When I turned 20, I hit my highest weight of 226lbs. However, that did not stop me from eating my feelings and I'm nearly positive I went up to 240lbs after another month of feeling bad for myself. I refused to step on a scale. One day I woke up and realized that I could look at a million healthy meal recipes, idolize a zillion before and after photos, but the only way I was going to be healthy was to get off my booty and WORK FOR IT. By my 21st birthday I made it down to 125 lbs by strength training 6 days a week, and doing cardio 3x a week. For years I maintained that weight. Then in July of 2015 I decided that I needed another challenge in my life. The gym I attended (Better Bodies) was sponsored by Branch Warren, and my current coach and friend was great friends with him. I saw him training people every day and said to myself "WOW, now that is determination." In December 2015 I was able to put on 20lbs of bulk. At the beginning of January 2016, I was 12.7% body fat, with no real diet plan. With the help of my amazing nutritionist and coach, I was able to get down to 10.2% body fat by February 7th this year. My goal is to get down to 7-8% body fat by May and compete in my first figure competition in which Phil Heath and Branch Warren will be attending. Go big or go home I guess. Maybe eventually I will get into physique, but for now I'm just working on becoming the best me I can be while resisting the urge to rob a Krispie Kreme of all its delicious donuts.

I owe a lot of my progress not only to my own determination, but to my coach and DCT team. A support system can do wonders for you accomplishing your goals.

There's no better feeling then hitting a new PR, lifting heavier than the boys, or forming your body into a piece of artwork. To really bodybuild, you have to stay determined, have the right mindset, and leave no doubt. #DCT