Last Visit: Yesterday, 2:00pm Last Forum Post: Jan 26, 2008 2:43pm Last Photo Upload: Jul 12, 2008 5:30pm Last Profile Update: Aug 27, 2008 7:32am Last Blog Post: Nov 9, 2007 5:27pm
My parents put all us kids in team sports at a very early age, but I did not really get into working out on my own until my mom got sick. She had very high blood pressure and cholesterol, so we started walking and changed her diet. Looking back, I see that my mom was the impetus. We started walking together and eating better. I got ahold of some Soloflex ads and a Soloflex calendar, and I became driven to look like that dude. Then I got to high school and met some hotties. I never looked back, so I have had some setbacks. I kept and keep going, and so can you.
On February 8, 1990, I was hit by a truck going 55 mph while I was running. I was in a coma for a while and cracked up my brain pretty well. They said I might not be able to finish high school. My muscular legs, however, had braced the impact and I did not brake a bone (apart from my skull). I saw that as a sign: Be fit or die/decay.
I took a muscle/fitness elective class in high school shortly thereafter. I worked out with the football guys, and recovered enough to keep playing soccer and hockey for a while.
I had a few more head injured, and had to quit playing ball. But I knew God (or something) wanted me to be fit, so I really started working out on my own.
I got depressed and drank a lot for a few years. I got really skinny during that period and got the abs I'd always wanted. Then I sobered up, got therapy, and haven't drank again. It's been many years now.
I had more set backs: three more head injuries, a neck/back injury in a car accident, shin splits (which I;ve since learned were just very tight shins/calves), rotator cuff challenges (from over doing it), knee problems (from that truck bumper in 1990), balance problems 'cuz of head injuries, etc. But I keep on.
In May 2004, I did ten reps of 1240 pounds on a leg press machine. I couldn't wear blue jeans b/c my quads were so big! HOT! But, in February of 2006 I learned that a disc in my neck had been crushed. I had it fused, and they doubted much of a recovery.
They didn't know who they were treating. I started walking, then jogging, then running. I started lifting shoes as weights and gradually moved up to where I am today.
I have since rebuild my entire body and fully recovered better than ever.
If you've had some setbacks, know this: You can recover if you challenge doctors' advice and prognoses, push yourself with caution, pray and meditate, and skip the drugs and booze.
Why I Love It:
The peace and serenity that comes from the knowledge that I've pushed myself, chased a dream (TJ Hoban-esque body) helped others, and made some hot friends.
How I Stay Motivated:
I take long looks in the mirror and have chats with myself about my physical, mental, and spiritual progress (or lack thereof at times). I try not to fool myself, but I acknowledge and enjoy being cruised by a lot by men and women.
BB Accomplishments:
In 2/2006, I could not do a push-up, a chin-up, or a dip. I now weekly will do 100 of all three for a work out. Oh, and I can leg press a small car now.
Forum Signature:
SoccerBoySF
Last Updated: Aug 17, 2008 7:20pm
Progress Pictures
Apr 28, 2006
Jul 14, 2008
Less than 3 months after neck surgery which had immobilized me for a time (and six months up to the surgery). I could do no pull-ups yet.
300 pushups within an hour - achieved 8/18/2008.
200 pull-ups (not chin-ups) within an hour - by EOY.
200 chin-ups (not pull-ups) within an hour - by EOY.
400 push-ups within an hour by EOY.
Pick up a car and park it by hand.
48" chest, 22" guns, 6% body fat, 29" waist, and an arse you can bounce a quarter off.
What type of injury was it? How long were you injured? How did you recover?
Crushed disc in neck, took about 5 months to be properly diagnosed, had surgery, and it was one year before both arms were within on inch of same diameter. Surgery was 2/2006
- Updated Jan 16, 2008 3:00pm
What is the most common reason that somebody gets injured while lifting?
You have the best picss! Always entertaining and theatrical. Just saw the Adam and apple shot. There must be a story there. Great build too of course. Regards. Steve
Great write-up ... a lot of conviction there to keep at it no matter what the obstacles are .. and you've done VERY well. The last few progress shots are great pictures ... a profile shot is the hardest thing to look good in and you've got it nailed!
Hey man - you're very welcome. Those sticking points are just bumps in the road. If all else fails, take a week totally off and when you start back, change your split! That usually works for me and you're young with phenomenal potential! Hang in there! -Ray
Hey man -- you are looking great. Congrats on coming back from some bad injuries. It looks like we are similar in size -- at least we are the only 2 on this site that I'v run across with the height of 5'9.5" LOL. Great legs, BTW.
