Today’s story is one in a series on residents who are using the Salem Fitness Center to stay fit and healthy.
I first became interested in my own fitness at around my senior year of high school. I grew up a heavier kid and when I hit 310 pounds while still a high schooler I decided that I needed to make changes in my life. Truthfully, in the beginning I just wanted to look good for girls but then it grew into being the best me I can possibly be and became a passion and almost a therapy for the stresses of life.
Fitness has impacted my life incredibly. I lost over 100 pounds, made some new friends and discovered something that helps me relax and have fun. I’ve also gained some new confidence in myself, something I’ve struggled with my entire life.
I try to go to the gym six days a week for around two hours (this includes warmup and cardio). You really spend a lot more time at home when you are trying to decide what to eat or resisting the urge to eat McDonald’s or a Snickers bar. I’d say that the dieting is the hardest part for me, and I’ve been working on improving my own diet, but it really just starts with drinking water and eating ungodly amounts of grilled chicken.
I definitely prefer lifting over cardio. Anyone who says cardio is better is either a liar or a psychopath. Strength training to me is a lot more fun, and you can progress easier and have quite the variety of exercises to choose from. And if you are looking to put on size it is the best option.
Most if not all of my lifting know-how came from the internet, YouTube channels; Athlean-X and Jeff Nippard in particular. Right now, I am actually following a program released by Nippard and plan to follow more. I have also asked around both the gym here in Salem and the one back at college and asked for advice and opinions on certain exercises. Gym bros are some of the nicest people you can meet, and they are always willing to share advice.
I’m definitely keeping my fitness a priority. I have a goal for myself that I am going to achieve and that’s to be the best me I can possibly be at all times. I also really love working out and the satisfaction it gives me of putting in the work and seeing progress. It is not only improving me physically but emotionally as well.
My motivation either derives from self-improvement and enjoyment to pure rage and spite to show others I can. And of course, motivation to look good for girls
I have a relatively healthy eating plan but it definitely needs some work. It’s one of the things I’ve recently been focusing on to progress even further in my journey.
I remember when starting out, I did things so dumb. At the gym I would skip a warmup entirely and go bench press every single day and then go straight to curls. As I’ve progressed I’ve learned a lot and I continue to do so. The best advice I can give to others is to not ego lift, stay consistent with training and to find a workout schedule that will use your entire body in the course of the week. Also incorporate progressive overload and keep your form correct, above all else.
