Q: Describe your life before the Body-for-LIFE Challenge?
As a child I was raised with an unhealthy diet. Tons of chips, and ice-cream, I was always snacking. Because of this I was an overweight kid growing up. I was constantly getting picked on from the other kids. That really hurt me emotionally growing up, listening to all the jokes. Not doing things in gym class and recess the other kids could do. I just figured that''s how God made me and that was it. I started working out in High School and got stronger but could never lose the weight. It was so discouraging. At the end of my senior year in High School I met a great girl and we became very close. Well, months later she tells me that she had become pregnant with my son. At 19 years old I was married with a child, working full time and going to College full time. This created some stress! I would do anything to feel better. I took the easy way and began to eat until I was full. Yeah that was relaxing. Eating temporarily made me feel better. So I was using food as a sedative. I was gaining more and more weight. I still wanted to feel better, so I started drinking beer. Before long I was going through 3 cases a week. It became a lifestyle for me.

As some time went on I bumped into an old High School buddy. We had similar physiques back in high school. Well, he had been working out and eating right, he looked great. I compared myself then to the way we looked in school and I was so disgusted. I went home and threw up- Deliberately! I was so mad. You see, I figured I would starve like the portrayal of models do and when I did eat I would just throw it up. Well, I''ll never forget the day I had just purged in the bathroom, I looked up into the mirror at my beat red face with tears dripping down my eyes, right after sticking my finger down my throat over the toilet. I was shaking and shivering like crazy. I starred myself dead in the eyes, nodded my head back and forth and asked," What the hell am I doing. This isn''t right. There has to be a better way." I quit the vomiting and went to eating nothing but salads with vinegar 3 times a day. I wanted to lose the weight so bad that I fought through the hunger. Well, in September of 2000 I was scrawny, weak and still didn''t have the body I wanted. I lost a lot of muscle and felt like a little wimp. I worked so hard, and for what? I was still unhappy. When I actually started to eat again, oh my God! I blew up like a balloon even bigger than before. (which was about what I looked like in my before picture) At that point I had had it. I just accepted that this is the way that I was supposed to look. I just gave up. I copped out. I said," Screw this. I''m just going to be happy this way and eat whatever I want. I buried all the emotions associated with it. I kept turning my back to the mirror. I made believe the problem wasn''t there. I ignored it all, the snickers the comments, I just buried them.

Q: What made you finally decide to take that first step and enter the Challenge?
One weekend day I was cleaning my garage. I''ll never forget it; I reached high up for an old box full of stuff to sift through and throw away. The Body of Work tape was apparently on top and as I jiggled the full box from high up to get it down the tape slid down and hit me on the head. I stopped, picked it up and it starred me dead in the eye like it was giving me a message. I was walking to the garbage can to throw it out with the rest of the stuff, but I just kept starring at the cover wondering what was on that tape, wondering what if? Pondering, could it be true? Could these changes be real? It stopped me in my tracks. So I immediately stopped what I was doing and walked slowly upstairs (still wondering as I gazed at the cover) I then popped it in the VCR. That tape created a complete paradigm shift in my mind, I just about cried the entire time watching it. All those emotions that I had been burying for so long had finally erupted like lava exploding out of a volcano. By the end of that tape I was so sure that if they could do it so could I. They were normal people too. They inspired me to take action. I quickly purchased the Body-for-LIFE book and read the whole thing that night. It was easy reading filled with more before and after pictures and examples of real-life people who had done this too. By the end of the book I was completely certain this would work for me. It had too. I mean it. It had too. You see I felt this was my last resort, my last call. My last chance, if I miss this, that''s it. This was my way out. I felt like an inner city kid failure looking for that one opportunity, that one shot. There was no way I was going to let it slip.

