I started training when I was 17years old at TJ Fitness some of my friends were going so I thought I would try it out. And I loved it! The staff there would give me pointers on proper form and different types of routines and I really learned a lot from them. Being young and in experienced I still worked my biceps when I thought they weren’t looking and got the nickname “Guns” from one of the staff that saw me doing it.
After a broken/crushed foot when I was 18 I took a about 4 months off as soon as I was able to walk without crutches I workout hard to get mobility back in my foot and ankle so I could play some sports again. I went crazy for a year not being able to run. But it didn’t stop me from going to the gym and getting into shape.
When I was 20 a shoulder injury stopped me from working out. That turned into me getting lazy and kept me from seeing the inside of a gym for around 4 years. I saw a picture of myself from summer 2004 and was shocked at what I looked like. I was overweight and didn’t look like myself. I had always been active playing sports and in good shape and I wasn’t happy with the fact that I let this happen. That picture and a trip to Mexico 3 months later pushed me to start workout again. I went from 230lbs to 205 lbs in that time and I learned a lot from magazines, workout videos and a lot great people giving me advice on what to eat and how to train. Since then I have managed not to gain that weight back by sticking to my workouts and staying active. For me it was a life style change that has made it all possible changed what was in my fridge and cupboards. And that picture with the spare tire around my waste is good motivation.
In 2007 my dad had a triple bypass and that’s when I realized I wanted to help people get fit. I have been at ECHO now for almost 3 years and I love it.
I like to push people past what they think they are capable of doing. To see them coming in excited about a compliment some one gave them, how good they feel since they have started or there Doctor coming back with good news this time due to them working out. That’s the reason I do what I do