Shawn

Male

42

Sports Marketing, e-commerce

1978

I started lifting in 1978, at age 11, to follow in the footsteps of my older brother who was a gymnast, martial artist and aspiring bodybuilder. Instead of pursuing bodybuilding like him, I quickly found that I just enjoyed lifting heavy things no matter what they were. I would go around the neighborhood offering to help people move big and heavy things just to have something to lift since I didn't have a weight set yet. When I finally got the obligatory Sears vinyl and sand weight set, I was in heaven! I didn't have a bench so I did a lot of deadlifts, cleans, squats, overhead presses, and rows. I only benched when I'd go to the UIC fitness center with my brother once a month, and didn't bench regularly until my junior year of high school.

In a word, SQUATS! I love the command of walking the weight out. I love the feel of the weight across the shelf. I love the sense of power when controlling the weight. I love the descent and showing gravity that only I determine when and how the weight will go down. I love the power of execution on the ascent. I love the rush and exhiliration of heavy reps completed! Yeah, there are other exercises, but those are done more out of necessity than desire. Otherwise, I'd just be a thick-legged freak. I mean that's ALL I'd have! LOL

I just look at my gut in the mirror or photos and videos of how I look now. That's pretty damn effective! I also have the guidance and support of some good friends who are great trainers experienced in working with guys like me.

Stay with it, Shawn "Bud" Lyte www.bmfsports.com Hide in the shadows awaiting defeat Or live by the sword and choose to be free