Thanks Alpha M. for posting this... you must have been reading my mind just yesterday! I am 53 yr old and in the best shape of my life...but I was literally thinking that since my late teens, I was obsessed with 6 pack abs!!
I'm naturally skinny and I started working out around 2 years ago. Once I started seeing progress (all natural), it motivated me to keep pushing. I just came from a 120 push-up. A six-pack is something I'm looking towards. My workouts are done at home; I'm my own coach.
Not necessarily true. TRT is actually great for 99 PCT of people. Society today has a low testosterone issue and that's no matter how dialed in people are either
4yrs ago(45) i was in horrible shape for the first time in my life, then i got hurt and 6 month later i was in emergency surgery to prevent being permanently Paralyzed. Well i decided after that to get back in to shape. Im 49 and in the best shape of my life. I look better than probably 80% of people out there BUT it becomes an addiction. Im never happy and always feel like i look Fat.
hi. I'm 55. I recently went thru my second hip replacement surgery. Because i must maintain my weigth close to my ideal, i' going to start eat better, less beer, exercing, etc. In general a healtier life. At my age, im going to start over and im exciting to. In the process, i know im going to look better, the clothes will fit better, etc. a whole new begining. I watch tour videos, they guide and motives me. Best Regards
I’ve honestly found the best part of growing older is how your priorities change. I’ve been shredded and yolked before and still get insecure when my body is out of tune. But even so, I care less and it bothers me less because I’ve got so many more problems to deal with in life. And knowing I’ve “been” there somehow makes me more comfortable with not being there. Because I don’t need it. Nobody does.
Almost a decade since i started watching your videos. Thanks, my dad passed away almost 2 decades ago. Your videos helped me through the yrs to build my confidence as a young man to now. Before all that toxic alpha male influencers. Thank you
This is good stuff, young fellow. I will turn 76 on January 5th and have been at it since 1969. My approach is startlingly similar to yours: 4-5 days a week in the gym, daily cardio, and now, in the last few years, I start each day with a yoga session. I stand 5' 8" and weigh in at 170 which, although about 8-10 lbs too heavy makes for a pretty fine-looking physique and at my age, I have to get online to bump into anyone looking a lot better. I never had great genetics so my build is contingent on what I was given, however, consistency being everything at this age I win because most of the gifted ones gave up decades ago, I am sort of "the last man standing".
I’m really glad that you have addressed this finally! So important for men,And younger men Ecspecially. They need to know the practical side of working out and body building!
Alpha, great points and share of experience as always. I’ll be 28 this week, and recently I had this same dilemma where I hated myself for not looking how I did back when I was 23. It pushed me back into the gym, made me work hard, diet, and drink a lot less. Months later I still am not where I visioned myself to be but I feel phenomenal and still look great. This video just brought me back down to earth. Keep the videos coming M.
I gotta say I like this kind of content too, where you're just calmly talking about a subject in contrast to your usual format of videos, where you're energetic and dynamic and quickly saying all info with many jokes. Both styles are cool for different types of videos, but this is a breath of fresh air
Your story resonates with me. You & I are the same age. I'll be 49 next month. I grew up playing sports since I was 4 or 5 years old. I loved baseball & Taekwondo. Those were my two real passions as a child. I started running cross country in high school & participated in all 4 years. I did track a couple of seasons. But even with all this activity I got a little chubby as a teenager because I ate a bit too much fast food. I made a vow at the end of my senior year that once I started college I would start lifting. I did. You hear about the dreaded "freshman 15" where college freshmen typically gain 15lbs. In my case I lost 15lbs within the first 3 months of my freshman year to the point some of my relatives didn't recognize me. My face was much thinner with prominent cheekbones. I kept lifting eventually competing in a couple of bodybuilding contests my junior & senior year of college. I got down to the high 6% bodyfat range. Just like you mentioned I felt like crap. I completely cut out carbs eating only chicken & tuna for 3 or 4 weeks. I had mood swings. I was dating a girl at the time & we ended up breaking up. My sex drive was just not there. Mentally I wanted to but my body couldn't respond. I went to a counselor for a couple of sessions. My parents were concerned. I was addicted to that high I got when I was at the gym in the zone. I would spend 3 or 4 hours a day. I spent more time lifting than studying. Consequently, my grades suffered. I barely graduated. My obsession with lifting continued well into my 20's and maybe a bit into my 30's. I shifted to running more than lifting which was also a high for me when I got that runners high especially doing long runs. Like you mentioned overtime you just get tired & can't push your body as hard. I still work out-mostly at home with lighter weights & still run 5 or 6 days a week. I probably weigh about 150 or less. I am definitely not at 6% bodyfat anymore but like you I am in better shape the majority of people my age. Now I listen to my body. I don't beat myself up. I do what I can do & am content with simply eating healthy & exercising consistently without going to extremes like I did in my younger days. Looking back, I do realize that I pushed people away. I lost relationships & lost opportunities because I was so fixated on not missing a workout. I don't think there is anything wrong with exercise everyday, but it doesn't need to be 3 or 4 hours a session.
One of the best advice ever given on your channel Aaron 🙏🏻 I always worked out prior for my health because I was born disabled. Working out helps me to live the most normal life I can. And when I'm consistent, the older I am, the more I figure out that everybody should do the same: workout to be in a healthy shape. Being able to move normally to enjoy life, hiking, playing every sport you want ar your level and so on!
