 Before |
 After |
Brandon Malley, 20, USF Engineering Student
Why are you better now than you were before? My overall quality of life has improved by exercising four to five times a week. I have more strength, endurance and heart. Besides improving my body, I now have more knowledge and willpower than ever before.
What’s held you back from achieving your goals before? I never believed in myself. I never imagined what I could become and that is what held me back from my goals.
Favorite exercise? My favorite exercise would have to be pull-ups. They are a great exercise that works your entire upper body.
Favorite healthy food? My favorite healthy food is tuna. It is packed with protein and a great post workout meal.
Favorite not-so-healthy food? Ice cream would have to be my favorite unhealthy food.
What motivates you? My family and friends. I owe them a lot for my success. When I wanted to quit or give up, they told me to keep pushing myself and that it would all be worth it.
What has been your biggest challenge? About one year ago, I started having trouble breathing after my workouts and was told by my doctor I had heart palpitations. I stopped working out for weeks because of fear. But when I thought about giving up completely, I remembered why I started. I changed the way I was eating, started doing more cardio and solely focused on my breathing. It was difficult to adjust but not only did I overcome that fear, I started becoming stronger than I imagined before.
What is your favorite workout and why? I love doing body weight exercises such as push-ups and pull-ups, mainly because they can be done almost anywhere without going to the gym.
What type of music do you like to listen to when you workout? I love listening to rock, such as ACDC and Bon Jovi.
Who’s your celebrity crush? Jessica Alba
Who’s your celebrity look-alike? Michael C. Hall
What’s your favorite body part? My abs
Where’s the most interesting place you’ve ever exercised? I have exercised on the beach before. Jogging in the sand is a great workout for your lower body.
What’s the weirdest/funniest/craziest thing you’ve seen at the gym? People eating pizza while they’re working out.
Favorite workout attire? Dry fit t-shirt with slim gym shorts.
Your most common excuse for the days you don’t go to the gym: I have too much homework or studying to do.
What fitness goals are you still working on achieving? I’m still working on improving my flexibility and strengthening my legs.
Tips for other adults trying to become more fit? It’s hard trying to change your life. You have to start somewhere and sometime. The beginning will be difficult, but if you fight through it and keep pushing your limits, you can accomplish any goal you desire.
Favorite quote? “The differential between somebody winning and losing is perseverance. Be willing to lose, in order to gain.”
