"External validation is never going to be as important as your internal wellbeing" Josh Brett. This single sentence is so freaking true. I wish more people knew this. Thanks once again Josh for an honest and brilliant video.
Sure, that's true, but people also pretend that internal wellbeing is in very large part fueled by external validation. You're not just gonna meditate yourself into being happy.
I think the thing i learned from working out was to just set and forget your exercise regime. Don't worry about goals or were you are. Just go to the gym, do your workout and forget about it. Its just lifting heavy things. Dont let it define you.
Damn i thought i was the only one who thought this. I've been training for 7 years and i never set any specific strength or even size goals. It was always just getting as big and strong as my body and my genetics would allow. The only thing that mattered to me was training hard everytime i hit the gym every single day and it gave me by far the best possible gains i could have ever imagined, while the guys around me who kept setting goals after goals never achieved any noticeable changes in their bodies even after years of lifting. Dont overthink it. Just go to the gym and train hard.
Yup, the only thing you should be tracking is progressive overload and the rest will take care of itself. Unfortunately it takes a long time for a lot of us to realize this, and me personally I fell into the trap of "optimal" training, and I ended up adding too many different types of exercises per muscle group in order to "hit all the angles" of the muscle that I almost completely neglected progressive overload, I was sore and tired sure, but it was due to volume not progressive overload. So I ended up not making any progress and I felt stumped which caused me to quit consistent training for around a year. Optimal training can be good when you're an advanced lifter, but should not be the main priority when working out as a beginner or even an intermediate lifter. So I recently started working out again and I decided to not overthink working out so much and just focus on progressive overload and functional strength. The only body goal I've set for myself now is to look and more importantly to BE healthy.
There are zero fitness RUclips channels that I feel the need to watch the newest video the second they upload with the exception of yours. Phenomenal content, great messaging and all put together into an easy to digest package. You’re doing the fitness world a lot of good
I really appreciate your message friend. I have struggled with my weight my entire life, and I'm finally ready to really make the habitual changes I need. it's really helpful to see other people being honest with their struggles and still succeeding in the end. keep it up!
its incredibly important for men to understand how essential low bodyfat is to how good and healthy and muscular you look. as i turns out i was far more muscular than i realized only having not really gone down to around 10 or 12 percent, not only looks but i perform so much better in both calistenics and endurance without having lost my strength at all, and only risen in terms of strength to bodyweight ratio. bearmode is bs, try it guys, its great and only takes a little caloric restriction for a nice controlled weightloss. i dont believe in diets but adjusting and finetuning your permanent diet and rutine for an optimal life and longevity.
Thank you Josh. Sincerely, thank you. I went through all the thoughts and feelings you speak of while i was a teenager. I worked hard and came out of it all as a confident, self improved and genuinely happy young adult. Im 32 years old now and have been unhappy with my life for the past few years - watching your video has given me the epiphany that ive simply allowed myself to sink and go through those pains a second time in my life. Its actually really hard to admit this is the case but thanks to your video, ive been able to recognise my rut for what it is, and now i have hope that i can change for the better - I did it all those years ago, why not a second time? Thank you Josh. Sincerely, thank you mate.
Great video. I especially love how you were real, thorough, and realistic about everything you went through. I’m sitting here fighting an eye infection, unable to workout 😢 at the gym and while that’s life, it sucks. Life definitely sucks sometimes and can be very discouraging but it is what it is. Your video is encouraging because you shared both your highs and lows and the fact that if you don’t give up, despite whatever life throws your way, you can reach and maintain your fitness goals. I think you are also doing it right in that self improvement for you doesn’t seem like a goal, as much as it is a way of life for you. Most people who fail to maintain the kind of success you have haven’t adopted physical fitness as a part of their ongoing lifestyle, but rather only as a short term goal, if they were really honest with themselves. I know, because that used to be me too, and I never excelled at creating my best body and health, because I didn’t make a lifelong commitment to it like I should have. At 61, I don’t get to be so cavalier anymore about my workouts and the better health it is giving me. I don’t get to say oh, I can just skip that for now like it’s not that important. Those days are long gone. I realize now that working out and maintaining my health is not only making me look better, but improving and maintaining my health too, which otherwise, at this age would definitely be in decline. I know this to be true mainly because of my peers sharing their ongoing serious health struggles with me. Unfortunately, they know what they should be doing, like working out, but they aren’t doing it. Another thing that is important and interesting with working out as an older guy is that you’re not supposed to be working out with the same intensity as when you were younger. I didn’t know that when I started back in the gym earlier this year. I had been slowly working my way up into a high intensity 60 to 90 minute workout and getting there was excellent as far as improving my health and looks. But then, when I had built up to doing fantastic high intensity workouts for 60 to 90 minutes a day, I noticed my testosterone levels dropped, which by the way is easy to tell by one’s sex drive. I did some quick research and discovered older guys, like 40 and above, aren’t supposed to workout more than 30 minutes a day. As when they do, their bodies start creating cortisol, the big enemy of testosterone. Nor are they supposed to push themselves to lift a weight to the very last possible lift. Again, because it increases their bodies cortisol levels. I never knew any of that and so had obviously been unknowingly reversing the trajectory I was going in with my testosterone levels going up because they were taking a beating from having created higher cortisol levels. So I switched my workouts immediately from being difficult to being easy 😭 and while that may sound great to some, for me it’s been sad. Oh well, as the saying goes, on with the show. 😅 My understanding is that testosterone helps build muscle, so for guys that do have low testosterone levels (low sex drive, etc), they need to be paying attention to this. There are foods that can lower the testosterone level, and other foods that can increase it. I didn’t know that before, so I am just starting to pay attention to this myself. Thanks for sharing your inspirational story ❤ it was awesome 👏 and you definitely look fantastic. Keep up the great work.
