I applied for the army in winter 2008 and started running and practising very basic callisthenics (press-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups). This is following having suffered a severe injury (lower back) during a 5-a-side football match. After a delayed checkup at the hospital I was told there was no major damage. I was working in IKEA picking jobs at the time.

 

During some of the lifting tasks, I was suffering severe pain and would often find myself having to stop. Even putting on my shoes was a problem. 

 

Having had intense chiropractic care on the follow-up to basic training and during it was clear I would have to do something else. This was no quick fix.

 

My physiotherapist in phase 2 training had said to me, 'The stronger your muscles are, the longer it will take to break them down'. 

 

She sent me down a path which is responsible for where I am now. 

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Lifting weights for rehab. Deadlifts and pull-ups. That was my cure.

 

To go from struggling to sit down, and tying your laces, to lifting just shy of 2x bodyweight off the ground. Anything is possible with the right help..