My Shredded Experience | The Side Effects

[@gregdoucette]

This video is incredible. So many people will learn about how hard it is to diet down to extremely low bodyfat levels. Will Definetely do a video on this. Very well explained. How you describe ur last 2 months is like what I feel when I drop below 8% bodyfat. Just love this video.

[@DaLooseGoose11]

nice, Coach Greg makin a video on AlphaDestiny!

[@ELdASenSei]

you guys always make my day. this is awesome! :)

[@hrd2kl]

15:02 he gives greg credit

[@AlexLeonidas]

Hey Greg, I'm so happy you enjoyed the video, and I can't wait to see yours!! Absolutely, most people have no idea how difficult it is getting to really low body fat so I hope this video shed some light. Crazy how we've all had similar experiences when dieting this hard.. from the timeframes to specific feelings. Thanks for relating and sharing your support.

[@abhishekchaudhry80]

@Greg Doucette In your opinion for overall aesthetic combined with fullness and strength is it an viable option to cut down till about 15%, of course that is being an approximation of BF%. Love to know your open on that. I don't want to insert it but I exclusively talking about Non-bodybuilding context only.

[@ronniespeanut5453]

This guy just destroyed every single idiot who made false critique about his dedication the exact same way he did when they tried to talk shit about his lifts. Not even in his 30s and he is considered a fitness guru! Big respect my guy keep doing you.

[@gravemind6536]

A guy who benched 405, ohp 225 whilst being under 200lb bodyweight is impressive especially as a natural plenty of enhanced guys can't manage it at higher bodyweights. His cut is also great too. He is just a guy with good genetics a good program and a guy with good willpower.

[@amit4rou]

@@gravemind6536 i agree he has good genetics of being so dedicated and give whatever it takes, now that he's at this level people also think he has good genetics... I've been following Alex since 2014-2015 when this channel was 6k-15k subs...

[@MrDutchCommando]

Hqhahahaha that picture

[@mavvynne444]

@@gravemind6536 True. His willpower is incredible.

[@OneBadDadTV]

This should be like a mandatory video for any natties that are starting out lifting. It is the epitome of what naturals are capable of. Not only that but this is ultimately the reward for those who are patient and consistent with their goals over the years. Honestly Alex you did an amazing job here and we will be able to look back on this video years from now and hopefully see a growth in the mindset of naturals across the platform. This channel has some unbelievable growth yet!

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thank you so much!!

[@gravemind6536]

Regardless of enhanced or natty the difference in how you look when hitting your biggest PRs is insane. Alex looks so different when getting his max out PRs, I looked so fat and bloated when I did my OHP 100kg compared to now.

[@adofominka8767]

Hey brother

[@adofominka8767]

Hey

[@adofominka8767]

Hey brother you want me to pick it off or something

[@renasouza8261]

The man almost died and is talking about how neck training saved his life. It's official, Alex has gone crazy LOL

[@AlexLeonidas]

😂😂😂👍🏻

[@Yabas00]

Sounds like a pretty wild possibility but boxers train neck to prevent concussions so who knows

[@IsmaelDrucker]

Alex looking like an upgraded, enhanced, definitve, ultimate, and remastered version of his 2015-2016 version.

[@Notdeepakchopra]

rockstar should take notes 📝

[@Kankerpatient123]

@@Notdeepakchopra 😂😂😂

[@superkevv3305]

Hd to 4k lol

[@killsanity7427]

Super Saiyan

[@NattyLifeYT]

Getting shredded sucks and it's hard AF, but I think everyone should do it at least once. With all the lifting we do I think we owe it to ourselves to really show off what we've built once in a while. Thank you for this video and all your other videos. You work very hard to provide us excellent content. #1 natty on youtube no doubt!!

[@v1ct0ro40]

It’s damn hard, but it’s a demonstration of discipline to even try to be shredded.

[@KurokamiNajimi]

I mean you don’t HAVE to do a big cut, that’s just for doing it fast. It’d be annoying but a 250 deficit for example will get you that extra weight loss eventually. I’d say do 500 until you’re maintainence is 2000 or less

[@darrylkemp3253]

Being shredded is horrible when you're in a jumper and people think you're skinny

[@nlf2740]

Indeed especially natty I thought it was the dream but dang . Although I enjoyed the attention and looking in the mirror. More tinder dates and especially more respect from woman. I'd say if you have a well rounded circle of people that diminish your stress and the money to fund the low density food too maintain the gains go for it. But if your life is full of assholes and people that are not even into training it will get stressful x2 also the joints and ligaments take a hit.

[@nomaderic]

@@KurokamiNajimi from my experience cutting as fast and as drastic as possible is way easier on my body than trying to do a long slow cut. When im in a deficit for that long my body starts shutting down. That's why I just fast and lose the fat quickly Everyone is different though

[@jonasw2935]

Damn this is actually scary. Shocked that the side effects get serious or even life-threatening so quickly. If I ever started fainting, losing significant amounts of sleep or feeling like shit all the time I'd immediately nope out. You're basically destroying your life at that point. Puts all the guys who are shredded year round really into perspective. Mad respect for pushing to this level tho, I think this was a great experiment for a lifetime natural and shows how disciplined you really are 💪🏼 You've done it all this year, take care bro

[@domepiece11]

Yeah, good luck being efficient at work.

