"Growing up I was overweight and struggled with my weight constantly. I had no self confidence and as a result was painfully shy. In 2017, I turned 30, I was 233 lbs and in the worst shape of my life. I decided enough was enough and started my fitness journey with kickboxing.
I lost 25 lbs in 6 weeks and from there I was hooked. Eventually I looked into weightlifting and decided to start lifting. The newbie gains were fantastic and I was hooked. I had my nutrition dialled in, and great workout program and I kept pushing trying to get leaner and leaner. Every time I looked in the mirror I would obsess over the imperfections and really struggled with body dysmorphia.
In December 2019, I was 170 lbs at my lowest and felt the healthiest I’d ever felt but still not happy with my physique. However January came and I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I had surgery a week after diagnosis and was fortunate to catch it early and only need surgery and then surveillance going forward.
The gym has given me a healthy distraction through all of my cancer journey so far, and I just did my first bulk with my coach going up to 200 lbs and now cutting again. I’m in a much better place physically and mentally and now that I’ve done a bulk and a cut I feel like I can appreciate the process!
My goal is to compete in a physique competition eventually because if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last 4 years with my life is that anything is possible. I can’t wait to prep for a competition and just see what is possible for me!"
