My cousin got me started working out back in July of 2012. Back then, I only weighed in at 140 lbs and was skinny with little muscle. I was not happy with the way I felt or looked. I thought I was very "healthy" too, because I only ate vegetables and fruit, until I started doing research and found out that I was not healthy at all. I sort of had the state of mind that I would gain weight if I ate a peanut, counting every last calorie I ate, and sometimes starving myself. So, I got my diet on track and started pumping iron 5 times a week with my cousin. At first, my gains were pretty impressive (ex. my bench press went from 20 lbs to 60 lbs in less than a month (65 to 105 with bar). Then, near the end of the summer my cousin moved away for school. I was on my own. I can say that having a partner is definitely an advantage of working out. Having someone there, pushing you farther than your own limits is really motivation and encouraging. Now, I still go to the gym 4 or 5 time a week, my diet consists of lots of lean protein and clean carbs, and I am feeling much more confident in myself. I would say that I am currently "bulking" since I have bulked up almost 50 lbs since I started working out. Although, I have a bit of body fat, I feel a lot stronger, and more confident.

I love working out because it makes me feel good about myself, and it gives me confidence. I love getting a good pump at the gym and raising hell when I am there. It is like my sport. I live for it now.