Heavyweight happiness

I have followed bodybuilding ever since the days of Lee Haney and Flex Wheeler. I did not start to lift or train until I was 18, and my training was on and off up to the age of 27. I hurt my back doing squats and was down for more than a year. During the layoff, I gained 90 pounds (getting up to 305) and my bodyfat was 24%. I knew I needed to do something. Thank you, FLEX, for helping me find the way.

I have now competed in four contests. My win at the NPC Natural Northern USA allowed me to compete at the Team Universe in July, where I placed fifth in the heavyweight class! I came in the best condition of my life. At weigh-in, I was only 211 pounds; some of the men in my class were 229. At that time, I knew I had a tall task at hand, but I was hard and really dry. I have no complaints about how I placed; I know that I have to work on my legs and bring them up to my upper body. To place fifth in my fourth contest--a national show--is mind-blowing, considering my condition a little over two years ago.

Now, I want to get certified as a trainer to help others. Thank you to my wife, Stephanie--without her, I would not be writing this letter. Also, thanks to Eve Ann and Scott Buxton, who taught me about nutrition and how to pose onstage. Good friends are hard to find, and they saved my life. And thanks, FLEX, I hope one day I can make the cover of this great mag.

FLEX welcomes letters from readers: praise us, trash us, whatever, but please write or e-mail. Send correspondence to Talkback, FLEX, 21100 Erwin Street, Woodland Hills CA 91367. FLEX reserves the right to edit and condense letters for publication. Please include your name, address and phone number for verification purposes. You can e-mail your letters directly to FLEX at talkback@flexmagazine.com.

STEVEN BRADLEY

COLUMBUS, OH

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