4 THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED WORKING OUT

[@brucewillis2515]

I'm a man, older than you, in a different country, and it is thanks to one of your videos on instagram (that i saw by accident) that i didn't give up on my fitness journey. So, i want to thank you for everything, and i wish you the best.

[@MsRaquelD]

I did pilates for 1.5 years, then went into the gym for strength training. I've been doing that for 11 months now. You have to be in it for the long game. That's one thing I realized. This is a slow gradual process, but the rewards are amazing and worth it. It's nice to be reminded that it's a long game. This way it can help you from getting discouraged. "I have become my own version of body goals." I absolutely love that quote!!! I'm going to repeat that in my own head :)

[@rebecca98e]

FINALLY SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT CUT OR BULK!!! I wanted to cry when I started bulking and cutting last year because I was told that’s the only way to gain muscle mass and I ABSOLUTELY HATED IT 😭! So from now on I’m not going to do it again . Thanks for bringing me that relief 🥲.

[@karinowens7750]

I don’t know what those terms even mean. What is cutting and bulking??

[@alidelatorre1116]

Maddie, I started my fitness journey 2 years ago, the physical changes I have experienced may not be too noticeable for others, but they ARE for ME. It took me some time to realize also that changes in my overall life brought to me through working out are insane and should not go unappreciated by my very own self. I am much more disciplined now, have a stronger mind, my anxiety is well under control, I am more patient, I sleep better, I feel stronger for my day to day activities, have more energy, better mood, etc. THESE things I feel go unnoticed not just to me, but to a lot of people as well. Social media sometimes makes us feel pressured into seeing physical changes, and physical changes only, period. No, there's a lot more signs of progress that should make us proud and enjoy and trust the process. All this to say that this has been one of your best videos, also YOU are my body goals. Today, there are a lot of fitness influencers all over social media, but the aura that you carry, damn, you bring charisma, humbleness, and knowledge to the table. God bless you! ❤❤

[@TheBigMe0w]

This is not talked about enough I think! I too don't look like I work out much (sleeper build and genetics) so I feel dismissed by guys sometimes. But apart from me seeing huge changes, the other aspects should be celebrated as well: Managing mood, anxiety, energy levels, stress. Being able to carry a big box of dog food up the stairs. Being able to handle boxes in the shelves above my head or holding a big pan in the air with one hand while shoving its contents on my plate. Recovering from injury faster etc. The improvements on my life have been enormous.

[@alidelatorre1116]

@@TheBigMe0w So happy to read that you coincide with me in this aspect. I am sure it is overlooked by many of us, but every sign of progress, big or small, counts.

[@notbeingsarcastic5947]

​@TheBigMe0w that's why health and fitness shouldn't just be one specific look or body type. You can be strong, healthy, making progress ect. And not look like the "typical" fitness body shown on the internet. It's not about that. The only competition is yourself, being the best version of YOU and knowing how far you've come from your day one.

[@SammayaZavala]

An angelic presence, spreading joy and beauty wherever she goes.

[@mdjfitness]

Thanks!! 😊

[@Tony-oc1yk]

Yup!

[@DakotaKnight-x3v]

"I love food just as much as I love working out!" is the realist thing!!! I love it!!

[@mdjfitness]

my two fave hobbies haha!❤

[@MamaSwole]

That thigh gap picture made me shiver ahhh I remember when I used to follow those workouts😭 such good advice in this queen!!❤

[@mdjfitness]

Right!! I used to fall for those quick fads too😢 & thank you so much girl❤️❤️

[@G36-999]

@@mdjfitness I want to eat you

[@Drrck11]

1. Yes make a part 2 video. 2. As you said; there is so much information on the internet and much of it is misinformation that is misleading resulting in people not getting the results they desire. Everybody wants a quick-fix, but that's not the reality when it comes to health and fitness. This is why Ozempic is so popular now. 3. I don't count calories and macros or weigh my food, but I do look at health and fitness as a lifestyle. And of course exercise is a big part of that lifestyle. That's what keeps me motivated and dedicated.

[@elitepetspa2644]

As a 60 year old woman who's been lifting for a year, perfect advice, im there with all you said. I've learned so much, I've been athletic my whole life, but literally no results until I started lifting. Incredible changes and diet for the first time is not an issue..love your workouts!!