I love how this is not only about body transformation, but also about mindset transformation. From going to self-conscious to disordered to balancing out self-esteem and confidence to prioritizing what actually makes you happy and what you enjoy. These phases I can relate a lot to.
Big ups for the level of maturity you’ve developed and displayed here man. It’s like Zarathustra coming down to tell the normies they can and should do better - I’ve been down that path and admire one who can do eloquently express his wisdom. Cheers 🥂
13:02 great advice and mindset that can help change your perspective on things. “If you suck at something your goal shouldn’t be to return to normal. It’s like a half pipe in skating. Where the further back you start, the more momentum you can gain, and the more likely you can be to surpass that point had you never sucked or were average.” Basically only way up from rock bottom, is up. The sky is the limit. The best way to achieve this is by setting goals. Then identifying the habits and traits you need to achieve those goals. Sleep optimization, habit formation, and systemization.
Such a great video man! I’m 32 and my ‘fitness journey’ has definitely been up and down throughout the years. Ever since Covid I’m the largest I’ve been since high school and still trying to get myself back in the gym and on the grind. Videos like these really help with the mental aspect of it all. I started with a simple daily ab workout during my lunch break last week and this is motivating me to start planning my next step.
great video! i like what you said about confidence vs self esteem 10:39. confidence is often very specific, which can be great to have (also), but self esteem feels in your whole heart
This was refreshing! I'm also someone who has love handles like you did so it's nice to see some pics of what might happen if I buckle down and stick with things. I'm not going for fast, never have. 3 years ago I was the same weight as I am now but 7-10% higher BF and I used to be even bigger so I am still proud of the progress I've made recomping and enjoying the sport I did for it. I look kind of like your day ~66. I recently started an actual progressive overload program and I am still doing sport and cutting slowly counting calories and protein. Thanks for the inspo!
Fantastic video man! Keep it up! Love the last quote “we can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond” “external validation is never going to be important as your internal well being”
What a fantastic video. Your content is consistently amongst the best on RUclips. Quality is excellent and you are grounded and wise beyond your years. Well done.
Im 26 and I saw this right after seeing Nicolas Berndt’s transformation from 14 years old to 17 years old and man did you help me. After going to the gym for 10 years and seeing teens get the same results in 2 is so frustrating. Like good for you kids that have the creators you have today but damn I wish I had this much earlier
As a male who's lived over 15 years of my life with anorexia, and according to numerous doctors, was expected to die several times, I've been dreaming of making a video of my own journey just like this. You are an inspiration and I hope that one day I will be well enough to break through and join you in raising awareness of eating disorders in males and in giving life-changing advice and inspiration like you've given me
Been here since the start of your channel, and it's sad to see how many viewers/subscribers have left, when the content you do post every now and then is amazing compared to a lot of other bs out there! Keep posting and doing what you love, Josh! From a fan/follower/subscriber from Denmark! 🔥
You’ve gone through a lot and have come such a long way already. Thank you so much for sharing it so openly with us. It’s definitely inspiring. Thank you. I began 9 months ago my fitness journey when I was 29. I decided from the inside out the standard that I want my body to have, and even though I’m still nowhere near close I know I will keep going until I make it. But it has to come from the inside out, because like you said the external validation is out of our reach and the external world is ever changing, and we have no control over that. That’s ultimately what is going to lead to that fulfillment, that happiness and that self-esteem that you were talking about, to derive our sense of self from the inside out. May we all get there, it’s not an easy road 😂
I'm a doctor, successful in my career, in the best physical shape of my life in my 30s, but your video was very inspiring. I was not doing nearly as much as you at such a young age. Your motivation and drive and work ethic will take you really far. Keep it up!