[@Haidderispro]

Some people can maintain a lower body fat percentage without giving those side effects because of genetics. Like how some people can feel those side effects at a higher body fat

[@josedelacruz1270]

I know man, and that’s with sleep supplements too.

[@skatedude4195]

So this is how Jeff Cavaliere must be feeling all year round

[@toanvo427]

@@Haidderispro vast majority will experience alot of negative consequences going below 8%. Cutting so low is totally brutal.

[@DanMcNamaraa]

Been following you since i was 13, i’m 18 now. It’s incredible to see how far you have come and your true dedication to this craft. You are genuinely inspiring and have had a massive impact on my own journey, i can not thank you enough Alex 🙏

[@ScottBurnhard]

You look amazing my brother wow! 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AlexLeonidas]

Yooooooo thank you so much, Scott!!!

[@tank0792]

Scott the most positive brother on KZbin

[@Watsonclipsfordays]

#STBGANG!

[@desthomas3020]

Your a good man Scott.

[@samwatts3450]

Man we all really appreciate the honesty. When you said that you did this for us…I felt touched. You’re the man. Keep being awesome and thanks for creating this community 😎

[@brokenverdict9995]

I’m glad I have seen someone get shredded correctly. Side effects can be quite bad, in my case when I was shredded I wanted to stay shredded because of body dysmorphia. Went to sub 10% shredded everywhere. A true inspiration Alex 💪🏼 💯 . As for looking bigger. A shredded person on Instagram looks big but in person they generally small.

[@gravemind6536]

Thats right I could stand next to a guy like David Laid and if we were both wearing normal clothes I would look much bigger than him if we were to take those clothes off though David would look so much better.

[@nomad9584]

I suffered this for a long time, too. Being shredded with veins everywhere and no fat on your face sure looks good and feels good, but you're miserable a lot of the time due to constant hunger, low energy, low libido, moodiness, etc. Between 10 - 16% is much more sustainable and healthy. Not to mention you can actually eat and enjoy yourself without being so strict on caloric expenditure and food intake.

[@SoggyBiscuitPro]

You don't look that shredded in your profile pic bud

[@AbdulAziz-sg9lw]

how was your libido?

[@brokenverdict9995]

@@AbdulAziz-sg9lw it was there I guess.

[@Jack13001]

Getting that lean as a natty is absolutely brutal. To anyone who wants some more documentation on getting shredded as a natural, check out Nicks strength and power shredding down for a bodybuilding show. The last little bit of fat comes at a tremendous cost.

[@nomad9584]

The same is true if you're enhanced, only the negatives aren't quite so severe. Either way, maintaining single digit bodyfat is not pleasant...

[@techyb8614]

Peeled but the lack of eating gets tedious after a few months of being that peeled. Mad respect for having the discipline to look like a Greek statue!

[@AbsolutelyNerdy]

Been watching you for years man, before the rack pulls, even before the minoxidil. Hell, can remember you walking through a snowstorm just to get a session in. You've made it man, you've definitely made it. I'm sincerely happy for you.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Mannnn that goes way back.. thank you so much for being there all these years!!

[@hurricanejain4919]

Dude I never realized from stopping weighted training during covid to preaching about staying natty to getting shreded how much you put the audience above all. Mad respect bro!

[@WarriorFromV4LH4LL4]

Struggling and suffering is character defining. You will definitely reap the benefits of this experience for years to come. I have decided to get shredded again starting January. Been to single digits once before several years ago. Time to experience it again.

[@safathletics]

I did a bodybuilding competition in ‘94. Toughest thing I ever did. I was glad I did but I never wanted to compete again. I dieted down from 205 to 160. The things I remember most were the extreme low energy, I remember just shuffling my feet that last week. Being cold, insomnia like you, constipation, etc. Not fun. And 100% you look tiny in clothes. The illusion is correct. I’d much rather looked jacked in clothes and out of clothes. Cheers to you for doing it 💪

[@AlexLeonidas]

Oh yeah I forgot to mention the constipation part as well! Indeed, all of that is true and I appreciate your sharing your similar experience.

[@lawsen3719]

That part about Passing Out was a real kicker, this video has made me respect competing bodybuilders so much more than I already did, they are sacrificing so much by going to that low of a bodyfat%. Good work with the shred Alex, this was really informative, I was thinking of doing a quick shred but this video has changed my mind! Edit: I think I saw a video that Derek from MPMD did on a guy who did an extreme shred to single digits and the dude seemed to have as bad if not worse than you Alex, and he got his bloodwork done as well, if I remember correctly he had a massive testosterone drop as well as a bunch of other stuff.

