Background
Before I started lifting, I was fat and out of shape. Throughout most of high school I was constantly teased and berated for my enormous size. At 5'7 and 230lbs, who could blame them? I had played high-school soccer and rugby, but was never any good because of the extra weight I had to carry around. I ended up sitting on the bench most of the time trying to catch my breath. To make matters worse, I knew nothing about nutrition.
I knew there had to be a way out of this vicious cycle, but I couldn't find it. Because of my size, I was on medication for high blood pressure and hypertension. Not only was I hurting myself, but also the ones that love me the most, my parents. I went out of state to attend college because I wanted to escape from my past and somehow start afresh.
While at college I decided to give up my old lifestyle for good and transform my physique. I remembered how a friend had once commented that I would make a good bodybuilder because of my large frame. In the past I had dabbled in weight training, running and swimming with little results, largely because of poor diet and ignorance.
My success has not come easily. It took me about a year to change my physique and rid myself of bad eating habits and training methods. Along the way I have been fortunate to be able to pick up tips from friends, Internet websites like BodyBuilding.com and even the college strength coach. I'm currently 185lbs and 8-10% body fat all year round. I still continue to educate myself by researching as much as I can on nutrition, supplements, and new bodybuilding methods.
He can be contacted at ben_muscle@hotmail.com.
Vital Stats
Favorite Body Parts: Back, Delts
Favorite Exercise: Bent-Over Barbell Rows
Favorite Supplements: Biotest Tribex-500
Hobbies: Basketball, Reading Muscle Mags, playing the guitar.
Favorite Bodybuilders: Shawn Ray, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane
Age: 20
Height: 5"7
Weight: 185
Articles :: Sorted By Date
A Modern Day Hercules!
A total body workout, performed three times a week (Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday) is efficient because it places an emphasis on working the entire body in one session.
Section: Training :: Jun 07, 2002
Fat-Burners: Miracle Pill Or Cheap Dud!
Thermogenics are also commonly referred to as Fat-Burners or E/C/A Stacks (The letters stand for Ephedrine, Caffeine, and Aspirin, although Aspirin is rarely used today).
Section: Supplements :: Jun 18, 2002
Blueprint Your Success
Do you disappear from the gym into oblivion for weeks on end? Do you hit the snooze button in favor of your morning run? Do you find yourself having a cheat meal everyday?
Section: Training :: Jul 08, 2002
Balancing Act
For many of us bodybuilders, developing our physiques is a constant juggling act. We are perpetually compelled to stare into a mirror and see if our bodies are in perfect symmetry.
Section: Training :: Aug 27, 2002
Want Huge Gains? Squat!
Too many bodybuilders find excuses NOT to squat instead of giving it a try. Maybe you've heard of top pros that have great leg development that swear by the leg press, hack squat etc.
Section: Training :: Oct 14, 2002
The Fundamentals Of Fat Loss!
This fat loss plan is merely a first aid kit that contains helpful fundamentals to get you started on that shredded six-pack.
Section: Training :: Jan 06, 2003
Cardio Circuit Training
The wonder of CCT is that you can perform as many exercises as you want in limitless combinations in the convenience of your own room. Now that you don't have any excuses, it's time to get some cardio in!
Section: Training :: Mar 24, 2003
Bodybuilding Nutrition: Vitamins A to K.
This is the first article of my Bodybuilding Nutrition series, which is aimed at helping you get a better understanding of nutrition and how it affects our bodies. Today's topic: Vitamins - from A to K.
Section: Supplements :: Apr 11, 2003
Superman Arms: Supersets For Super Guns!
If you wanna build huge arms, you need the arm-blasting routine worthy of a man of steel. The Superman Arms routine is just that. No B.S, no nonsense, and no sissy exercises. Just hardcore, old school movements designed to pack on mass in a hurry.
Section: Training :: Apr 24, 2003
Low Carb Dieting: How To Strive And Survive!
If you've ever been on a low-carb diet, then you know how much of a PAIN it can be when you deny your body it's most common energy source. I've put together a little survival guide to help those who dare venture into the Sahara of bodybuilding, low-carb dieting!
Section: Nutrition :: Jul 22, 2003
Get Perfect Abs: Intelligent Abdominal Training for Athletes and Bodybuilders!
Whether you are a bodybuilder or football player, a thought out, well-planned routine is the best way to approach ab training. Find out how to get perfect abs!
Section: Training :: Dec 08, 2003
Learning To Change: A Philosophical Approach To Training!
Think about why you train. Now think about why others train (guess). If you thought about it, then I have succeeded with this article!
Section: Training :: Jun 22, 2004
