Hey Cory,

I am a shift worker in an oil refinery in NJ. I feel like I can relate to you in terms of how you came up working long, hard hours in the coal mines, all while still getting it in at the gym and getting after your goals.

I have to be in work by 4:45am, so everyday I’m “up early to train.” My alarm is always set for 1:45am. I workout, work my 12hr shift, then go home to my girlfriend and two children, ages 2 1/2 and 1 month. I make sure I get my workouts in before work while they are sleeping so I can maximize the time I spend with them at night. It is just one of the necessary sacrifices that I choose to make in order to reach my goals without having to miss out on family time. I love your entire mindset and attitude when it comes to “waking your ass up” and putting in the work early in the morning while almost everyone else is still asleep. Of course, there are days when I don’t want get out of bed or I want to skip a workout, but then I immediately think “quit being soft, someone out there is already up training harder than you.” I use your words and your example to make sure I keep my mind right. My primary focus the past couple of years has been to lose weight. At my worst, I was about 350lbs. Currently, I weigh about 210lbs! I’ve used exclusively MusclePharm supplements (assault, amino1, bcaas, combat, and carnatine), and followed the “Bizzy Diet” as well as the “Live Shredded” program. Transforming my body has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. The physical part, the getting in the gym, lifting weights, doing cardio, that’s the easy part. The mental part of this is so challenging. Continuing to get out of bed early in the morning, pushing through the soreness, fighting off the hunger cravings, that’s the tough part. You’ve played such a role in keeping my motivation high, and keeping myself consistent and accountable. I’m always learning new things about health and fitness by following your posts. You’ve had such a positive effect on my life, and health, and I can never thank you enough! 

Thanks,
Dan Bennett