The thing that being in shape has given me the most is unwavering confidence.. I always struggled with image and self esteem, my image improved so much over time ever since I got in shape. It's always a topic or the first thing somebody notices due to my larger than normal frame. Everybody knows its the right thing to do and wants to but its the discipline that's the hardest. Finding that animal inside of you.. Mostly I'm just coasting automatically as I know how to train throughout the years, the best is usually floor the gas then back off with a larger rest period. From time to time though I go fully beast mode .
As a 13 year old I am now seeing fitness in a way I never have before. I don't know why but instead of feeling motivated, for the first time I feel more inspired to trust the process.
That's too bad that you had to go through that during your developmental stage . I'm glad that male body dysmorphia has been given more attention lately. I'm 45 now, and can attest to the pressures young boys and teens feel. I started lifting weights at 12. Thinking that an Arnold physique was achievable. Young men need more positive role models, thank you for being honest and upfront about your struggles. Anything worth achieving requires perseverance and dedication
Dude, I've heard Greg say this, and I say this; you are one of if not the best RUclipsrs out there. I feel like you're speaking directly to me. Your message is so perfect, vulnerable, and pure of heart. Your messages are flawless.
Good work. Training well. Eating well. Sleeping well. Living well. All of these things factoring into feeling well about ourselves. Fitness is merely one of the components of health and wellness. Social media convinces people they have to have a certain aesthetic. It's crazy the amount of 20-somethings trying to get on TRT when they have perfectly healthy levels. Going natural is the best thing
Josh have you considered submitted any of your videos to the BBC or C4? They are such good quality and not like anything out there. Whilst this video is such a personal one and very well made the others are something like you would see on TV. You’re an investigative journalist in the making. Thank you for making them.
Mate I made this YT account in 2007. Went through all this as well. We all do. You’re very mature for your age, I'm 32 this September and honestly once your hit your late twenties, you’ll have even more realistic expectations of what meaning can be gained from life and lifting. I wish I knew what you do at 22 lol, 18-29 I went from skinny fat to ripped, to fat and big, then eventually big and ripped, and staying that way is literally impossible for normal life, I eventually got ripped with less muscle and now I’m bigger but skinny fat at the same time lol, it’s a never ending journey. I’m so glad you’re getting the exposure you deserve. Take care. From Scotland 🏴
I really like the way this video is narrated and edited. Far from the fast-paced clickbaity sensory overload of sound effects and pop culture clips most editors will throw in. Clear, to the point, and overall just well done
Wow when you said a journey I imagined the standard started lifting, got injured, fix my form and improved my diet. I didn't think there will be a real deal journey. You seem like a bright young lad, thanks for inspiring us.
Wonderful well balanced video. We all should spend more time on our internal validations instead of the external. Keep it up, Josh. Love the content. -DJ from Texas
Brooo I had a similar journey in the beginning. Sports life, than started running at 13 till I realise i nedded muscles. I did calisthenics and swimming for 1 year, and later 1 year of overtraing at the gym ( 6 days a week 2 yours per session ). Training 4 times a week giving all I have + proper sleep led me to gain 8 quilos of muscle in only 5 months ( 58 to 66 kg ). I´m finally enjoying the process, but it's just the beginning, i wanna be a doctor and compete on a natural bodybuilding league. That's it guys, the physique is just a consequence of hard work, heart, faith and discipline ♥⚡⚡🔥🔥
I love that you're advocating for training for yourself and I'll add that using a routine you enjoy is the most important thing. I recently tried a new 4 day routine to build muscle and ended up losing gains because I hated it. Back to something I enjoy and it may not be optimal but I do it consistently.
Beautifully produced, and the honesty is so appreciated that's much more needed from others. It would good to hear about your business experience. Covey's Seven Habits was seminal for me in distinguishing between "personality" and the superior concept of "character", and to make decisions based upon principles and not feelings. Hunger on low calories is a massive challenge that requires advice to handle. Ditto sufficient sleep with other commitments. Quick hacks are fake. Instrinsic motivation is the key for sustainable habits and traits. Good luck with the work!
