The Smith Machine: Overrated and Useless

The Smith Machine: Overrated and Useless.

PREFACE:

 I’ve never used a Smith Machine in my life, I don’t even know how to use it (I’m extremely proud of this fact), and I will never use one.

For some reason, this machine seems to be used more and more by gym goers and I have no idea why. The most agonizing thing for me is seeing experienced lifters using the machine (it’s easy to spot out a new lifter compared to an experienced one). The usual excuse is that people use this machine because it allows them to do various exercises without a spotter. Let me clear something up: I’ve been lifting for the past 2+ years without a spot and I’ve never had an injury due to not having a spotter. If someone is really worried about a spotter, then ASK for a spot, it’s not that difficult! Honestly not having a spotter makes me rely on my instincts more, instead of someone else’s. Lifting without a spot almost guarantees that if you attempt a rep you will complete it, because if not, well.. it'll get uglier than Kanye West baby names.

 A lot of aspects of lifting include pushing yourself to put that last rep in; the smith machine eliminates this element by letting you quit whenever you want. When I’m on that bench and I push that last rep out, it’s one of the best feelings. This article will go over various reasons why the smith machine is a useless piece of equipment and why you need to avoid it at all costs. I’m confident after reading this article that you will agree with my point of view.

So, the first thing I want to discuss is the weight difference between free weights and a smith machine. Because the smith machine inhibits the ability to stabilize muscles (no natural movement), there will be a variance in weight between the two. If someone is doing 225 lbs. on a smith machine bench press and gets out 8 reps, then same person goes over to a regular flat bench and does 225 lbs., they WON’T GET 8 REPS. I’ll put my life on it! There is a huge strength difference, which is disconcerting, because it’s leading people in the wrong direction. If there wasn’t a huge drop off maybe there could be an argument for the machine, but this is major.  It may seem like you are getting stronger on a smith machine, but it’s actually just fooling you. The free weights will never lie to you; they’ll put you in the right place.

Now, above I briefly mentioned how the smith machine inhibits the stabilization of muscles. This means that there are certain muscles that become stronger during a free weight lift because of the natural motion of the lift. The smith machine takes out the natural motion (or range of motion), which means the muscles aren’t being stabilized, which equals to a person not getting the most out of the lift and becoming weaker in the process. The straight up and down motion of the smith machine produces underdeveloped muscles which can be cause for future injuries. The free weights will develop your muscles the correct way, in turn making you stronger; something we can all smile about. Also, the up and down motion of the smith machine promotes poor form, since it’s not a natural movement.  Anyone with lifting experience should agree that a squat, dead lift, and bench press should not have the same form, correct? The smith machine forces these exercises to have the same exact form (up and down, no natural movement).

SCIENCE!:

 

There was a study done in 2010 that compared a free weight bench press vs. a smith machine bench press (using 90% 1RM and 70% 1RM (rep maximums)). This study compared the muscle activation of the upper body (pec major, anterior and medial deltoid) during a lower (70%) intensity and higher (90%) intensity. Results found that there was greater muscle activation on the free weight bench press compared to the smith machine, especially at the 90% 1RM compared to the 70% 1RM (Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 2010). So, the free weight bench is recommended because of a greater chance for upper-body muscular development. It’s always a plus when there’s been scientific research done to prove facts.

Really, the smith machine is a horribly overrated machine that any experienced lifter should avoid at all costs. It may seem like a cool concept at first, but when the facts are presented, the machine literally falls apart. The smith machine will actually make you weaker in the long run, even if it seems as if you are getting stronger. Add this up with contributing to underdeveloped muscles which can lead to serious injuries and it’s starting to get ugly folks. Squatting 315 on a smith machine and then squatting 315 with a free weight barbell are two completely different things. If you need a spot just ask someone, trust yourself, not a machine. Get to those free weights and treat the smith machine like a crazy ex-girlfriend, you'll love the results! The facts are here, along with the scientific research. This is something I feel strong about, I disagree with everything this machine stands for. 

Have I convinced you? Let me know!