I was living in a tight small condo and drove a old beat up work truck to school (college) every morning to be taught for 8 hours then to work for another 8 hours a day. I was busting my butt trying to make ends meet. My wife was working nights when I got in she left and my son was sleeping by the time I came home. I didn''t get to even see my family much as it was. I was living a physical, emotional and financial low, and it was my lifestyle. I was disguising it all, burying it all with the other lies. I had enough! I watched that Body of Work video time and time again, getting more and more from it. The wonderful possibilities for my future kept arising in my thoughts. Hearing all these stories, they all had a life change. Not just the physique transformation, the LIFE transformation! It all began with their bodies but transcended their lives! All of them, real-life examples that it can be done. The physique changes and images in my mind that could happen to me were awesome. Ripped abs, cut biceps, my perfect body! All the mental changes that could go with it too! Instead of the snickers and jokes I focused on getting compliments and envy. All the relationship changes I could have. All these images kept running through my mind. The financial changes, the Corvette! Ahhh the Vette. I watched the end of the Body-of-Work tape timed just right at the "high point" of my "20 minute cardio solution" every time I ran on the treadmill. I wanted that feeling so bad. Nothing could feel worse than NOT having that blue Vette as the new Champion. I used that as momentum and drive to reach higher and higher points each time! This was how I linked pleasure through the pain. The pleasure of it all felt so much better in my head than the current discomfort of the cardio. I felt I deserved it. I would never know how it would feel if I didn''t do it. Life is too short! Tomorrow is not guaranteed to us. I had picture perfect clear images in my thoughts about what life would be like. I wanted it so bad. Worse than any 20 minute cardio session would feel, worse than any upper or lower body exercise would feel, worse than not having some of the foods or drinks that once made feel better would feel. Nothing would feel better than success! Also, nothing would feel worse than failure! This Challenge was now the key to the ultimate success. Like I said, "I had to, this was my way out." So, in 2001 I accepted the Body-for-LIFE Challenge.

Q: What were your very first impressions of the program? Did you struggle or was it liberating?
I followed all the techniques to the "T". I planned my meals and supplements the night before, doing my cardio in the morning every other day and hitting the weights every other night. Every single workout was logged with perfection and was progressive from the last. Failure was not an option. I was absolutely certain I was going to transform and certain I would win. I pictured the success daily. Bill Phillips giving me the keys to that blue vette. Being in the magazines, I would have it all. Every training session I had the Body-of-Work video blaring. It built on my Focus. It reminded me daily of my Purpose for doing this. These images kept coming and coming. My Passion was growing stronger daily putting me in a more and more Determined state making my Desire stronger and stronger. I was getting leaner and leaner accepting more Motivation and Drive. My Vision was getting clearer and clearer, I could taste it. Before and after pictures were starring at me where ever I went. I posted them on my tool box, the refrigerator, my bathroom, my little workout area. There was nowhere to run away. I was confronting those dead on. It created stronger Focus and Vision. Each day I would progress and take notice, looking better and better. Cultivating all these positive emotions and images in my mind was getting me closer. Failure was not an option. No way! I was too Focused, there were no obstacles. Obstacles are made by the individual when they lose Focus of there Vision! Nothing was getting in my way. Nothing! I even had to make my own little gym in my garage. As poor as I was I did it anyway, I just found a way! I couldn''t make it to a gym. My wife worked nights I had to be home for my son. I bought this cheap treadmill, a cheap bench and some dumbbells. That''s all I could afford. I made due. Nothing was going to stop me. I had Passion, Purpose, Focus, Vision, Commitment, Determination, Motivation, Desire, all derived from the proper Psychology and Physiology. There you go! All brought on by a single moment, a choice. Success and failure are NOT opposites they are on different sides of a sphere called choice! If you have enough reasons to take actions then you will! However, in order to be successful you need to cultivate daily techniques to direct your life by controlling your Psychology and Physiology because it''s from your Psychology and Physiology is where your Emotions come from, and from your Emotions is where your Decisions and Actions come from, and from your Actions is where the Results of your Life come from! That''s it, bottom line.

Q: Talk about the moment you first began to see changes in your body and/or outlook?
I remember the feeling of my second body composition test I took and saw how much muscle I had gained and how much fat I had lost. It was awesome. It felt so achievable and more real to me. My confidence went through the roof. I took the test every month and each time my percentage of fat kept going down. My cloths felt looser, I even had to keep buying belts and pants to fit me. I became more efficient at work and got a raise. I was just enjoying life more. The patterns of exercise flowed into other areas of my life. As I pushed against resistance with weights I pushed against resistance in my relationships and my career. I became more outgoing and talkative. I became a more pleasant guy to be around, the guy people wanted to talk to.

Q: How did you feel on the very last day of your Challenge?
My 12 week Transformation was the foundation for my Life Transformation. At my completion I was living in Heaven on Earth. A vital, energetic, extraordinary life. Everyone I knew after they saw my progress wanted my help. I inspire so many people, my smile just glows with Passion when I look at people. It''s warm, its like it grabs people closer to me.