I’m glad I started my journey at 30. Had a good base. I could understand what I was doing and why I was doing it. It’s helped me in every area of my life. Best advice is stick with it and don’t base your growth on other people. Also don’t go to hard or you’ll probably get injured.
The Genevieve text message absolutely killed me! Great video mate, as someone who's struggled their entire life with feeling good in their skin, I can relate to this heavily. I am a fair bit older than you but with time and an obsession to improve in all areas of life, it does 100% get better! This video has served as inspiration for me to get on this platform. Nice to see you're in the UK too! Keep pressing on man!
I’ve been watching since basically the beginning and I just want to thank you for helping me heal my relationship with fitness and nutrition. Even though I’m not a guy, I can still relate to your journey sooo much. Keep it up and thank you again for being such a positive influence!✨
This is a very good video! I appreciate the honesty and genuineness, it's miles ahead of over hyped fitness gurus. Keep making content like this and you'll go very far!
I totally relate with you. You are amazingly sincere, and humble, 2 already hard to find qualities. Kudos for your dedication, and achievements! Great vid, happy subscriber
Great video man. I've been at it for 20 years, there have been a lot of ups and downs in my fitness journey. Currently not doing so great but your video is motivating me to get back at it. Thank you
Ya I understand the food issue. I am actually currently having the issue where if I eat anything that isn't like fruit or vegetables I just go and work out. But the problem is that this ends up meaning that I am not eating anywhere enough callories a day to even maintain my physique.
You can be master of your fate and captain of your soul, but at some point you have to realise that life is coming from you and not at you, and that takes time.
I'm a girl. Have always been quite light staying at around 50kgs but looked like i had a higher body fat percentage. When you said "I copied other youtubers" eating disorder I felt that. I actually thought intermittent fasting was a good idea. After recovery from fasting I now stay at around 48-48kgs but constantly binge-eat sometimes to the point my body throws up because it cant keep the food down. I become sick for days after that. I'm trying to recover completely but its been really hard. The thing about confidence coming from consistent pregress or tasks spoke to me.
Its nice for someone in your position to be so open and vulnerable. Great video Josh.
Can't agree more.
Even the greats struggle, the difference is they overcome their mental health issues and get better over time. This man is one of the greats
That shit is difficult tho
Don't care + I make better content
They also do what they can to put themselves in environments that support them effectively
🤡
@@Saitama308 Best troll comment of 2024.
One of the best natural, down to earth fitness influencers who spreads realistic expectations. Well done.
"External validation is never going to be as important as your internal wellbeing" Josh Brett. This single sentence is so freaking true. I wish more people knew this. Thanks once again Josh for an honest and brilliant video.
Sure, that's true, but people also pretend that internal wellbeing is in very large part fueled by external validation. You're not just gonna meditate yourself into being happy.
Scooby is a true old school gent of the RUclips fitness scene. I used to watch a lot of his vids when I first started lifting. Absolute legend.
yes a PEDs legend, but is a legend.
“It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”
- Socrates
Great quote
cringe quote
@@cuddlebear7132 Why?
@@cuddlebear7132 It's a great quote.
This quote fueled me up in the beginning.
I think the thing i learned from working out was to just set and forget your exercise regime. Don't worry about goals or were you are. Just go to the gym, do your workout and forget about it. Its just lifting heavy things. Dont let it define you.
This.
Damn i thought i was the only one who thought this. I've been training for 7 years and i never set any specific strength or even size goals. It was always just getting as big and strong as my body and my genetics would allow. The only thing that mattered to me was training hard everytime i hit the gym every single day and it gave me by far the best possible gains i could have ever imagined, while the guys around me who kept setting goals after goals never achieved any noticeable changes in their bodies even after years of lifting.
Dont overthink it. Just go to the gym and train hard.
@@Terinasargeant ❤️
Yup, the only thing you should be tracking is progressive overload and the rest will take care of itself. Unfortunately it takes a long time for a lot of us to realize this, and me personally I fell into the trap of "optimal" training, and I ended up adding too many different types of exercises per muscle group in order to "hit all the angles" of the muscle that I almost completely neglected progressive overload, I was sore and tired sure, but it was due to volume not progressive overload. So I ended up not making any progress and I felt stumped which caused me to quit consistent training for around a year. Optimal training can be good when you're an advanced lifter, but should not be the main priority when working out as a beginner or even an intermediate lifter.
