While looking for topics to write about for the blog, I see numerous gym guys (or male fitness models) that also post fitness influencer photos on social media. This blog provides information on some I found.
Classic physique is a category bodybuilding competition that is between mens physique and open bodybuilding. To compete, a competitor must comply with height and weight requirements.
Ramiro Encinas is a male model, student pilot, and CrossFit enthusiast who lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is a vegetarian and works for an Argentine organic chocolate company.
Kito Shelby (Franco Mayorga) is a model with well-defined abs. He lives in Argentina, plays fútbol, a popular sport in Argentina. He is a vegetarian and works with Ramiro in an Argentine organic chocolate company.
Kito had an interview with News Digitales (en español). Also, Kito had an interview with República Z in Argentina (2023, en español). I recommend using DeepL as a translator.
Alek has several social media outlets for his content. He seems to be active on YouTube, where he creates content related to his bodybuilding journey, and Instagram (bodybuilding and photo shoots).
YouTube
Alek is a natural professional bodybuilder. He shows his diligent workouts and his contest prep, as well as the related meals that support his lifestyle.
Christian López Florez is a mens physique national champion and personal trainer who lives in the coffee axis region (Risaralda Department, eje cafetero) of Colombia in South America.
His primary language is Spanish, although some of his social media posts are in English. The reader can use the application, DeepL, to translate his posts.
Roger Zacha, a personal trainer from Cyprus, is a physio student in The Netherlands and the model for Walking Jack´s photoshoot for the brand’s Ash Collection.
Roger previously had another photoshoot for Walking Jack’s Bluebird Collection.
The photographer, Louis C., is based in the United Kingdom and Cyprus.
Note: Jordan decided to rebrand his store. Shortys Apparel is his former brand. Era Supply Co. is the new brand. I will revise this post when more information is available.
Jordan Morello is an online fitness coach, social media personality, cookbook author, and apparel brand owner, Era Supply Co.
According to an email announcement, the brand is closing on January 31, 2024. Jordan will be opening another, based on the explanation in the email and the name of the sale on the website (a “rebranding”).
Jordan decided to rebrand his store. Shortys Apparel is his former brand. Era Supply Co. is the new brand. I will update this post when more information is available.
Shortys Apparel sells–
swim shorts (Swims, Boardys)
gym or lounge shorts (Kickbacks, Trainers)
underwear
hoodies
t-shirts (Tee’s)
Jordan models his clothing while doing his workouts or other content.
Jordan decided to rebrand his store. Shortys Apparel is his former brand. Era Supply Co. is the new brand. I will update this post when more information is available.
Shortys Apparel is a brand to consider because you work with the owner directly.
In one of his videos, Jordan showed the room in his house where he stores his product for sales. He also shows where he packages an order for customers.
It is also good to see Jordan wear Shortys clothing as he does his day or workout tasks.
Models
Shortys has added other models to its social media. Aleksander Pacocha (aka Alek Maximus) is a bodybuilder and YouTuber. Haus of Love is a brand owner and content creator.
Conclusion
What color of Shortys boxer briefs was your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
Elton Pinto Mota, fitness model. Clothing, Father Sons
Introduction
After working out consistently, you have built a solid muscular physique. Perhaps you are newer on your weight training journey, and you are planning to have a physique like Mauro Fialho (mens physique pro), Laszlo Kiraly (classic physique), or Chris Bumstead (classic physique pro) one day.
The physique that is favored in physique competition—broad shoulders, thickly muscled back, lean waist (a V-shape), and well-developed legs—is a rare body type. So, outside of athletic clothing, it can be difficult to find clothing for non-gym activities—a date, a job, and so on.
(Fit guys like Josh Riquelme, Diego Sechi, and Fraser Wilson have physiques that mass-produced clothing can accommodate. Still, most of the brands that I will discuss would suit these physique types as well.)
Fortunately, there are clothing brands that specialize in making clothes for muscular guys. The goals of this article are
To help the reader determine the right colors to pick for their skin tone.
To help the reader pick out wardrobe essentials that are easy to coordinate and easy on the wallet.
To compile the brands that provide clothing for bodybuilders for easy reference.