[@mdjfitness]

Thank you so much❤

[@ana.stuhec]

I love your take on cut-bulk! I've been on my journey for 7 years, I started out obese and did not cut/bulk once to see the results and they are major! Like you said, eat to fuel performance 👏 A game changer 👏🌺

[@Shay-yg7nm]

I subscribed after watching this video. No idea why it popped it but im glad it did. Im so glad you talked about cutting and bulking. Every coach puts me on 1000 calories or less resulting in a binge eating disorder. Your video really helped me to see i dont need to eat like a child to see results. Awesome video!!!

[@simpleandsnug]

Part 2 for sure! Such a great video to remind us to stay the course on our fitness journeys ❤

[@mdjfitness]

I’m so glad❤ part 2 coming!

[@spicynizzy]

Basically everything you said is how I strive to be during my fitness journey, non restrictive, positive relationship with food and not putting my body through life long changes with cutting/bulking. Simple and balanced is key. I so love your content. You just gained a new subscriber!

[@Zx6rBlue]

As someone who doesnt want to cut or bulk to achieve their fitness goals, i really appreciated this video. Ive joined a gym and lost 2 inches off my waist since March. Weight has stayed the same. So it is possible!

[@oeaoo]

Eye opening! Making motivation rely on dedication, not vice versa.

[@karthikvijay5678]

Gurl I be comparing myself even though I literally started at the gym a few months back 😭, also this channel literally is so helpful because you show workouts for all levels and I have to appreciate that ❤

[@scottlandon4149]

Could you please do a whole video on building muscle without bulking? This is so refreshing to hear!!!

[@a.i.801]

Unfortunately for most people it is necessary to watch their diet since most dont know about macros and amount of kcal necessary to lose fat or build muscle, mdj is young, has very good genetics and a balanced diet. Me eating 2500-3000kcals and working out like her (also for many years) did not get me her physique, she has a very low bodyfat % which i did not have until i decided to cut or be in a kcal deficit. Ofcourse you do not need to do extremes like we see on yt but turning a blind eye to diet/food intake will make your progress slower and maybe not even reaching your desired fitness goals

[@mdjfitness]

I mentioned this in detail in the middle of the video!😊 how cutting and bulking phases can be the right choice for certain individuals that either compete in bodybuilding, powerlifting, or just need to go through a bigger weight loss phase because they want to lose excess body fat, etc! As I stated in the video, eating intuitively will help with you sustaining long term mental and physical health if you are already fairly healthy and you don’t need to go through any extreme weight loss or gain (:

[@maxpowers4436]

​@mdjfitness Thats great for people who are already healthy but thats not most people. Intuitive eating only works if your intuition for a lack of a better word isn't fked. Many people are overweight or unhappy with their body because they listen to their intuition which is broken. And by broken I mean they are pre disposed to a long list of symptoms and complications that are related to being genetically skewed to being fat.

[@maxpowers4436]

Very measured and hyper realistic and accurate comment in my experience. Not to rag in Maddy but her genetics are not the standard. And having the base of a swimmer for years is a benefit most people don't have.

[@Denidrakes69]

​@@maxpowers4436she's talking about cutting and bulking for weight training - not losing weight because you're obese. You need to be in the healthy weight range, that goes without saying, and needs to be your main priority. But you don't need to cut and bulk to build muscle. This isn't a weightloss/dieting/cutting channel.

[@daniellebrogan8699]

Love love love you. Even though I'm a 43 year old woman, following your home build program, I really still find you relatable xx

[@mdjfitness]

Thank you so much, this means the world to me🥹💖

[@kelliBannister]

Thank you for reiterating not comparing. I do it all the time. Dedication is key. You look fabulous, love your workouts. You are an inspiration ❤

[@mdjfitness]

Of course❤ & thank you so much, I appreciate you🥹🫶🏻

[@lunaasdzani9014]

Thank you for being very honest about cutting or bulking. I am going to take your advice because I love your approach because it makes sense. Yes to part 2

[@a.i.801]

Thank you mdj for also showing that it is possible to not cut or bulk and eat that amount of kcals, it is def a nice new pov for many people. Especially since we see some extreme low or high kcal intakes on yt for cut and bulks 😅 def not necessary for an average person trying to get thru their day

[@lucianaandreatta433]

I agree with the third. To be honest fitness should be something you enjoy and for your health!!!