So I recently started working out again and I decided to not overthink working out so much and just focus on progressive overload and functional strength. The only body goal I've set for myself now is to look and more importantly to BE healthy.
@@TerinasargeantHard focus mode solos the foolish overthinking softness
There are zero fitness RUclips channels that I feel the need to watch the newest video the second they upload with the exception of yours. Phenomenal content, great messaging and all put together into an easy to digest package. You’re doing the fitness world a lot of good
“This video may not do well” but its necessary. Your honesty is commendable
Josh, you are truly an inspiration.
I really appreciate your message friend. I have struggled with my weight my entire life, and I'm finally ready to really make the habitual changes I need. it's really helpful to see other people being honest with their struggles and still succeeding in the end. keep it up!
its incredibly important for men to understand how essential low bodyfat is to how good and healthy and muscular you look. as i turns out i was far more muscular than i realized only having not really gone down to around 10 or 12 percent, not only looks but i perform so much better in both calistenics and endurance without having lost my strength at all, and only risen in terms of strength to bodyweight ratio. bearmode is bs, try it guys, its great and only takes a little caloric restriction for a nice controlled weightloss. i dont believe in diets but adjusting and finetuning your permanent diet and rutine for an optimal life and longevity.
Thank you Josh. Sincerely, thank you. I went through all the thoughts and feelings you speak of while i was a teenager. I worked hard and came out of it all as a confident, self improved and genuinely happy young adult.
Im 32 years old now and have been unhappy with my life for the past few years - watching your video has given me the epiphany that ive simply allowed myself to sink and go through those pains a second time in my life. Its actually really hard to admit this is the case but thanks to your video, ive been able to recognise my rut for what it is, and now i have hope that i can change for the better - I did it all those years ago, why not a second time?
Thank you Josh. Sincerely, thank you mate.
Every teenager joining a gym should be "forced" to watch this.
idk i’m 16 and i’m addicted to the gym
Me too I'm 17 I too feel like gym has become an irreplaceable part of my life
Great video. I especially love how you were real, thorough, and realistic about everything you went through.
I’m sitting here fighting an eye infection, unable to workout 😢 at the gym and while that’s life, it sucks. Life definitely sucks sometimes and can be very discouraging but it is what it is.
Your video is encouraging because you shared both your highs and lows and the fact that if you don’t give up, despite whatever life throws your way, you can reach and maintain your fitness goals.
I think you are also doing it right in that self improvement for you doesn’t seem like a goal, as much as it is a way of life for you. Most people who fail to maintain the kind of success you have haven’t adopted physical fitness as a part of their ongoing lifestyle, but rather only as a short term goal, if they were really honest with themselves. I know, because that used to be me too, and I never excelled at creating my best body and health, because I didn’t make a lifelong commitment to it like I should have.
At 61, I don’t get to be so cavalier anymore about my workouts and the better health it is giving me. I don’t get to say oh, I can just skip that for now like it’s not that important. Those days are long gone.
I realize now that working out and maintaining my health is not only making me look better, but improving and maintaining my health too, which otherwise, at this age would definitely be in decline. I know this to be true mainly because of my peers sharing their ongoing serious health struggles with me. Unfortunately, they know what they should be doing, like working out, but they aren’t doing it.
Another thing that is important and interesting with working out as an older guy is that you’re not supposed to be working out with the same intensity as when you were younger. I didn’t know that when I started back in the gym earlier this year. I had been slowly working my way up into a high intensity 60 to 90 minute workout and getting there was excellent as far as improving my health and looks.
But then, when I had built up to doing fantastic high intensity workouts for 60 to 90 minutes a day, I noticed my testosterone levels dropped, which by the way is easy to tell by one’s sex drive.
I did some quick research and discovered older guys, like 40 and above, aren’t supposed to workout more than 30 minutes a day. As when they do, their bodies start creating cortisol, the big enemy of testosterone. Nor are they supposed to push themselves to lift a weight to the very last possible lift. Again, because it increases their bodies cortisol levels.
I never knew any of that and so had obviously been unknowingly reversing the trajectory I was going in with my testosterone levels going up because they were taking a beating from having created higher cortisol levels.
So I switched my workouts immediately from being difficult to being easy 😭 and while that may sound great to some, for me it’s been sad. Oh well, as the saying goes, on with the show. 😅
My understanding is that testosterone helps build muscle, so for guys that do have low testosterone levels (low sex drive, etc), they need to be paying attention to this. There are foods that can lower the testosterone level, and other foods that can increase it. I didn’t know that before, so I am just starting to pay attention to this myself.