Note: While there are different levels of muscularity in a physique competition
for the purposes of this article, I will consider all levels as bodybuilding. The gym-built bodies differ significantly from the general population of guys.
Andrei Gutierrez, a mens physique competitor from Aguascalientes, México. Photo by Chris Femat.
There are two types of undertones—cool and warm. Skin tone is different from skin color. The best way to tell whether you have a cool or warm skin tone. Stand in front of a mirror and hold a sheet of white copy paper next to your face.
If you see a red, pink, or blue undertone you have a cool undertone.
If you see a peach, yellow, or golden undertone, then you have a warm undertone.
When you determine what type of undertone you have, you can tell which colors look best next to your skin.
Color Theory
I have provided a very quick explanation of how to apply a portion of color theory. However, if you are interested in viewing the topic in-depth, I recommend Marcel Floruss‘s video on color theory (at right). Marcel is a fashion school graduate and provides technical information in an easy-to-understand manner.
Neutral colors should be the foundation of a guy’s wardrobe. Neutral colors are black, white, grey, beige, and khaki. Once you build a wardrobe based on neutral colors, you can begin to mix in more colors.
Wardrobe Essentials: The Foundation of Your Personal Style
Your wardrobe for non-athletic places should include essential pieces. If money is tight, you can slowly buy new clothes or find pieces at a trusted thrift shop until your wardrobe is complete.
For the thrift shop idea and style ideas for muscular guys, see the video with Nathan McCallum and Marcel Floruss (right).
Brock McGoff, The Modest Man at YouTube, explains why the foundation of your wardrobe should be based on neutral colors. He also provides his advice on what he would by if he were building up his wardrobe.
Leather boots, dress shoes, white or black leather sneakers
Accessories
Watch, bracelet, leather belt
Denim Jeans for Muscular Thighs
Jordan Morello, a social media personality, online trainer, and owner of Shortys Apparel, enjoys leg day and built hard-won thigh and hip muscles. He tried on four pairs of denim jeans to see which pair suited his weight-trainer thighs the best.
Jordan ranked the jeans he modeled in the video as follows:
The clothing offered: jeans, chinos, shorts, and shorts.
The brand has a specific sizing guide. (According to a blog post, the brand specifically added upper arm measurements to its sizing.)
Sizing
The sizing for Oxblood is based on particular dimensions of a bodybuilder’s x-frame (wide shoulders/upper back, narrower waist, and wider hips, and bigger thighs). For example, the “Greyman” fit is recommended for a guy who is 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet two inches tall, up to 225 pounds.
Arms: 16.5 inches to 18 inches
Chest: 43 inches to 48 inches
Waist: 30 inches to 38 inches
Neck: 19 inches
Hips: 45 inches
The Angus fit is interesting. The 212-pound bodybuilding category is for guys that are 5 feet five inches tall or shorter. The Angus fit for this height recommends a body weight of up to 175 pounds for guys who have a height from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 9 inches.
The brand does caution that not everyone can fit its sizing, but the brand can provide clothing for some big guys. Each product page has a bodybuilder’s photos and his measurement’s so that the reader can compare.
The sizing for Tapered Menswear shirts is based on a bodybuilder’s chest and unflexed biceps measurement. The sizes range from S to XXXXL. For example, for a dress shirt, an XXXL size would fit a bodybuilder with a 45 inch to 47-in chest and 17.5-inch upper arms. For polo shirts and t-shirts, the arm size decreases by 0.5 inch. For more questions about fit, the reader can email or chat with a company representative.
Each product page has a photo of a bodybuilder and height, weight, and chest measurements.
IFBB Pro (Classic Physique) Laszlo Kiraly. Shirt. Tapered Menswear.
Dress shirt
White tapered fit shirt
55 Great Britain Pounds
96 percent cotton and 4 percent Elastane
Polo shirt
The brand’s polo shirts are available in short- and long-sleeves. I have chosen the short sleeve shirt for this article.
Black tapered fit polo shirt
40 Great Britain Pounds
100 percent cotton mesh fabric
T-shirt
The t-shirts have a muscle fit, meaning that the t-shirt fits closer to the body and emphasizes a bodybuilder’s V-shape. The close fit of the t-shirt’s sleeve shows off the wearer’s biceps peak.
