"From The Ground Up"

**C.Coronato** · 06-09-10, 1:31 pm

Whats up fellas. I'm no mentor like Vinny G and may be no pro, and i certainly am not up to the rankings of some others here but as a young, aspiring bodybuilder, i get many questions, day in and day out. I love helping people, and showing people that, if you work hard, and give it your all .. things to come true. I left HS at a soaking wet 140 lbs. This past year, just 6 years after leaving HS, i was a solid 225 lbs. Not shredded, but i was there. I never in my life thought i would climb past 200, that number came and went.

People always doubt you, and they will continue to doubt you, thats just simply something we call Life. Life is not easy, and as many young athletes will tell you, that trying to find time for everything makes it very hard. I went to college, and I got my degree. I did all that school work, and sat in my class room, learning about shit i didnt want to learn. I plan on going back to school for Physical Therapy.

One day that day will come, right now its just extra part time classes to get the Science Pre-Reqs i need to simply apply. Working two jobs and having a full time GF are thrown into the mix, add that in with competitive bodybuilding, cars, cooking, surfing, beach, and you have a well rounded TreeTrunkLegs. This is me, and my story. So ask away, ill be more than happy to help any young guns looking for some guidance. I know what it's like to be young with all the temptations, like girls, partying and drinking. Even though you're young, you can do it. I am.

**Universal Rep** · 06-09-10, 1:40 pm

Very nice, TTL. Great to see you gettin' some props. I know a lot of young fellas look up to the IFBB pros. As pros, they gotta know what they're talkin' about right? They did it, so they have all the answers, right??? Nope. Truth is, the way they do things, what they do... Very different from what us mortals do. Truth is, a lot of the advice they give about what they do wouldn't work for us. Guys like TTL, he knows the score. Knows what it takes to be young and hungry. He knows how hard it is juggling work, girls, partying, drinking, etc. TTL is a young cat. He knows what it's like to be young and an aspiring bodybuilder. That's what its all about, ain't it? Aspirin' to something greater?

Like the title of your thread. Any reference to your cookin' and "ground" beef? Haha.

**PIJW** · 06-09-10, 1:46 pm

Very nice TTL, you have a lot of offer these new young guns that need some answers. Hope some take the advantage of this, i know ill watch it cause i myself have asked you from time to time a few questions cause in the end i trust ya.

**Universal Rep** · 06-09-10, 1:48 pm

Originally Posted by PainIsJustWeakness

Very nice TTL, you have a lot of offer these new young guns that need some answers. Hope some take the advantage of this, i know ill watch it cause i myself have asked you from time to time a few questions cause in the end i trust ya.

He's a young gun himself, haha. If anyone can understand how tough it can be as a bodybuilder and a young kid, it's TTL...

I'll start. At your age, how do you resist the temptation to go out partying all the time? When I was 18-22, it was all I did...

**PIJW** · 06-09-10, 1:50 pm

Originally Posted by Universal Rep

He's a young gun himself, haha. If anyone can understand how tough it can be as a bodybuilder and a young kid, it's TTL...

I'll start. At your age, how do you resist the temptation to go out partying all the time? When I was 18-22, it was all I did...

Very True, i remember in the Marines that all they did and wondered why they struggled for the conditioning required and that's not even mentioning the strength. Like i said i hope some young kids take advantage of his knowledge.

**Universal Rep** · 06-09-10, 1:53 pm

Originally Posted by PainIsJustWeakness

Very True, i remember in the Marines that all they did and wondered why they struggled for the conditioning required and that's not even mentioning the strength. Like i said i hope some young kids take advantage of his knowledge.

Agreed. Not just knowledge though... But leading by example. Though I understand TTL is a wizard in the kitchen. They don't call him the Count of the Kitchen for nuthin, haha.

**PIJW** · 06-09-10, 1:55 pm

Originally Posted by Universal Rep

Agreed. Not just knowledge though... But leading by example. Though I understand TTL is a wizard in the kitchen. They don't call him the Count of the Kitchen for nuthin, haha.

Never heard that about him, would love to see some chicken recipes from him, since me and my wife kill off a farm each week of chicken, PLZ enlighting up Count of the Kitchen

**Universal Rep** · 06-09-10, 1:57 pm

Originally Posted by PainIsJustWeakness

Never heard that about him, would love to see some chicken recipes from him, since me and my wife kill off a farm each week of chicken, PLZ enlighting up Count of the Kitchen

Yup. The good brother went to culinary school, among other things. A true renaissance man. Here's his thread... http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=24558

He also keeps a food blog on www.UniversalUSA.com, "Seasonings" found in THE EATING section.

**PIJW** · 06-09-10, 1:59 pm

Originally Posted by Universal Rep

Yup. The good brother went to culinary school, among other things. A true renaissance man. Here's his thread... http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=24558

He also keeps a food blog on www.UniversalUSA.com, "Seasonings" found in THE EATING section.

time for some reading at work now when i get a chance thanks U Rep

**G Diesel** · 06-09-10, 2:01 pm

I'll be here regularly to check in on the life and times of a good young dude with a bright future.