[@James_vs_gravity]

The 80% full thing hits home. I have been living like this for the last 2 years and have developed extreme discipline when it comes to food. I spent most of my life over 40% BF. These days I walk around at 14% or so, with a focus on strength training. Your videos are more valuable to me than you can imagine, you are my biggest inspiration when it comes to lifting.

[@awesomewo5381]

couple of years ago when I first subscribed to this Chanel, I didn't understand why you kept yourself so far away from all the beefs in the fitness community. Now I think I finally understand why you did that. You've built a great community, and this is more important than anything else.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thank you man, and that is what I always wanted. A real community of people who simply want to get better.. no bs or having to put up a fake image or talk about things that don't actually matter. I appreciate you!

[@rahimmian7039]

Your transformation was absolutely insane man, respect for going through all of that to get that lean. Even more respect for being open about the side effects and consequences about going that lean too. That story where you nearly fainted actually made me shocked, I hope you're doing alright man appreciate you and all that you do

[@ns8881]

Alex, I really appreciate your content. You're the only youtuber whose advice I take to heart and it works every single time. If it wasn't for you, my physique and my health would be trash. You've given me tremendous hope for the future. Thanks

[@ribthiefz8283]

I smiled when you said the battery analogy at 9:27 - That's how i've always tried to explain muscle recovery and how a deficit impairs that. Can definitely relate to the passing out bit. I've never been super shredded, but i tried drastically lowering my calories to 1500/day for a while (at 6'2, while getting 10k steps a day also) and i once passed out on the bus to school and hit the back of my head. Wont be doing that again, thats for sure.

[@victorw2474]

I really appreciate your honesty. I too leaned down for a long period of time and couldn't sleep. I had crazy sugar cravings, low sex drive, and became very weak on the main barbell lifts. I'm happy I went through that period though, because I now know that low body fat percentage and reduced caloric states are NOT for me.

[@PermanentHigh]

Yep, and it also tell you that anyone who claims to be shredded year round is on gear

[@BudgetGainsByJJ]

Dude! I went through the same problem

[@AbdulAziz-sg9lw]

my body fat percentage is not that low but my libido is still very low after loosing too much weight

[@brummyguy3716]

My respect for you has gone up 100% One of the best naturals on KZbin and a breath of fresh air from all those guys on juice and gear claiming to be natural

[@yodan1517]

40 pound difference 🤯 That’s serious dedication💪🏽🔥

[@anhphamngoc7862]

The video is so well-organized that I FEEL every single word you said.

[@wale9389]

It's crazy how similar the side effects you're describing from your cut are to the ones described in the Minnesota Starvation Experiment, which I first learned about from this video: Fasting vs. Eating Less: What's the Difference? (Science of Fasting)

[@Jim-qr6jn]

One of the absolute best videos out there man - NOBODY talks candidly about how hard it is. When I go below 12%, I can’t sleep AT ALL. And I always felt like I was the only one who struggled with sleep this badly. Kudos to you brother - love that you did this video

[@BonytoBeastly]

This is awesome, man. I love this video. This is exactly what natural guys need to hear. Huge fan of your channel!

[@trickstervas1020]

I love your website! Quality content thanks so much for the help

[@BonytoBeastly]

@@trickstervas1020 Thank you! And our pleasure :)

[@chewher4171]

I'm very proud of you, please take care of yourself. Thank you for shedding light on getting shredded.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thank you so much, and it was a great honor speaking about this from experience.

[@Billybathtub]

Man I'm glad we inspire you like how you inspire us. You have helped me become the happiest and most confident version of me ever, and i can't wait to see where i'll be even months from now. So thank you for all the great content, and congrats on being goddamn shredded bro!

[@Unity-Mack]

Hats off to this man who got competition ready for his youtube channel! Great job!

[@ScEscapism]

Thank you for your contribution to the natty community this is some gold here about how shredded feels, 12-16 is where i'd say the sweet spot is to be honest

[@bodhisativaa]

I found you through a 5 year old recommended video and seeing how different you are from back then is pretty mind blowing.

[@pedrocorreia4695]

Going below 2000calories is insane. Especially for a man that is a serious lifter and has an insanely high appetite. I dont think people realize this.

[@LAGman91]

Used to think the same but lately I am cutting on 2200, which is a bit on the aggressive style but nothing much. However, I could cut with 2500 but chose this because I want to have a cheat day which still let's me lose about 1% weekly. 2200 kcal using good quality food with low NEAT really doesn't let you get hungry

[@IWantToStayAtYourHouse]

Yeah i used to eat the same shit every day at 1800 kcal. I got pretty lean but nowhere near as shredded as alex here. Despite that I felt like shit and felt suicidal. All i thought about everyday was my next meal. Black coffee actually helped me a lot to control my appetite. Also i basically lost all sex drive and my social life got demolished because i woild be too afraid to overeat. Just puts into perspective his insane discipline

[@VicAzeredo]

now THIS takes SERIOUS willpower, your story about passing out because of a cutting (I call it a contest prep, even without a contest) is insane, I'll never do this, but I really appreciate your effort, you're a inspiration for me, but dont do this again please, you have nothing to prove, you did much more than enough

[@TheFabio7900]

Your intro was wholesome I truly felt like it was genuine! You're an inspiration Alex!