I’m 23 years old, I was in killer shape in August and September this year. I was shredded but I remember how tired I felt throughout the day. Then having back problems for doing ab exercises so I’ll just skip the workout. Now I don’t have a killer shredded abs and it’s depressing because I wanna stay shredded all year. Alpha just said it himself, it’s unrealistic. I’m restarting my fitness journey, I’m going to start lifting weights because all I did was calisthenics, and to take ab workouts nice and slow to get quality reps.
Aaron, this is a great video. Hope this is the direction you are taking this channel. As someone that has met you, I know you are a cool and genuine guy, and this is the direction you need to take the channel, make it cool and genuine. Also, I have tried Factor and they are delicious!! -Best wishes moving forward.
I've learned some good lessons in life. One of which being not to give 2 shits, what other people think about you, you embrace yourself fully as the creator made you, and if anyone else has a problem, they'll catch their karma. On the other way around, don't worry.
Whenever you chase happiness you never find what true happiness is. Enjoy the journey as you meet each and every goal in life. When one who chases happiness they find they are never happy.
I can totally relate I am 41 and still with a slim frame and some of my gym friends always say man you should gain like 10 pounds I just laugh at my age I am happy the way I look when you get 40 , it’s time to focus on the overall picture and not looks
I found something that helped me was physically doing something more. I’ve been active in sports a good part of myself and we normally pride ourselves more on what we can do than how we look. Sometimes it can be a great way from constantly checking yourself out in the mirror. Right now I’m currently trying to get my mile and a half down to 11 miles minutes. It doesn’t matter how I look if I can do it next month and couldn’t this month then there is progress
Mate this is so true...I got down to 6-7% body fat about 8 years ago...my body looked how I wanted it but my face looked like shit and I felt like shit!
I really enjoyed this video and its transparency. I struggle with self image a lot. I lost 62 pounds in a little over a year and still wish I was leaner so that my abs would pop.
I really enjoyed this video and its transparency. I struggle with self image a lot. I lost 62 pounds in a little over a year and still wish I was leaner so that my abs would pop but this has eased my mind. Thank you so much
I m in my late 20s , I m obsessed with this process n the way I look , u r right it’s never enough I m lean , but still I m not satisfied I have decent body but than when u open social media u feel shit Thankx for giving that perspective😊 following you from last 10 years , u r like a dad for dudes of our generation
Being comfortable with you body is so fuckin tough. Wherever you start your fitness journey, whether it’s fat trying to get lean or skinny trying to put on muscle you will also see yourself in the mirror as your previous self. It’s such a brutal process.
When I was a kid I was comically skinny and hated it. I lifted weights, drank protein shakes mixed with ice cream and ate as much food as I could. Nothing changed. Frustrated, I finally complained to my father. He told me I was a fool for wanting to “get big” because, as he explained it, it wouldn’t matter if I got big and muscular or big and fat, either way, it would mean more work for my heart and lead to a shorter lifespan. He said that the people I was trying to emulate might look great but they would die young due to heart issues. I have no idea if this is accurate, but it almost completely changed my POV. I still wanted to look good, but basically gave up trying to gain weight just to be bigger. And now, as an Old Timer, I’m grateful every single day that I don’t have a hard time staying at a healthy weight even while eating all the time (pizza, ice cream, pasta, etc). I’m no longer skinny, but I never got fat. Someday I’ll probably have the same conversation with my own kid who’s already showing signs of being a skinny little dude just like I was.
But doesn’t working out strengthen the heart muscle? I could understand if one’s taking performance enhancements or any thing the body doesn’t produce naturally, but exercise itself supposed to lengthen lifespan not shorten it. I never heard someone say don’t do exercise it’s bad for the heart? 🤷♂️
The bodybuilding/fitness industry has completely warped people's perspective on what's aesthetic. Most people outside the bubble don't even like the ultra-lean look, because it doesn't look natural or healthy. Unfortunately in these days of social media, that bubble has been expanding.
Peak Genetic Potential (natural) a catch phrase that’s stuck in my mind since I got back in the gym 3 years ago (you mentioned it). I just turned 65, and just found this channel today. You have my attention!👍
I dropped from 190 pounds to 150 pounds. I used to be skinny as a kid and when I was 19 years old. At 39, it definitely made me look at the mirror and see a person who looked pale in the face and sick. I went back to eating regularly and now am at 160 pounds. This video definitely helped me in realizing the damage I was doing to my body both mentally and physically.
I here you man. I went about the body problems I have struggled with in a different way. A few years ago right when I hit 32 years of age I was pushing 300lbs. I'm 6ft 1 and am all legs so I carryed it well but all my clothes started to rip. I was down to one set of miss matched clothes that kinda fit. So what did I do? I made sure to eat enough, I walked on top incline on the treadmill at a 3.5 pace every single day for twenty to thirty minutes. After that I would practice mobility and stretching for 15 to 30 minutes. Within 3 weeks, I had my full front and side splits. Withen 2 months I decided on practicing the ballistic movments with kettlebells. One year down the road I was 200lbs. Today I sit at 185lbs and have maintained my healthy weight, full motility and strength for a few years now. Im not made of money but I've started exspiramenting with clothes because I feel better about how I look.
This is really timely for me. 18 months ago I was 62 years old, 5'9" and a fatass at 244 pounds and over 34% BF. I decided to get healthy again and started HIIT and strength training. It took nearly a year to reach what I feel is healthy. My Test was barely 300, now in the 600 range. No TRT. BF is just under 22%, I am 185 in 32 waist jeans. Stronger than ever. I ran 9 miles this morning, preparing for my first ever Half-Marathon in February. I just completed my first Spartan ever, and am doing a triathlon and Hyrox next year. I don't have visible abs, I know it is diet, and I had about started chasing that monster. This video has reminded me to stay focused on metrics that matter. I'm not fat at all, blood work is great, Vo2 Max is in the top 10% for my age group. I'll stay grounded, Alpha. Thanks for the vid. Edit to add; I have been back on Factor for months now, and it is helping me meet my protein goals with fewer shakes and powders.