Thanks for sharing your inspirational story ❤ it was awesome 👏 and you definitely look fantastic. Keep up the great work.
Im 14, I did not expect this video to be so deep and eye opening.
Honestly one of the best fitness-related influencers in my opinion.
You deserve way more. You deserve to be heard from people.
Good job kid. Helping others and making a living doing it. Doesn't get better than that.
I love how this is not only about body transformation, but also about mindset transformation. From going to self-conscious to disordered to balancing out self-esteem and confidence to prioritizing what actually makes you happy and what you enjoy. These phases I can relate a lot to.
You actually made me understand how life works in a different way man.
Thank you so much buddy
Big ups for the level of maturity you’ve developed and displayed here man. It’s like Zarathustra coming down to tell the normies they can and should do better - I’ve been down that path and admire one who can do eloquently express his wisdom. Cheers 🥂
13:02 great advice and mindset that can help change your perspective on things.
“If you suck at something your goal shouldn’t be to return to normal.
It’s like a half pipe in skating.
Where the further back you start, the more momentum you can gain, and the more likely you can be to surpass that point had you never sucked or were average.”
Basically only way up from rock bottom, is up. The sky is the limit.
The best way to achieve this is by setting goals. Then identifying the habits and traits you need to achieve those goals.
Sleep optimization, habit formation, and systemization.
Such a great video man! I’m 32 and my ‘fitness journey’ has definitely been up and down throughout the years. Ever since Covid I’m the largest I’ve been since high school and still trying to get myself back in the gym and on the grind. Videos like these really help with the mental aspect of it all. I started with a simple daily ab workout during my lunch break last week and this is motivating me to start planning my next step.
great video! i like what you said about confidence vs self esteem 10:39. confidence is often very specific, which can be great to have (also), but self esteem feels in your whole heart
it is a big eye opener for me since I am a beginner, this all clicks
This was refreshing! I'm also someone who has love handles like you did so it's nice to see some pics of what might happen if I buckle down and stick with things. I'm not going for fast, never have. 3 years ago I was the same weight as I am now but 7-10% higher BF and I used to be even bigger so I am still proud of the progress I've made recomping and enjoying the sport I did for it. I look kind of like your day ~66. I recently started an actual progressive overload program and I am still doing sport and cutting slowly counting calories and protein. Thanks for the inspo!
I feel really thankful to discover your channel, Josh.
Im beginning now, at my 23. I want to change. And your help will be precious for me.
Thank you.
Fantastic video man! Keep it up! Love the last quote “we can’t control what happens to us, but we can control how we respond” “external validation is never going to be important as your internal well being”
What a fantastic video. Your content is consistently amongst the best on RUclips. Quality is excellent and you are grounded and wise beyond your years. Well done.
Love the message and truthfulness that growth and progress is not linear. Takes time, and that time and work can help us become great people.
Great ending message
Im 26 and I saw this right after seeing Nicolas Berndt’s transformation from 14 years old to 17 years old and man did you help me. After going to the gym for 10 years and seeing teens get the same results in 2 is so frustrating. Like good for you kids that have the creators you have today but damn I wish I had this much earlier
Fitness is simple, and you said it best. It all comes down to consistency
4:58 imagine calling that "decent shape" bro that's most people's dream
As a male who's lived over 15 years of my life with anorexia, and according to numerous doctors, was expected to die several times, I've been dreaming of making a video of my own journey just like this. You are an inspiration and I hope that one day I will be well enough to break through and join you in raising awareness of eating disorders in males and in giving life-changing advice and inspiration like you've given me
I'm a guy who has suffered a lot mentally that translated to my physical health and you have helped inspired me a lot.
Been here since the start of your channel, and it's sad to see how many viewers/subscribers have left, when the content you do post every now and then is amazing compared to a lot of other bs out there! Keep posting and doing what you love, Josh! From a fan/follower/subscriber from Denmark! 🔥
Superb video Josh, this needs to be watched by so many young people, the truth is sometimes not glamorous, but is nesesary.
