While most eighth grade boys are content to chase girls and watch television, 14-year-old Jake Schellenschlager from Maryland is busy preparing himself to deadlift 350 lb barbells. While his parents are hopeful he will one day make the Olympic team, Jake would rather immaculate Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career.
Jake was only 11 when he started working out to offset his body issues. In fifth grade at the time, Jake weighed a mere 65 pounds.
Three years later he has added over 55 pounds to his 5-foot-3 frame of solid muscle, and doesn't plan to stop any time soon. He told In Touch that it has become a way for him to feel good about himself:
“I wanted a bigger body. I feel accomplished. I’d like to make it my career.”
His health nut dad Chris opened the door to his son’s obsessive hobby, when he asked him to tag along with him to the gym 3 years ago.
The 42-year-old would like to see his son go on to join the U.S. Olympic team, when he becomes old enough. Chris told In Touch, “ He has what it takes. He’s got the drive and the heart.”
Jake certainly has the discipline too. He almost never gives in to temptations to eat food and hardly rewards himself with treats even in the off season.
His diet is just as important to him as his work outs, he told In Touch:
“I have to eat healthy. I don't eat junk food. During the off-season for competitions, I’ll have some pizza. I do miss Taco Bell.”
Someone get that boy some Taco Bell; he’s earned it.
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