I'm a true example of the phrase "bodybuilders are not born, we're made." At the age of fourteen I was about 250 pounds and my large size made my world a very miserable place. I wanted to play sports and tried but my physical condition always got into the way. When I was trying to play basketball, I remembered being called "big for nothing." My self esteem was low. I hated my body and my life. My best friend and love was food. My rock bottom came when I was told I wouldn't be able to play basketball because I had high blood pressure and a possible heart murmur. At the time my jeans size was also waist 48. I would wear two or three shirts at a time to cover up my fat chest. I knew I had to change things when my basketball coach finally told me to move my fat ass during a game. Those words were very painful but they also motivated me to fight back. So, I decided to no longer be the victim and to take charge of my own life. I immediately started weight training at the gym at school. Once I started to feel and look a little stronger, I knew there was no turning back. My new and best friend was now the gym and I was never happier. Its truly amazing how changing your body can change your world. My life is totally different now. I lost the fat and has gained a lot of muscles. I now have a six pac, not a belly and instead of wearing three shirts, now I can't keep my shirt on. I'm now an inspiration to so many people and will have even more opportunities to reach a lot more now that I'm one of the City Gym Boys. I'm truly living the American Dream: my hard work, dedication and patience has paid off and I'm loving this new me!

-Nate