Everyone have a great day and weekend. Next article is Wednesday on a pretty cool topic that I think everyone will love.

dcorrigan50@gmail.com

 

CITATION:

Shick, E., Coburn, J., Brown, L., Judelson, D., Khamoui, A., Tran, T., & Uribe, B. (2010). A comparison of muscle activation between a smith machine and free weight bench press. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24(3), 779-784. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3181cc2237

Really, How Healthy is your Salad?

Really, How Healthy is your Salad?

Most people are under the impression that just because they’re eating a salad that it’s healthy. That cannot be further from the truth. A TEASPOON of salad dressing can contain up to 15+ grams of Carbs and upwards of 100+ calories. How healthy does that sound? Especially when people love to pile up the dressing on their salads and claim they are eating healthy. I use to work at McDonald’s (lovely job) and would be amazed at all the salads we would sell, like WHY? These people thought, well it’s a salad, it has to be healthy! This article will explain why that’s false and the way to make your salad as healthy as can be.

DRESSINGS:

I recommend staying away from dressing completely; enjoy the flavor of the actual ingredients in your salad. But I understand this is not always possible. I will recommend using honey mustard dressing or any low-carb/no-carb options. Look at the nutritional facts on the back before purchasing a dressing or using it, make yourself aware of what you are eating. If you’re at a restaurant, ask for the low-carb options, don’t be afraid! Also, ask for the dressing on the side, so you can control of amount that you put in. They don’t care what you eat, but you should.

LETTUCE:

Let’s start with a good rule of thumb: The darker (green) it is, the healthier it is. I eat all my salads with spinach and nothing else lettuce wise. Spinach leaves have more minerals, vitamins and fibers compared to traditional lettuce. Especially Iceberg lettuce which is known for having little to ZERO nutritional value, how healthy is that? Incorporate spinach leaves into your salads and leave the lettuce where it is.

TOPPINGS:

I make my own salads at home, based on ingredients I enjoy. This is always the best option, so you know exactly what you are eating. My salad toppings will include: 3 bean salad (AWESOME!!), pasta, onions, kidney beans and black beans. I’ll also throw some almonds in there because they are a great healthy topping. Beans are filled with great protein, almonds with healthy fats, and some good carbs from the pasta/spinach leaves.  Also feel free to throw some fruits in there (apples, oranges, whatever you prefer). If you throw some cheese on there, go light, not more than a sprinkle or two. Cheese can be filled with carbs, especially if you chose to pile it on.

HOW TO ORDER A SALAD AT A RESTAURANT:

Don’t choose a salad that comes with a dressing already if this is your main course. This dressing will be piled on, which can turn a healthy salad, unhealthy, very quick.  It may be a good idea to check the restaurant website before hand and check out the nutritional information for their salads or ask in restaurants. They HAVE to provide you with the information if you ask, keep this in mind. Always get your dressing on the side, so you have the option of how much dressing you put on. Consider asking if you can have spinach leaves or a romaine mix instead of traditional iceberg lettuce. Don't trick yourself, you know what's good for you and what isn't. It’s YOUR meal, have it how you want it!

CONCLUSION:

Know what you are putting in your salad. Stay away from bacon bits, tortilla strips, things of that nature. READ the nutritional label and KNOW what’s going in there. Use low-carb salad dressings, healthy toppings (beans, nuts, etc.). Just because you are eating a salad does NOT mean it’s healthy. Use these tips and help make a HEALTHY salad, not just a salad! Salads are fun, because you can incorporate so many different ideas, don’t be afraid to get creative, just stay healthy! Try to incorporate a salad into your diet at least 3 times a week. I try to do it almost every day, whether it’s a large salad as a meal, or a smaller one before a meal. Reap the benefits from all those nutrients! Remember, just because it’s a salad doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Get creative and have a fun time making your salad! I like to consider salads a healthy pizza, because you can literally put whatever you want on it.

Everyone have a blessed day.

Just a reminder, my articles will be coming on Wednesday and Saturday now. You can count on me for them. I'm excited for Saturday's article and am working on it now. I hope you guys enjoyed this one!

