Was a competetive swimmer growing up -- mainly distance. I was in great shape, but very skinny. Once I quit swimming, I stayed skinny, but in my 30's developed a gut -- quite an attractive look. After a few abortive and ill-informed attempts to lift weights (you know, trying to use every piece of equipment in the gym everytime I went in and getting totally burned out with little progress) I got some good advice about splits and rest and finally stuck with it.

It was only after about 6 months into a regular lifting schedule that I really began to look at nutrition and finally started gaining some good weight. Although that's always a struggle for me and I've got a long way to go to be where I want to be. And where I want to be always seems to be moving, like the horizon. Ok, that was a little too picturesque - I'm done.

I like the satisfaction of a good work out. I like the results I see and the compliments from others. It gives me a sense of well being and confidence.