Of course the magazines that I was reading were filled with steroid-induced overblown physiques, both male and female. At the time I had no idea what steroids were and thought that these athletes just trained hard, ate the right foods, lived a healthy lifestyle and had great genetics. I would read these magazines cover to cover, consuming virtually every word and every image. I would read the letters from the editors, the advertisements, the classified ads, everything. I loved these publications and became a MASSIVE fan of the athletes. 

     As I grew into my teens I would learn about the steroid use and abuse by these athletes. In fact, many of my heroes in the sport were actually passing away as a result of their use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (P.E.D.’s). Although my consumption of this material did not slow down, this revelation did put a dark cloud over my fandom.

     In high school I was a talented football player, and an even better wrestler. Although a two sport athlete, I did not have a “Bodybuilder’s Physique.” Meaning my physique was not overly muscular, balanced or proportionate. In fact, I suffered from what I would refer to as, “Too much A, not enough T.” Meaning I had a genetically large butt, and no chest! haha Seems funny now, but this haunted my youth. My girlfriend would call me, “Bubble Butt.” Nice.

     In my early twenties I began to take my training more seriously AND began to focus on bringing balance to my physique. In my late twenties I began thinking about the idea of living a long, healthy, fit, happy life, and what it would take to achieve this.