A lack of motivation is what holds most people back from exercising at home or joining a gym. For the past four decades, I’ve used any negativity—words, energy, or actions directed toward me—as fuel for my journey. In 40 years of working out, I’ve never relied on a personal trainer or sought a workout partner. Exercising alone has always been my preference. My self-motivation took root at the age of 22, during a pivotal period of my life.
At the time, I was dating a woman named Sandra, who was more interested in my car—a brand-new Pontiac Trans Am—than in me. This became painfully clear when I totaled the car in a horrific head-on collision. While I was fortunate to survive, the other driver, who jumped the rail on the expressway, tragically did not. Within days of the accident, Sandra dumped me, confirming her superficiality. Not long before, I had joined my first gym and brought Sandra as a guest. I was new to bodybuilding and self-conscious about my skinny frame. During a workout session, she remarked, “Why don’t you go over there and work out with those buff guys? Maybe you’ll get big like them.” Her words stung deeply.
Rather than letting her comment demoralize me, I used it as motivation. Over the following years, I transformed my body, gaining muscle mass, tone, and definition. My confidence soared. I began to receive compliments from total strangers, even while wearing street clothes or business attire. These affirmations never inflated my ego, but they validated my efforts. As I grew stronger, people often asked me for fitness advice. I would share a mantra inspired by Sandra’s dismissive comment: “Never let anyone run you out of the gym.” In essence, it’s your fitness journey—move at your own pace and never be intimidated by others, no matter how impressive their physiques may be. Consistency, a clean and lean diet, and minimal alcohol consumption will lead to noticeable progress.
When your body reaches peak condition, it becomes an unshakable fortress, immune to criticism and negativity. Physical fitness embodies personal freedom—a sanctuary of health and vitality that no external force can tax or take away. The dedication and discipline required to sculpt a strong body are entirely yours to give. Each workout is a testament to your resilience, a reflection of your sweat, sacrifice, and determination. With every rep, you are the architect of your own destiny, crafting a masterpiece that reflects your inner strength and resolve.
The pride that comes with a finely tuned physique is unparalleled. It’s not about vanity but about the empowerment that comes with knowing you’ve overcome challenges to achieve something remarkable. No one can diminish the pride or the power that stems from this accomplishment. A well-conditioned body is a work of art, a testament to the limits you’ve defied and the boundaries you’ve pushed.
Today, I maintain two gym memberships—Crunch and Planet Fitness—and I work out four to five days a week. The gym is more than a place to exercise; it’s my second home. As soon as I walk through the doors, I feel the palpable energy. While conversations might not always happen, there’s an unspoken camaraderie among those present. Most people are there for the same reason: to be physically fit. This shared purpose creates a dynamic, motivating atmosphere that invigorates and inspires.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newcomer taking your first steps into fitness, the journey is deeply personal. Physical fitness is a lifelong commitment, one that requires consistency, effort, and a willingness to embrace challenges. It’s about becoming the best version of yourself—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. Every drop of sweat is proof that you’re building not only a stronger body but also a more resilient spirit.