The key here is mental health. It's never a bad thing to pursue a goal, but you shouldn't make the things you struggle with your identity. That's a non-stop fight to exist essentially.
I am right here with you. Even when competing in physique I was scared to do off seasons because I didn’t want to lose my abs. I felt fat. I could eat a literal bite of something that wasn’t in my diet and I would look different to myself in the mirror. It has been this crazy obsession where I looked healthy to everyone but wasn’t. It’s never enough. Never lean enough, never tan enough, never big enough etc etc whatever the goal is it becomes never enough. I walked around contest ready, maybe a week out, for 9 months out of a year and burned myself out mentally and physically. Everything revolves around this obsession.
Totally agree! People always aspire to what they see in media but it is heavily curated- in movies a lot of times the actor’s trainer will first map out what the scene will show, and then just focus on the parts that will be shown. So it is not surprising sometimes they will just throw out leg days due to a tight schedule. Also, on the day of the shoot the actor will get sizable pump from pre shoot workout, lighting, grease, and even special effects. I know because several years ago I did a topless photo shoot and went through the same thing. I personally got a body transformation starting age 45 5 years ago, and decided to document my results after year 2. I pushed extra hard for this shoot and got down to 8%. Luckily, my goal is more Brad Pitt Fight Club than Thor, but even that it was not fun and not sustainable. Nowadays I am at 15%, not as ripped but a lot healthier. My daily workouts focus on strength training to prepare myself for having a functional body as I enter my older years. Combined with moderately controlled eating an aesthetic body is more of a side benefit.
Hmm, yeah what this guy is saying here is right . Am currently 29 years old and am at 8% bodyfat and have been this low on bodyfat ever since I was 27 so 2 years now and yeah it’s a living hell guys. Very restrictive eating and low carb and caloric deficit it just fucked me up . The only good thing is that I have a shredded 6 pack with a physique full of striations and that’s it. Everything else in life sucks. But to me it’s worth it cuz am making a living out of my physique as a male model.
You are not 8 percent i tell you. Have you ever seen a guy being real 10-12 percent? Such a guy looks absolutely shredded. Only pro bodybuilders on contest day go as low as 8 percent
My mother complains that she no longer looks like Selena. I hug my mother and say. Look at it this way, it was short lived but at least you were beautiful.
It's making me cry watching this guy, because it's so refreshing to see these Alpha Males be reasonable. He talked about people on social media just pushing and shaming people for their bodies and I'm happy to see that there are still people who like being in touch with their feelings, give healthy advice, caring about mental health and not be so extreme. This is a good thing.
The great thing about bodybuilding and staying fit is that you are competing against yourself. I think these young kids minds have been warped by social media and comparing themselves to others. Some of the things that you described I also went through. I got very fit naturally until I got injured and then I had a small health issue. You only have one body and certain genes. I had to realize I pushed myself too hard for too long. There is such a thing as becoming obsessed with the gym as well. Eating well helps with not having to be in the gym constantly. We have to realize that there’s things outside of life besides that.
The problem is I’m 22 and went through all of these. Now I’m just trying to have a good healthy bf% and my workouts have been just for the mind basically pumps no prs.
You’re a great face for fashion advice since you keep yourself in shape, eat right, and by doing so you keep a good silhouette physique when modeling us the many outfits to look like a sharp gq gentlemen 💪
The side effect of working out is that hou will never be satisfied with how you look but the best part is thag it will creat this idea in your head that you can do better and keep working
I'm 54 years old, been training for over 40 years. I'm very lean, 155lbs at 5'10" tall. I'd estimate that my bodyfat % is 8-10. I eat about 1,200-1,300 calories/day. My total and free testosterone are great (total was 861ng/dl) and NEVER took any PED's, just like you. One thing I do have like you said was lack of interest in sex. My wife doesn't mind, she's 49 years old and going through her hormone changes. Most days I feel great, but yesterday I was fatigued, yet trained and made it through. There are days I have higher calories than normal, not planned, but when my body tells me to. Those days aren't out of control, maybe an extra 200-300 calories, from carbs such as potato or rice. I don't do this for aesthetics, I do it for health. Blood pressure is great, no diabetes, no joint aches, no gastro issues. When I eat the occasional junk, I feel lousy, bloated stomach, so why do that? I eat egg whites, chicken breasts, 96% lean ground beef, cod, salmon, lots of greens and blueberries. The occasional potato or rice, again, how I feel that day. Nothing too extreme, but monitor calories is key for me. I get a lot of looks and compliments at the gym, lots of questions as to my diet and training....but again, I don't do this for the attention. I'm always friendly and willing to help with advice. It's all about health for me, not attention.
This video is so inspiring and he looks great. I hope he knows that but more sort of the fact that I thought the same way he did and I am seven years younger so I didn’t learn that till he was 38 but luckily, I’ve learned it now I look great. I feel great. I think I’m actually in better shape than when I was a teenager early 20s.
You still have a great body. Thanks for showing your perspective not alot of people see it that way because they are too focused on the journey to getting that perfect body. But its so true you can get carried away. I remember feeling like shit just for eating something i wasnt supposed. Now i take things lightly. You dont get fit in one day but you're also not going to get fat in 1 day.
