I grew up as a minister's son on an island. We were poor and I wanted to start lifting weights. My dad found an old weight bench in the dump. He and I used steel wool to scrape off the rust. Then we spray-painted it black. I didn't have any real knowledge of lifting. I just asked my gym teacher to help me put together a lifting program. I started with that rusty weight bench and a set of concrete filled weights without any supplements and without a real diet (such as the Muscle and Fitness recommended six small meals a day diet). I remember at the time I was made fun of because I was the good, poor, quiet, skinny, smart kid with glasses and too many pimples. Since I have just started lifting again, I have felt better and my body has started looking better. I am inspired by you. Seeing what you are doing, looking at the pictures that show results, and keeping track of progress. I recently read a quote on a friend's bodyspace that I believe is a key to success, "The key to your motivation is to encourage others." So get out there and encourage that friend to do that last rep...help them if they need it...go beyond the gym and make a difference.

I love seeing results and transforming my body.