My motivation began when my wife became pregnant and I stopped smoking. I had gained weight to the point where I didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror. I started working out at the gym and changed my eating. I researched diet/eating plans and workout routines. For the diet I looked in books and magazines and put one together that I could follow. My exercise routine mainly came from the Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding and I kept a log of my workouts.
One of the hardest struggles I had to overcome was that I LOVE food. Around the 3-4 month time frame my motivation began to drop a little, so I went to watch the Caveman Classic Competition and it not only helped my motivation, but I also decided to try bodybuilding. Many people told me I couldn’t do it and I had my own doubts at times, but I stuck with my goal. At 11 months I hired a bodybuilding nutritionist, which really helped. I began in Feb 2006 at a little over 300lbs, I went on stage June 23, 2007 at 197lbs. When my son was born it really helped me focus on being a good role model for him. I learned that consistency was key. Creating and sticking with a plan, keeping a positive mindset, and having the accountability of a workout partner were all parts in the foundation of that consistency. Whatever your goals, don’t give up. Don’t let negativity rule. Stick with it.