You've always had such a positive influence on me. I'm incredibly happy to see you blossoming with your family priorities and self acceptance in terms of where your life and fitness goals are now! That takes huge amounts of bravery and self reflection to be able to accept that your life is changing and that its a Wonderful change! Please don't worry about your body- you're as handsome as ever and I know your family loves you even more for your presence with them!
For me, the reason why seeing you on the cover of magazines meant so much was because of what an inspirational leader you are, and not because of what your body looked like. 🥰
Love this. Started following you after the Men’s Health cover. Totally relate to your journey as it’s very similar to mine. Now I make working out about my love of exercise and longevity and try to keep away from diet mentality and restriction as it just makes you feel like shit. As you say it’s hard as that ED voice can always slip back in and that negative body image thinking be triggered. You look absolutely great now btw. You really do. Happiness is everything ❤
I'm really glad you posted this. I followed you back in the day amidst my own disordered eating, and similarly I've spent a lot of years redirecting my life away from the overwhelming desire for my body to be XYZ. The eating disorder thoughts have been popping up louder lately, and in fact I came to your channel looking to feed them a little bit but I am so so greatful this video popped up instead. Mens Health was a great accomplishment for the time, but I think it's more admirable to see how you value joy and connection to your family as well as finding ways to keep movement in your life. As trans men we get to forge our own idea of what Men' Health means, not some arbitrary standard set by a magazine. Its inspiring to see the life that you've built for yourself, I'm happy you'e here.
Still love watching your videos, 10 years later! You're an amazing inspiration to me with fitness! I ended up falling at work and broke my femur, 2 years ago. It turned into 2 years of pulsating pain, and 2 surgeries, but now I've improved since getting a cortisol shot. Im now working hard in physical therapy to get my strength and stamina back. So yea pushing myself to get strong again! Thanks Aydian!
Thank you, yes it was a rough last 2 years, but my pain is a 2 or 3, when it used to constantly be a 10. And I would LOVE to see some more fitness videos from, you! You are AWESOME!
Our experience of fitness is very similar! I also was at my leanest at 145 lbs and the same way was just always looking at food as how many calories/macros. Also admitted I had an eating disorder and stopped restricting myself. Still finding the balance of where to fit some fitness into my life cause I miss lifting weights
The constant battle between the eating disorder mind and the sane mind. I feel like I’m constantly talking back to it. But it does sit there and say horrible things to me “you’re lazy, you’re fat, you’re a slob, etc etc etc.” I think it’s important to remember like you said that your life is different now. The same is true for me and I’m trying to remind myself of that too. That was an old season of your life!
I feel like you and me and others all share this experience. And with the way society holds up this idea that you need to be lean your whole life and if you cant find the time, you make the time and youre just not disciplined enough- its a tough battle. I'm glad you found some more time with your sane mind. I just try to find the things I enjoy and remember I feel better when I do them when I don't. Its a hard balance! Sending u love my friend!
I think it's really great that you're opening up about the reality surrounding your mental health when you were modeling. I struggled a lot because Ive never really had the time to dedicate to the gym in order to achieve a lean look like that. It took a while, but Ive finally grown to be okay with not being the epitome of fitness, but I still think I look good! I think a cool video might be a workout you would recommend for people who can only go to the gym twice or three times a week. Thank you for always being real, I send my best wishes for the rest of your journey
Dude! Who gives a f**k what anyone has to say about the way you look! The only thing that matters is if you're happy and healthy. A person can be skinny or lean as hell but can be unhealthy. You look great, man! I wish you well with your mental health. I am glad you are in a much better place now, though. It's tough being trans and looking at your body and not seeing it the way it should look. To also be dealing with an E.D. is also tough. I'm sorry you've been dealing with all of that. I think you're a beast, regardless of your body type. I've watched your videos from the beginning and always enjoyed your outlook on your transition and life in general. I wish you all the best. P.s. if it's not going to affect your mental health, I think it'd be cool to have some workout videos. Having another trans guy give pointers and proper workout techniques would be helpful. I know I personally would enjoy the content. Most of all, just do what's best for you.
