds.
Once I got into high school, I competed in powerlifting at the 165-pound weight class.
I was very competitive and passionate about lifting weights and transforming my body, but never really broke down the nutritional side of things.
It wasn't until 2010 after returning from overseas that I met up with an old friend of mine (Shawn Brotherton) who convinced me to step on stage.
I was the guy who always looked at the bodybuilding magazines and never believed in myself to actually give it a try. So my first contest was the 2010 Bill Grant Classic.
After placing 4th, I was anxious to try it again where I found myself at the NPC Max Muscle VA Classic. I am now a certified personal trainer and nutritionist and I enjoy helping others achieve a healthier lifestyle and reach their fitness goals.
The easiest way to put it would be that the military is not for everybody. It takes a lot of sacrifice and perseverance. It also takes a special breed of people to cope with being away from home and not seeing your family for years at a time. It's a lifestyle that many cannot handle.
Fortunately for me, I have a family within the brothers and sisters I deploy with and close friends who I can confide in when needed. Opposed to civilian life, the military is 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
There is no break or time off in the sense that you can be called for duty at any time and must be prepared for any obstacle that may be presented.
Military Amateur Anthony Waite's Posing At The 2011 NPC Max Muscle Virginia Classic
Watch The Video - 01:43
The biggest obstacle for me and probably most service members is finding a balance. By this I mean a balance in work, family, hobbies, and life in general.
The military can be demanding and if you're not careful, you can find yourself neglecting your family, health, and the important things in life. So taking the time to do what's really important and not get caught up in the stressors of work and deployments.
Granted some things are not controllable, but for what may be, make a positive balance. For me, bodybuilding and fitness have helped me relieve not only stress, but has allowed me to share my knowledge with others.
As of now, I am focusing on my education and commissioning as a Naval Officer.
I was a selected for the MECP program in which the Navy pays me to be a full-time Nursing student.
I would like to step on stage within the next year or so. It takes a lot of time and dedication and as soon as I have the time to dedicate to the contest prep, I will do so.
With that said, bodybuilding is a lifestyle; it's not just something you decided one day. It is about making the right nutritional decisions, putting in hard work, and dedication ALL the time.
Just like Ronnie Coleman said "Everybody wants to be a bodybuilder, but don't nobody want to lift no heavy-ass weight!"
Until I compete, I will continue to assist others with reaching their goals and attaining a healthier lifestyle.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kai Greene, and Branch Warren.
Focus and stay motivated, you are among the world's finest military and you are there for a reason, your dedication and drive to be the best that you can be.
Take that and apply it to your health, fitness, and bodybuilding goals and nothing can stop you! Don't be that guy who wishes he could or would, DO IT! And most of all come home safe!