[@darnitthelma4247]

12:50 that is UK weather I just do the gym regardless. So what if morning is dark the gym wake you up, if evenings are dark & wet just make yourself go. It’ll help with mood lethargy and also those short evenings can become your worst enemy with regards to bad habits so make yourselves go!

[@Nintendofan4000]

Even the workout that injured my shoulder... I didn't regret because the hindered exercises I had to do between then and recovery, made me appreciate my ability to work out normally ever since then.

[@anniecatherson5363]

I want to see the part 2!!! You are my fitness goals. I came across your videos looking for at home workouts. I have to modify a little. But so good, thank you for putting out the content you do.

[@synsol5731]

This video is amazing. The motivation and dedication motto is really inspiring. Definitely make a part 2!!!

[@mariarussell4238]

Hip thrust is a MUST

[@ravens9440]

When I first started getting into weightlifting for the first time (8 years ago @ 46+ yrs old!), my personal trainer was teaching me hip thrusts..She added "Just don't make eye any contact" 😅👀Haha🤣 Getting into weight lifting has been life changing & you're right about it shaping your body~PLUS, it did/does wonders for my mind, spirit, confidence. I'm planning to go as long as I can!💪

[@darnitthelma4247]

Well done you 😊

[@begbrook123]

Love your take on motivation and dedication. Never thought of it like that and its very helpful.

[@ilariafiorilla]

Found your channel yesterday and already bingeing through your videos :)❤ truly one of the few fitness influencers who truly seems really trustworthy right away

[@mdjfitness]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback❤!! So happy to hear🥹🫶🏻

[@SuperRelaxing1]

Amazing tips, Maddy!! Would love to know how you stretch your muscles post workout to show up the next day. You are an inspiration!!

[@fanta09]

👋 hello. I'm very new into weightlifting. I could definitely not cut or bulk. I have the same view on foods. I love eating. I am a breastfeeding momma and just eat to fuel for my milk production and workouts. Wish me luck on this journey!!! You are such a motivation thank you!!!!!!

[@NoPickmeishasAllowed]

1:04 absolutely I realized that I need to be patient with myself

[@Emorales13]

In chapter 2 and I keep pushing myself to get to your level on pull-ups!!! I can’t wait…girl all the things you said on this video is so TRUE!!! I kept nodding my head yes! 😁

[@bittenquell]

You are so necessary girl!! Thank you for all the tips you share w us. And please, we need part 2 ✨💜

[@Pure_99]

Yes please make another part of this type of video !! Great work !!

[@gloriaotero9067]

OMG I really needed to hear this! Thank you so much for the advise! 🤗🤗

[@connorbale1]

""Wow, these tips are pure gold! Wish I stumbled upon this video earlier. It's like getting a cheat code for the gym! Thanks for the heads-up; now I'm pumped up and ready to smash those workouts with confidence!"

[@MavaLou80]

So true for dedication.

[@stellali8517]

Thank you so much for sharing! Love you ❤

[@sweetmalissa]

Yessss 🎉 more videos please. Can you do like a petite fixed one? I’m the same height as you and just hard to know how much to eat, lift, etc when starting out as a smaller person

[@Mattkyn]

Oh, Gosh, I can’t help still comparing myself to other cool and excellent fit people. But anyway it makes me keep going and working harder and harder every single time I see such awesome sport guys. All in all, I get that one year of working out is really not enough to become strong and have a muscular body, for sure. Thx for your stunning videos! You help me a lot not to quit what I do in a gym👍🏼

[@robertoj8950]

Yes mire videos please . Im almost a year in . Covid incarceration made me realize how amazing is moving our bodies and I ended up buying a Titax T1 .

[@daisymartinez8025]

I freakin love you thank you honestly you made me feel so much better about my work out journey. Such a sweet soul🥰 keeping it real proud of ya!

[@PatriciaHatfield-mp7xb]

Thank you... I needed to hear this

[@dianerobbins5234]

This was awesome. Would love a part 2!

[@KS-vx1oq]

I needed to hear this. Thank you!

[@LittleLibrarian]

Girly you need to make some Dedication over Motivation merch!