Excellent video, you're a great storyteller. Thank you for the transparency, happy gains 💪🏻
You’ve gone through a lot and have come such a long way already. Thank you so much for sharing it so openly with us. It’s definitely inspiring. Thank you. I began 9 months ago my fitness journey when I was 29. I decided from the inside out the standard that I want my body to have, and even though I’m still nowhere near close I know I will keep going until I make it. But it has to come from the inside out, because like you said the external validation is out of our reach and the external world is ever changing, and we have no control over that. That’s ultimately what is going to lead to that fulfillment, that happiness and that self-esteem that you were talking about, to derive our sense of self from the inside out. May we all get there, it’s not an easy road 😂
I'm a doctor, successful in my career, in the best physical shape of my life in my 30s, but your video was very inspiring. I was not doing nearly as much as you at such a young age. Your motivation and drive and work ethic will take you really far. Keep it up!
External validation is never going to be as important as your internal wellbeing. 🔥🧠✍
The thing that being in shape has given me the most is unwavering confidence.. I always struggled with image and self esteem, my image improved so much over time ever since I got in shape.
It's always a topic or the first thing somebody notices due to my larger than normal frame. Everybody knows its the right thing to do and wants to but its the discipline that's the hardest.
Finding that animal inside of you..
Mostly I'm just coasting automatically as I know how to train throughout the years, the best is usually floor the gas then back off with a larger rest period.
From time to time though I go fully beast mode .
As a 13 year old I am now seeing fitness in a way I never have before. I don't know why but instead of feeling motivated, for the first time I feel more inspired to trust the process.
the not look like a prick bit made me laugh haha
thanks for putting this out there, aside from the physical transformation 10:44 was the real eye opener. well done!
That's too bad that you had to go through that during your developmental stage . I'm glad that male body dysmorphia has been given more attention lately. I'm 45 now, and can attest to the pressures young boys and teens feel. I started lifting weights at 12. Thinking that an Arnold physique was achievable. Young men need more positive role models, thank you for being honest and upfront about your struggles. Anything worth achieving requires perseverance and dedication
Dude, I've heard Greg say this, and I say this; you are one of if not the best RUclipsrs out there. I feel like you're speaking directly to me. Your message is so perfect, vulnerable, and pure of heart. Your messages are flawless.
Good work. Training well. Eating well. Sleeping well. Living well. All of these things factoring into feeling well about ourselves. Fitness is merely one of the components of health and wellness. Social media convinces people they have to have a certain aesthetic. It's crazy the amount of 20-somethings trying to get on TRT when they have perfectly healthy levels. Going natural is the best thing
"Time to move out Josh" written on your birthday cake is CRAZYYYYY especially from your sister...
Love this video. You have a ton figured out at a young age. The solid video editing is a plus as well.
You are legit my favorite fitness RUclipsr, excellent video Josh!
Incredible story. Thank you for sharing Josh, I'm sure many can relate to this
The realest tuber out there ❤
THIS is positive masculinity! Well done 👏
Turbo bulk is my gamer tag.
Josh have you considered submitted any of your videos to the BBC or C4? They are such good quality and not like anything out there. Whilst this video is such a personal one and very well made the others are something like you would see on TV. You’re an investigative journalist in the making. Thank you for making them.
loved the last line you said, -- so that fitness can improve life instead of becoming it
Mate I made this YT account in 2007. Went through all this as well. We all do. You’re very mature for your age, I'm 32 this September and honestly once your hit your late twenties, you’ll have even more realistic expectations of what meaning can be gained from life and lifting. I wish I knew what you do at 22 lol, 18-29 I went from skinny fat to ripped, to fat and big, then eventually big and ripped, and staying that way is literally impossible for normal life, I eventually got ripped with less muscle and now I’m bigger but skinny fat at the same time lol, it’s a never ending journey. I’m so glad you’re getting the exposure you deserve. Take care. From Scotland 🏴
I’m going to watch this video once a day. I needed this. Thank you. Please don’t underestimate the power of videos like this.
Respect bro. I love the humble climb, tune out all the crazy noise from social media influencers in the fitness industry.
I really like the way this video is narrated and edited. Far from the fast-paced clickbaity sensory overload of sound effects and pop culture clips most editors will throw in. Clear, to the point, and overall just well done
VR boxing has been my favorite new cardio work out
Wow when you said a journey I imagined the standard started lifting, got injured, fix my form and improved my diet. I didn't think there will be a real deal journey. You seem like a bright young lad, thanks for inspiring us.
Josh, your videos are phenomenal, thank you for making them!
Wonderful well balanced video. We all should spend more time on our internal validations instead of the external. Keep it up, Josh. Love the content.
-DJ from Texas
I don't comment that much but these sorts of videos are seriously a blessing. Thanks Josh.