[@juantamad6576]

This video deserves so much more views. I suggest adding "Natural body builder" to get more clicks.

[@MrEfraim10]

Incredible video Alex, proud of you for showing us that Everything is possible natural. First the 405 bench press and now this cut. Love this channel and the inspiration you give me to push for my goals. GOAT!

[@PropertywithTeo]

Look at this comments section, a plethora of support and love for Alex and one-another. Alex has seriously built something incredible on this channel.

[@atonshabazz-bey911]

You looked damn near stage ready man, that was an impressive cut. Those side effects are brutal but I appreciate you doing it to stand as an example for what's doable as a natural lifter. Everything about this was extremely motivating Side note: if you ever cut like that again (which would be brutal), would you try getting a bodybuilding coach? They might have some tips for programming through those side effects that you dealt with

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thank you Aton, if I ever decided to do this again.. it would be strictly for competition. So in that case, getting to the 130s with striated glutes, I'd probably consider hiring a bodybuilding coach. Though I feel I could do it myself.

[@chrisallen9509]

@@AlexLeonidas How common is being in the 130s in a natural bodybuilding competition?

[@simSepton]

That pause on “your DMs” (1:16)…really got me 😂!! Good job Leo, keep up!!

[@Ronnie-wp6bt]

Been following you right from the times when people used to laugh at you for your advice calling it bro science. But I knew you are a special dude who always keeps it real & honest, unlike fake & self obsessed fitness clowns. Your progress is just amazing. Miles to go, Alex, this is just the beginning 🔥

[@satinderjit4]

Dawm Alex, you are lucky in that you seem to have no body hair. I’m hairy as hell. I don’t even bother with a jacket during the winter. Your transformation is also crazy. That's awesome man. You are a huge motivation for naturals. First hitting that 405 bench, then getting lean, and not to mention the years worth of free quality content you keep putting out. You are one of the handful of fitness youtubers I watch consistantly. Thanks for all that Alex.

[@Jay_SGE]

I hate to be sappy but This guys a king, a top level motivator. There’s people who are here to lead and inspire and he’s one of them. Fucking hell you’re a g man! Keep inspiring. That energy at the beginning? Amazing

[@DBSplayers]

Proud of you big bro! Been watching you since 2017 and started out my lifting journey with your OG novice program! Thanks so much for the value you provided the natural lifting community for these years, your the GOAT

[@mattsadventures206]

I’m glad you pointed out the fact about not looking big in clothes anymore. That’s something people really need to weigh their options about.

[@aramisc.3547]

Thank you for going through this experience to see what it was like and telling us about it. You confirmed my fears when it comes to getting shredded and then some. I would not want to go through loss of energy, low blood pressure, feeling cold and hungry all the time, passing out, etc. But I'm glad to hear you gained a lot of perspective by having the discipline to go through this and reporting it to us so we can make an informed decision. Thank you bro!

[@AlexLeonidas]

I'm happy to have shared this experience with you guys which can help influence your decisions. Much love Aramis!

[@mihaelh6783]

No, thank you bro. Your channel introduced me to Westside and The book of methods and that shit changed my life. Always gonna be here watching your vids. The stuff no one talks about is on this channel.

[@KorashSyndikat]

I didnt get to that low bodyfat, maybe like 11-12% and already there I started to notice negative side effects, most noticeable the food focus I had. Man, finishing a meal and checking the time until the next one was a constant thing for me. Taking my usual walks to get my steps sometimes made me feel...kinda weak. Walking at a constant pace sometimes felt actually difficult and hard. I cant imagine how it must be going lower and lower, mad props to you!

[@raqeemtanweer4680]

Man its crazy to see how much you've developed since i found your channel back in 2016/2017 Alex. It's been nothing but inspiration and knowledge year after year- and to this its amazing to see you hit another goal so many people couldn't comprehend being possible naturally. Much love Bro!

[@iRoZer0X]

I remember when i did it myself, went from 205 to 155 during the pandemic doing calisthenics, i experience some of those side effects, even hair loss.

[@AbdulAziz-sg9lw]

how you recovered the libido pary

[@iRoZer0X]

@@AbdulAziz-sg9lw I experienced fatigue more than anything. Regarding libido, I'd say it wasn't bad, but certainly not the same. Sleeping well, eating the right things and for sure taking some days off of training helped.

[@destrohades2094]

Consistently proves that he lives what he talks. Nothing but respect for Alex.

