I was born and raised in Washington Heights, New York City. I have two brothers that I love dearly. I'm the youngest of the three so I get a lot of love back from my brothers and my amazing parents. I was always the tall skinny kid growing up which was great because I love to eat. But I was also very active, usually playing basketball so I couldn't gain a pound even if I wanted to. Basketball was my life, I used to spend hours every day perfecting my game and I got better and better. Like most ball players I ended up injuring my knees and my game would never be the same. I became depressed and fustrated and eventually stopped playing totally. I was searching for a new love so my big brother Carlos introduced me to my new sport, weight lifting. I got real excited and joined the gym immediately and in a few weeks I was recruited by Charles to become a City Gym Boy. I'm now a fitness professional and I love changing lives and attitudes. Being part of this team has really forced me to step my game up. I want to be one of the best and to be one of the best City Gym Boys is just crazy. But I've shown very good improvement for being one of the youngest in the group time wise and age wise. I'm very grateful for having the family I was born into and the additional blessing of this new City Gym Boys family. Always remember, motivation is what gets you started but discipline and dedication will keep you goin!

-Batista