I used to train differently:
For most of my 20s, I trained like bigger was always better.
At my peak I was 220lbs, squatting 465, deadlifting 400, benching 315. I loved being that guy. Strong, jacked, capable of moving serious weight. The aesthetics were just a by product of being built.
But somewhere along the way I noticed things that didn’t add up. Getting winded climbing stairs. Not sleeping well. A nagging pain in my lower back. I was strong as heck on paper — but I didn’t always feel it.
So I made a shift. Not away from the gym — I still train almost every day. Not away from caring how I look — aesthetics still matter to me. But away from chasing numbers that were costing me more than they were giving back.
Now that I’ve moved away from the “bigger is better” mindset, I feel better than ever. I move better, recover faster, sleep well, and I’m still building a physique I’m proud of. The difference is I’m training for a body that works as good as it looks — both now and all the years to come.
This is what I believe now:
Fitness isn't something you do for a season. It's something you build for a lifetime. That means training smart, not just hard. Fueling your body instead of fighting it. And recovering like it's part of the program — because it is.
I'm still competitive. I still care about how I look and perform. But now I train for longevity, and everything else follows.
The Basics:
NASM Certified Personal Trainer
Fitness model and content creator
Helping people move better, feel better, and live longer through smart training