Tired of getting it wrong, overtraining,and making bad social decisions, I visted a local hardcore gym at age 18, Nov. of 1983. I went through a 12 year period from age 31 from 43 when I became frustrated at the sport I loved so much because it seemed to have gone from a sport of respectability to what I considered a drug consuming freak show. To make a long story short I now understand the dedication behind what seemed to be madness at that time of my life. I wish I could get those years back but what I can do; and will do, is continue to turn back the clock. These days I'm training with a focus and purpose as I did when I walked into the gym I started my training. You see Southern Indiana Fitness was unlike anything around the Louisville area. The owner "Larry Traub" hand made all of the super heavy duty benches, squat racks, power cages, pec dec, you name it. Upstairs there was a running track along with a universal weight system and cardio equipment for the very few who where more into cardio and toning up. Downstairs was the basement with a hand crafted hot tub, sauna, tanning room; as well as, a room called the "Iron Dungeon" for anyone who wanted to get away from the crowd. This was where I started out bench pressing because I wanted to increase that lift before I took it upstairs. The dungeon was great for that for others; as well as a great place to attemp personal records. The thing that really stands out in my mind is the rustic look and feel of the hardwood floors dressed with the hand crafted heavy duty equipment, and walking in with that feeling everyone there is dead serious about their training. I take my mind back to those days everytime I prepare to train. I have to because there will never be another be a gym like it in the Louisville area. Probably in the coastal states but not here.

I love how I look of course although right now I'm still not where I want to be and where I once was, but I'm closing in on it. I enjoy that it's mentally refreshing and keeps me from engaging in bad habits I once thought was all the rage. I love the attention I get in public when I where something that shows off what I work so hard for. And I love the fact that when I'm training my two sons, I can say you better believe you're going to get further than me if you want bacause you don't have to make the mistakes I made. I won't let you overtrain like this or that. Bodybuilding training really gets my whole family motivated to make heathier eating choices.