Q: What was the reaction of your friends and family to the amazing changes you made?
I went to every one of my family and friends house for 2 days after the challenge with my before and after photos. I told them my whole inspirational story. They were so excited and inspired they too where motivated to do it. About half of my family and friends made amazing transformations themselves and had entered the contest. They believed now that it can be done because it wasn''t just some guy that they don''t know on a TV screen telling them how to do it, it was someone they knew that went through it and it worked. I directed their focus so they believed that "Its not can you, its will you!"

The fact that I had so much more to give of myself to myself and my family these people wanted to feel like I feel. For example the time and energy I was able to put into what mattered to me most, my career, my child, MY LIFE, they wanted that too!

After going through the 12 weeks, how was your mindset different than it was before? Were you able to face challenges in your life with more confidence?

Through my transformation of my body I had developed without even realizing it patterns that built confidence. These patterns flowed into ALL areas of my life. I was automatically becoming more confident with talking to others, with my emotions, with dealing with problems, literally all aspects of my life.

Q: Do you still follow the Body-for-LIFE program?
I do still follow the Principles of the program. I do the HIIT cardio which is different than the 20 minute cardio solution in the Body-for-LIFE Book that I have found to work either similar or even better. It gives you a little more of a warm-up and stretch as I was getting achy easier with the other one outlined in the Body-for-LIFE Book. But still no more than 20-30 minutes long!

Same with the resistance exercises, a little more of a warm up and stretch until I hit the high-points, but like with my cardio its always Progressive and HIIT training with logs.

The eating I still stick to as well. Even during my challenge I only took a Free Day once every other week. Now it''s a meal here and there or a complete free day, always planned.

Q: If someone were to ask your advice about starting—and finishing—the Challenge, what would you tell them?
I could write a book to answer that question!!!... (Actually I am)

Here''s the 1 st thing I say... "It''s from your Psychology and Physiology is where your Emotions come from, and from your Emotions is where your Decisions and Actions are made, and from your Actions is where the Results of our Life come from!"

So the 1 st step is awareness of their problems.

Next is why they want to make a change. Then discovering what pains they have about there current way of life and what life would be like if they continue. Take a before picture and look at it!

From that pain you got to find what they will be pleased about once they have reached their goal.

You need to do all of this with real feeling, emotion and passion, no holding back.

Now they should have MANY motives to take action!.... So next...we take ACTION!

You then make a clear picture in your mind what you WILL look like. Then you find a picture (preferably by modeling someone who has gone through the challenge.) Make copies and put this picture EVERYWHERE you will see it!!!!

Next get in a state of determination and belief that this change WILL happen...No matter what obstacles get in the way. You must make a real Decision that you will get there.

Next plan and map exactly how things will go for exercises and nutrition for only 2 weeks straight. Start with a 2 week challenge. From there you will build momentum and habits that will make it easier to complete a full 12 weeks, understand that it will be at least 12 weeks. Follow the Body-for-LIFE program! Plan measurements, measure yourself every way possible. Body composition, weight, pants size...etc. Take these measurements every week to build even more momentum and to develop pleasure with your new activity. During exercises always keep the goal in sight and always focus on that, nothing else. The harder the high-points the closer and quicker you get to the goal. Definitely do the Myoplex shakes in between the 3 food meals! Keep them available everywhere. Tell everyone you know what you are doing to hold you accountable.

Consistently review the Pain and Pleasure techniques above to remind you why you are doing this. It''s so easy to get caught up in day to day activity. Its easy to rationalize or make good reasons why to skip an exercise day...DON''T! I''ve found that these days I have my best breakthroughs. When you begin your exercises leave all baggage at the door, this time is for YOU only, pick it up on your way out. Don''t even try to rationalize, if you do, take notice to it and just move...right into your exercise cloths and go. Redirect that focus to the goal.

Plan your exercises to be accomplished in the morning to start your day with YOU so you can bring the best of YOU out 1 st thing "Bring the best of you to the table", you will have more to give to others from there and you won''t get caught up with other things during the day to day reactions.

Celebrate success have fun with it but never settle there is always room for self-improvement!

Practice a positive psychology, during all warm-ups, take time to be grateful and thank our creator for all the things in our lives. Walk with your head up!!! Smile more often. Let the real you come out and shine!