Hey! Hey you, PUT THAT SNACK DOWN! (Tips to PREVENT Snacking)

Snacking....

The devil of eating that we all do. But we all want to avoid, and always when snacking..thinking "I'm not even hungry, why am I eating this?" To be technical here, we will consider snacking: Anything consumed before or after meals are consumed (whether you are eating 2-3 meals or late night snacking). Most of us have no idea why we snack and most times it's out of complete boredom and randomness. People would be amazed if they had any idea how many extra calories they are consuming from mindless snacking. All those little packs of 100 calorie muffins add up people! JUST BECAUSE IT SAYS 100 CALORIES DOES NOT MEAN IT'S GOOD FOR YOU.

Let's start with some facts, because who doesn't love facts?

In a study done in 2009 (titled: Prospective Study of self-reported usual snacking and weight gain in a Mediterranean cohort: The SUN project) there were over 10,000 university graduates (mean age of 39) that were tracked for about four and a half years. After the study, participants reported that snacking directly correlated with a higher risk of gaining weight. During the study, 258 new cases of obesity were discovered in participants that started the study NOT BEING OBESE. The usual snackers in the study had a 66% to become obesity by the time the follow up study was done 4.5 years later

So, yes, snacking is definitely a risk factor for obesity. While that may seem obvious, I thought those numbers from the study really helped high light how dangerous snacking can be. WOW, 258 new cases of obesity from the study from people that were not obese before the study, isn't that mind blowing?

Now that we have the facts..let's talk about some ways to PREVENT snacking.

1. Keep water around you at all times. If I'm going to do something that might make me snack (video games, TV, etc) I'll grab about 4-5 bottles of water and keep them around me. Whenever I want to grab something, theres water there. Instead of throwing back a bunch of goldfish, its just water. It actually satisfies you a lot more than one would believe. A lot of times when mindless snacking is going on, some water will solve the problem.
2.  DON'T BUY SNACKS. This is probably the best tip I can think of. If you don't buy snacks, you'll have nothing to snack on! I don't keep many snacks in my house, I've taught myself that I don't need the snacking, that it's stupid. Keep the snacks out of your house, or to a low minimum, and the snacking will cease. You will realize its not necessary.
3. Eat enough during your meals. Another great tip here, a lot of snacking usually comes from not filling yourself up when you are eating. Make sure you eat enough so you don't grab that bag of chips at night time. I practice Intermittent Fasting, so I know to get my eating done (usually 2 large squares) in my eating period and I'm done after that. So fill up during meals, it leaves less time for mindless snacking at night or during the day.
4. Mental Strength. I'll point out mental willpower, strength, etc. during a lot of my posts. Just because it's so important. If you are mentally strong, you can do anything physically. Our mind is our biggest asset we have as humans, but a lot of times our biggest barrier. Tell yourself you don't need a snack, it's just going to add more weight. The stronger your mind is, the more you will be able to overcome.

Snacking is dangerous, mindless, and stupid most of the time. The supermarkets don't help by filling aisles with a bunch of snacks. They don't care about your health, they just want to SELL PRODUCTS. But you care about your health right? So lets start today by cutting that snacking down until it's completely gone! 

Citation for the study :
Bes-Rastrollo, M., Sanchez-Villegas, A., Basterra-Gortari, F. J., Nunez-Cordoba, J. M., Toledo, E., & Serrano-Martinez, M. (2010). Prospective study of self-reported usual snacking and weight gain in a Mediterranean cohort: the SUN project. Clinical Nutrition, 29(3), 323.

I'm Hurt! But I Still Want to Go to the Gym....

This has happened to all of us I'll guarantee it.

Just another day at the gym, doing some dead lifts, squats, just a normal routine. Then..BAM, you feel it, the devil injected you with some sort of needle from hell. Hurts doesn't it? But do you stop lifting? Of course not..

