In Feb.'12 I quit smoking. My mom had passed away on Thanksgiving the year before and I had lost about 10 lbs. since i had been around 148 the previous few years, dropping under 140 made me look like a skeleton. However I soon replaced that with the ostrich look as within 3 months i had gained back 20lbs, putting me at 158, and all of that in my stomach. As soon as i realized what was happening I joined a gym and started the 5x5 program at the recommendation of my chiro, who is also generally rail thin. My goals are to get into good athletic shape. I snowboard during the winter (powder, park, and high speed groomers) and would like to get back into martial arts during the summers. I have about 5 yrs. in 3 different disciplines, but nothing in the last 15 yrs. or so. I want to look good, but I also want to perform. Am now up to 167lbs., but my fat % is the same.

I weightlifted in high school and have always enjoyed this type of workout, I never was big into most team sports, but I really enjoyed the Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Muy Thai classes I also took as a youth. As an adult I am turning to these activities as it really allows me to focus, be in touch with my body and it's performance and push it without distraction. I feel better and better the longer I have been exercising (even tho I am constantly sore) and I missed feeling strong and being able to count on my body to perform when I need it.