The clothing offered: jackets, jeans, jumpers (sweaters), pants, shirts, and t-shirts.
The brand’s sizing chart for shirts and for pants. (There is a context-based size guide tab at the right side of the screen for each product type.) The brand shows how their clothes fit on different types of physiques (one of them is a muscular physique, Andrei Deiu, an IFBB pro (mens physique)).
The sizing for Father Sons is not explicitly designed for bodybuilders but they do have muscular models wearing their clothes, such as Andrei Deiu and Regan Grimes. Both Andrei and Regan wear shirts with stretch in it.
I do not think that an undershirt would fit under the shirt. Muscle guys can avoid layering clothes. The brand’s sizing for upper-body clothing (XS to XXXXL) is based on chest size. Bodybuilders tend to have huge arms that will not fit in fitted sleeves.
For example, Andrei wears the super-slim stretch black denim long-sleeve shirt (US$61.81; 69 percent cotton, 28 percent polyester, and 3 percent stretch). An interested reader may have to size up with Father Sons to ensure a good fit.
In the leather jacket (US$418.92, lightweight lambs leather), Andrei wears a t-shirt under the jacket. While the body of the jacket fits Andrei well, the sleeves look too tight (you can see the veins on top of his biceps through the material). The brand explains that Andrei is demonstrating the tight, fitted look (size XXL, 50-inch chest).
Still, I added this brand for consideration because of muscular models wearing the clothes. I think fit men like Elad Michaeli, Josh Riquelme, or Kyle Hynick would fit these clothes well.
The brand’s sizing (30 through 38) for lower-body clothing is based on a bodybuilder’s waist (up to 38 inches), hip (up to 44 inches), and thigh (up to 27 inches) circumference. The pants come in four lengths (28, 30, 32, and 34).
The brand’s pants sizing would explain IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Regan Grimes’s experience. In Regan Grimes’s try-on video, he showed that it took some effort for him to put on the brand’s jeans.
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Regan Grimes tries on Father Sons clothing.
The clothing offered: chinos, dress shirts, dress pants, jeans, and polos.
Readers can contact the brand for sizing advice (For example, see the chat function at the bottom-left of the screen.)
Sizing
The sizing for Barbell Apparel shirts is based on a bodybuilder’s chest. The sizes range from S to XXL (38 inches to 52 inches). For example, for all brand shirts, an XXL size would fit a bodybuilder with a 52-inch chest. For pants, the sizes range from 28/S to 40/XXL. The pants sizes are based on a bodybuilder’s waist and thigh circumference. The length of the pants is 34 inches, which may be too long for shorter men (including me).
Each product page has a photo of a bodybuilder and height, weight, and chest measurements.
The brand has size information on each product page.
Sizing
The sizing for Legend London shirts is based on a bodybuilder’s chest and hips. The sizes range from S to XL. For example, for a dress shirt, an XL size would fit a bodybuilder with a 46-inch chest and 44-inch hips. For pants, the sizes are based on waist circumference (28 inches to 36 inches)
This brand is not marketed for bodybuilders, but there are some UK-based YouTube Fitness channels that feature try-on videos with the brand (for example, Brandon Harding and Joe Delaney).
Harry Simonis, CEO and Founder of Tailored Athlete
The CEO (and founder) of Tailored Athlete is Harry Simonis. Harry started the brand in 2016 (when he was 22 years old) to serve athletes wanting better-fitting shirts without having to go to the tailor. He explained his idea in creating his brand’s “true muscle fit”.
Working out of his bedroom at his mother’s house in the United Kingdom, Simonis sourced hundreds of fabric samples, started sketching numerous new designs and began conducting market research on his own by measuring thousands of athletes at nearby gyms. “I got a lot of funny looks at first,” the entrepreneur laughs. “Some people agreed, some thought I was mad.”
However, it was through this arduous process that Simonis began to develop the “True Muscle Fit” – scientifically designed for their athletic physique.
I found several interviews with Harry. One was with Jim Galvin, a UK military veteran and former Olympic athlete.
Also, Harry recorded a promotional video with Sergi Constance, an IFBB pro (mens physique) from Spain.
In addition, Harry recorded a video in 2020 to celebrate the 4th anniversary of the brand. He provided details from his life as well as his vision for the company.