Everyone should workout as much as they can within reason but they also need to know when to rest I used to workout everyday and my job is a lot of heavy lifting and being on my feet mostly all day my body would be in pain a long time then I watched the alpha m video where you said everyone needs at least one day off so your body can recover and now I’m not in as much pain these days
You were forced to get in shape becouse you are short and you had to maximize your SMV. That was your main mission you got. In order to have the women you love and not get cheated or dumped. But is not your fault for happening different. Its just the division instaled by the system betwwen men and women in order to brake them both, weak and disperate . There is nothing you could different, you did well, you did your task to be a high value man in a succesfully way. Now get the innerpeace, you deserve it becouse you did your mission , man.
If i don't work out 2 days and don't have activity, if i want to play some video games or something like that, 3rd day i go down on 70% of my power, natural completely, is extremely mentally hard to workout with good diet 3 years consistently, to know that, if i take rest 7 days its over, like i never worked out before in terms of straight
I'm literally turning 40 on Sunday. As far as working out is concerned my goal is simple...lose more of the belly and put on a little bit more muscle in certain areas. I at least want to look good in clothes. I still do ab workouts but that's to exercise core. Now if I suck in a certain way I do see a hint of abs there so I guess there's that. I'm 5'10" at 220lbs but the lowest I'm willing to go is maybe 190. 200 is kinda a sweet spot for me but I want to allow fluctuation. Life sometimes gets in the way and I want to prepare for that as well.
Six packs are overrated? No I think you mean being shredded is overrated. You can have a six pack and still feel healthy if you're at a healthier lean bodyfat/bodyweight
As a 42yo, drugfree man with a pretty much permanent 6pack, I cant relate to this. Low libido, never happened. And honestly no, it's not that hard to stay lean. I workout 6 days a week and I love it (that's what makes the difference probably, I just love training) and I honestly eat pretty much anything i want to. I just stick to eating high protein and I dont even really count my calories.
been listening to you since 2017 I was a teenager and now I have 2 kids, you're like a father figure to me, you saved me from the regrets when I will reach 40+ age limit, you're almost 50 and you blend in with my generation, talk like us, thank you alpha m.
He is always so honest, so concise, and so wholesome. I would prefer that young men listen to him than these other crackpot red pill types online. His emphasis on good dietary habits is very crucial for encouraging people to engage in healthy living.
I’m 20 years older than you and basically the same size as I was 50 years ago, and about the same size as you, (5’6”, 156lbs). I’m in the gym 3 days a week, (Core on Mondays, Pull on Tuesdays, Push on Fridays), with cardio and pull-ups each session. I walk 2 miles on Tuesdays and Thursdays and do at least 10 pull-ups on those days. I know I’m in better shape than at least 90% of men that are my age and proud of it. You don’t need 6pack abs… just stay lean and limber and you’ll look amazing in your clothes, and, you’ll feel great about yourself!!!
🎯 This was such a great topic to discuss. You know what Aaron, i was feeling the same emotions that you expressed in the video. While i was lean and had initial 6 packs i couldn't maintain it for more than few weeks. And than i used to feel frustrated and depressed. This led to more exercise and more diet control which messed up quite alot of things for me. So yes this is an excellent topic to discuss. 💯✔
The truth is that many influencers in the TH-cam community, particularly those flaunting six-pack abs, often struggle with their own insecurities. These individuals spend countless hours each day perfecting their bodies while advising the average person on fitness. But don’t be fooled by the façade. Strip away their chiseled physiques, and you might find they face the same challenges as anyone else. True confidence isn't just about appearances; it's about how well you cope with life's ups and downs. Instead of chasing an ideal body, focus on being happy with who you are. Prioritize eating well, staying active, and giving yourself time to relax and recharge. Surround yourself with kind, positive people who value depth over superficiality. That's the real key to fulfillment.
Use code ALPHAM50FREE to get 50% OFF plus free shipping on your first Factor box at
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Unfortunately Factor doesn't work in my city in Canada 😢
Man you had a great body
I am 53 and I was a gym rat, I am Italian as well lol
Thanks Alpha M. for posting this... you must have been reading my mind just yesterday! I am 53 yr old and in the best shape of my life...but I was literally thinking that since my late teens, I was obsessed with 6 pack abs!!
But who doesn't want to look like Captain America 😅
Health is wealth guys.
health is priceless
I'm naturally skinny and I started working out around 2 years ago. Once I started seeing progress (all natural), it motivated me to keep pushing.
I just came from a 120 push-up. A six-pack is something I'm looking towards.
My workouts are done at home; I'm my own coach.
The fact that you (allegedly) never took steroids for all these years while still having these insecurities is a proof you're extremely strong Aaron
True bro.
Bro true.
If that's what it takes to be extremely strong then we are actually weaker than we realize
Not necessarily true. TRT is actually great for 99 PCT of people. Society today has a low testosterone issue and that's no matter how dialed in people are either
Having optimized hormones is huge
You are in amazing shape dude!
4yrs ago(45) i was in horrible shape for the first time in my life, then i got hurt and 6 month later i was in emergency surgery to prevent being permanently Paralyzed. Well i decided after that to get back in to shape. Im 49 and in the best shape of my life. I look better than probably 80% of people out there BUT it becomes an addiction. Im never happy and always feel like i look Fat.
hi. I'm 55. I recently went thru my second hip replacement surgery. Because i must maintain my weigth close to my ideal, i' going to start eat better, less beer, exercing, etc. In general a healtier life. At my age, im going to start over and im exciting to. In the process, i know im going to look better, the clothes will fit better, etc. a whole new begining. I watch tour videos, they guide and motives me. Best Regards
I’ve honestly found the best part of growing older is how your priorities change. I’ve been shredded and yolked before and still get insecure when my body is out of tune. But even so, I care less and it bothers me less because I’ve got so many more problems to deal with in life. And knowing I’ve “been” there somehow makes me more comfortable with not being there. Because I don’t need it. Nobody does.
