Growing up, the only exercise I got was playing volleyball for school, playing football with friends and rollerskating every weekend. I never got into sports or exercise. In 2011, I joined the United States Army and had a rude awakening during basic combat training. I had no idea what it meant to be sore or physically exhausted until then, and I absolutely loved the feeling. I started drinking heavily while I was in the Army and gained a lot of weight. In January 2012, I quit drinking completely and turned to fitness for an escape and an outlet. In August 2015, I got out of the Army and began drinking again thinking this time it'd be different, but it wasn't. I quit drinking again in November 2015 because it was doing more harm than good for me. I'm more dedicated than ever build the body of my dreams and be the sober, healthy, fit, happy person I know I can be. Fitness is my therapy.

Exercise is my stress relief. There's no better feeling than walking in the gym and being able to lift heavier than the week before, and to see the results that you've been working so hard for. I think it's amazing to watch my body change and see the muscle I'm building. I love this lifestyle.