Hey, I'm happy to support a positive influencer for our community! But yea, that would be great. I enjoy your videos regardless of the content. As long as you are happy and enjoy the content you are putting out, that's what's up. 😁
Hi Aydian! We actually met at the Trans Health Conference a few years ago. It felt like such an honor meeting you! Since then I’ve had total lap. hysto and gained some lower belly fat which has been a struggle to lose. I can’t even fit into my pants anymore due to waist size going up. I’m not sure if you had any issues with keeping fat off the belly post-hysto and noticed any metabolism changes? My metabolism slowed down so I don’t eat as much as before yet the belly fat has been a struggle to lose even when I exercise. Thanks for reading this 😊
Hey!! Hmmm...I cant say I noticed it post hysto. I could imagine if your hormones (E or T) levels are well, then weight gain or loss could occur. But I would think that having healthy T levels would counter balance the hysto? Who knows tbh. What i've learned all these years is that bodies are all different, and kinda weird haha Maybe you just feel more 'complete' and dont feel a need to fit into some perfect man box anylonger? Just a thought! Either way- sending love ur way
You look darn good to me Aydian! 👍💪 I'm trans, found out when I transitioned I'm now gay because I'm attracted to mainly masculine, it's hard to explain that to the people that ask me lol. I'm also a bit on the fluffy side, so to me, any type of muscle definition (in my mind) means healthy/fit ☺ I'm seeing in your videos how much your family loves you and is much happier having you around, that's what counts ✌
Thats so cool that you have a healthier relationship with food and working out, its awesome! i was wondering if you could do a beginner gym guide for trans people? I’m pre-t and really want to go to the gym but idk how to use any of the machines and if i’m gonna be judged and locker rooms and everything, i’d love some help man
I hope you’ll receive this. You’ve been goals at every part of your journey for me. Pre T to now. Mentally and physically I have walked to whatever curb you were selling from and bought the whole lot. I had to say it. Now, what are your thoughts on Mike Mentzer’s training style? Do you ever watch Chris Bumstead or any other olympians? Just for inspiration purposes. Just curious who you follow for inspiration. Is it possible to get passionately curious about new things and not wake up the gremlins for you?
haah! I think I go back and fourth. I watch the Mr Olympia and I follow Christian Guzman, Cbum, PRfitness (i cant think of the full name), Jeff Nippard. I find the science guys informative, and the others I can get triggered by tbh- but they tend to focus on other things in life outside of fitness also. I tend to follow- unfollow- follow- unfollow. Depends on the season of my life lol
Cmon Aydan! The reason I followed you was never because of your body. It was your authenticity and determination that always have been inspiring.
You've always had such a positive influence on me. I'm incredibly happy to see you blossoming with your family priorities and self acceptance in terms of where your life and fitness goals are now! That takes huge amounts of bravery and self reflection to be able to accept that your life is changing and that its a Wonderful change! Please don't worry about your body- you're as handsome as ever and I know your family loves you even more for your presence with them!
Thank you so much!
For me, the reason why seeing you on the cover of magazines meant so much was because of what an inspirational leader you are, and not because of what your body looked like. 🥰
Wow, thank you!
Love this. Started following you after the Men’s Health cover. Totally relate to your journey as it’s very similar to mine. Now I make working out about my love of exercise and longevity and try to keep away from diet mentality and restriction as it just makes you feel like shit. As you say it’s hard as that ED voice can always slip back in and that negative body image thinking be triggered. You look absolutely great now btw. You really do. Happiness is everything ❤
I'm really glad you posted this. I followed you back in the day amidst my own disordered eating, and similarly I've spent a lot of years redirecting my life away from the overwhelming desire for my body to be XYZ. The eating disorder thoughts have been popping up louder lately, and in fact I came to your channel looking to feed them a little bit but I am so so greatful this video popped up instead.
Mens Health was a great accomplishment for the time, but I think it's more admirable to see how you value joy and connection to your family as well as finding ways to keep movement in your life. As trans men we get to forge our own idea of what Men' Health means, not some arbitrary standard set by a magazine. Its inspiring to see the life that you've built for yourself, I'm happy you'e here.
Still love watching your videos, 10 years later! You're an amazing inspiration to me with fitness! I ended up falling at work and broke my femur, 2 years ago. It turned into 2 years of pulsating pain, and 2 surgeries, but now I've improved since getting a cortisol shot. Im now working hard in physical therapy to get my strength and stamina back. So yea pushing myself to get strong again! Thanks Aydian!
whoo- that sounds rough! way to stay positive and keep your head up!
Thank you, yes it was a rough last 2 years, but my pain is a 2 or 3, when it used to constantly be a 10. And I would LOVE to see some more fitness videos from, you! You are AWESOME!
Our experience of fitness is very similar! I also was at my leanest at 145 lbs and the same way was just always looking at food as how many calories/macros. Also admitted I had an eating disorder and stopped restricting myself. Still finding the balance of where to fit some fitness into my life cause I miss lifting weights
The constant battle between the eating disorder mind and the sane mind. I feel like I’m constantly talking back to it. But it does sit there and say horrible things to me “you’re lazy, you’re fat, you’re a slob, etc etc etc.” I think it’s important to remember like you said that your life is different now. The same is true for me and I’m trying to remind myself of that too. That was an old season of your life!