Almost a decade since i started watching your videos. Thanks, my dad passed away almost 2 decades ago. Your videos helped me through the yrs to build my confidence as a young man to now. Before all that toxic alpha male influencers. Thank you
*3 rules that I live by*
1 - Be comfortable in your own skin
2 - Know where you're going, and
3 - Have fun while you're doing it
This is good stuff, young fellow. I will turn 76 on January 5th and have been at it since 1969. My approach is startlingly similar to yours: 4-5 days a week in the gym, daily cardio, and now, in the last few years, I start each day with a yoga session. I stand 5' 8" and weigh in at 170 which, although about 8-10 lbs too heavy makes for a pretty fine-looking physique and at my age, I have to get online to bump into anyone looking a lot better. I never had great genetics so my build is contingent on what I was given, however, consistency being everything at this age I win because most of the gifted ones gave up decades ago, I am sort of "the last man standing".
I’m really glad that you have addressed this finally! So important for men,And younger men Ecspecially. They need to know the practical side of working out and body building!
Alpha, great points and share of experience as always. I’ll be 28 this week, and recently I had this same dilemma where I hated myself for not looking how I did back when I was 23. It pushed me back into the gym, made me work hard, diet, and drink a lot less. Months later I still am not where I visioned myself to be but I feel phenomenal and still look great. This video just brought me back down to earth. Keep the videos coming M.
Bro I turn 28 on the 13th!
@ I also turn 28 on the 13th 🦂🫡
I gotta say I like this kind of content too, where you're just calmly talking about a subject in contrast to your usual format of videos, where you're energetic and dynamic and quickly saying all info with many jokes. Both styles are cool for different types of videos, but this is a breath of fresh air
Your story resonates with me. You & I are the same age. I'll be 49 next month. I grew up playing sports since I was 4 or 5 years old. I loved baseball & Taekwondo. Those were my two real passions as a child. I started running cross country in high school & participated in all 4 years. I did track a couple of seasons. But even with all this activity I got a little chubby as a teenager because I ate a bit too much fast food. I made a vow at the end of my senior year that once I started college I would start lifting. I did. You hear about the dreaded "freshman 15" where college freshmen typically gain 15lbs. In my case I lost 15lbs within the first 3 months of my freshman year to the point some of my relatives didn't recognize me. My face was much thinner with prominent cheekbones. I kept lifting eventually competing in a couple of bodybuilding contests my junior & senior year of college. I got down to the high 6% bodyfat range. Just like you mentioned I felt like crap. I completely cut out carbs eating only chicken & tuna for 3 or 4 weeks. I had mood swings. I was dating a girl at the time & we ended up breaking up. My sex drive was just not there. Mentally I wanted to but my body couldn't respond. I went to a counselor for a couple of sessions. My parents were concerned. I was addicted to that high I got when I was at the gym in the zone. I would spend 3 or 4 hours a day. I spent more time lifting than studying. Consequently, my grades suffered. I barely graduated. My obsession with lifting continued well into my 20's and maybe a bit into my 30's. I shifted to running more than lifting which was also a high for me when I got that runners high especially doing long runs. Like you mentioned overtime you just get tired & can't push your body as hard. I still work out-mostly at home with lighter weights & still run 5 or 6 days a week. I probably weigh about 150 or less. I am definitely not at 6% bodyfat anymore but like you I am in better shape the majority of people my age. Now I listen to my body. I don't beat myself up. I do what I can do & am content with simply eating healthy & exercising consistently without going to extremes like I did in my younger days. Looking back, I do realize that I pushed people away. I lost relationships & lost opportunities because I was so fixated on not missing a workout. I don't think there is anything wrong with exercise everyday, but it doesn't need to be 3 or 4 hours a session.
Dude you literally have a 99th percentile physique of all age groups
This is a powerful message especially in today's age of crazy social media people.
One of the best advice ever given on your channel Aaron 🙏🏻
I always worked out prior for my health because I was born disabled.
Working out helps me to live the most normal life I can.
And when I'm consistent, the older I am, the more I figure out that everybody should do the same: workout to be in a healthy shape. Being able to move normally to enjoy life, hiking, playing every sport you want ar your level and so on!
I’m 23 years old, I was in killer shape in August and September this year. I was shredded but I remember how tired I felt throughout the day. Then having back problems for doing ab exercises so I’ll just skip the workout. Now I don’t have a killer shredded abs and it’s depressing because I wanna stay shredded all year. Alpha just said it himself, it’s unrealistic. I’m restarting my fitness journey, I’m going to start lifting weights because all I did was calisthenics, and to take ab workouts nice and slow to get quality reps.
Aaron, this is a great video. Hope this is the direction you are taking this channel. As someone that has met you, I know you are a cool and genuine guy, and this is the direction you need to take the channel, make it cool and genuine. Also, I have tried Factor and they are delicious!! -Best wishes moving forward.
Thank you. I'm 52. I needed this video.
Great video! I needed to hear this!
Thank you. I needed to hear this. It's like you're in my head.
I've learned some good lessons in life. One of which being not to give 2 shits, what other people think about you, you embrace yourself fully as the creator made you, and if anyone else has a problem, they'll catch their karma. On the other way around, don't worry.
That’s way harder than you make it sound “just don’t give a fuck” is near impossible for some of us
Loved it! Thank you Aaron for your honesty. I am 26 yo and it is a perfect timing..
