I decided to change my physical appearance when my friends would jokingly nickname me "fat boy" or "Big D". I did not like being 245lbs at 5'9', My body fat percentage was around 27% and fatigue set in around the same time each day. I was always tired and my ex-girlfriend frequently over criticized my weight and appearance. One day, I looked into the mirror and decided that I would commit to myself to be fit for life. To date, I have made significant progress and am entering the 2015 Transformation challenge to push myself harder than I have ever pushed before. Being a full-time graduate student and part-time worker, the money would allow me to pay for school and reduce the mountain of debt that I am accumulating. Because of my new found love for health and fitness, I switched career tracks from pursuing Dentistry to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. Attending school full-time, working part-time, and volunteering as a "Big Brother" working out and being dedicated to fitness requires a deep dedication. However, nothing is impossible if you are disciplined. If I had to encourage anyone who is struggling with their fitness I would say "start making small changes first because small consistency creates BIG consistency and consistency of a standard breeds excellence".

I love working out because it makes me feel and look great! I am in a better mood once I have worked out and it allows me to de-stress. Having a heavy work and course load working out allows me to have energy to complete all of my daily and weekly tasks. I feel so accomplished once I have completed a workout.