My Inspirational Story

I was introduced to weight lifting by my father, and began lifting at the age of twelve. Through those young years I frequented many competitions, watching my dad on stage. Eventually we went to Ottawa for my dad to compete in the Canadians and it was there that I knew I would one day compete.

Knowing this, was a lot more simple than actually doing it. I struggled through my teenage years with Bulimia, and eventually I became anorexic. At the age of eighteen I was given one week to live and my parents were told to make funeral arrangements. At this time I was admitted to St. Paul's Hospital on the medical ward. It was there that I was force fed and inevitably gained twenty three pounds in two weeks. From the medical ward I was transferred and committed to the "psyche" ward where the eating disorder clinic was. I eventually began to lead a more normal lifestyle after being with the eating disorder clinic for one year. When I was released I turned back to training to help me with leading a healthy way of life while EATING, and eventually was mentally strong enough to overcome my eating disorder.

About six years later I found myself married and eventually pregnant. I was sitting at around 200lbs. when I got pregnant (I just competed at 177lbs.), and by the end of the pregnancy I had gained eighty pounds. Ok, not a huge deal right? WRONG! When my beautiful son was only four weeks old I was pregnant again. Yes, again! Well, not having a chance to lose the weight from my first pregnancy, I just continued to gain. After giving birth to my daughter ten months after my son, I was in no frame of mind to get my ass in gear. Reason being, my dad, my greatest strength, my best friend, was terminal with cancer.

Now sitting at 300 lbs, I was depressed, nursing, and living in palliative care at St. Mary's Hospital, in order to be with my dad. Over those five months I gained an additional twenty lbs. Now tipping the scale at 320lbs I promised my dad on his death bed, that I would put to use all that he had taught me and get back into shape.

SWFC 2005 I won the woman's heavyweights in honor of my dad. I plan on competing again in 2007.

Here are my before and after pictures.

BEFORE

AFTER

I wanted to send you a photo for your website of me back in July of 2004 (17 months ago). I weighed 340 LBS and had a 42-44 inch waist. I was 31% bodyfat back then and stepped on your stage at 216 LBS.

I love to share my story with everyone I can...BECAUSE IF I CAN OVERCOME OBESITY ANYONE CAN.

Chris Lacascia
BEFORE

AFTER

I weighed 240lbs, approx 28% body fat and a 42 inch waist.
I was very ashamed of my appearance during highschool to the point of which I was wondering if life was worth living. That picture was taken in 1999 about 1 year before I got my first job at a restaurant, then out of the blue I went for a walk to spend some money. I walked by Gator's Gym in Surrey I decided to check it out and before you know it I was suckered into a 2yr contract. Now thanks to very kind people such as Gord Pronic owner of Reflex Abbie and Darren Toma owner of X-treme nutrition and training. They took me under their wing, became my first mentors and friends in the gym and started me on a new journey/life. Before I knew it my body and mind were transforming in a way I never thought possible and the rest is pretty much history. In the end I'm eternally grateful for what training and nutrition as done for my life and I will be forever grateful.

BEFORE

AFTER