Erik Stitt

Male

42

Mckinleyville, California, United States

Government Security

Aug, 2008

I have always dabbled in fitness a bit ever since I could remember. Although I was predominantly a runner by nature, I often played around with iron when it was available either at schools or at a friend's house. I was never really that consistent with it until 1997 when as an avid reader of the magazine Muscle Media, I was introduced to the principles of natural body building by Bill Phillips. I even did the Body-For-Life program twice but never stayed with it to let it yield an ultimate result which to my way of thinking was a ripped and balanced physique. I grew frustrated that I could not accomplish for whatever reason based on ignorance, what others were accomplishing in that intensely precious 12 weeks. What I wasn't appreciating was the fact that through this program I did lose fat and gain muscle. Had I continued, probably with another 12 weeks, I would have had the outcome I sought. Now here it is in 2008 I find myself in my 40's, a lot more patient and armed with the realization that this is a lifestyle and not a trend and that the long sought after outcome I wished to accomplish was an actual inevitability and not the proverbial carrot dangling in front of my eyes. I became more focused upon the reality that this is now a lifestyle and no longer a hobby about four months ago when I was diagnosed with Congenital Cardiovascular Disease. A little present from my Mother. I no longer look at fitness as a fad so much as I now look at it as something I have to do to stay alive and be a Loving Father to my two Daughters and a Doting Husband to my endearing and tolerant Wife. I am happy to say (and relieved) that with proper nutrition and consistent exercise and minimal medication I was able to reverse every symptom of the disease. This is what I do now. This is what I have become. And now, this is what I am.

As a practitioner of Zen Buddhism for the last 12 years, it was not that difficult to translate the discipline required in that practice into the additional and equally disciplined practice of body building. As long as I am consistent and honest with myself during all of it's many intricacies, the reward is always more than expected and I have often found that the application of body building into one's own life is more than likely it's own reward. It is in fact, more enjoyable doing it than it's own outcome. Although, I do enjoy the egoic pats on the back from those who have noticed what I have accomplished thus far. However, were that the sole reason for my doing it, I probably would have quit by now, seeking something deeper and more fulfilling. It is a mindset as well as a lifestyle. This is it's true attraction for me. That and the fact that there is never a plateau. There is only "Better than last time".

The answer to this question is simplicity itself. How do I stay motivated? I look at my first "before" picture in conjunction with my medical print out and say to myself, "Old Son, is this how you want to go?". I always answer of course with a loud and emphatic, NO!!.

My accomplishments are nothing major to anyone but to my own personal situation. Each is an epic milestone in and of itself. To date (25OCT08) I have lost 21 pounds of fat and replaced it with 17 lbs of rock-hard beef! I have my life back and I run circles around guys and girls half my age. I have a truly centered peace of mind and a gentle but firm knowing that I can achieve whatever it is I set out to do. Nothing can stop my determination but me. Nothing.

We the Unwilling, Led by the Unqualified, Have been doing so much, With so little, For so long, We now attempt the impossible With nothing