Sizing
The sizing for Tailored Athlete shirts is based on a bodybuilder’s chest and waist. The sizes range from S to XXXL. For example, for a dress shirt, an XXL size would fit a bodybuilder with a 48 inch to 50-in chest and a 38-inch to 42-inch waist.
The dimensions favor a V-shaped torso. For more questions about fit, the reader can email a company representative. See also the brand’s size advisor (a button above the “add to cart” button).
Each product page has a photo of a bodybuilder and height, weight, and chest measurements.
The brand states that its shirts have a “true muscle fit,” which includes wider sleeves for bigger upper arms. Big arms of pro physique guys or open class bodybuilders may be too big for the sleeves, despite Tailored Athlete using stretchable performance fabrics for their clothes. I am thinking that fit, muscular guys (like the brand’s CEO, Harry) would be ideal for the dress shirts. (Examples are Kyle Hynick, Josh Riquelme, and Fraser Wilson.)
Model: Adrian Santos, wearing a Tailored Athlete polo shirt.
T-Shirt
Essential T-Shirt
45 U.S. Dollars
95 percent cotton, 5 percent Elastane
Denim Jeans
The brand explains that their jeans fit true to waist size and there is no need to size up for big thighs. The jeans seem like they can accommodate moderate muscular thighs (like Dan Tai, former pro rugby player, and current CrossFit athlete).
Tree-trunk thighs would seem to be too big to fit. (The models on the product page do not have tree-trunk thighs like Regan Grimes.)
The clothing offered: dress pants, dress shirts, hats, and polo shirts.
The brand’s sizing guides for each product type are on the bottom-right of the webpage. The sizing shows that the clothes are made for guys with a lot of muscle (like a pro bodybuilder).
The brand’s sizing guides for each product type are on the bottom-right of the webpage. The sizing shows that the clothes are made for guys with a lot of muscle (like a pro bodybuilder).
The brand owner participates in CrossFit and Olympic weightlifting, which involves many leg exercises. He could not find jeans to accommodate his big thighs and also fit his lean waist. This experience was the motivation for starting Fran Denim.
This brand is not marketed for bodybuilders, but the owner seeks to make clothes that can accommodate muscular people with larger thighs. Tree-trunk thighs may be too large, but some muscular builds could find jeans with this brand.
The sizing for Fran Denim jeans is based on the waist circumference (30 inches to 38 inches with 2 inseams-31 inches and 34 inches). The brand explains that you can focus on the waist size only without making an adjustment for your thighs.
The sizing for Kojo Fit jeans is based on the waist circumference (28 inches to 36 inches with the inseam ranging from 28 inches to 30 inches). With the relatively low inseam options, the brand seems to be focused on shorter men.
Chino
Ultra Stretch Chino Pants
89 U.S. Dollars
Viscose, polyester, Elastane
The sizing for Kojo Fit pants is based on the waist circumference (28 inches to 36 inches with a 30-inch inseam). With the relatively low inseam options, the brand seems to be focused on shorter men.
The sizing for Olympvs shirts is based on a bodybuilder’s chest measurement. The sizes range from S to XXL. For example, for a dress shirt, an XXL size would fit a bodybuilder with a 46 inch to 48-in chest.
For Olympvs pants, the sizing is based on a bodybuilder’s waist, hip, and thigh (leg-day lovers’ dream) measurements. For example—
Waist: 36 inches
Hip: 42 inches
Thigh: 26 inches to 30 inches
For more questions about fit, the reader can email or chat with a company representative.
Dress Shirt
The brand makes muscle-fit shirts (basically accommodating a v-tapered physique (wide shoulders and narrower waist). Its shirts are designed to be worn without an undershirt.
The sizing for Tailored Titan shirts is based on a bodybuilder’s height as well as chest, waist, and flexed-biceps measurements. The shirts have a small brand logo on the chest.
For more questions about fit, the reader can contact a company representative.
Dedicated weight training produced your muscular build. You should be able to find clothing that suits a more muscular physique. While you can go to a tailor for made-to-measure or bespoke clothing, those options can be hard on the wallet.
