A man who was once a skinny teenager who could barely pick up a barbell has revealed how he transformed himself into a real life Hulk, sharing before and after photos that have left social media users stunned.
Eric Janicki, 30, from Los Angeles, US, has hit the gym at least six times a week for almost 20 years, leaving him with bulging biceps and washboard abs rivalling the popular Marvel character.
His impressive physique sees him rubbing shoulders with Hollywood folk and has earned him 766,000 followers on his Instagram (@ericjanickifitness), where he has shared photos of his mind-blowing transformation.
As a 5ft 7in teenager with a tiny frame, Eric would often feel insecure around his peers.
It wasn’t until he was invited by his brother’s friend to go to the gym that something ignited inside the skinny young boy.
Within a few short years, he bulked up into an unrecognisable shape.
In a before and after post shared on Instagram, Eric can be seen dressed in fancy dress as a teenager on the left alongside a photo of him over a decade later, shirtless and with bulging muscles.
“I would struggle with my confidence as a teenager,” he told Jam Press.
“I was the smallest kid in class and it made me feel insecure. I felt like I didn’t fit in.
“I was so small people used to get me to pick up their pencils from underneath their cramped desks because I was the only one who could reach them.
“As soon as I went to the gym I fell in love with it.”
Eric’s post, which has since racked up 13,651 likes, was uploaded with the caption: “Age 17 to 29. Anyone that is in my circle knows how hard I work, how consistent I am, and how much this means to me.
“This doesn’t happen overnight. I started lifting when I was 12 and didn’t have that much muscle when I was 17 (still 170 lbs at 6’1”)
“I just kept pushing. I’m proud of how far I’ve come but will never be satisfied.
“I’m excited to show you guys my show form in 9 weeks.”
One Instagram user said: “Unreal transformation keep it up my man. Can’t wait to see the 29-35 !!”
Another social media user commented: “That is amazing. I can imagine the work that you put in.”
“From Bro to Daddy,” said a third fan.
Someone else wrote: “From a 9 to a 10!”
But some followers seemed to prefer him before the transformation, with one person commenting: “I like the leaner more defined you. It doesn’t really matter as long as you are happy with your progress. We all know we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to ones opinion of self.”
From 11 years old, Eric would hit the gym daily and the teenager quickly began bulking out, growing into a 6ft 1in ripped college student.
He kept up his fitness routine throughout university, all the while studying for a finance degree, which he started in 2009.
After graduating in 2013, Eric landed a job as a financial analyst but after a year had an epiphany and quit.
He said: “I remember being at my desk from 7am to 7pm and thought to myself what am I doing?
“I would wake up at 4.45am to squeeze in a workout but I had friends who would wake up later, train leisurely throughout the day and still get home before me.
“Once I got the idea about becoming a PT, I was hell-bent on getting my certificate.
“You only live once.
“I just knew I needed to make the leap”.
Living in West Hollywood, Eric realised he had a potential pool of rich and glamorous clients on his doorstep.
He now rakes in £149,000 a month as a PT to the rich and famous who want to achieve his Hulk-like appearance.
Many have made passing comments online and in person to compliment his physique.
He added: “It is very empowering to hear that. It makes all of the hard work worth it.”
