MR. SIR WES.
It is said that roughly 70% of people that start a fitness plan quit. At age 25, weighing in at 225 pounds, many would have expected that I would have contributed to that statistic. I was unaware, unhappy, and uncomfortable with my body. As others judged me off my weight, called me names, and devalued my worth due to my size, I sought out unhealthy behaviors to cope. After being fed up with my feelings, I decided to commit myself to change. I was uncertain of where I was going, but I knew it had to be better then where I was at. At this point I already knew what it felt like to give up, but I was curious to find out what would happen if I didn’t.
With the help of a familiar face who turned into a mentor and lifelong friend, I was able to find my peace of mind in the gym. It was a place where my insecurities diminished, and I found a sense of relief I had never experienced. None of my problems could touch me in the gym, nothing could phase me. I was focused on me, and what I wanted to become. My vision was clear as I started my fitness journey, and every time I thought about quitting I remembered why I started. I could hear the names I was called as a child pound in my head every rep, every step, every minute and ounce of sweat I produced. Motivation is what got me started, habit is what kept me going.
Today, as cliché as it sounds, I can say fitness changed my life — and in some ways it saved me. Fitness saved me from returning to the old path I once started, and encouraged me to create myself and mold my future by starting now. Today my goals are beyond personal as I strive to inspire others that have once felt like turning their life around was unattainable—it's not. Who would have thought a kid from the South Side of Chicago who was once called fat, broke, and expected to be just another statistic would end up in the position I am in today. I encourage you to find your motivation, your drive, and your passion to become the best version of yourself. Just remember you can’t expect to see change if you don’t make one.