Surround yourself with others that are into it too, even inspiring a friend to do it with you. Keep in mind that you get what you give! This will help you intensify and amplify your emotions during the process. Stay away from "Goal Destroyers"- which is the environment of people who can bring you down, such as negativity, or people drinking or binge eating- STAY OUT OF THAT ENVIRONMENT!!!

Q: How has your life changed since doing the Challenge?
I spent a lot of time in 2001 helping other people achieve there fitness goals, it actually helped me become sharper. The wait for the Body-for-LIFE Competition judging felt like it took forever. I was so anxious to see if I won. Then one day I was working on the computer. And the phone rang. The judges were on the line to notify me that I was the runner up in my category. I had won! I was absolutely ecstatic! I started running around yelling and screaming looking for my wife and son. That was the best day of my life. (Even though I wasn''t the "Champion" I felt like I had won") I remember walking back up to the front of my home and giving the judges some information. I was alone when I hung up. I looked up to the clear blue sky, took a deep breath of crisp fresh air. It smelled different; the feeling of accomplishment surrounded me. I did it! Still looking up I thought, now what? It was at that very moment I vowed to help others do the same as I had. That feeling was too good to keep to myself. I wanted others to feel it too; they deserve it, as I once did. A deep long shiver flowed through my body. I found my purpose, what I am here to do. I felt like the perfect example.

I immediately began the preparation to opening my personal training facility, working day and night to design it, the place was up and running in about 8 weeks. I used the prize money I had won to help get it started. What a risk though, it took a lot of loans to get it started. My focus and vision was clear, nothing was getting in my way. So many people said it wouldn''t work and that it''s too much of a risk. All I kept thinking about was that there are people out there that need my help. I was so certain that if I could transform, than anybody could too. I was once at such a low point in my life, now look at me. The methods are so simple and basic enough for anyone to follow. Well, in the 1 st 2 months of business I couldn''t handle all the clients so I had to hire help and same again the next month. Since starting the company it has expanded 4 times in less than 4 years. You know what really drives me? The fulfillment! I get so much fulfillment from watching peoples expressions, the positive changes they go through, their bodies healing, relationships getting stronger, watching them make more money, living through their excitement of coming of medications, their transformations. I completely re-live that phone call with the judges on the other end each day that there is someone having success do to my efforts. My company is currently at about 70 clients monthly and I am constantly becoming better to reach out to more and more people. Being a part of other peoples success is like a drug to me, I''m absolutely addicted. Daily I get better at it. I live on others improvements, it nourishes me. Talk about a win/win! I love getting up in the morning to help people achieve success and make a living from it too. Since my physique transformation there has been many transformations in my life. Financially, I own a business, a nice home, 2 motorcycles, and a descent car. I never did get that Corvette. But I know that if I keep on rocking Connecticut the way I am, I''ll get it eventually. The moment my life changed for ever was the moment I looked up at that blue sky and realized it wasn''t only about me anymore; it was what I could do for others, based on my own life struggles and experiences. I relate to so many others, I don''t want them to have to go through the same pains I did. Now that''s living a life that matters. Momentum has so much power, by noticing what''s good in life and capturing magic moments, and being in a positive state this is what you find and notice around you. What is good is always noticeable, but so is what''s not! It''s what you decide to focus on, that''s what you find.

Q: Where do you think you’d be if you had never done the Challenge?
It hurts me to think where I would be now if I didn''t do the challenge. I know that pain increases over time just as pleasure does. My momentum for pain would be totally amplified. I''d be in an unhealthy relationship. I''d be fat and miserable an alcoholic. I''d still be poor and tired. More importantly, it''s the question of where would other people be if I didn''t do the challenge, all the friends I''ve made through their transformations, the lives that have been saved and changed, it would''ve never happened. I''m so grateful I went through it!

Q: What have you been up to since first joining BFL?
I have set out to help others transform their bodies by modeling my own transformations. I''ve interviewed hundreds of people who have transformed and they all have distinctive patterns. It very recently became clear to me after laying all these successes down on the table the answers to why people change and why they do not. My quest is to get it out to as many people possible so they too can mirror these patterns to make the process simple and quick for them. So they don''t have to yo-yo diet as so many people do, so they follow through for life. I had to go through it so others do not. I kept a complete journal along the way. Getting my message out to people is my mission and purpose, the messages that are missing from the Body-for-LIFE Book that people don''t have access to.

I am currently structuring a way to do just that.

Q: What are your favorite EAS products?
Myoplex, Muscle Armor, Thermo Dynamx, Nitron 5