[@brianpetterborg3218]

I’m not going to lie, I wish I heard this months ago but I can better appreciate it today. Yes please do a part 2.

[@fmn219]

I needed the dedication vs motivation tip, thank you🙌🙌

[@mdjfitness]

You're so welcome!☺️

[@micahmaturan6519]

Thankyou!! more vids to comeee

[@Denidrakes69]

In Brisbane, Australia, dedication is necessary in summer. When you go to bed sweating, wake up sweating and its already 32 degrees and 90% humidity by 8am - it's hard!! Add to that the damn bugs - ugh. Our summer is your winter. Both suck.

[@otisdickerson2991]

Love your videos. You are very informative/intelligent to fitness. keep up the good work!!

[@ruthymart1]

Thank you for these, we has a beginners

[@chetlynn]

I think it depends on your goal and body type if you should cut or bulk.

[@jeremiahsalunatrono9889]

Amen! 🙌🙌🙌 AND YES TO PART TWO! LET'S GOOOO! 💪💪💪

[@linegagnon8927]

Omg I needed this so much today sweet angel thank you ❤brillant young genius woman

[@martasz5499]

You're the best Maddie, we need more tips!❤❤

[@danhan9611]

Great perspective on eating - feel exactly the same! Periods of cutting and bulking is simply not living a "happy life"...

[@DavidLawrenceDaley]

Same here, no cut, no bulk

[@Divchyk]

Your channel is great! However, about food. You are under 30 or not even 25 yet (if I calculated correctly) which is the time of body's growth and higher levels of activity in general (going out with friends to dance, play sports and doing physical entertaining activities). Change of lifestyle for people after 35-40 is huge - drastic increase in sedentary activities (everyone can't be a fitness trainer, so computer/desk jobs take their toll), chronic stress increase and hormonal changes makes it a must to "clean up eating habits". It doesn't matter how fit you are now, once woman's body enters perimenopause (it can be as early as 35 for some) the aproach to eating "bulk" foods must be changed. My take on it: it's easier to prepare yourself mentally and implement some habits that would be helpful throughout one's life. Changing habits are extremely hard to impossible with progression in age. Good luck.

[@a.i.801]

Eating a healthy balanced diet would be indeed the best thing to do, cutting or bulking is def not necessary in your first 5 years of your bodybuilding or gym journey (since you need to build muscle first). I would though recommend looking into your daily protein intake and amount of kcal necessary for your body, unfortunately not everyone can eat like this depending on many factors (age, genes, disease, metabolism)

[@soferson]

As someone who genuinely doesn't understand 😂 what is the alternative to cut/bulk cycles? Is it like just body recomp/eating at maintenance? I have no idea how to eat to fuel my workouts - what does that mean? Does that mean just eat when I'm hungry? Not sure I trust myself haha 😂

[@katarinaosholaja8140]

U r fantastic..thank you for what you doing..and yes please,more videos like this 😍💪

[@mithariana921]

We need part 2!!!

[@barbarasanz8994]

Nk you sooo much that was what I needed to hear❤

[@sophiacarrion7924]

As a Californian, my biggest takeaway from this video is that I never want to live in Canada 😂 fr though amen to everything !!!

[@aj0982]

Absolute💯💪

[@sniffles7791]

I FREAKIN' "ADORE" YOUUUUUUUUUU❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I'M 5'2", 100% JAPANESE-AMERICAN (NISEI)...I LOVE ME ALL SORTS OF FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD... ESPECIALLY MOCHI, JAPANESE SNACKS !!!!!!! I'M working on my JOURNEY, and I'm on my 4th week on my FITNESS journey... I told myself, as long as I'm working out, I can eat WHATEVERS....😂😂😂 THANK YOU FOR YOUR "HONESTY!!!!" DON'T EVER CHANGE... 1) KEEP TALKING LIKE YOU DO BCUZ I'M A TALKER LIKE YOU !!!! 2) KEEP BEING YOU !!!! 3) KEEP EATING MY FAV TOO, VANILLA ICE CREAM DIPPED CHOCOLATE CONE !!!! 4) LOVE YOU GIRL, I'M SO GLAD I FOUND YOU IN MY ALGORITHM... ❤❤❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@emmm-bq7cy]

needed to hear this❤

[@carolinamontes8923]

I became my own body goals .. ❤️

[@abcun17]

2017 was sooooo long ago...LOL 😂❤ Keep up the good work! Your own fitness journey worked out for you and paid off! 🙏 With advice and guidance (from people such as yourself) everyone has the opportunity to find something that works for them.

