Had some kind of work out routine since middle school. But a rough break up got me into running to relieve some anger. I eventually blew out my knee, but haven't gotten over my love for pushing my body to its limits.

Working out has gotten me through some of the roughest patches of my life. Back in 2012 when I got an MRI and realized that my lower back was truly wrecked, I had to take a year off. The most I could do in the gym was walk on a treadmill. That was it. Some mornings I would wake up and take a painkiller just so I could walk around a nearby track. Walking always helped rehydrate my spine and would ease the pain.

It was during this period that I realized how much I needed a work out routine in my life. It allowed me to release some of my negative energy and at the same time helped me feel better about myself. There's nothing like seeing the new changes in your body as you actually start to work at it.

At first, I only focused and cared about building strength, but after participating in a few challenges, I'm ready to look as strong as I feel. I've always been a self-sufficient person, and working out just reminds me that I have the power to control one more aspect of my life. Sure genetics plays a role, but ultimately, I'm realizing more and more how much of my life I am truly in control of. I shape my own destiny. This is my time and will be a product of my efforts, both outside of the gym and in.