[@dblifts8887]

When I was shredded, biggest issue was the constant hunger and the insomnia mainly. Wasn’t realistic to stay there, but glad I did it, and someone who has also gotten there is able to explain the detriments.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Those who have been there can relate, and honestly bro.. I think it's a common experience for real naturals.

[@ΑλεξανδροςΑμανατιδης-ι7ε]

For me the worst was the eating disorder that I had If I ate something sweet I would go mental and literally go up on the fridge for hours and try to stop myself from eatingBy going back and forth. After I ended my cut I gained 8kilos of fat in 2weeks....

[@isaaclawry3208]

Mad respect dude, not just for this, but across the board you walk the walk and put your money where your mouth is. As well as being super helpful and humble. Again, big respect and love your work.

[@theanabolicitalian2285]

New subscriber here. I did a similar cut as you last year and honestly I’m still feeling the effects. After eating a normal Thanksgiving dinner, I felt so uncomfortably full I thought I needed to go to the emergency room and it’s definitely a result of getting used to eating so little or so much low cal dense food. It’s comforting to hear someone with a lot of experience lifting went through something similar that I did.

[@zachleonard258]

Im glad you’re ok from the fall. Damn that neck beef saved your life and your guardian angel! Respect man you are the best fitness guy on yt

[@GabrielMartinsFitness]

What the hell alex the passing out story is crazy!! With the low blood pressure and feeling cold it seems to be your metabolism was super slow... I'm glad this is over to be honest bro

[@thebard20]

small thing but I appreciate you only estimate your body fat % at the end as around 9%, too many people would just claim 5 or 6 or lower - you know after doing this cut that there would be a big difference in how you felt if you went down another 3-4 % its absolutely brutal, the final weeks of a show prep are like death - point being your realism about the side effects and everything else is so important to how much your videos are valued.

[@zaidalsekri1449]

Holy shit Alex, thank you so much for shedding light into this endeavor. I knew it was tough but had no idea it was that brutal! Thanks again for setting an example and showing us whats possible.

[@emeka62]

Getting shredded is like getting your last Gym badge in Pokémon. It's something that no one can take away from you and though, you suffer through it, there is a deep sense of pride and fulfillment just knowing that you were able to do it. You have to really dig deep within yourself, deeper than you ever have to find the discipline to keep going while remembering why you started. It truly changes you. There is life before you got shredded and life after. You realize that if you were able to go through that, lots of other things in life are just trivial lol. CONGRATULATIONS, BRAH!

[@AlexLeonidas]

Great Pokemon analogy, this is so damn true lol Thanks so much, brah!!

[@SEAKPhotog]

Damn man, thank you for undertaking that crazy journey and sharing what you went through. I've been 10-12% twice while in my 30s and addicted to rock climbing (in my 50s now) and man, even at that % I was pretty miserable and couldn't sustain it for long. I can't imagine going leaner. You definitely earned a sub! Looking forward to checking out your other videos. Thanks YT algorithm!😁

[@xdavidliu]

the quality of this video is so much more effective in making me like and subscribe than you explicitly telling me to. Liked and subscribed. Also, this guy's speech and mannerisms kinda remind me of Qwin Vitale, another fitness youtuber.

[@nikostoss1199]

This video been so interesting for me, thanks Alex. Being a fairly tall and very skinny ectomorph, this literally describes exactly the polar opposite of what I experience. As hard as it is for me to put on size and strength, training very hard and dedicated for years now, the things you describe in the video seem quite easy to me. My body naturally wants to stay in the low 150s and eat few calories, and it is hard for me to go over 170 and eat a lot. Also I have been around 8-9% body fat and I never impacted me negatively. Very interesting how different the human body can be

[@YungPac]

You’re not an ectomorph just a guy who doesn’t eat enough

[@melvinjohncayas5128]

Incredible video, Alex! I've been shredded once and found myself nodding in agreement through the whole video. I was in the low 130's with veins popping, but my appetite was higher than my friends who were 200 lbs. I was even told that I looked drained and lethargic. I used to come home from work at 6 PM and lay on my couch because I was so exhausted. It's definitely better being "lean" than "shredded". The biggest barrier for guys sticking to their cut is what Alex mentioned in the start - losing muscle mass and being smaller. This is inevitable, especially once you start losing double-digit weight. Your shirts and pants will feel loose and you won't "feel" as big. Your lifting numbers will also drop because of low calories, less muscle, and different body proportions - for example, more ROM on bench with a smaller chest, which makes it harder. This is a huge psychological impact for guys because our ego gets hit. Everyone on a cut will have to break through this barrier. When you're in the middle of your cut, you look flabby because you have less glycogen filling your muscles up (from less carbs) and you're not exactly shredded - this is the point when guys quit the cut and get back to bulking. Stick to the cut and remember why you started. Being in a fluffy state is nice, but even a 10-lb drop makes a dramatic difference in daily activities. I feel better hiking, jumping, and running at 145 than I do at 155 because of less joint impact.

[@gush8445]

Side note, let’s never forget that Alex has a stronger grip than 90% of enhanced athletes!

