Why I decided to transform
My transformation journey began during my senior year of high school when I wanted to get the attention of my long-time crush and couldn’t compose myself due to my low self-esteem.
My two best friends enlisted in the Marine Corps while pondered over colleges that would devastate my bank account. Then it hit me. I was unhappy with life at age 18, looked in the mirror, and decided it was time to change.
I walked into the Marine Corps recruiting office a few days later. As I entered, a slim man who embodied the look of a Marine sergeant told me that I had to lose 80 pounds to enlist and I agreed. For the next eight months, I worked tirelessly to lose weight, gain the girl of my dreams, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
A year and a half later, I became a Marine and am dating the girl I nervously chatted up in high school. Most importantly, I have self-confidence.
Before
After
AGE 18 / HEIGHT 5’8″ / BODY FAT 19%
AGE 19 / HEIGHT 5’8″ / BODY FAT 12%
How I accomplished my goals
At first, I thought I had to drop weight fast. I basically starved myself, skipped meals, and ate carrots and strawberries. I knew little about weightlifting and even less about proper nutrition.
I lifted weights with my friend before school at 5 a.m. and did abdominal workouts in empty classrooms during study hall and lunch. After school, I ran a lot. This pattern went on for months and the intensity increased exponentially.
There were many low points. Until I realized that slow progress was still progress, I was miserable. I kept reminding myself that I’d accomplish my goals if I stayed with it.

Apply Here To Be A Transformation
Of The Week!
Bodybuilding.com honors people across all transformation categories for their hard work and dedication. Learn how our featured transformers overcame obstacles and hit their goals!
Supplements that helped me through the journey
Diet Plan That Guided My Transformation
Dieting was the toughest part of my transformation. At first, I went into starvation mode but soon discovered that I could accomplish manageable goals by slowly reducing my calories.
Whey Protein
1 serving
Eggs
4
Celery Stick
1
Chicken Breast
1
Plain Oatmeal
1 cup
Milk
1/2 cup
Almonds
1 cup
Strawberries
1 cup
Chicken Breast
8 oz
Peanut Butter
1/2 cup
Cool Fact
Clayton is a broadcaster for the Marine Corps YouTube page and its connected networks! He’s also as an editor of the Marine Corps YouTube, Facebook, Flickr, and Instagram accounts!
Training Regimen That Kept Me On Track
If you want to get big, you have to lift big. I focus primarily on free-weight exercises. I don’t use set formulas, percentages, rep ranges, or one-rep maxes. I use a five-day split and then restart from the beginning. I do cardio and abdominal workouts every day.
Dumbbell Bench Press
3 set of 10 reps, 1 set to failureBarbell Incline Bench Press – Medium Grip
3 sets of 10-12 reps, 1 set to failureDecline Barbell Bench Press
3 sets of 10-12 reps, 1 set to failureFlat Bench Cable Flyes
3 sets of 10 repsIncline Push-Up
3 sets to failure
Bent Over Barbell Row
3 set of 10 reps, 1 set to failurePullups (Weighted)
4 sets to failureBent Over Two-Dumbbell Row
4 sets to failureWide-Grip Lat Pulldown
3 sets of 10-12 repsPullups
3 sets of 15 reps
Preacher Curl
4 sets of 10-12 repsWeighted Bench Dip
3 sets to failureBarbell Curl
3 sets of 10-12 repsHammer Curls
1 set of 10-12 reps, 3 sets to failureIncline Dumbbell Curl
3 sets of 10-12 reps
Seated Dumbbell Press
3 sets of 10-12 repsSide Lateral Raise
3 sets of 10 repsDumbbell Shrug
3 sets of 10 repsPullups (Close-grip)
2 sets to failure
Barbell Squat
1 warm-up set, 3 sets of 10 repsLeg Extensions
3 sets to failureLeg Press
4 sets of 20 repsBox Jump
3 sets of 20 repsStanding Calf Raises
4 sets of 10-12 reps
What aspect challenged me the most
Dieting was the hardest aspect. I was miserable until I realized that I needed to live healthier overall rather than implement a quick-fix diet. Cardio was a close second, though.
My future fitness plans
I’m currently coming off of a great bulk. I went from 175 to 196 pounds. The next few months will be dedicated to a clean cut and a healthy lifting routine. There’s no end to sculpting a healthy physique. I’ll continue to lift weights and the spirits of those around me.
“Remain humble. Everyone is fighting their own battle. Lift up those around you.”
Suggestions for aspiring transformers
- Success takes time. If you want it bad enough, commit to it, and set realistic goals.
- Stay positive. Don’t listen to people who put you down. Negativity is cancer!
- Remain humble. Everyone is fighting their own battle. Lift up those around you.
How Bodybuilding.com helped me reach my goals
Bodybuilding.com helps when I lack motivation to run further or lift heavier. The motivation boards give me an extra push to get off the couch and better myself. Many BodySpace members give helpful tips in the forums.
Clayton’s Top 5 Gym Tracks
- “Papercut” by Linkin Park
- “After Midnight” by Blink 182
- “Never Enough” by Five Finger Death Punch
- “Next Year” by Two Door Cinema Club
- “How You Like Me Now” by The Heavy
Recommended For You

Body Transformation: Brandon Petrasso Went From 41% Bodyfat To 14%
Brandon bulked for football and ate recklessly during his youth. Check out the nutrition and training plan this teen used to lose 120 pounds before prom!

Body Transformation: Raphael Gabiazon Lifted His Body Into The Stratosphere!
Raphael had little purpose in life until his ripped uncle introduced him to bodybuilding. Now he lives with passion, self-discipline, and pride. See how you can too!

Body Transformation: David Zalec Is Transformation Motivation!
David’s bullies became his bros after he get ripped and garnered positive attention. Check out the training, nutrition, and supplement plans he uses to attack the weights!
Continue reading:
Body Transformation: Clayton Filipowicz Cut Down And Built Marine Muscle!