Fortunately, there are some brands available that offer essential clothing for muscular guys at a reasonably affordable price. These essential pieces can be assembled in multiple outfits. Are you a weight training enthusiast that loves leg day or a competitive physique athlete? Perhaps, you are a friend or significant other of a muscular guy. What has been your experience finding non-gym-related clothes that fit well? What brands work well? Tell me in the comments or by email.
Andrew C. Morrill is a Texan who lives in New York City. Andrew was based in Hong Kong and London, United Kingdom for a few years. He had been in the modeling industry for over a decade.
Andrew is a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified Personal Trainer.
I reviewed the Athletegy website while updating another blog post. I decided to purchase a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for a review. The sizing for the Quad Short runs from small to extra-large. I could not determine which size would fit me. I sent a question to the customer service about this. I received a reply from Andrew.
After reading Andrew’s email, I decided to try on the extra-large. I would guess the extra large would fit waists measuring 36-40 inches. I note that there is the brand offers a 14-day try-on period, so you could buy two sizes and return the one that does not fit. Also, I selected the large size for the Ace Tee.
The price for the clothing is on the high side (58 U.S. dollars for the Quad Short and the same price for the Ace Tee). The price is comparable to the pricing of other high-end workout shorts and t-shirts.
In addition, I have been a follower of Andrew’s social media, so I expect that (1) I am helping a small business with owners with whom I am familiar and (2) that I can communicate with them about purchase-related issues.
Inside is a white bag that contains the clothing that I ordered (wrapped in white tissue paper), a postcard (with a thank-you message from Andrew and Michael (a nice touch that is appreciated). As discussed earlier, there is a return label if the clothes do not fit.
The t-shirt fits well. The fabric is soft to the touch and is lightweight.
The shorts are mid-thigh on me. There is also a mesh material toward the top of the back of the shorts. I am guessing this feature is to allow better air circulation for runners. The shorts’ inner stitching and overall construction are neat and well done, as expected for the price point.
I used them for a home workout, which included deadlifts and dumbbell squats—the clothes allowed for a full range of motion during the training.
Takeaway
The clothes are well made and perform as advertised. In addition, you get to communicate with the owners who thank you for your business (a sadly rare business behavior). The price point is higher; however, the clothing should have a long life with high-quality and durable materials.
The brand explained that the brand will be adding more products for sale. I review them to see if I see other items I would buy.
Andrew has had several interviews over his career. Several of them have been with the Fashionably Male blog. Andrew also interviewed with the Men and Underwear blog.
Andrew mentions in his interviews that fans compliment him on his pectorals and thighs. (See other blog posts on leg-day shorts and 5-inch inseam shorts)
Andrew spoke with Willpower Magazine for an interview. Andrew discusses his start in fitness with school sports. Andrew started weight training in college. Over time, Andrew worked with a number of personal trainers; he felt he learned the exercises best when he taught himself.
Andrew’s notable muscle group is his thighs. He explained in the interview that he initially did not like having big thighs.
As a young man, I hated my muscular legs because they made it difficult to fit into clothes. It’s funny because now I think they are my best physical asset.
A lot of body development is accepting who and what you are and recognizing your own assets.
Read the rest of Andrew’s interview where he discusses his preparation for the NASM personal trainer exam and his workout and nutrition for maintaining his physique.
YouTube
Andrew did an interview with Flash Avenue Studio in London, UK.
Andrew has had a long career as a model and personal trainer. I hope that the clothing brand will add additional success. Also, congratulations on being a cancer survivor!
Any of Andrew’s photos are your favorite? Perhaps, you have tried his gym clothes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
You have decided to achieve your goal for weight loss. Or, maybe you seek to add some muscle to your physique. Good for you! With all the confusing fitness information out there, it is easy to get confused and give up.
Don’t Give Up.
Coach Fraser Wilson will help you to sort the fitness information so that it works for you.
Customized Workout Plan Fraser, with your information, will create a tailored workout plan that suits your goal.)
Customized Meal Plans Fraser also provides meal plans that suit your fitness goal.
Clients-Only Fitness App (When you decide to work with Fraser, you will gain access to the fitness app. The app will have your workout plan and meal plan.)
Email Consults As a client, you will have access to Fraser’s email to seek consults on your workout or meal plan.