[@tp2399]

Yes part 2

[@ChicagoBornPilsenBred21]

I can tell this is going to be very insightful video💯

[@mdjfitness]

Yay!! Thank you (:

[@kristie5916]

I needed to hear #1 back then too! “Dont compare your chapter 1 to someone’s chapter 10”

[@NIKKILiu-nk9yh]

I have a genuine question: can you explain a bit more How are you be able to gain muscle and build a fit body like yours if dont track what you eat then?

[@xAdrianax]

We want part 2, please!

[@SN-vm5bj]

How do you know, how much of protein you take in? Like do keep track on it somehow? Watched the video 3 times and did some notes 😅

[@jasonfanclub4267]

🔥🔥🔥

[@dannygarcia7116]

Can u make vid on recovery? Do u do deloads to let CNS recover?

[@himanshichawla9841]

my legs are weak, can u tell me some effective lower body workouts please, i tried many workouts , i am not able to continue any for long time, its not like i am not dedicated , i have good upper body, its just that no workout suits my weak lower body, please suggest some good workout

[@ken7875]

MDJ, do have a full time job, or is the gym and your utube channel your income. As always stay safe and take care. All the best for you.

[@pamelajalbert6959]

Yes please

[@mwadjumamukamfizi2216]

You look amazing!! I love food too I try to Eat heathy I don't even care about how I look as long as I put in the best woek At the gym

[@MaraJaha-ih3ky]

Winter depression destroyed me this year. 😂

[@Talkingisoverated]

Naw mate I’m a girl and I want to be a buff dude that you se in cartoon🤭 in all seriousness thank you so much for these video I’m 13 and I love to work out but can’t go to the gym and I love watching your videos!!

[@jac_builtWoodworks]

When you say you have never done a cut, I’m going to assume you’ve never had a lot of body fat therefore never needed to be in a calorie deficit. For a lot of us we have to get rid of the fat. 😢

[@jujuriggins791]

I love you and your station but i have to tell you as far as what you’re saying anour food, its not accurate entirely. I m 51 and i ve been working out since i was 14 yrs old and competing in bodybuilding since i was 21, diet dorsnt matter as mych for you right now because you have your youth on your side. Its easy to maintain an awesome physique while eating what you want while your young but once you have kids and as you get older, that cut part of the bulk/cut will be necessary to be lean and fit d/t a slower metabolism and the normal changes that come with age so i think if your talking to the 20 yr olds that follow you, thats true but for the 35+ fitness community, eating on a more clean eating pman is necessary to stay kean and fit. Only exception would be those blessed with a faster metabolism even ad they age. Once sgain love your videos and i will continue to support you 👍💪🤗

[@a.i.801]

I agree! Thankyou for emphasizing this part :)

[@Barragandrew]

Eating is only necessary to survive the day.

[@jeanettemiskuski3532]

Shout out to fellow 🇨🇦 🇵🇭 ❤

[@bhartirajput564]

This ❤️

[@unicorn1655]

The bulking and cutting is so real. I hate hate hate eating so much but it’s good for me since I tend to eat too little anyways. Plus I’m honest, I’m here for the aesthetics. After I’m happy with how I look, I’ll go into another sport that’s not as effective in building muscle fast but fun.

[@Tony-oc1yk]

Cut here.

[@Panduh206]

I regret the ones where I got injured lol.

[@GiaDivaful]

Is it possible to mention your body fat % or how BMI #s don’t mean you are not healthy if you have over 75% of muscle for example?

[@xAdrianax]

❤

[@xoroshelle729]

Why did you feel bulking wasn't for you ?

[@twojastaratowidziaa7632]

Hey, Madison. Great video!!! I was wondering if there is any chance I could reach out to you? I might have an interesting offer.

[@sleepylittlekitty2963]

I have never regret a work out,is so true,when I feel lazy I do a 30 minutes work out and feel good after and I tell myself 30 min. is better than nothing.