[@lxxdccvii4805]

I’m so jealous of the people that just naturally are so lean. One of my buddies is 10% bf and he doesn’t diet at all

[@tylertaricco5957]

This video really struck a chord with me. At one point when trying to get shredded, and this was also exacerbated by depression, I was 3.9% body fat. I couldn’t believe the loss of libido, difficulty in getting out of bed, and how often I would get light headed. I straight up would get light headed about once every 30 minutes. I’m glad to hear I wasn’t the only one experiencing these symptoms! Congratulations on this milestone Alex! Looking like a beast

[@AlexLeonidas]

We're not alone brother, and thank you!

[@farsiuk]

That’s ghost mode

[@Eric-qx7fg]

Don’t cap like that you didn’t get to 3.9% lmao

[@dayimshah3730]

Lol bodybuilders on stage are like 4-5 % you are probably underestimating your bf which tbf all of us have done at some point

[@Philipp_-cp2xw]

That's crazy, but man I am sure you never were at 3,9 % bodyfat because then you would probably be dead. Most athletes experience those bad symptoms below 8 % bodyfat and sometimes even just below 10 %.

[@aliaub75]

One of ur best Alex, really hit hard. All the best mate.

[@stm.natural_selection]

Well done bruzz. Very inspiring - your physic is literally off it's head

[@NeptuneMyst]

Dude..I know you know this but you look AMAZING!!! Your physical growth and your growth as a content creator..it's inspiring.

[@robthomas4439]

I've been 2 months off methadone and I've got serious insomnia. My strength is way up but I KNOW lack of sleep is affecting my gains to a degree. I've been killing it in the gym but damn I wish I could sleep more than 3 hours a night. Great job on the cut brother 💪

[@itzdon8088]

Stay clean bro .. I’ve been off percs for like 2 years

[@robthomas4439]

Good for yu bro! I'm not looking back I just can't wait for more gains once I get my sleep in check. Everything else is on point

[@ns8881]

Stay strong, bro, get them gainzzzzz

[@ld1065]

Did you try melatonin?

[@robthomas4439]

Ye 2 10 MGs didn't do anything got sleepers from doc not doing anything I just gotta wait out the process. 7 years on mdone my brain isn't happy with me lol body is loving it just gotta get both to sync up 🤯😅

[@woblelol]

You’re the man Alex. I’ve been following you since the days you were doing crazy rack pulls and jefferson deadlifts. You’ve come such a long way and you’re honestly a whole different person and I look up to you. Thank you for your hard work. Much love from Cali

[@AlexLeonidas]

Much love OG!!!

[@mr.forche4373]

I’m glad you are okay! Man.. that story about passing out, scared me.

[@makinggains5130]

dude neck and trap training is so useful for unexpected collisions im 100% with you on that, im a package handler and i cant tell you how many times ive had closets, sofas, and walls of boxes fall on my head, but i truly beleive having a strong neck traps and back has saved my health so many times🤝

[@nabz6882]

You're a legend my guy, very inspirational brother. Thank you for showing us and proving the crazy things the human body can do naturally.

[@SamY-nu7mz]

Your reason for cutting is actually gold. We now have a reference for natty potential forever. Do you have any pictures that you can post in a folder that we can keep as "natty limit"?

[@MB-yk8ng]

The one takeaway for me is that fitness influencers on social media are looking even more suspicious with their easy maintenance "year around" single digit bodyfat, if an elite lifter like you had severe side effects, it puts things into perspective.

[@twodizzy2979]

i love how much you comitted to this my guy ive been watching you since i started lifting and its always been quality

[@Benyo10]

I love it when you go so specific !!! The sleeping thing, IT'S A NIGHTMARE! Iv'e had that shit the entire diet

[@appledestroyer214]

😹😹😹

[@mikelmao8849]

10:20 He use to sleep naked, but being as shredded as that you no longer can without freezing. Man I lost it right here- the ultimate defeat is having*** to wear socks to bed because you're in a whole different world of cold. I felt that spiritually.

[@AlexLeonidas]

You get it bro 😂😂😂

[@0dayExploit]

When I got pretty lean, just outside single digits, I experienced many of the same side effects. You mention how you didn’t check your T, and you felt your sex drive was okay, but one thing I realized after I added back in the calories was that I definitely had some low T symptoms. For me, and this is kinda a weird thing to talk about, the thing I noticed almost immediately was morning wood. I didn’t realize until after adding the calories back that I had no morning wood for weeks, if not months. This is while my sex drive was normal. Classic low T sign. For me, the hardest part was the insomnia. I already don’t sleep well, and the low T, low calorie insomnia was awful. I was already used to being hungry all the time from my allergy medication, so the hunger wasn’t a super big deal, also while following Greg Doucette’s tips. Another thing I noticed immediately after adding calories back was my work capacity. While on the cut I was training hard AF, but I’d never get sore at all, and that confused me. First workout with calories back in and I was sore as hell the next day, just because I could actually perform. Same exercises, etc, but going 100% when you have 100% energy is so different from going 100% when you have 20% energy.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Damn man, this literally sounds what I went through.. CRAZY how so many of us had the same experience. Thank you for your feedback.

