Chi's journey from studying medicine to bodybuilding

How a bodybuilder stays healthy in and out of the gym

Twelve years ago, Chi Bang found his calling in life inside a classroom.

Bang studied medicine, and graduated from Holy Cross in 1997 with a pre-med degree in hopes of becoming a physician.

For three years, he conducted medical research and clinical trials at Brigham and Women's Hospital and New England Medical Center. His work in the hospital took him one step closer to medical school, but he soon realized his calling was no longer in medicine. He still wanted to help people, but not inside the hospital.

His found his new calling inside a gym.

"I just decided that the medical field wasn't the lifestyle I wanted to pursue," he said. "I tried to find other jobs but I couldn't find the passion in telecommunication sales or in a corporate environment."

Bang, 33, finally settled on a part-time job at Gold's Gym in Fenway after months of searching for a new career. When he applied, he expected a floor staff position but was instead offered a position as a personal trainer.

So for 12 years, Bang has applied his philosophy of healthy living to everybody from beginners to all-star athletes such as David Ortiz.

"In Western culture, people don't see doctors until the disease has happened," he said. "They're seeing doctors to cope with the problem instead of learning how to get to the root of it. I practice an Eastern philosophy of staying in shape as a preventative measure."

For Bang, his career suited his lifestyle. He played football and wrestled in high school, and continued to stay in shape throughout college. He initially struggled to balance school and working out, but he said he always managed to stay fit.

"I've always been active my whole life," he said.

Bang said being a personal trainer is not easier than becoming a physician. His earliest appointments have started before dawn, and his schedule has filled up to over 13 sessions in a day.

Despite the long hours and a packed schedule, Chi said he wouldn't have it any other way.

"With everything in life, you have to make sacrifices if you want something," he said. "I feel great in what I do. I'm doing work that I love to do."