Brooo I had a similar journey in the beginning. Sports life, than started running at 13 till I realise i nedded muscles. I did calisthenics and swimming for 1 year, and later 1 year of overtraing at the gym ( 6 days a week 2 yours per session ). Training 4 times a week giving all I have + proper sleep led me to gain 8 quilos of muscle in only 5 months ( 58 to 66 kg ). I´m finally enjoying the process, but it's just the beginning, i wanna be a doctor and compete on a natural bodybuilding league. That's it guys, the physique is just a consequence of hard work, heart, faith and discipline ♥⚡⚡🔥🔥
I love that you're advocating for training for yourself and I'll add that using a routine you enjoy is the most important thing. I recently tried a new 4 day routine to build muscle and ended up losing gains because I hated it. Back to something I enjoy and it may not be optimal but I do it consistently.
"Its incredibly difficult to take a photo like this and not come off as a prick."
Too damn funny ahaha.
Who needs those motivational videos when u can have this? Love your work!
Beautifully produced, and the honesty is so appreciated that's much more needed from others.
It would good to hear about your business experience. Covey's Seven Habits was seminal for me in distinguishing between "personality" and the superior concept of "character", and to make decisions based upon principles and not feelings. Hunger on low calories is a massive challenge that requires advice to handle. Ditto sufficient sleep with other commitments. Quick hacks are fake. Instrinsic motivation is the key for sustainable habits and traits. Good luck with the work!
I’m glad I started my journey at 30. Had a good base. I could understand what I was doing and why I was doing it. It’s helped me in every area of my life. Best advice is stick with it and don’t base your growth on other people. Also don’t go to hard or you’ll probably get injured.
This is what real education looks like
The Genevieve text message absolutely killed me! Great video mate, as someone who's struggled their entire life with feeling good in their skin, I can relate to this heavily. I am a fair bit older than you but with time and an obsession to improve in all areas of life, it does 100% get better!
This video has served as inspiration for me to get on this platform. Nice to see you're in the UK too! Keep pressing on man!
Kudos, Josh! Thanks for the quality content.
I’ve been watching since basically the beginning and I just want to thank you for helping me heal my relationship with fitness and nutrition. Even though I’m not a guy, I can still relate to your journey sooo much. Keep it up and thank you again for being such a positive influence!✨
This is a very good video! I appreciate the honesty and genuineness, it's miles ahead of over hyped fitness gurus. Keep making content like this and you'll go very far!
thank you man, i really needed to watch this right now
Sustainable progress is the hardest part, good luck to you & everyone.
I totally relate with you. You are amazingly sincere, and humble, 2 already hard to find qualities. Kudos for your dedication, and achievements! Great vid, happy subscriber
Great video man. I've been at it for 20 years, there have been a lot of ups and downs in my fitness journey. Currently not doing so great but your video is motivating me to get back at it. Thank you
Such a mature guy for your age
“It’s incredibly difficult to take a photo like this and to not look like a prick” what a grabber of an intro lol
Pretty important video especially for all the kids who are going through something similar
the video i needed to watch the most, thanks man!
as always a great one, keep it up Josh
You do great documentary work on the fitness industry, and your own journey is very admirable. Keep it up Josh.
I really enjoy all your videos, but this one has really resonated with me. Thank you for this, and keep up the good work!
You made me teary eyed towards the end man
Excellent Video Josh. Loved your openness & honesty. Subscribed for more!
Nice one JB. Scooby was the first guy I found too.
This video was exactly what I needed today. Thank you so much! ❤
Ya I understand the food issue. I am actually currently having the issue where if I eat anything that isn't like fruit or vegetables I just go and work out. But the problem is that this ends up meaning that I am not eating anywhere enough callories a day to even maintain my physique.
Scooby gived the kind of father/uncle advice many kids didn't get growing up.
You've come a LONG way Josh1 Amazing progress!!!
You can be master of your fate and captain of your soul, but at some point you have to realise that life is coming from you and not at you, and that takes time.
I'm a girl. Have always been quite light staying at around 50kgs but looked like i had a higher body fat percentage. When you said "I copied other youtubers" eating disorder I felt that. I actually thought intermittent fasting was a good idea.
After recovery from fasting I now stay at around 48-48kgs but constantly binge-eat sometimes to the point my body throws up because it cant keep the food down. I become sick for days after that.
I'm trying to recover completely but its been really hard. The thing about confidence coming from consistent pregress or tasks spoke to me.
your a good dude
Great video and chronology. Thanks for sharing and articulating what healthy progress and explaining what pitfalls look/ feel like.