Aggelos Pirikkis is a personal trainer and model who lives in Cyprus. He had a photoshoot with Canthos Studio for Walking Jack, a men’s underwear brand based in Greece.
(The underwear is manufactured in Portugal. Read more about Walking Jack on its website.)
Inspired to start weight training to improve your fitness, health, physique, or confidence? Or, perhaps to lose some of the fat gained during these challenge days with the pandemic? This article will help you.
I interviewed a personal trainer, Elad Michaeli, who has his own fat-to-fit transformation story. Elad also provides us with some general advice to kickstart our fitness transformation journeys.
Elad told me that his girlfriend provides vital support for the Instagram page, as she behind the camera capturing the images.
According to a comment on one of his Instagram posts, Elad’s height is 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) and his weight at that time was 153 pounds (69.6 kg).
In October 2020, Elad did an interview with Bulk Hackers.
Elad has opened a training club located in Israel. If you are in the country and are interesting in improving your fitness, contact him for more details.
An Interview with Online Personal Trainer Elad Michaeli
I had the opportunity to interview through email, Elad Michaeli, a 22-year-old (birth date 22-October (Libra)) personal and online trainer from Israel.
He has had several jobs. He started as a baker (bread, muffins, and cakes) to help bring in money to help his family. I was curious to see what things he baked were his favorites. It turns out he bakes and makes other meals. “Personally, I’m like a mini cook, I like making things in the kitchen (healthy mostly),” Elad said.
He does not have a sweet tooth (unlike me–I love carbohydrates, lol), explaining, “I would say bread is my favourite baked item because I don’t really like sweets. I’m more a meat guy. “
Elad joined the army when he was 18, but he also had a computer-based job. During this time, Elad also attended Wingate Academy where he studied fitness and nutrition.
In 2019, Elad started his personal training business, Elad Michaeli Fitness. Due to the pandemic with COVID-19 in 2020, he moved his training business online.
Elad is also a fitness influencer. At the time of the post, Elad has 118,000 followers on Instagram, and he has posted numerous workout demonstrations (even two with his cats) that could be done from home.
While Elad has a detailed physique now, this was not always the case. Elad started his journey being overweight and an insecure 12-year-old, who wanted to make a change.
“Being overweight really bothered me, especially because everyone was laughing at me and made me feel even worse,” Elad explained. Due to the bullying that he endured, Elad was sad and spent time by himself. It was during this time that he decided to improve himself. Elad mentioned a motivation quote that was his inspiration “First they laugh at you, then they will ask for advice.” He admits that his journey was not always a straight path, but he was able to make progress with his brother’s support.
Muay Thai as a Teenager
His brother enrolled him into a Muay Thai class, which he stated that he loved on his website. I asked more about Muay Thai, as I found out it is a full-contact combat sport. According to the Tiger Muay Thai website–
Muay Thai is referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs”; and using eight points of contact the body mimics weapons of war. The hands become the sword and dagger; the shins and forearms were hardened in training to act as armor against blows, and the elbow to fell opponents like a heavy mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The body operated as one unit. The knees and elbows constantly searching and testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to the ground for the kill.
With someone who is insecure, it struck me as an unusual sport with which to start. Elad told me that the gym “was quite a small place with 10-15 people and all of them were 20+ years old.” He liked going to that gym precisely because he was the youngest person there. “Being 12 years old at that kind of place was odd but that [is] what I really liked about that place. He continued, “The fact that I could go someplace after school [where there were no kids] made me feel calm, and it was the first step to progression.”
My impression is that Elad being so young would make people cautious about having to hit a 12-year-old, especially if you are a young adult. As Elad grew older and bigger, by 15 years old, the other members of the gym began to spar with him for real. “[W]hen I grew up and was kinda big, they stopped feeling sorry [for] me,” Elad explained. He continued, “When we trained together, they hit me like I was one of them. [I]t made me feel [like I was part of] a small family.”
By the time Elad was 17, the atmosphere at the Muay Thai gym changed–new people joined and the trainer moved. Elad enjoyed being with the people at the gym before all the changes. So, he decided to leave the gym.