I'm sure it will be an educational and inspirational experience all at once. Your dedication and consistency never fails to motivate, my brother.

Answering the questions of those who seek you out will serve to help us all grow. No doubt.

Peace, G

**Birdman** · 06-09-10, 2:08 pm

Great thread bro! I know I'll be postin up questions for ya as they come. Your a good dude.

**Aggression** · 06-09-10, 2:11 pm

This will undoubtedly turn into a top notch, quality thread. I like it.

**JUGGERNAUT** · 06-09-10, 2:17 pm

You are going to get what you want out of life, just for the simple fact you know what it takes and have the work ethic; to finish what you start. Props buddy.

**J-Dawg** · 06-09-10, 2:18 pm

Awesome thread TTL. You're an inspiration to all the young guns out there. Here's a question that I got for you and one that I hear pretty frequently from guys just getting into lifting--What do you do when you're dieting around the holidays and go to relatives houses for meals? Or if you're hanging out with friends and they rest of 'em are drinking and you're on diet mode. How do you make sure you always get your meals in and aren't tempted to stray off the diet when you're just hanging out with friends/family?

**Rage** · 06-09-10, 2:24 pm

Originally Posted by treetrunklegs

Whats up fellas. I'm no mentor like Vinny G and may be no pro, and i certainly am not up to the rankings of some others here but as a young, aspiring bodybuilder, i get many questions, day in and day out. I love helping people, and showing people that, if you work hard, and give it your all .. things to come true. I left HS at a soaking wet 140 lbs. This past year, just 6 years after leaving HS, i was a solid 225 lbs. Not shredded, but i was there. I never in my life thought i would climb past 200, that number came and went.

People always doubt you, and they will continue to doubt you, thats just simply something we call Life. Life is not easy, and as many young athletes will tell you, that trying to find time for everything makes it very hard. I went to college, and I got my degree. I did all that school work, and sat in my class room, learning about shit i didnt want to learn. I plan on going back to school for Physical Therapy.

One day that day will come, right now its just extra part time classes to get the Science Pre-Reqs i need to simply apply. Working two jobs and having a full time GF are thrown into the mix, add that in with competitive bodybuilding, cars, cooking, surfing, beach, and you have a well rounded TreeTrunkLegs. This is me, and my story. So ask away, ill be more than happy to help any young guns looking for some guidance. I know what it's like to be young with all the temptations, like girls, partying and drinking. Even though you're young, you can do it. I am.

Here's a guy that is making something of his life and leads many down the path of the iron. Contribution through guidance, education and living the life. Always got your back brother...even though I'm an old gun : )

**C.Coronato** · 06-09-10, 2:27 pm

Originally Posted by Universal Rep

Very nice, TTL. Great to see you gettin' some props. I know a lot of young fellas look up to the IFBB pros. As pros, they gotta know what they're talkin' about right? They did it, so they have all the answers, right??? Nope. Truth is, the way they do things, what they do... Very different from what us mortals do. Truth is, a lot of the advice they give about what they do wouldn't work for us. Guys like TTL, he knows the score. Knows what it takes to be young and hungry. He knows how hard it is juggling work, girls, partying, drinking, etc. TTL is a young cat. He knows what it's like to be young and an aspiring bodybuilder. That's what its all about, ain't it? Aspirin' to something greater?

Like the title of your thread. Any reference to your cookin' and "ground" beef? Haha.

haha, Always cooking references. Its constantly on my mind. Appreciate the good words U, i truly do.

Originally Posted by PainIsJustWeakness

Very nice TTL, you have a lot of offer these new young guns that need some answers. Hope some take the advantage of this, i know ill watch it cause i myself have asked you from time to time a few questions cause in the end i trust ya.

Thanks brotha, i appreciate the support. I like to be open and honest to people, and help any where i can.

Originally Posted by Universal Rep

He's a young gun himself, haha. If anyone can understand how tough it can be as a bodybuilder and a young kid, it's TTL...

I'll start. At your age, how do you resist the temptation to go out partying all the time? When I was 18-22, it was all I did...

Well, that i guess started as a younger TTL. I am the youngest of three, and i grew up in a fairly strict home. My father wasnt around much, as we was traveling with work. Mom was good to me, and she will always be close to my heart, but once Pops came home, all hell broke loose. Im not sure why i never picked up cigs or a beer, considering most of my friends did at 13-14 years old. It didnt interest me, and sooner or later, i get the rep of the kid who didnt drink. Noone really understood it, but it kept me going. Into college i got into a semi serious health kick, and that same rep stuck with me. I trained 7 days a week, and tried to eat healthy. I wasnt into competing yet, but i loved to train. My first drink wasnt until i was 21 or so, when my best friends father passed away. That was a hard time for all of us, i had a Budweiser in honor of him. Since then i can count on one hand the amount of times i have drank. Even know, i like to be 100% in control of myself, i dont like leaving anything to outside forces or to chance. Ill always be the DD and i have no problem with that. I have seen way to many people my age die and/or end up in jail because they are reckless. Dont get me wrong, i enjoy a drink or two here and there in the offseason, but it simply wasnt something i was interested in. So i guess now that im dieting, and very strict, going out once a while and grabbing a water, is nothing new, dieting or not.

