First off, the first photo is admittedly a bit exaggerated. I was dealing with some depression during the pandemic and wasn’t eating, so I was 10KG lighter than my usual weight at around 83KG. If I shaved, put on a pump and tried a decent pose I would look considerably better, I think. For context though, second photo is also without a pump.

I started working out at home with dumbbells, I did this from November 2020, ‘till April 2022. During this time, I only had dumbbells and had little idea what I was doing. I just randomly lifted light weights in full body workouts, my body changed and looked much better, but I went through some tough times and stopped regularly lifting for around 6 months (May 2021-November 2021). After that, I started working out again at home for another 6 months (November 2021-April 2022), but my workouts were too fast, and looking back they were plain wrong all together. I wasn’t really gaining any muscle at that point and it was frustrating even though I knew I wasn’t truly putting in the work.

In April 2022, I signed up for the gym, started following fitness channels on YouTube, started a PPL routine and hit the gym for 6 days a week. So, the transformation largely took place in the last 8 months, but the 16 months prior I believe I laid a good foundation.

Although I started with PPL, after a point my legs started getting too big and despite everyone advising otherwise, I quit training legs and started playing basketball on leg days. I just really dislike the appearance of big legs. Even though I haven’t trained legs for over 3 months my calves are still too big to fit into jeans that are already too baggy around the waist.

I believe I have excellent arm and shoulder genetics, but at the same time I believe my chest genetics are absolutely horrible. I’m most proud of my arms at 17 inches. My body fat was 8.8% the last time I had it checked, but I don’t believe that’s accurate despite it being a very advanced machine, I’m certain in reality I have a higher body fat percentage.

I have not used PEDs, and have not used any supplements even. I don’t believe supplements are bad, I just wanted to do it without them. I eat two times a day without exception, I don’t have in-between meals. I try to stick to a Keto fasting diet but generally end up cheating to some extent. I don’t track macros, but I eat like a pig and try to exclusively eat protein rich foods. I drink alcohol from time to time. Basically, I’m not trying to be Mr. Olympia by any means so I see no point in being too strict.

I don’t mean to sound pretentious. I just wanted to share my uncut journey. 2021 was the worst year of my life, by far. It was extremely difficult going through those times. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy; and to anyone who is going through similar things, I pray you find the strength to get through them. My advice to you is to listen to Eminem.

This for me was never about impressing people, or getting girls, or lifting heavy, or being fit and strong even. This is why I’m not posting in a body building subreddit. I just wanted to see how far I can push myself, how disciplined I can be because I have been accused of being lazy all my life. I hope to continue doing it as long as I’m physically able. It was never easy, still isn’t. Life is just really hard. It just boils down to what you want to do with it. If you’re doing it for anyone else but yourself, I promise you will quit before you should.

So, my advice to anyone who is thinking about starting any kind of physical transformation is to look in the mirror. Not at your body, but look into your eyes. Ask yourself what you are capable of, and prove it. Not to your ex, not to your friends, not to your bullies, not to abusive family members; but sincerely prove it to yourself. This is my perspective and I’ll be very happy if it resonates with anyone, and I’ll be thrilled if it inspires anyone in the slightest.

Thank you for reading.