Elad’s parents signed papers allowing him to join a small gym. Elad found that the trainers were not helpful. “I remember the trainers that were there [were] extremely lazy. [They] always tried to hide so no one would ask them questions.” Elad admitted that he did not know what he was doing. He explained to me that he constructed a “brutal” training routine and that he had terrible form. He remained without injury, fortunately. He decided to start researching workout information on YouTube and in books.
I asked Elad about the books and YouTube videos that were most helpful to him. He mentioned Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe. YouTubers that Elad idolized were Jeff Seid and Lazar Angelov. He copied their workout routines and exercise form.
Elad’s goal is to be “ripped and extremely strong.” Having followed his fitness journey for almost 10 years, Elad has had experience following different diets and training methods (for example, 5×5 and the push-pull-legs split routine). He is trying out calisthenics (see author’s note below), which he is incorporating with weight training.
Elad follows other Instagram fitness influencers that have the same goal of being lean and strong, Fraser Wilson (who was covered previously on this blog), Chris Heria, and Adi Gillespie.
Calisthenics is a popular fitness option. Calisthenics is mostly bodyweight exercises, movements, and holds. One of the major trainers the calisthenics area is Daniel Vadnal.
“If only people understood how important it is to be consistent. Everything that has value in life is a product of consistency. Success, health, fitness, wealth, friendships, relationships, and all other aspirations are all about consistency.” (Sylvester McNutt III)
I asked for Elad’s reaction. He explained “I couldn’t agree more with Rowan’s quote, I believe [that being] consistent is the key to everything in life because you just can’t watch TV all day and wait for things to happen or get better. You gotta stick to something and work your way from there. My clients’ consistency had a huge part in their success, but I’m always trying to give my full support so they will remain consistent and achieve their goals.”
General Workout Tips from Elad for Our Workout Journeys
While interviewing Elad to learn more about his fitness transformation journey, I wanted to get his thoughts on helping people who are about to start their fitness journeys. With the challenging pandemic and its related lock-downs, people may have added some body fat that they want to lose as we look forward to a new year.
My questions are in bold and Elad’s response follows. (Edited for clarity.)
What advice do you have for a new person who is over 25 percent body fat and wants to start a training program?
“The best advice I could give to someone with over 25 percent is to start slow and progress, usually when my extremely overweight clients are telling me “I’m willing to give it all” and I build a kind of rough diet plan they just give up right away and when I’m building a diet with a low-calorie deficit, using [intermittent] fasting they seem to stick to the diet plan and they get better results.”
Would you recommend bodyweight exercises or maybe starting with elastic bands or dumbbells?
“I’d highly recommend incorporating bodyweight exercises because it all starts from there, being able to bench 200lbs and not doing 20 push-ups with the right technique is just not worth it and it’s not good for you being weak at bodyweight exercises especially on abs. Elastic bands and pair of dumbbells are more than enough. I’ve been using only bodyweight and some bands for 3 months due to the quarantine and I didn’t even lose 1 lb of muscle. A beginner would gain muscle during the process.”
Is there a good basic routine that would be good to start with as a new trainee?
A good routine to start as a beginner is the push-up, incorporating different variations, along with some squat variations and abs workouts. Definitely progress will be shown through this routine.
(Author’s note: This routine can be done at home.)
How much time should be a person work with a program to develop a healthy workout habit?
“Developing a healthy workout routine it’s in the mindset, I believe it can happen after a week, month and even longer it all depends how much it’s important to them.”
What is your advice on a cardio program?
“[M]y advice is to find the type of cardio that suits you the best and stick to that, if you don’t like running you can take your bike and if you don’t like the ground then swimming it’s. Same with cardio need to find something that you can stay consistent with.”
Any other general helpful tips you can think of?
“[E]veryone has their days that the motivation levels are down and they just want to quit but before doing that remember why you started in the first place.”
Conclusion
It was nice chatting with Elad over email about his fitness journey. It is an interesting story, and since Elad is 21 at the time that this post was written, there will be more success stories in the future.
I hope that general advice is helpful for readers seeking to start a fitness journey to lose lock-down fat gain.
If you have any questions for Elad, please leave them in the comments or send me an email.
Is there anything you would have asked Elad that was not asked in my interview? Did you feel inspired or encouraged by Elad’s transformation story? Please let me know your questions and reflections in the comments section.
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