I saw a kid get smacked in the face with a BARBELL, he went and got some ice, then continued lifting as if his face wasn't swelling and turning the color of a grape. I probably would of done the same thing, most men would, or women for that matter (no sexism here!). This type of stuff..I'm not against at all, theres a high risk he's not going to do anything else to his face (we hope) and will be able to finish his workout. There's no gain without pain..even if that's not the type of pain being referenced for that saying.

Now..a few weeks ago I was deadlifting (a little too much) and failed 2 times in a row while attempting the lift and as I put the weight down I felt that needle from hell in my back. It hurt, hurt like a (insert curse word of choice), but I continued my lift and struggled through it. What should I of done? I should of went home and rested, but I didn't, that just who I am. I hate missing gym days and if you're dedicated, you do too. Sometimes though, you HAVE to understand what your body needs. After I tweaked my back, I took a day off and moved my next back day two days later than I usually do to give my back ample time to rest. I also took some ibuprofen to help with the small pain I had left when doing other exercises that weren't back related. If something hurt, I stayed away from it, simple as that. I didn't want to turn pain into an injury that would take weeks/months to recover instead of a few days.

The main point here is this:

• If you get hurt, give yourself REST, take a day or two off, your body needs it.
• Don't push yourself and tell yourself the injury isn't serious, because it is.
• Don't follow Rule #2 and you'll find yourself with more than a tweaked back (slipped disk, etc).

I understand how hard it is to miss a gym day, but we have to think in the LONG TERM here not the short term. Rest your body, let it heal, the gym will still be there when you're healed.

Have a beautiful day :)

Consistency: A Key to Life

Consistency...

Something we all search for and want, but always have a hard time succeeding.

The most consistent people, tend to be the most successful people. If I want to be a successful blogger, I have to be consistent in writing posts and keeping my content up to date. If you want to be a consistent lifter, you have to demand more of your body and stay in the gym. To achieve consistent results, we must perform consistently. Seems like this goes along with that saying, "Easier said than done". Which is true here. It's so easy on Sunday to say well I'm going to hit the gym four times this week and do this, that, and this. The hardest part is actually GOING to the gym, being consistent, and getting your results.

As humans, we are constantly in a fight with our mind. How many times do you think of more reasons NOT to do something, than to rather do it? If you're fighting to go to the gym, its usually something like "I'll go tomorrow, in a few hours, I really need rest type of stuff", instead of "I need this workout, it will only take an hour, I'll feel so much better when I'm done type of stuff".

No one will see results in the gym over a week. No one. We must be consistent in going to achieve what we want. If we want to earn money, we must be consistent in going to work to achieve this money. This all sounds so easy, so why do humans have such a hard time achieving it? I assure you I don't have these answers, no one does.

I challenge you all to think positively instead of negatively, think actively instead of lazy. Change your whole mind set of thinking and you will achieve consistent results. It's not "I don't feel like getting up and going to the gym", it should be "I'm extremely tired but I know I'm going to feel awesome after this workout". Wake up with a plan, whatever you have to do today. Schedule out what you have to do and when you have time to do it. Planning will lead to consistency and that leads to success. I was never the best at math, but that equation makes sense. Think of the future, think of what you will achieve if you keep being consistent, and things you will miss out on if you choose to stop. Increase your mental willpower and don't accept no for an answer.

These are just my Sunday thoughts, everyone have a great one :)

Cardio: The Bane of Our Existence

Honestly, who enjoys cardio?

Besides those people who enjoy running 10 miles for the fun of it (YES, these people exist), most of us could think of a million things we'd rather be doing than cardio. Me being one of these people. Unfortunately, cardio is a necessity, not just for looks, but to also improve cardiovascular health. Your HEART is a muscle and cardio is something that makes it stronger, so why ignore the most important muscle in your body? Don't!

Cardio is something I always fought, because of how much I hated doing it. The treadmill was my cardio and I HATED the treadmill. You know how cardio started becoming more bearable? I found a form of cardio that I DIDN'T hate, that was all it took. This cardio machine is called the: ELIPTICAL. Yes, I consider myself a manly man, yes I use the eliptical, and NO, there is nothing wrong with it. Most of the time on the eliptical at my gym, I find more guys next to me than anything. I also usually have more people next to me on the eliptical while the treadmills are collecting dust.

