One moment, I was at the top of the bodybuilding mountain—strong, confident, and in peak physical condition. The next, I was getting fitted for a prosthetic leg, forced to relearn one of the most basic human functions: walking. Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at us, and my below-the-knee amputation was one of the biggest I had ever faced.

Recovery wasn’t just about healing; it was about adapting. Residual limb pain made daily modifications necessary. The basics of fitness remained the same, but my goals shifted. At first, simply walking properly became my main focus. But I still wanted to look good, feel strong, and maintain my health. That meant taking a new approach to training—one that worked with my body instead of against it.

I was lucky to have people in my corner, supporting me through every step, literally and figuratively. Like the old saying goes, “Fall down six times, get up seven.” That mindset became my reality. Each setback was just another challenge to overcome. And in doing so, I added more chapters to my book of knowledge, allowing me to return to the gym with a smarter, more effective plan.

Now, with my team of fitness industry specialists, I’m paying it forward. We help others move forward, no matter what obstacles life throws in their way. The biggest piece of advice I can give? There is help out there. You don’t have to do it alone. There are people—like me and my team—who understand what it’s like and are ready to guide you.

No matter the forks in the road, there’s always a way forward. Let’s take that next step together.