I feel like you and me and others all share this experience. And with the way society holds up this idea that you need to be lean your whole life and if you cant find the time, you make the time and youre just not disciplined enough- its a tough battle. I'm glad you found some more time with your sane mind. I just try to find the things I enjoy and remember I feel better when I do them when I don't. Its a hard balance! Sending u love my friend!
I think it's really great that you're opening up about the reality surrounding your mental health when you were modeling. I struggled a lot because Ive never really had the time to dedicate to the gym in order to achieve a lean look like that. It took a while, but Ive finally grown to be okay with not being the epitome of fitness, but I still think I look good! I think a cool video might be a workout you would recommend for people who can only go to the gym twice or three times a week. Thank you for always being real, I send my best wishes for the rest of your journey
'the epitome of fitness' that really resonated with me.
Dude! Who gives a f**k what anyone has to say about the way you look! The only thing that matters is if you're happy and healthy. A person can be skinny or lean as hell but can be unhealthy. You look great, man! I wish you well with your mental health. I am glad you are in a much better place now, though. It's tough being trans and looking at your body and not seeing it the way it should look. To also be dealing with an E.D. is also tough. I'm sorry you've been dealing with all of that. I think you're a beast, regardless of your body type. I've watched your videos from the beginning and always enjoyed your outlook on your transition and life in general. I wish you all the best. P.s. if it's not going to affect your mental health, I think it'd be cool to have some workout videos. Having another trans guy give pointers and proper workout techniques would be helpful. I know I personally would enjoy the content. Most of all, just do what's best for you.
Thanks so much for the love and support Vance.
Hey, I'm happy to support a positive influencer for our community! But yea, that would be great. I enjoy your videos regardless of the content. As long as you are happy and enjoy the content you are putting out, that's what's up. 😁
Hi Aydian! We actually met at the Trans Health Conference a few years ago. It felt like such an honor meeting you! Since then I’ve had total lap. hysto and gained some lower belly fat which has been a struggle to lose. I can’t even fit into my pants anymore due to waist size going up. I’m not sure if you had any issues with keeping fat off the belly post-hysto and noticed any metabolism changes? My metabolism slowed down so I don’t eat as much as before yet the belly fat has been a struggle to lose even when I exercise. Thanks for reading this 😊
Hey!! Hmmm...I cant say I noticed it post hysto. I could imagine if your hormones (E or T) levels are well, then weight gain or loss could occur. But I would think that having healthy T levels would counter balance the hysto? Who knows tbh. What i've learned all these years is that bodies are all different, and kinda weird haha Maybe you just feel more 'complete' and dont feel a need to fit into some perfect man box anylonger? Just a thought! Either way- sending love ur way
You look darn good to me Aydian! 👍💪
I'm trans, found out when I transitioned I'm now gay because I'm attracted to mainly masculine, it's hard to explain that to the people that ask me lol. I'm also a bit on the fluffy side, so to me, any type of muscle definition (in my mind) means healthy/fit ☺
I'm seeing in your videos how much your family loves you and is much happier having you around, that's what counts ✌
Thank you!!
Thats so cool that you have a healthier relationship with food and working out, its awesome! i was wondering if you could do a beginner gym guide for trans people? I’m pre-t and really want to go to the gym but idk how to use any of the machines and if i’m gonna be judged and locker rooms and everything, i’d love some help man
love it! I'll put it down as a future video!
I hope you’ll receive this. You’ve been goals at every part of your journey for me. Pre T to now. Mentally and physically I have walked to whatever curb you were selling from and bought the whole lot. I had to say it. Now, what are your thoughts on Mike Mentzer’s training style? Do you ever watch Chris Bumstead or any other olympians? Just for inspiration purposes. Just curious who you follow for inspiration. Is it possible to get passionately curious about new things and not wake up the gremlins for you?
haah! I think I go back and fourth. I watch the Mr Olympia and I follow Christian Guzman, Cbum, PRfitness (i cant think of the full name), Jeff Nippard. I find the science guys informative, and the others I can get triggered by tbh- but they tend to focus on other things in life outside of fitness also.
I tend to follow- unfollow- follow- unfollow. Depends on the season of my life lol
@@AydianDowling I love Jeff Nippard!! Great chest form and results! Going to have to find Christian Guzman!
You have a beautiful body, bro. Dont care about others thinking