The thing about the eliptical is that it's different and I love different. I can set my own resistance, I'm moving my upper body along with my lower (creates a better workout) and my confidence is higher so I feel like I can go a longer period of time. I use to run a mile on the treadmill and I would quit, I can run 3+ eliptical miles and still feel like I can go for more. I suggest you find some Treadmill vs Eliptical webpages (www.builtlean.com/2012/04/20/elliptical-vs-treadmill/) and see how the two stack up.

I usually use the eliptical for 20-30 mins a few times a week, nothing major. I'm in a weight loss phase of my program right now, but I'm not trying to strip muscle off of my body at an alarming rate so I keep my cardio moderate.

If you are looking for something OTHER than a machine, I recommend sprints or some type of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workout. These type of workouts are KNOWN for turning your sweat into body fat dripping off of your body, instead of just salt. The best thing about these is that you will only have to run sprints for lets say..10 minutes, instead of killing yourself on the treadmill for half an hour.

No matter what cardio you do, find something you ENJOY, not something you HATE. If you hate something, you will never find success in it. Just find something and do it a few times a week. Whatever you do, it's my PROMISE to you that you will feel 100x better than before you started. Remember, you are always lapping everyone on the couch every step you take. Your heart is the most important muscle in your body, so work it like it deserves.

I woke up and felt inspired to write some type of blog entry, find something today that inspires you and do it! I hope everyone has a blessed day, thank you for reading!

Those Days Where You Just Don't Wanna Go to the Gym..

Lets admit it, we all have them, hell; I have them a lot more then I'd like. Those days where you sit there and think of a million excuses why you CAN'T or SHOULDN'T go to the gym. Key word in that sentence? EXCUSES, because that's what they are. There is ALWAYS time for the gym, always. We're all given the same 24 hours, we all have the option to spend them how we like. The gym will take 1-2 hours, which equals to less than 5% of your day. REALLY? Less than 5% of your day and you are reasoning on why you CAN'T go? We should all be realizing how ridiculous it sounds, because it is.

Those days when I don't feel like going, try and think of just one reason to go; only one. Sometimes that's all it takes. Put on some pump up music, think of the lifts you're going to do, maybe you have some new workout clothes you wanna wear, ANYTHING to make you one step closer to getting in that car in going. I lift solo, so most of the times it has to be me influencing myself to go.

So, when you're at the gym and you still don't feel like lifting, what do you do?

Think about all the people sitting at home right now, be PROUD that you took the steps to get to the gym, now complete that workout! Remember, no matter what you do, you're still better than all the people sitting at home. CONFIDENCE is always a key. There's a guy at my gym who walks around with a walker, a WALKER. Think of people like THAT when you don't wanna go. This man that needs a walker is still at the gym getting his workout in and you're at HOME with your perfectly fine LEGS?

GET UP, GO TO THE GYM, AND LIFT THOSE DAMN WEIGHTS!!!!!!!

I'm never going to have a six pack, so why should I work my abs?

WOW!

This is something I hear way too often, or know people think way too often..either way, IT'S WRONG!

The core (or abdominal region) is a MUSCLE just like the rest of your body. It deserves to be worked, most importantly because it will help out in many ways you probably didn't even know. I use to avoid abs for the longest time, because well, I was one of these people. I thought "I'm never going to have abs, screw this!"

Core exercises are the key to stability. Being stable, having balance, whatever term you like to use. Working your core will allow you to do many things more efficiently. Whether it be keeping balance on lunges, improving technique on compounds, etc. Many say balance is a key to success in life, and core workouts will help you achieve this success!

Core exercises just make life EASIER. It's like having a bunch of solid rocks in your abdomen instead of a bunch of jelly doughnuts, makes sense doesn't it? You will see increases in your compound lifts also, isn't that something we all want in the gym?

