How did your fitness journey begin?
I wasn't lean growing up and spent most of my childhood 20 or more pounds overweight. I woke up every day and ate a bad breakfast that consisted of pancakes, waffles, syrup, fried potatoes, or Pop-Tarts. I eventually got tired of breathing heavy when I walked up and down stairs, and decided to change.
My parents enrolled me in AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) at age 8. I was out of shape, weighed 105 pounds, and got cramps when I ran. I eventually started to eat better, which impacted my performance, but grew tired of soccer and eventually quit. After soccer, I weighed 85 pounds and looked and felt better than ever.
I played basketball from age 10-14 and was a point guard/shooting guard. When high school approached, I stopped playing basketball and grabbed weights for the first time during the summer of 2011. It felt great to experience the pump and I knew this was the sport for me. I quickly got a gym pass and have gone every day since.
I didn't know what to do at first. I wanted to build muscle, but was on the treadmill for hours and did bodyweight exercises like crunches, push-ups, and pull-ups. My nutrition was worse. I only ate fruits and veggies and lacked important nutrients and protein.
I eventually gained more knowledge about bodybuilding and nutrition by the fall of 2011 and started to eat a high-protein, low-carb diet. I used fundamental exercises like bench press, squats, and deadlifts and packed on muscle. I devoted my life to bodybuilding, read articles on Bodybuilding.com, and subscribed to FLEX and Muscle and Fitness. I was in awe of incredible modern physiques like Phil Heath and Kai Greene.
How did your passion for fitness emerge?
My passion for fitness emerged when I saw incredible results from busting my ass. People ask how long it's been since I last ate a burger, donut, or junk food, and don't believe me when say three years ago. I love dieting and don't need cheat meals. One of my favorite moments was at the 2012 Olympia show and expo. I met fitness enthusiasts and many pros I idolize like Phil Heath, Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman.
What/Who motivated you to be a fitness guru?
When I first saw Arnold's physique, I was just in shock. I couldn't believe how great he looked. Arnold had it all; big arms, a full chest, wide shoulders, a small waist, and great legs/calf development.
Where did you go for inspiration?
I love watching ZhansiMotivation on YouTube. It's all about bodybuilding motivation. I usually down my pre-workout and watch his videos to get pumped up before I work out.
What are your future fitness plans?
I plan to compete in a natural bodybuilding organization teen class soon.
What is the most important fitness tip?
Never lose sight of your dreams. Don't let negativity bring you down from achieving your goals. When you're successful, there will be jealous people who hate. The reason people hate is because my success makes haters feel insufficient in their current state and reminds them of what they could've been.
Who is your favorite competitor?
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the greatest bodybuilder ever. He's my idol and the reason I started bodybuilding.
How did Bodybuilding.com help you reach your goals?
Bodybuilding.com helped me through my bodybuilding and fitness journey. The articles, motivational videos, supplements, and BodySpace kept me on track.
Competition History
- April 2012 - INBA Iron Gladiator - 2nd Place Teen Division