[@0dayExploit]

@@AlexLeonidas yeah it’s wild but it can be nice to know that you’re not alone in the experience. And thank you man for the good content. Next cut I’m going to try to get down to single digits, even if only for a week, to see if I can do it. You’re a great example and motivation. Keep up the good work

[@Philipp_-cp2xw]

I had exactly the same experience at 8 % bodyfat

[@Budzy485]

Similar happen to me, cut down from around 18 percent I’d say, to close to 10 to 11 percent body fat last year and realised that I hadn’t experienced morning wood for months after, experienced considerable hair loss (possibly could have happened anyway but I definitely think the cut exacerbated it), took months to recover to a state or normality, low libido etc. Energy levels weren’t too bad, but I was pretty jacked up on caffiene. Looked really skinny in clothes, but yeah in photos with a pump it looks like a had out on a heap of muscle. A lot more comfortable at a higher body fat now.

[@AbdulAziz-sg9lw]

@@Budzy485 how you recovered your libido

[@shmeef279]

One of the top communities on utube, keep pushing

[@Linkolite]

I haven’t watched your channel since 2017, saw this in my recommended randomly as I’m working out a little more. DUDE. You have one of the best natural physiques on the internet, so incredible. Good for you man.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Much love OG!!!

[@markh88]

Definitely agree with you about feeling cold all the time when shredded! Don’t know if it’s the low body fat or metabolic slowdown but it’s definitely a thing! Great video bro!

[@BrawnyKingFitness]

Congratulations on the transformation Alex. I really like that you explained the side effects which most people avoid talking about to promote staying 5% body fat all year round. Also appreciate you mentioning that you went on the cut after bulking up to 180+ pounds cause most people are worried about bulking and cutting even when they have not yet started their fitness journey.

[@motagrota]

Alex, you one of the first few people who made me wanting a badass back and traps.Im so proud of your journey, keep on proving your points man

[@jjisse3040]

You inspire us everyday and thank you too legend ... very proud of you broski❤

[@brandonmiller4406]

Damn im in that insomnia phase now in my cut. I never thought it was the cut . This video answered so many questions ive had latley doing my cut. You look great bro!

[@appledestroyer214]

FUCKIN HATE INSOMNIA

[@scottishnarrator1776]

This video was incredible. Absolute honesty. And I went something similar, but not in the lifting realm... and I think some of the community might benefit from hearing this: I was always athletic in my youth. I was in my school soccer (football, for fellow Brits) team from Primary School all the way through high school. I participated in Tae Kwon Do & Boxing, from the age of 9 to 19. So I had a good base, I understood diet, discipline, training, S&C and even mass & BF control (calories in, calories out.). I stopped competing in those sports when I was 19, got a full time job and had to work alot. But I kept working out 3 or 4 days a week, mostly standard hypertrophy training as my job was quite physical and I'd burn a lot of calories. I would describe my physique at that point, as "Bear Mode Lite" - just a relatively jacked guy with 18-20% bodyfat, 16" biceps, 44" chest, etc, nothing "wow" but compared to an average guy...I looked good. Maintained that base with ease...from age 21 to 26...then I lost my job. The company I worked for got brutalised during the 2008 recession and just couldnt recover...so went under by 2011. This hit me hard. I worked nightshift and made a great living and could eat pretty much anything I want because 10 hour physical labour shifts 4 and 5 days a week, burned through excess calories like you wouldnt believe. At the same time....a relationship I was in, ended (now I aint sayin she a gold digga...) and a family member died. Now unemployed, mourning, and depressed, I started drinking more alcohol...and continued to consume excess calories...but minus the 40-50 hours per week of physical labour and lifting 3 or 4 times a week. Now from age 21 to 26 when I was around 160-170 (depending on hydration levels) standing at 5 foot 8 inches tall. And like I said, you could tell I lifted and was in decent shape....within a few months of losing my job, woman, a loved one, and motivation....I vividly remember weighing myself...seeing 180...and thinking, well thats not bad considering I havent been training.,...like seeing the first step of the Great Pyramid and saying "that's not that tall!".... After around a year, and when I started to meet up with my old friends and former work colleagues....I kept getting "you've gained a lot of weight, eh!??" and noticed, that whereas I had always been quite popular with women...suddenly I was missing the mark a lot and failing to get phone numbers. I remember being up a friend's house, and he was brutally honest with me and said "Mate, you are fat. I have a scale upstairs, let's see how much you way" I was like "probably 185, or 190 max"....I stepped on, all 5 foot 8 of me, breathed the air out my lungs (Boxing weigh in flashback!)...and saw the number...THAT number.... 225 pounds of BLUBBER. It hit me hard, I was so so shocked. Just 6 months prior I was like "180? That's not that bad". As you would imagine, the young sportsmen in me arose like a fucking phoenix and now I was over my break-up, bereavement, and had a new job....I was in a place to focus on getting the fat off. I cut my calories right down to my Basal Met Rate and started running, push ups, sit ups, etc....every. single. day. I didnt go made or to failure, I just went until I knew I was getting tired, then stopped, so I could do the same the next day. Long story short....I went from 225 to 200 pounds very quickly. Then it was more of a slow burn, from 200 down to 175....but then because I hadnt been lifting weights as much (I mean like, strength training once a week, no hypertrophy work) because I was SO obsessed with buring calories, deficit, and torching bodyfat....I looked skinny-fat by the time I got to 165. My foolish idiotic OCD type focus for losing fat turned into "well, if I just get really really shredded, at least I'll have abs!" I ended up as low as 140 pounds (30 pounds under my average and healthiest weight before I got fat) and still looked skinny fat. And had low energy, insomnia, constant hunger, light headedness, paranoia, and just always feeling weak. I then talked to my old boxng coach...and he recommended talking to one of the bodybuilders who trained in the gym (Morrisons Gym, in Glasgow) And I did, and he basically said "Tomorrow, you go into a slight surplus, and you lift!"....within a year I was back to 160-170 and looked good again. It was a tough experience, it consumed a decade of my life all in (not happy with myself until I hit 36...and I am STILL improving) and I learned about how that obsessive drive can either Craft you, or Kill you. I fainted too when I was at my lowest, and I just got lucky that I hit my head on a wooden floor cushioned by carpet. So it isnt only lifters getting shredded, who need to worry about dropping too much fat, restricting too much calories, and low blood pressure...even just people who get addicted to cardio and fat loss in general, who need to see Alex's video here. Sorry for the long one Bros, but this shit matters.

