Tate Confer Loses Fat, Packs on Muscle

Before I started training and trying to better myself on a physical and mental level, my life was very similar to other high school teens. I ate what I wanted, stayed up late and didn't consistently train. My life was mostly about instant gratification and I didn't care much for hard work.

There wasn't a true "low" or "breaking" point for me. It was just a collective negative energy I had in my life that I aspired to change so I turned to the iron for answers. I just loved lifting and I didn't have a transformation in mind when I started; it was simply just fun.

I never really struggled In the early stages because it wasn't a forced process. I didn't feel obligated to train or pressured to eat a certain way; I just enjoyed doing it. Also, I didn't try to make many changes at once, I paced myself and added or took away things from my training or diet.

For example, I didn't cut out all the foods I enjoyed because that's not very sustainable. I decided just to scale back on things like fast food and sugary drinks. Little baby steps add together to make giant leaps when it comes to transforming your physique.

I would have to say that my first major milestone was probably when I first saw visible abs. It seemed very surreal because I always thought that having abs would be the greatest thing in the world and to finally have them showing was a very proud moment for me.

The diet during my transformation was a very, very gradual process. I did not follow macros or some sort of fad diet.

Transforming With Home Training

Training during my transformation was very basic. I did not go to the gym a single time during the entire process. I trained out of my garage which had a power rack, a barbell, interchangeable dumbells and only 390 lbs of total weight. Basic movements built my physique, no cables, no machines just the basics.

I am very grateful for starting in a garage gym because it taught me to respect the iron and master the basics of training (squat, barbell rows, bench, deads etc.). Cardio was done on a treadmill in my basement; I would do high-intensity intervals on it for about 45 minutes a day. I made the mistake of training too high volume.

I love volume training and still do it to this day but I was probably hindering my strength progress by doing two similar movements within a workout. For example, I might do overhand and underhand barbell rows for my back which both have their place in back development but maybe not within the same training session.

The final leg of my transformation was when I competed in a men's physique show. I started my prep only 4 weeks out because I was already extremely lean and I did not have to do much other than learning how to pose.

When I was on stage I felt like that was the culmination of all my hard work. I felt proud of myself and very pleased with how far I came in such a short period of time. There was never an "I made it" feeling because when building your physique, you are never finished.

The final leg of my transformation was when I competed in a men's physique show. I started my prep only 4 weeks out because I was already extremely lean and I did not have to do much other than learn how to pose.

No Fad Diets or Counting Macros

The diet during my transformation was a very, very gradual process. I did not follow macros or some sort of fad diet because truthfully I was not even aware of them. The only thing I was aware of was that I needed to keep my protein high, so that's what I did. It's very important to listen to your body; if you are struggling to lift, then eat more.

If you are gaining unwanted fat or not getting any leaner, then lower your carbs. My foods were considered "clean" as well. Supplements were not a part of my transformation. I didn't take creatine, BCAAs or anything like that. I lifted hard and kept the diet simple; in my opinion, that's the key to staying on track.

Transforming in a Social Media Age

In all honesty, I kept to myself. I didn't post pictures on social media or take selfies of my progress because that can really rub people the wrong way.

It also was never about that for me, I didn't seek outside acceptance or praise from others. I just enjoyed testing myself every day with the iron and seeing what personal progression I could make.

If I were to try to show off or make people feel lesser than me because I decided to start training and they didn't, then I'm sure people would have begun to hate me and that's the last thing I was striving for. Also, your doubters or haters aren't the ones to be concerned about or give your energy too.

After all, they're not the ones squatting for an hour straight or not giving into the temptations of food, you are.

In order to achieve the body you desire you must be fearless and have enough faith in yourself. You and you alone are the one doing the work so test yourself and don't give in.

Advice for Others Looking to Change

Have no fear. In order to achieve the body you desire, you must be fearless and have enough faith in yourself. You and you alone are the one doing the work so test yourself and don't give in. You can have anything you want in this life as long as you are willing to put in the time and better yourself physically and mentally every day.

Here are 3 tips:

1. Keep the diet simple. There is no magical formula for getting shredded so learn your body and don't follow a diet made to fit someone else.
2. Train with passion. I rarely see people training with any fire inside them. You have to be hungry for success and savage-like in your training. Never quit no matter how much it hurts or how crazy you look because those judging you do not have any power over you.
3. Use your mind. Bodybuilding is a very mental activity. You must learn to dig deep within your mind to find the power that you never thought you had. It's inside everyone waiting to come out. Everyone has that fire inside them and that drive to push past all limits they have set upon them by outside sources. You are the king of yourself and have more power than you know. Use it and I promise your life will change for the better.

I never failed before because I never attempted a transformation. I would say my key to success was just having it be my passion. Life is not worth struggling through or being unhappy so in order to succeed at what you do,

you must make it work for you.

My Training Now and Goals Moving Forward

I still train and love to train. There is nothing better than testing yourself against the iron. My current goals are to put on size and start a career in the industry. I aspire to help people find their inner drive and unleash it. Whether it's a competitive bodybuilder or a middle aged mother. I want to show people just how powerful they are and what can be done when they channel their energy.

I have learned how to train much smarter, I still train with very high volume but with a much more methodical approach. One of my favorite aspects of training is seeing how far I can push myself. You learn a lot about yourself when you're doing 50 rep squat sessions.

My diet is still relatively clean but I won't deny myself something if I want it. I just use common sense which I have developed from learning my body and I adjust my food intake from what I see in the mirror or feel in the gym.

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