I don't think I understood the benefits until I routinely included them in my workouts. I felt better about myself too, it improved my mental ability, along with my physical. And TRUST ME, before you ever get over a physical block, you have to get through it MENTALLY first.

Plus, if you add core exercises into your routine, you're gonna want to see something for all that hard work right? My guess it will motivate YOU to change your diet, so you can start seeing those abs you've been doing all those planks and crunches for. One of my favorite quotes is, "Abs are made in the kitchen, not the gym".

One of the best things about core exercises are that they can be done literally ANYWHERE! You don't have to travel to the gym just to get them done. Get a yoga mat and leave it wherever you spend the most time. Get bored? We all do, plop out that mat and get some crunches done! There is never an excuse to not have your core exercises done.

So, hit those abs! Try to hit them 3-4 times a week. Also remember to REST them, because they will never GROW without REST.

Any questions, comment below! Or email at: dcorrigan50@gmail.com

If anyone has any topics they'd like me to cover, or anything they want to become more knowledgeable about and don't feel like doing the research, SAY SOMETHING! I love learning and would love to help you out with something you would like to know more about. Most of my topics are just things on my mind, so please help me out. I'm doing this blog to HELP PEOPLE, not talk to myself!

TIPS TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL AT THE GYM!

As mentioned in my first blog post, I've been lifting for over six years now, I like to believe I've developed a good understanding of what works and what doesn't. I'm gonna rack my brain for the most important tips I can think of.

TIP #1: COMPOUNDS, COMPOUNDS, COMPOUNDS!

 
Any experienced lifter should understand this, but for those who don't I will explain! Compounds are the main lifts, mostly the one you will begin a workout with. These would be: Bench Press, Military Press, Dead Lifts, Squats. Those last two (Deadlifts & Squats) are things people tend to avoid a lot for some reason, because they are HATED! I won't lie, I just started dead lifting recently, and I LOVE IT! For squats, people just don't enjoy working out their legs for some reason. Personally, there's no better feeling than racking a bar up with 300+ lbs and squatting it for reps, MAYBE I"M JUST CRAZY! These FOUR exercises should be the main ingredient of your recipe of the body you want. These build the most muscle and are essentials to the building blocks to building your castle (Gotta love the metaphors :)).

TIP #2: It's not HOW LONG you stay, but what YOU DO in the time YOU STAY

Some people will hit the gym for 3+ hours a day and still won't see results. Simply because a lot of the time will be spent talking (will hit in a later point), or just not being focused on their workouts. I do get caught up on my phone sometimes during a workout and I hate it, try to avoid the social media for as long as possible. A WORKOUT SHOULD ONLY BE AROUND AN HOUR LONG, FACEBOOK/TWITTER/INSTAGRAM WILL STILL BE THERE, I PROMISE! Try your best to stay focused, off the phone, and completely devoted to the iron during that hour. I usually am in the gym for 2+ hours a day, but this is because I dedicate time to core workouts after my main lifts and cardio for 30+ mins. Make your workouts actually WORK OUTS. I REFUSE to leave the gym unless I"m sweating, usually a good amount. If you only have 30-45 mins, make it explosive, work your body, it won't quit on you unless you do. YOUR MIND WILL ALWAYS QUIT BEFORE YOUR BODY DOES! 

TIP #3: REST IS YOUR FRIEND

I cannot preach this tip enough. MUSCLES GROW DURING REST! We tear them apart while lifting to build them back up during rest periods. You should not be hitting Biceps on Monday, then right back again on Tuesday. It's counter productive and you will not get the results you want! At least 48 hours should be given to each body part to rest for ample time to grow. Give your body the rest it deserves and feel good about it. If you hit the gym the right way, then you will be wanting to give your body a rest! I typically lift 2 days on, 1 day off, 2 days on. The weekend usually won't include lifting, but usually some sort of cardio.

TIP #4: AVOID FRIENDS!

This tip is something completely underrated. When I'm lifting, I keep my headphones in and conversation to a minimum. The gym is a place to achieve your goals for your body, don't let friends derail them! It's a time to workout, not a hangout. Start talking to a friend and you may lose a good 30 mins on a workout, which is a serious hit. Stay in your zone and stay focused. Trust me, you won't lose ANY friends from focusing on your workouts at the gym.