I work out just to be healthy. As long as Im able bodied and feel good, Im good.
I wish the same for you Alpha! ❤
Thank you for your honesty and clear transparency. 🙏
Whenever you chase happiness you never find what true happiness is. Enjoy the journey as you meet each and every goal in life. When one who chases happiness they find they are never happy.
Nature/universe/God will never give you what you chase. Don't try to chase butterflies. Create a garden that attracts butterflies
This is 100 % truth being told
Your body knows best. Listen to your body only.
Amazing well said as a guy of 63 just starting on working out it was a wake up call to where my goal should be thanks 🙏🏼
I can totally relate I am 41 and still with a slim frame and some of my gym friends always say man you should gain like 10 pounds I just laugh at my age I am happy the way I look when you get 40 , it’s time to focus on the overall picture and not looks
I found something that helped me was physically doing something more. I’ve been active in sports a good part of myself and we normally pride ourselves more on what we can do than how we look. Sometimes it can be a great way from constantly checking yourself out in the mirror. Right now I’m currently trying to get my mile and a half down to 11 miles minutes. It doesn’t matter how I look if I can do it next month and couldn’t this month then there is progress
I told you all Tiege Hanley is the answer. But ya'll never listen 🤦🏻♂️
Saw this guy and that product years ago and yes its awesome
☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️
Mate this is so true...I got down to 6-7% body fat about 8 years ago...my body looked how I wanted it but my face looked like shit and I felt like shit!
why did your face looked like shit ?
I really enjoyed this video and its transparency. I struggle with self image a lot. I lost 62 pounds in a little over a year and still wish I was leaner so that my abs would pop.
I really enjoyed this video and its transparency. I struggle with self image a lot. I lost 62 pounds in a little over a year and still wish I was leaner so that my abs would pop but this has eased my mind. Thank you so much
I m in my late 20s , I m obsessed with this process n the way I look , u r right it’s never enough
I m lean , but still I m not satisfied
I have decent body but than when u open social media u feel shit
Thankx for giving that perspective😊 following you from last 10 years , u r like a dad for dudes of our generation
I need this dudes hair 😩😩
51, in good shape for 51. Feeling you bro.
Being comfortable with you body is so fuckin tough. Wherever you start your fitness journey, whether it’s fat trying to get lean or skinny trying to put on muscle you will also see yourself in the mirror as your previous self. It’s such a brutal process.
You are awesome guy. Authentic, wise and reflected
When I was a kid I was comically skinny and hated it. I lifted weights, drank protein shakes mixed with ice cream and ate as much food as I could. Nothing changed. Frustrated, I finally complained to my father. He told me I was a fool for wanting to “get big” because, as he explained it, it wouldn’t matter if I got big and muscular or big and fat, either way, it would mean more work for my heart and lead to a shorter lifespan. He said that the people I was trying to emulate might look great but they would die young due to heart issues. I have no idea if this is accurate, but it almost completely changed my POV. I still wanted to look good, but basically gave up trying to gain weight just to be bigger. And now, as an Old Timer, I’m grateful every single day that I don’t have a hard time staying at a healthy weight even while eating all the time (pizza, ice cream, pasta, etc). I’m no longer skinny, but I never got fat. Someday I’ll probably have the same conversation with my own kid who’s already showing signs of being a skinny little dude just like I was.
Bro I can relate I am 6-2 maybe 194 ..my friends still say I am skinny lmao 🤣
But doesn’t working out strengthen the heart muscle? I could understand if one’s taking performance enhancements or any thing the body doesn’t produce naturally, but exercise itself supposed to lengthen lifespan not shorten it. I never heard someone say don’t do exercise it’s bad for the heart? 🤷♂️
@@BMW323ciDriverI think you’re correct. He was trying to convince me that doing drugs was a bad idea.
Well said brother
The bodybuilding/fitness industry has completely warped people's perspective on what's aesthetic. Most people outside the bubble don't even like the ultra-lean look, because it doesn't look natural or healthy. Unfortunately in these days of social media, that bubble has been expanding.
Peak Genetic Potential (natural) a catch phrase that’s stuck in my mind since I got back in the gym 3 years ago (you mentioned it). I just turned 65, and just found this channel today. You have my attention!👍
I dropped from 190 pounds to 150 pounds. I used to be skinny as a kid and when I was 19 years old. At 39, it definitely made me look at the mirror and see a person who looked pale in the face and sick. I went back to eating regularly and now am at 160 pounds. This video definitely helped me in realizing the damage I was doing to my body both mentally and physically.
I here you man. I went about the body problems I have struggled with in a different way. A few years ago right when I hit 32 years of age I was pushing 300lbs. I'm 6ft 1 and am all legs so I carryed it well but all my clothes started to rip. I was down to one set of miss matched clothes that kinda fit. So what did I do? I made sure to eat enough, I walked on top incline on the treadmill at a 3.5 pace every single day for twenty to thirty minutes. After that I would practice mobility and stretching for 15 to 30 minutes. Within 3 weeks, I had my full front and side splits. Withen 2 months I decided on practicing the ballistic movments with kettlebells. One year down the road I was 200lbs. Today I sit at 185lbs and have maintained my healthy weight, full motility and strength for a few years now. Im not made of money but I've started exspiramenting with clothes because I feel better about how I look.
