I grew up as the skinny kid and that never ever sat well with me. I always appreciated having a high metabolism, but with that came the difficulty of trying to add weight. I was the same height I am now (5'11") and 150 lbs of skin and bones throughout high school and when I started college. Luckily, I met a trainer when I started to get into my first gym and he eventually became my good friend... taught me about exercise, diet and supplementation... 3 months later I had packed on 20 lbs of muscle and the skinny kid was put to bed.

But life is a hectic thing and exercise came sparingly over the next couple of years, getting in OK shape just in time for summer, but letting it all go once summer ended. I've been at it consistently since May of 2009 and this has evolved into a lifestyle.

It makes me feel good about myself and I feel so much healthier and confident. I love the way the weights feel in my hands and also challenging myself to progress year after year.