[@dantean]

I wouldn't want you to go through it again, but you DO look amazing.

[@GabrielMartinsFitness]

Great journey alex, the transformation was crazy!! Time for some real talk, after this experience, how do you feel seeing people keeping that body fat all year around? 🤦‍♂️

[@AlexLeonidas]

I'm DISGUSTED with the fake naturals that constantly promote this, like I have even less respect for them now. However, I do acknowledge that some people can pull this off.. but I seriously believe it has to do with them having extremely low appetites in general. I also don't see them putting up the best numbers compared to slightly fluffier naturals.

[@Haidderispro]

@@Mountainofcharm he might just have good genetics to stay lean but who knows

[@hdsd846]

@@Haidderispro I agree, someone might have better genetics to look shredded easily.

[@paxilmusic]

As someone in their first year of lifting, I really appreciate the honest info. My expectations on what was achievable were definitely warped.

[@osse1n]

Alex, some thoughts that might have altered your experience with cutting: - 6 months without any break (not sure if you had any) is too long of a cut, way too long. Tried that approach myself, almost identical numbers (84 kg down to 66 kg) as yours. No matter how much you lower calories, it just becomes. a mess. - During such prolonged cut, your set point cannot keep up with the rapid changes, thus your body becomes highly stressed and alarmed. I am pretty sure if you would do go through this in cycles/chapters (8 weeks cut - 4-8 weeks maintenances/break), you would feel diffeently/better. Mike Israetel has great videos on the subject. Overall, great job and keep promoting that Natty-Lifestyle Inc.

[@fatherdoug6644]

Yep, I always do 3 month bulk 1 month cut over and over. I always get down to 8% ish and feel sluggish but not like this.

[@yrewb4171]

Cutting to a low bodyfat will elicit negative side effects for just about every natural lifter on the planet. Sure, breaking the cut into chunks probably will help you feel better on the journey to reaching that low bodyfat, but once you're there it won't make a difference. Dr. Mike states that he himself feels like death in contest prep and he's openly not natural. Maintaining an 8% or sub 8% physique year round as a natural just isn't ideal for most lifters

[@shaunwebb3729]

Thank you for keeping it real with no B.S. as always. Setting proper expectations for us is vital; you're the man.

[@ElvisLifts]

Pretty crazy what being lean can do to you. I will have to be careful with my cut 😅great insight tho really interesting. Also hyped to see that 4 plate pullup my best is 2 plates at 96kg/211lbs bodyweight

[@ArishiWeLikePlays]

Extremely educational video - I’ve heard a lot of talk about cutting so far down and I’ve known for a long while that getting shredded isn’t healthy, but somehow this video just increased my understanding of the topic so much further. Thanks a lot for the video Alex!

[@bigsmoke4]

Insane dedication bro! What are your next goals?

[@theex7]

Thanks, I appreciate your honesty. Finally someone that tells the truth. You can not be shredded like all the time. It is neither healthy nor sustainable. I subscribed to your channel! Really enjoyed your video, everything was well reasoned and your decision to get shredded was comprehensible. I am looking forward to more videos from you.