I decided to train because I got sick of people calling me skinny and weak. I was very insecure about it all. I decided to do something about it and I joined a gym. Haven’t looked back since.

I started training in 2006 when I weighed 75kg (165lbs). Needless to say I was really skinny. I trained from 2006 to late 2008 on a crappy routine and an even worse diet. I was just doing bicep curls, chest and back. I was deadlifting, but I hardly ever did any lower body work. At the end of 2008 I was fed up with still being skinny after training for a few years so I did some research and came across Starting Strength. Tried that for two months or so but because I didn’t know the importance of food I didn’t go too well on it. I remember trying Madcow’s 5×5 after SS but once again because I wasn’t eating anywhere near enough I stalled out early and gave up on it.

From early 2009 to July 2009 I followed a crappy 5×5 split, with the same crappy diet. My deadlift was my only decent lift by then. My 1RM was 200kg with a horribly rounded back weighing at 205lbs. My bench was woeful. Probably 1RM around 90-100kg. And my Squat was just as bad. 1RM around 120kg or so. I then went to Europe for 3 months from July-Oct. Then 1 week later after I got back home, I got drunk, fell through a window and was out of action for another 3 months while my arm healed.

Once my arm was right to go again I wanted to make sure I wasn’t wasting my time in the gym again so I did a lot of research and got my diet in check. Decided to do Madcow’s again and here I am. Amazing what a bit of food can do and heavy lifting can do.

Lifting stats (haven’t maxed):
Bench: 265lbsx5
Squat: 353lbsx5
Deadlift: 475lbsx5

My life before was pretty much just the party lifestyle. I would go out on benders every weekend and basically abuse my body to no end. Now, while I still go out and have fun, the benders are kept under control.

Life has definitely changed for the better. I’m fitter, stronger and look much better than before. I don’t work out for the chicks, but I won’t be complaining about the added attention I get now