Originally Posted by Universal Rep

Agreed. Not just knowledge though... But leading by example. Though I understand TTL is a wizard in the kitchen. They don't call him the Count of the Kitchen for nuthin, haha.

Haha, The Chef, here and at your service.

Originally Posted by PainIsJustWeakness

Never heard that about him, would love to see some chicken recipes from him, since me and my wife kill off a farm each week of chicken, PLZ enlighting up Count of the Kitchen

Ill get up some recipes for chicken on the blog, i actually just read a really good sounding crispy chicken one. Ill get that up ASAP.

Originally Posted by Universal Rep

Yup. The good brother went to culinary school, among other things. A true renaissance man. Here's his thread... http://forum.animalpak.com/showthread.php?t=24558

He also keeps a food blog on www.UniversalUSA.com...

Thanks U.

Originally Posted by G Diesel

I'll be here regularly to check in on the life and times of a good dude with a bright future.

I'm sure it will be an educational and inspirational experience all at once. Your dedication and consistency never fails to motivate, my brother.

Answering the questions of those who seek you out will serve to help us all grow. No doubt.

Peace, G

Thanks G. I appreciate your constant support my man.

Originally Posted by Birdman

Great thread bro! I know I'll be postin up questions for ya as they come. Your a good dude.

Awesome. Im here and ready brother.

Originally Posted by Aggression

This will undoubtedly turn into a top notch, quality thread. I like it.

Thanks for the support A. You, of all people, know how hard it is to do everything. So thanks brotha.

**C.Coronato** · 06-09-10, 2:36 pm

Originally Posted by CRUSHERNAUT

You are going to get what you want out of life, just for the simple fact you know what it takes and have the work ethic; to finish what you start. Props buddy.

Appreciate it Juggs. Your someone who has been through it, and know how it goes. So thank you my man.

Originally Posted by J-Dawg

Awesome thread TTL. You're an inspiration to all the young guns out there. Here's a question that I got for you and one that I hear pretty frequently from guys just getting into lifting--What do you do when you're dieting around the holidays and go to relatives houses for meals? Or if you're hanging out with friends and they rest of 'em are drinking and you're on diet mode. How do you make sure you always get your meals in and aren't tempted to stray off the diet when you're just hanging out with friends/family?

Good question for sure. Well for one, if its holiday time, i TRY my best to not have to diet then. I love holidays, as i dont see family much, i want to enjoy it as best as i can. That being said, i have had many instances where i have had to skip on certain things due to the diet. For instance, last week was my GFs bday, she had cake twice. One cake i made her from scratch and we had it at her family's house. The second one was a night out at a nice club/restaurant with a bunch of friends. Both times, i had to sit out and watch. Most people understand now what im doing, and why i do it, so i dont get too much pressure from anyone. When i first got into competing and strict dieting, i actually had a very hard time sticking to the diet on my days off from work. I found my self missing meals, scrummaging and trying to find alternatives. Needless to say, my first 8 week diet, wasnt the best. Over these few years, i have learned to adapt. Weekend days are no different then the rest of the week .. I make my meals for the day and keep them with me in my car all the time. I would say 95% of my weekend meals are eaten cold and on the run. I set my phone alarm to go off 3 hours from when i finish my meal, that way i dont have to worry about thinking about it, i know when it goes off, its time to eat. And hanging out with friends who are out drinking, having snacks, ect .. it simply wasnt an issue to me. I dont get cravings for a beer or anything like that. I just know its not happening, so its out of my mind. I do crave things like fruit and CarbRite Bars though lol. I try my best to have absolutely no down time, if im busy, the day goes quick, and ill be in bed before i know it.

Originally Posted by Rage

Here's a guy that is making something of his life and leads many down the path of the iron. Contribution through guidance, education and living the life. Always got your back brother...even though I'm an old gun : )

Your an inspiration to many of us Young Guns as well Rage. Your knowledge has helped so many people, its unbelievable. I appreciate the support my man. Keep rockin on your end, few more weeks till your back on the stage.

**naturalguy** · 06-09-10, 2:54 pm

It's about time you got your own Q & A. I know you have a lot of knowledge to spread and you are gaining a lot of stage experience.

what is your ultimate goal with bodybuilding? Are you shooting for a pro card?

**B Con** · 06-09-10, 3:08 pm

SUBBED for the wealth of info/knowledge from my man TTL. Good stuff.

**Universal Rep** · 06-09-10, 3:20 pm

Originally Posted by naturalguy

It's about time you got your own Q & A. I know you have a lot of knowledge to spread and you are gaining a lot of stage experience.

what is your ultimate goal with bodybuilding? Are you shooting for a pro card?

Hey NG, remember when you were young and aspirin' like TTL? When was that again? 1964?

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