My life has changed dramatically since I completed my transformation. Before, I was diagnosed with depression, lacked confidence, and was just very unhappy with life in general. Now I couldn’t be happier. My confidence has skyrocketed, I’ve made tons of new friends in and out of the bodybuilding community due to this change and I just enjoy everything a little more. Feels good man.

2.) What was the turning point of your life when you wanted to lift weights? When did you realize you were too skinny?
The turning point was when I was diagnosed with anorexia. I was obsessed with losing weight. It was getting scary. People would tell me I was way too skinny but I continued to lose weight. Finally, I joined the bodybuilding.com forums where I talked to fellow bodybuilders and they really helped me pull myself out of my dangerous mindset. My mother was also a huge help. She got me to see a nutritionist who was also a big influence on my recovery and was very supportive in my bodybuilding aspirations.

Lifting is basically an addiction. Once you start to see results, nothing in the world compares and you want more. Its hard to explain. I’ve wanted to step on the Olympia stage since I began so that ultimate goal keeps me going.

My routine is a 5 day split.

Monday: Arms
Preacher Curls – 3×12

Hammer Curls – 3×12

Weighted Chinups – 3xfailure

Weighted Dips – 3×12

Cable Rope Press downs – 3×12

Cable Rope Extensions – 3×12

Tuesday: Legs

Squats – 3x 5-8

Leg Extensions – 3×12

Leg Curls – 3×12

Leg Press – 3×12

Calf Raise – 3×12

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: Chest

Incline Dumbbell Press – 3x 8-12

Bench Press – 3 x 5-8

Flat Dumbbell Press – 3×12

Pushups – 3xfailure

Clap pushups – 3xfailure

Friday: Back

Deadlift – 3×5-8

Pullups – 3xfailure

Bent Over Row – 3×12

Lat Pulldown – 3×12

Seated Row – 3×12

Saturday: Off

Sunday: Shoulders/Traps

Push Press – 3×5-8

Barbell Shrugs – 3×12

Dumbbell Overhead Press – 3×12

Lat Raises – 3×12

Upright Rows – 3×12

Rear Delt Raises – 3×12

As for my diet. It really varies from day to day. I try to eat 500-1000 calories over maintenance with 1-1.5 grams of protein per lb. of bodyweight when bulking. When I cut I eat 500 calories below maintenance with at least 1.5 grams of protein per lb. of bodyweight.

5.) What are some tips you would give to a newbie skinny guy trying to get big?
My advice to others: Go into the gym and give 150%, leave drenched in sweat, scream and yell throughout my workouts if you have to in order to push out those extra reps, just give it everything you’ve got and you will make progress. I’ve found that the best program in the world is worthless without effort and the crappiest one can yield outstanding results if you give it everything you’ve got every time you walk into the gym. Also I can’t stress enough the importance of diet. 500 calories could be the difference between staying right where you’re at and putting on some serious muscle or losing that stubborn body fat. Find what works for you, be consistent and you will succeed.