It’s my BodySpace birthday!
It was two years ago that I signed up for an account here. I lurked for a little while before that but I finally pulled the trigger on this day. When I first found this place I assumed it would be just for jocks and people who had been into athletics their whole lives. I was extremely surprised when I not only found out that wasn’t true, but when I found profiles of guys with similar backgrounds. There were the guys who were never into sports but discovered that they fell in love with lifting. There were the guys that didn’t start lifting until their thirties (or later). There were the guys that had my starting weight and looked like I wanted to look. I found all of it unbelievably motivating.
I’ve always said that there were two things that were critical to any success that I’ve had. The first was signing up with a fantastic trainer. He helped me eliminate the crushing fear I had about working out in a gym. He taught me how to use all the machines and of course the free weight section. The best thing he taught me, however, was what hard work really is. I really learned that you have to push yourself.
As important as my time with him was, it was only for a few months. When my trainer wasn’t a part of my life anymore BodySpace still was. I don’t have any friends that lift. What’s great is that my friends on here not only can relate to what I’m going through, but they can provide knowledge and encouragement from someone who’s been there.
I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback on here and I truly appreciate all of it. When I first signed up I was extremely hesitant to post any pictures (oh the irony). I thought that I wasn’t anywhere near the level of some people on here and that I would look silly (but I did it anyway). When I did I started immediately getting positive feedback. I definitely found it surprising.
This place has given me a lot of laughs, encouragement, and some great friends. I’m looking forward to many future BodySpace birthdays!
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September 23, 2009 at 8:24 am
Happy Birthday Monkey! Great progress pics. You looked llike the guy that got sand kicked in his face in the comic book ads when I was a kid, and now your the other guy lol. This is a great site for motivation and has worked well for you and many others on ths site! Keep up the great work!!!
September 23, 2009 at 8:46 am
Happy Bday! Ive been here 2 yrs also, 2 best years of my life!!
September 23, 2009 at 8:53 am
Happy Birthday! I can relate with not having friends that lift, as I go it alone too….this place sure fills in that gap!
September 23, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Wow, this reads a lot like my own background and my tentative sign-up here, and the hesitant picture posting, and the friends who don’t lift, etc. etc. You are so right on every point with the support and encouragement found here. You’ve made some incredible progress, and are still going! Keep liftin’.
September 23, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Ditto to what everyone else said, and I’ve only been here for 2 MONTHS. Looking forward to 2 years! Great post!
September 23, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Happy B-Day Monkey….browsing through your pics, awesome progress. Very motivational for us new guy’s. Keep up the workouts!
Mike
September 23, 2009 at 4:23 pm
hey Monkey Man you are now part of the eternal circle of inspiration.
Yup.
You who once approached gym with trepidation now is hailed as one with an awesome physique.
You da man.
September 23, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Great blog ,very well written !You have hit several nails on the heads..all the things we can all relate to.
You are the epitome of what is, and should be ,all about on this site …very much appreciated
Happy Birthday !
September 23, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Hey dude … congrats on sticking it out in the quest for mass. Continue to be relentless!
September 23, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Thanks everyone!