This is really timely for me. 18 months ago I was 62 years old, 5'9" and a fatass at 244 pounds and over 34% BF. I decided to get healthy again and started HIIT and strength training. It took nearly a year to reach what I feel is healthy. My Test was barely 300, now in the 600 range. No TRT. BF is just under 22%, I am 185 in 32 waist jeans. Stronger than ever. I ran 9 miles this morning, preparing for my first ever Half-Marathon in February. I just completed my first Spartan ever, and am doing a triathlon and Hyrox next year. I don't have visible abs, I know it is diet, and I had about started chasing that monster. This video has reminded me to stay focused on metrics that matter. I'm not fat at all, blood work is great, Vo2 Max is in the top 10% for my age group. I'll stay grounded, Alpha. Thanks for the vid. Edit to add; I have been back on Factor for months now, and it is helping me meet my protein goals with fewer shakes and powders.
The key here is mental health. It's never a bad thing to pursue a goal, but you shouldn't make the things you struggle with your identity. That's a non-stop fight to exist essentially.
Working out till failure is asking for trouble. At an older age a muscle,bone, joint is bound to pop, tear or break. Playing with fire..
Epic video start to finish. I’m Italian American as well and loving food ( and carbonated water) is in our blood.
Ayeee give me sum gabagool
Im getting back at working out again, my goal this season is to lose weight and gain some muscles as a filipino college student
I am right here with you. Even when competing in physique I was scared to do off seasons because I didn’t want to lose my abs. I felt fat. I could eat a literal bite of something that wasn’t in my diet and I would look different to myself in the mirror. It has been this crazy obsession where I looked healthy to everyone but wasn’t. It’s never enough. Never lean enough, never tan enough, never big enough etc etc whatever the goal is it becomes never enough. I walked around contest ready, maybe a week out, for 9 months out of a year and burned myself out mentally and physically. Everything revolves around this obsession.
Totally agree!
People always aspire to what they see in media but it is heavily curated- in movies a lot of times the actor’s trainer will first map out what the scene will show, and then just focus on the parts that will be shown. So it is not surprising sometimes they will just throw out leg days due to a tight schedule. Also, on the day of the shoot the actor will get sizable pump from pre shoot workout, lighting, grease, and even special effects.
I know because several years ago I did a topless photo shoot and went through the same thing. I personally got a body transformation starting age 45 5 years ago, and decided to document my results after year 2. I pushed extra hard for this shoot and got down to 8%. Luckily, my goal is more Brad Pitt Fight Club than Thor, but even that it was not fun and not sustainable.
Nowadays I am at 15%, not as ripped but a lot healthier. My daily workouts focus on strength training to prepare myself for having a functional body as I enter my older years. Combined with moderately controlled eating an aesthetic body is more of a side benefit.
Hmm, yeah what this guy is saying here is right . Am currently 29 years old and am at 8% bodyfat and have been this low on bodyfat ever since I was 27 so 2 years now and yeah it’s a living hell guys. Very restrictive eating and low carb and caloric deficit it just fucked me up . The only good thing is that I have a shredded 6 pack with a physique full of striations and that’s it. Everything else in life sucks. But to me it’s worth it cuz am making a living out of my physique as a male model.
You are not 8 percent i tell you. Have you ever seen a guy being real 10-12 percent? Such a guy looks absolutely shredded. Only pro bodybuilders on contest day go as low as 8 percent
Good video. This is back to classic Alpham advice videos. Keep it up
I have to disagree about the „cour body needs carbs“ thing. I dont eat any carbs and i feel fine.
Awesome vid alpha!
I needed to hear this thank you alpha
My mother complains that she no longer looks like Selena. I hug my mother and say. Look at it this way, it was short lived but at least you were beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your video man ❤
Thank you for sharing. So glad to hear it. I am just going to be happy if I lose an inch or two around my waist. 😊
It's making me cry watching this guy, because it's so refreshing to see these Alpha Males be reasonable. He talked about people on social media just pushing and shaming people for their bodies and I'm happy to see that there are still people who like being in touch with their feelings, give healthy advice, caring about mental health and not be so extreme. This is a good thing.
Don’t think we have factor in the uk but I’ve been using a very similar meal prep service called prep kitchen. Been a game changer for me
Dude you look amazing ALPHA!!!
The great thing about bodybuilding and staying fit is that you are competing against yourself. I think these young kids minds have been warped by social media and comparing themselves to others.
Some of the things that you described I also went through. I got very fit naturally until I got injured and then I had a small health issue. You only have one body and certain genes. I had to realize I pushed myself too hard for too long. There is such a thing as becoming obsessed with the gym as well. Eating well helps with not having to be in the gym constantly. We have to realize that there’s things outside of life besides that.
The problem is I’m 22 and went through all of these. Now I’m just trying to have a good healthy bf% and my workouts have been just for the mind basically pumps no prs.
You’re a great face for fashion advice since you keep yourself in shape, eat right, and by doing so you keep a good silhouette physique when modeling us the many outfits to look like a sharp gq gentlemen 💪
The side effect of working out is that hou will never be satisfied with how you look but the best part is thag it will creat this idea in your head that you can do better and keep working
I'm 54 years old, been training for over 40 years. I'm very lean, 155lbs at 5'10" tall. I'd estimate that my bodyfat % is 8-10. I eat about 1,200-1,300 calories/day. My total and free testosterone are great (total was 861ng/dl) and NEVER took any PED's, just like you. One thing I do have like you said was lack of interest in sex. My wife doesn't mind, she's 49 years old and going through her hormone changes. Most days I feel great, but yesterday I was fatigued, yet trained and made it through. There are days I have higher calories than normal, not planned, but when my body tells me to. Those days aren't out of control, maybe an extra 200-300 calories, from carbs such as potato or rice. I don't do this for aesthetics, I do it for health. Blood pressure is great, no diabetes, no joint aches, no gastro issues. When I eat the occasional junk, I feel lousy, bloated stomach, so why do that? I eat egg whites, chicken breasts, 96% lean ground beef, cod, salmon, lots of greens and blueberries. The occasional potato or rice, again, how I feel that day. Nothing too extreme, but monitor calories is key for me. I get a lot of looks and compliments at the gym, lots of questions as to my diet and training....but again, I don't do this for the attention. I'm always friendly and willing to help with advice. It's all about health for me, not attention.