TIP #5: WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN

Keeping track of your progress is so vital. Sometimes when I'm in class I'll tell myself: Drew, your mind will remember this, don't write it down! You know what happens 90% of the time? I don't write it down and I forget it! Same thing with lifting, don't leave it up to your mind to remember. All of us have other things to do in life besides being in the gym, so our mind is getting a lot of work and has more important things to remember than what you benched last week. I write my workouts out on white printer paper and staple it together (notebook works too). I keep track of the exercises, weights, and if I need to increase/decrease from week to week. On top of not becoming confused, YOUR PROGRESS IS RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU! I've become proud of my workout sheets, because I can look back at Week 1 of Dead Lifts at 225 and see Week 8 of Dead Lifts at 275 and SMILE! It makes me happy and that's what life is all about isn't it?


I'm sure there are more tips I can think of, but this is off the top of my head. I may make another blog post with more tips. If you guys have any questions, DO NOT HESITATE to comment or e-mail me at: dcorrigan50@gmail.com

THANK YOU!!!

My First Post: My Journey

Hello all,

I have started this blog, because I want to share my story and hope to inspire people to make the same lifestyle changes I did so they can become a  happier person, physically & mentally.

My name is Drew Corrigan, I'm a 20 year old college student (majoring in Health/Phys Ed./Education). I've been lifting weights and involved in the whole health and wellness aspect of life for over SIX years now. I figured I have a lot to share and help people with, so I am reaching out to try and make an impact on people's lives.

Here is my story:

Growing up, I was what you would call a heavily obese child. I tipped in on the scales at around 225 LBS as a 10 year old. I was extremely overweight and remember it like it was yesterday. I was not born with good genetics, I didn't lift one weight and become ripped, I WORKED MY ASS OFF for everything I am today.  Most of all, my diet was terrible. Mostly fast food and sodas. I wasn't active, wasn't really into sports, which I think contributed to my weight problem. Around 8th grade I wanted to change, because as I became older I saw what I was becoming and HATED IT. So, I did as any guy would, and signed up for Spring Football that year, with the help of a friend of course. If my friend never persuaded me to play football, who KNOWS where I would be today (GOOD FRIENDS ARE SO IMPORTANT!). So, football was where most of my weight loss started to take place, along with attempting to clean my diet up a little. The biggest change I made was cutting soda COMPLETELY out of my diet. I think i've drank less than 10 sodas in the past 8 years (no exaggeration).

Moving onto high school, I continued playing football. But in high school was also the first time that I began lifting weights, I was still fairly big at this point, but a good portion of my weight had been knocked off just from becoming active from football. The road ahead of me was still long and I'm still on it. Lifting weights completely revolutionized my life, I began to understand it, to love it. Lifting weights is like an art, its not just an activity, its a beautiful form of art that takes time and years of dedication to perfect. HS Football is where I actually became to be happy with who I was. At the end of my Soph year, I was down to my lowest body weight at around 175 LBS (thats around 50 lbs lost since my obese days). I got more serious into lifting as football asked more of me and my average weight around high school was around 195 lbs. My bench was topping off at around 295 lbs, so I was very strong for my age. I finished off high school having two Varsity letters, and being Captain of my team my Senior year. Without football introducing me to the world of lifting and MY OWN RESEARCH, I don't know where I'd be today.

Today, I'm still heavily into lifting (coming into my 7th year of consistently lifting) and heavily into learning about my body, nutrition, etc. My future blog posts will be about diet, nutrition, lifting, supplements, the keys to lifting, ETC. Things that have worked for ME, and may work for YOU also. I created this blog to HELP PEOPLE, I have so much knowledge I'd love to share.

If ANYONE needs help with lifting/diet/nutrition/anything please don't hesitate to e-mail me at: dcorrigan50@gmail.com and I will HELP YOU!

That was just the first part of my journey. My main point is just that, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.