Hindsight is always 20/20. If only I had listened to those around me and stuck with it when I first got serious, I would have surpassed my goals some time ago. I’ve been doing this on and off for about 14 years. It has only been the last 5 years that I’ve taken it more serious, and only the last year where I’ve decided what I truly hope to achieve.

I call Them “Dror Curls.” In Dallas (Pre-Jim) I trained with Israeli bodybuilding champion Dror Erez. He taught me this modified alternating dumbbell hammer curl. It is basically a hammer curl, when the right arm comes up, the weight comes across my torso and chest until the dumbbell touches my left cheek. Once there, I pull it tight to my body and flex the bicep, then back to start. Same, but opposite for the other side. The burn I get from these is friggin’ amazing. Plus it's fun to imagine Dror in my head.

That’s a hard one, not sure I have a fave. Love the way my body looks in the mirror when doing deadlifts and shrugs. Really get into lying or kneeling leg curls — admittedly because the assets look great when doing them. Glutte/butt blaster machine is always a “kick.” Scull crushers because adrenaline I get from the fear that I’m going to smash my forehead makes me lift more weight. I seem to find fun and games in it all with the exception to the next question.

Really dislike doing abs, well maybe calves too. No it’s abs. I at least attempt to do calves. Abs just blow, and not in the good way. When I do it, I mostly close my eyes the whole time, count to 30. Telling myself, 25% there, 50% there 75% there, all the while envisioning Lazar Angelov flexing his.

Set goals, but also set realistic expectations. Just because you joined a gym does not guarantee you are going to loose fat or gain muscle. You have to have the discipline to dedicate yourself to every workout the first 6 weeks. That is the hardest phase. The gym or whatever program you are participating in has to be convenient to your home and work. If it’s not it’s too easy to make excuses not to go. Hiring a trainer or having an experienced buddy help you in that first phase is great if you can swing it. Starting with a strong foundation will make a massive difference in achieving your goals. That includes correct form and routines with balance of exercises & cardio. Last of all, that’s only 1/2 the equation. The other is your diet, don’t overlook that. No matter what effort you put into the gym, the results will not be there if you are not eating properly.

If I knew I’d tell you. I’ve been stuck on one for almost a year now. Thus, I’ve been reading this past month of “How hotties got the bodies” for guidance.

Nikki Smith’s milkshakes bring all the boys to the yard…. Or rather, the protein drink counter at the gym- including this gay boy! Seriously this girl makes a post workout no-bake-cookie protein shake as refreshing as it is delish!