Yep and most of the time they are taking pictures on really good overhead lighting
I love the „new“ Aaron
This video is so inspiring and he looks great. I hope he knows that but more sort of the fact that I thought the same way he did and I am seven years younger so I didn’t learn that till he was 38 but luckily, I’ve learned it now I look great. I feel great. I think I’m actually in better shape than when I was a teenager early 20s.
You still have a great body. Thanks for showing your perspective not alot of people see it that way because they are too focused on the journey to getting that perfect body. But its so true you can get carried away. I remember feeling like shit just for eating something i wasnt supposed. Now i take things lightly. You dont get fit in one day but you're also not going to get fat in 1 day.
Everyone should workout as much as they can within reason but they also need to know when to rest I used to workout everyday and my job is a lot of heavy lifting and being on my feet mostly all day my body would be in pain a long time then I watched the alpha m video where you said everyone needs at least one day off so your body can recover and now I’m not in as much pain these days
Great video 🔥🔥🔥🔥
You were forced to get in shape becouse you are short and you had to maximize your SMV. That was your main mission you got. In order to have the women you love and not get cheated or dumped. But is not your fault for happening different. Its just the division instaled by the system betwwen men and women in order to brake them both, weak and disperate . There is nothing you could different, you did well, you did your task to be a high value man in a succesfully way. Now get the innerpeace, you deserve it becouse you did your mission , man.
This is the alfa we want
Awesome comeback to masculinity alpha
If i don't work out 2 days and don't have activity, if i want to play some video games or something like that, 3rd day i go down on 70% of my power, natural completely, is extremely mentally hard to workout with good diet 3 years consistently, to know that, if i take rest 7 days its over, like i never worked out before in terms of straight
When we get ripped, we still aren’t happy. Now I just don’t want a belly or flabby boobs
Aaron. A good content after a long long time.
I'm literally turning 40 on Sunday. As far as working out is concerned my goal is simple...lose more of the belly and put on a little bit more muscle in certain areas. I at least want to look good in clothes. I still do ab workouts but that's to exercise core. Now if I suck in a certain way I do see a hint of abs there so I guess there's that.
I'm 5'10" at 220lbs but the lowest I'm willing to go is maybe 190. 200 is kinda a sweet spot for me but I want to allow fluctuation. Life sometimes gets in the way and I want to prepare for that as well.
Six pack abs are overrated. They come at a high price. I think there's a reason why most guys don't have six pack abs.
Six packs are overrated? No I think you mean being shredded is overrated. You can have a six pack and still feel healthy if you're at a healthier lean bodyfat/bodyweight
Working out and eating right is not a high price, its essential.
As a 42yo, drugfree man with a pretty much permanent 6pack, I cant relate to this.
Low libido, never happened. And honestly no, it's not that hard to stay lean. I workout 6 days a week and I love it (that's what makes the difference probably, I just love training) and I honestly eat pretty much anything i want to. I just stick to eating high protein and I dont even really count my calories.
Thank you for sharing!
Great video Cuz 😊
been listening to you since 2017 I was a teenager and now I have 2 kids, you're like a father figure to me, you saved me from the regrets when I will reach 40+ age limit, you're almost 50 and you blend in with my generation, talk like us, thank you alpha m.
respect for you
He is always so honest, so concise, and so wholesome. I would prefer that young men listen to him than these other crackpot red pill types online. His emphasis on good dietary habits is very crucial for encouraging people to engage in healthy living.
Focus on being the best version of your self and stop comparing yourself to others
I’m 20 years older than you and basically the same size as I was 50 years ago, and about the same size as you, (5’6”, 156lbs). I’m in the gym 3 days a week, (Core on Mondays, Pull on Tuesdays, Push on Fridays), with cardio and pull-ups each session. I walk 2 miles on Tuesdays and Thursdays and do at least 10 pull-ups on those days. I know I’m in better shape than at least 90% of men that are my age and proud of it. You don’t need 6pack abs… just stay lean and limber and you’ll look amazing in your clothes, and, you’ll feel great about yourself!!!
great video man, have not seen your video for a while
In TREN we trust!
🎯 This was such a great topic to discuss. You know what Aaron, i was feeling the same emotions that you expressed in the video. While i was lean and had initial 6 packs i couldn't maintain it for more than few weeks. And than i used to feel frustrated and depressed. This led to more exercise and more diet control which messed up quite alot of things for me.
So yes this is an excellent topic to discuss. 💯✔
0:00 If I see the picture from a distance, I can almost see Arnold Schwarzenegger
Like your honesty !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The truth is that many influencers in the TH-cam community, particularly those flaunting six-pack abs, often struggle with their own insecurities. These individuals spend countless hours each day perfecting their bodies while advising the average person on fitness. But don’t be fooled by the façade. Strip away their chiseled physiques, and you might find they face the same challenges as anyone else.
True confidence isn't just about appearances; it's about how well you cope with life's ups and downs. Instead of chasing an ideal body, focus on being happy with who you are. Prioritize eating well, staying active, and giving yourself time to relax and recharge. Surround yourself with kind, positive people who value depth over superficiality. That's the real key to fulfillment.