Transformation: Dan Maciejewski, From Chubby to Skinny To Jacked

What Was Your Life Like Before Your Transformation?

I actually started out as a chubby kid. When I was 17 I decided to lose weight before my senior year. I knew nothing about nutrition or lifting and cut drastically from 165 to 125.

I was always self-conscious of how I looked and hated taking my shirt off even at a pool party or beach atmosphere.

Please Detail Your Turning Point

I was 17 and decided I wanted to enlist. I dropped 40 pounds in order to do so. Looking in the mirror I realized I did not seem healthy and decided to bulk, after a solid two-year bulk I believe it was successful.


What Were Your Major Struggles or Challenges? 

Getting caught in a rut and a plateau. Constantly weighing in at the same weight no matter how hard I tried. Sometimes it feels like the harder you try, the faster you go nowhere.

Detail Your Workout and Cardio Plan During Your Transformation

Because I needed to put on mass, my cardio was limited to a 5 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down. Typically on the elliptical.

• Monday: Back, biceps, traps
• Tuesday: Chest, abs, hamstrings
• Wednesday: Shoulders, triceps, rear delts
• Thursday: Back, biceps, traps, quads
• Friday: Chest, abs
• Saturday: Shoulders triceps, rear delts, legs

Detail Your Diet/Eating Plan During Your Transformation

I mostly just utilized IIFYM with myfitnesspal as my biggest tool.

Detail Your Supplement Plan During Your Transformation

• Pre-workout was C4 or Mr. Hyde
• Post workout-local brand protein/MTS

What Was Your Major Accomplishment, or Major Milestones?

Getting past the 165 pound stalemate was huge for me. Also starting to see mass on my frame over time was both rewarding and motivating.

Detail Your 3 Biggest Mistakes

1. Should have done more cardio.
2. Should have never cut so drastically to begin with.
3. Trained more independently.

3 Biggest Things You Learned During Your Transformation?

1. Nutrition is king.
2. Never give up, even when you plateau.
3. Don't worry what the scale says.

Final Words of Advice for Others Looking to Make a Change?

Become motivated and Inspired for yourself, not for anyone else. Never quit on yourself, always persevere.

This was a two year transformation, anything is possible.