Personal Info
How I Started
If you really want to change your physique, I assure you that you will be convinced after reviewing the dramatic changes in my progress photos and gallery photos that you can do this. Also, please be assured that I'm just an ordinary guy that made the decision to compete. I have a career type job that entails sitting in front of a computer and lots of air travel. (Note that I have disabled Private Messaging as I am unable to keep up with the high volume of PMs I have been receiving. Most of your questions are answered within my profile page under the respective categories or within my blogs. All you have to do is look). It was Muscle Media and the Body-for-Life Challenge that first got me going. Most recently, I decided to get serious. I created a BodySpace account in Aug 2010 after 3 years off training from a failed disk/neck injury. You can see my progress (see Progress Photos) from just about the start of my progression to where I am at today. My goal then has not changed to this very day: "To inspire others over 40 (and the younger ones too") and prove that re-gaining a youthful appearance and high energy really is at your reach. 45 is the new 30!". The funny thing is that hundreds of BodySpace members have added me to their "Most Inspirational" list on their profile, many of whom are much younger than 40... and this is living proof that I have made changes in other people's lives. I can not tell you how much the support on this website has fueled the fire inside of me. If you know me, you would know that never in a million years would I have imagined that I would post pictures of myself on a website like this, let alone step on stage to compete in a body building show. However, at age 46, I decided to take the leap and start competing, first time in Jan 2012. I can not tell you how excited I was to do this. All this work, I thought, would pay off at my very first show. Man-oh-man, what a disappointment when I did not place top 5. For about a week after the show, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself, because my posing was all wrong, I forgot my pre-show meal, I stained my stage attire, and I did not smile on stage. Looking back, these setbacks were nothing more than learning experiences and I came to the realization that I have come a long way in such a short time. After all, I did place 7th at my first show at age 46 (and I always ask myself why did I not start doing this sooner?). In May 2012, I competed in the California State Championships and took 1st Place in the Masters Men's Physique 45+, 2nd Place in the 35+ category, and 5th Place in the Open against 25 year olds. The folks at BodyBuilding.com took notice of my profile and in July, they featured me in "We 'Mirin Vol. 6...15 Must-See Elite Physiques." Then just a bit later, they publish an article about my story call "Bigger With Age". Just recently in July 2013, I competed in the Los Angeles Men's Physique Championships and took first 1st Place in the Masters category, my second 1st Place win in California. I have posted weekly photo updates from the start of my prep to the date of competition. Like in my last competition, I have the help of some of the best fitness nutritionists in Los Angeles at my side..what a difference! In November 2013 Bodybuilding.com selected me as a top 20 finalist in the BodySpace Spokesmodel Search, however, I did not make it to the finals so I decided to compete at the Ironman Naturally which is on the same day, at the same location, and on the same stage as the BodySpace Spokesmodel Search in Los Angeles. This is my way of getting even, hahaha. This time, I have the help of IFBB Pro Men's Physique Champion, Art Ortiz at my side. New diet, new training. Follow me and I assure you that I will INSPIRE YOU and help you most efficiently acheive your goals. One last note, I'm looking to INSPIRE YOU and as many people young and old alike to adopt fitness as a lifestyle to realize health and vitality. If after reviewing my profile, I do INSPIRE YOU, there is no better way to let me know than to add me as an inspiration. Part of this journey is to take action and if my profile helps you in that process, please by all means, take action and add me as an inspiration. I will best know that I have inspired you and helped you to realize your goals.
Why I Love it
It is the best self-controlled way one can improve their health while achieving an extraordinary physique. Love the thought that I really can control my physical destiny. Also provides stress relief and balances my intense work life.