Working out not only gave me the physique I dreamed of but also the spirit  I needed to become a complete individual. I was adopted at the age of 3 and as far as I can remember, I always struggled to fit in. I grew up lonely and constantly searched for acceptance and love.  I was a skinny and nerdy kid who was bullied and teased by my peers, which led to me becoming a big trouble maker.  Searching for acceptance from my teammates and peers, I played every sport in high school but I still felt alone. At the age of 14, my life finally turned around when I discovered the weight room. My world became a different place. I finally found peace, true happiness and a place where I knew I belonged. I had found the home I never had. Working out was changing my body and my life as it helped me release the pain and anger that had built up over the years.  I found a place that made me feel good about myself and it changed my perspective on life in general. Years later, I'm still a work in progress both physically and mentally but I now know that fitness is my true calling. Being a member of City Gym Boys is a dream come true for this once skinny, nerdy, unloved kid from Akron, Ohio. CGB has changed my life and has blessed me with the amazing opportunity to change the lives of others both in and out of the gym. God is Great!!!

-Soldier