I'm just an average guy who works hard as a maintenance supervisor and as a personal trainer and always wanted to look like a bodybuilder. I was always the smallest kid in school growing up so it's been a long road for me but I'm still chasing my dreams.

How many years have you been training? 

34 years 

How long have you been a member of USA Gym? 

Almost 2 years. 

What brought you to USA Gym initially? 

I wanted to train with Chuck and see if I could take my body to the next level. He showed me many new things and helped me take my training intensity even higher even though I've trained hard for many years. Because of his help, I was able to show well in my first Masters Nationals Bodybuilding competition.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about USA Gym? 

Obviously having Chuck available to help is a major plus for the gym. But I also love the gym because of it's motivation and equipment that feels great. If you want to become bigger and stronger you need to be in an atmosphere where you can make that happen and everyone is there for the same reason. Just walk in and look at all of the pictures of past champions and the list of Chuck's titles and trophies. If you don't get motivated by that then you don't really want to be champion yourself. 

What are your current training goals? 

I am currently training for the Masters Nationals in Pittsburgh on July 20, 2007.   I'm always the underdog but my ultimate goal is to win my class, the overall, and get a pro card.  

What keeps you motivated and focused on your goals? 

I am motivated by improvement and progress in my workouts and bodybuilding career. I am also motivated by the people that believe in me. I want to show everyone that anyone can succeed if they work hard enough and believe in themselves. 

What was your lowest point? 

I have had low points like everyone in life but I refuse to let those low points slow me down. Fortunately, I haven't had anything really bad happen. Everyone that I care about is healthy and happy.

What was your highest point? 

I will never forget the very first bodybuilding show I competed in. It was life changing because it gave me some new goals for my training and my life. For a bodybuilder or an athlete, this is major part of who we are. Some high points were also when I won the Masters Illinois Overall 2005 and received 4th place at the Masters Nationals with Chuck's help. 

In your opinion, what does it take to achieve a goal someone sets for themselves? 

I think it takes knowledge to accomplish your goal, a plan, and a never give up attitude. 

What advice would you would give to others working to attain a fitness goal? 

Aquire the knowledge you need to reach your goal. I talk to so many people who are almost wasting their time (any exercise is better than nothing) by not getting educated on the right things to do and then they get discouraged and quit. That one of the things that separates USA from most other gyms, experience and knowledge, and help. Chuck is so willing to help everyone who is willing to help themselves.   

If you were recommending USA Gym to a friend, what would you say about it? 

If you're serious about your training, you need to experience USA to see and feel how serious athletes train. When you have a goal in life, you need to surround yourself with people and things that will help, not hold you back.