For all of my youth into adolescence everyone in my family called me “bak joy” which roughly translate into “skinny boy” in Lao. This was a nickname that caused me much grief, body dysmorphia which ultimately impacted my self-esteem.
I grew tired of the degrading nickname and told myself that I would make a change.
Thankfully at the same time, my cousin Cindy wanted to begin her weight loss journey as well. The summer entering my sophomore year of high school I, a 15 year-old, stood roughly 5’10” at 121 lbs.
That summer honestly propelled my journey in fitness and I attributed the success of that journey to having Cindy around. We motivated each other to keep moving forward. As she began her HIIT oriented program with Insanity, I began my wholistic weight training with P90X. I ramped up to consuming 3500 calories daily and by the end of the summer I had gain 15 lbs and Cindy has lost 15 lbs. Within 3 months I was at 135 lbs with new lean mass added.
I had gained a new founded confidence that I had never experienced before and I loved it.
I began going to the gym with my cousin Tiffany and best-friend Vinh in the coming summers. By the time I entered undergrad at 18 years-old I was 155 lbs. My gradually increasing awareness and adherence in food and fitness allowed for continuous progress.
155 lbs, 5’10”, 19 years old, Summer 2016
During my time in undergrad weight training, studio hip-hop dancing became a foundation in my physical activity. I continued to go through the rollercoaster of undergrad, losing weight in times of stress, gaining muscle when time was allocated, and of course undergoing periods of alcohol consumption and partying which impaired some of my growth. Ultimately by the time I graduated in 2019 at 22 years old, I had partied for a straight month and was bloated at 175 lbs.
July 2018, 160 lbs 
June 2019, 170 lbs 
October 2020, 175 lbs 
March 2021, 172 lbs 
January 2022, 172 lbs
Post-grad, I wanted to continue making a positive change in my life and I can proudly say since, I’ve been consistently active. I’ve been able to get some form of physical activity for over 2 years every week having only missed in total 2 weeks of some activity!
During these past 2-3 years, I found a mentor who has participated in bodybuilding and started his own meal prep business, was coached by a record-setting powerlifter who is one of my best-friends from undergrad, and have become a certified personal trainer!
Fitness to me is a journey that if done with the right mindset and guidance, can impart change in all aspects of your life. Whether it’s in work, family, friends, and your habits, I believe that when you find people to support that change that you’re wanting, you can achieve anything in your life 🙂
