Fitocracy Member Spotlight: Fables87

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Fitocracy Member Spotlight: Fables87

This week, a young man who used lifting to build up the strength and courage to overcome his battles with his health. If you would like to nominate a member for a Weekly Member Spotlight, contact users lexyloowho or XJenX or you can always email fitocracymemberspotlight@gmail.com.

Username and level
I am Fables87 and I’m Level 32 right now.

How did you get started in fitness and training Do you have any pics to share ?

Since 1998, I have had an illness known as CVS (cyclical vomiting syndrome). CVS is a condition that makes you puke non-stop until you start puking blood. I have also had a stroke during one of the CVS episodes. In 2010, I started working out at a gym, eat the right foods, and noticed I have not gone into another episode. In 2012, I even had the courage to get off any medication for my CVS because I felt I finally got rid of the illness.

How did you find Fitocracy? How has it changed your workouts?
I found out about Fitocracy from a friend of mine who told me I might enjoy it. He was right. I love the idea that as you progress in your fitness, your user level goes up.

Do you have any long term goals or direction you plan to take your training?
As of right now, my long-term term goals are just to stay health for the rest of my life without the medication and visits to the hospital. I would also love to share my story with others so they might follow my footsteps to become a better person.

What are things you’ve learned through trial and error? What areas do you hope to learn
more about?
Form has always been an issue with me. I want to learn the perfect form. When I first started working out, I did so many things that I know now were off. I worked out every day, used the Smith Machine and never the free weights, spent more than 3 hours working out, and I was too shy to ask people for advice. As the months progressed, I noticed I was doing things wrong and I even made friends with people in the gym. Had spotter when I needed them and got advice. The thing I learned from the beginning to now is that we all start somewhere and we just get better.

Currently, where would you say your weakness lies? Where do you excel?
My main weakness, besides my diet, is that sometimes I doubt myself. I sometimes will tell myself I cannot do something or it may never happen. I realized that no matter what happens good things will come out of it. So I changed my thinking to just do the best I can and get rid of any negative energy I have on my mind.

What motivates you?
My main motivation is knowing the fact I finally got rid of my illness and seeing my body look better because of it. It makes me realize how much of an accomplishment I have made. Other sources of motivation just come from looking at other people. Hearing their stories and seeing their success. I should also mention that reading comic books motivate me because I grew up loving them and now I want to become one.

Are you using any supplements or special dietary changes to achieve your goals?
The only thing I am taking now is whey protein shakes. Money is low for me right now, so I have to keep things limited. I have taken other things in the past but I did not care for them as much. This is a subject I always have to ask people about because there is so much out there.

If you could give advice to someone starting off, what would you tell them?
Never give up and no matter what anyone says do not give up. Ignore any of the “haters” or use them as a way to improve. Stay positive or the negativity will only bring you down.

What’s your ‘secret weapon’, the thing that pushes you or you feel gives you an edge?
My secret weapon is my family and friends. They all had to deal with my CVS or any other issue I have had in the past. They push me to keep going and move on. They are my true inspirations.

What has the overall impact of Fitocracy been in your life?
Since I have found Fitocracy, my fitness life has gotten better. I want to make new personal records and I want to improve. I love the people I have talked to on here and love getting feedback from them. Even the negative feedback is positive.

One thing I want people to take away from my story is…
No matter what illness you have or trouble you dealt with in your life, there is always a way to fix them, heal them, and become a better you.