Bodybuilding.com Fit Team Member Spotlight: Michael Fillmore!

It's true that some people work in the newly knighted walls of Bodybuilding.com without ever getting fit. Others do bits here and there, abiding by the status quo. Yet others are affected at deeper levels. They try a transformation, lose the negative parts of themselves and their physiques. It's then that they change a little.

Little changes become big ones. Team members like Michael Fillmore see a little success and can't get enough of it. They cry havoc and let slip the notion of 'no.' They begin a life of affirmations.

Before he came here, he was overweight, and didn't know how to change it. If there was a bright center to the universe, Michael was on the planet it was farthest from.

With the help of a few friends, an organized rebellion within himself, and a new hope, he is getting closer to the light.

Fitness Declaration: "Never go back! Through victory, my chains are broken!"

Tell us a little about yourself … What is your position at Bodybuilding.com? How long have you worked here?

I have worked as a Business Analyst for the last three years.

What was your workout/fitness/nutrition level before working at Bodybuilding.com?

Horrendous! I almost never worked out, ate decently but too much of it, and did not take any supplements. At my worst I weighed 200 pounds and held probably close to 30 percent body fat.

What sort of competitions do you enter to prove your athleticism?

I don't do any competitions currently, short of the contests we have here at work.

Do you feel your recent competition has made you stronger, as an athlete and person?

The recent contests have definitely made me better as I am constantly examining new methods and trying new programs to reach my goals.

Before /// 197 lbs

After /// 181 lbs

You have participated in the many transformation challenges at Bodybuilding.com. Why do you sign up, and what do they teach you about yourself?

I sign up for the challenges because they give me some good short-term goals, but also provide me with a little more added motivation. They teach me that having short-term goals can be highly motivating.

However, they will force me to try new things I have not yet done. The more I do these contests, the more I realize how little I really know and I recognize the additional knowledge I need to gain to accomplish my goals.

What is it like working at Bodybuilding.com? Does it create a helpful fitness environment?

This is the one company where looking around makes you realize what you can do, and there are so many people who do it! It motivates you to join the club and be better than what you are right now.

As the company changed over the years, do you find that you had to change with it? How so?

I have definitely changed over the years. I have moved to different teams and worked for new people. I have expanded my knowledge and continue to learn on a daily basis.

How does the Bodybuilding.com environment influence your health, fitness and appearance goals?

"I have expanded my knowledge and continue to learn on a daily basis."

The environment creates a sense of responsibility and care for your personal appearance and goals. Everything around the company is geared toward making your life better and more effective—professionally, personally, and healthwise.

How do you balance your private goals with those of the company?

I balance my personal goals with the acknowledgment that I learn far more working with people around me, rather than fighting with them. Pride only hurts; it never helps!

Are there any negatives to the company? If so, how would you change them?

I wouldn't say negatives, but it would be fun every now again to go to the Olympia or one of the shows and see what it is like first-hand.

What are your co-workers like?

Can't stand them! Kidding. Our whole group is dedicated to making things right, quick, and effective. Sometimes that means having someone else look at it and give us their thoughts, which almost always gets the answer we want.

Did someone from Bodybuilding.com inspire you to reach your goals?

Shaun Erlebach has been such an inspiration for his physique and dedication. The fact that he is a Star Wars fan helps as well.

Have you inspired others with your new look and attitude?

My family has. My mom is looking for exercise tips and invites me over to eat healthier now. My dad has also lost more than 20 pounds and continues to praise my work.

What types of activities do you enjoy outside of work, outside the weight room?

I enjoy going to the Shakespeare Festival with my friends, bowling on Sunday nights, and the occasional card game. I love to read, still have more than 60 Star Wars books to finish and love listening to my music, playing Diablo, and enjoying my entertainment center.

You say your personality is not calm, but extreme, please explain?

I have a tendency to stir the pot, not in a bad way, but just to add a little excitement to the day. I have a whole philosophy around this which would take an hour to explain.

Short version: If you are going to do something, give it your all; never half-ass anything, otherwise you will miss the real benefits at the end. Often I am described as crazy … I just prefer to think of myself as ahead of the curve.

What is your favorite feature on the Bodybuilding.com website?

The compare the products feature on the store page, makes it easy to decide which to buy.

How does Bodybuilding.com help to motivate/support you, in fitness and life?

The fitness tracker and discount on the store give me motivation to try new things with less of a concern about how much my wallet is getting hit and the time off I have. The benefits from all the other programs also motivate me to stay on track.

Have you participated in the employee transformation challenge? How did that experience affect your life?

I have gone through two of them. The first was kind of a tester, only lasted six weeks. The one for this year however, meant getting a trainer, going for 12 weeks hard and renewing the sense that I wanted to go further.

Since then I have gone on to three different training routines. The one I am currently on involves German Volume Training.

Does practicing the bodybuilding lifestyle improve the productivity of Bodybuilding.com? If so, how?

I believe improving the lifestyle improves my productivity so I can get done faster and get my ass into the gym!