Boulder Shoulders - Bulk or Cut - High Effort (Q&A)

[@coach.hybrid]

Crazy how everyone can notice how much more lethargic you are. Really taking things to the next level. Wishing you the best of health during this cut alex.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Lmao I'm happy people notice though, puts in perspective why I haven't been uploading much. Thank you brother.

[@sebastiansegovia1415]

It's weird he acts like coke and meth don't exist...😂😂

[@sebastiansegovia1415]

​@@AlexLeonidas #Amateur #LoveNeedlesStillNatty

[@Matth_M]

Wow. Your physique has gotten absolutely insane, I honestly think history will remember you as one of the greatest naturals of all times, no exageration.

[@AlexLeonidas]

I appreciate that man, I hope to be remembered as a natty great who fought for his community.

[@khole15]

@@AlexLeonidas Dont even look natty anymore

[@weyhanng7028]

The greatest compliment a natty can achieve

[@fitnessdareal]

The man is making history before our eyes, what an insane shape

[@d3an.o]

I agree. His physique has become legendary.

[@TheDeepestbluest]

Alex always has this drunk uncle waffling on dinner table vibe as he makes his irrefutable arguments and I for one love it and I am here for it.

[@AlexLeonidas]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheDeepestbluest]

@@AlexLeonidas holy shit I wasn't expecting a response, big fan man, keep up the amazing work you're an inspiration!

[@nomadicstrength]

@@TheDeepestbluest bro that's so accurate though. "I know this to be true, I've had a few, so fuck it let's talk truth."

[@nomadicstrength]

Lmao Alex sounding like a sleep deprived dad answering his kids' dumb questions.

[@AlexLeonidas]

🤣🤣🤣

[@magnus263]

😂

[@MonkeyBarsEveryday]

bruh fr

[@curgunner]

It is interesting how much you change tonally in your videos deep into your cuts vs in a bulked state. That hunger really makes a difference in your mentality.

[@AlexLeonidas]

It's scary what a prolonged deficit + low bodyfat can do to your overall speaking style and mood. I certainly don't feel like myself, though my mindset is still strong.

[@curgunner]

@@AlexLeonidas The mindset certainly shines through. Stay safe man.

[@joshwilliams6517]

He’s in vegeta mode rn

[@aidaninsua]

It’s actually insane how much this blows your cut from a little over a year ago out of the water. This is so motivational man. Can’t wait to see you on stage.

[@adam____________]

"Are you lifting to gain or to display" is something a lot of people need to hear

[@lucatabarroni1551]

You're looking amazing man your phisique is crazy, and knowing you're a lifetime natural gives me so much hope and energy🔥 Keep it up, you're the fitness youtuber i've been watching the most lately💪🏻

[@SeanStaxxMusic]

Bro your current shredded physique is NUTS! Looking like you're on PEDs which is the ultimate goal for aesthetics as a natty. Truly inspirational my brotha, keep doing what you do.

[@BasementBodybuilding]

Strong agree on the smith. That attachment would be a game changer for the home gym too because of how compact it is with the rack already in place.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Look out for Bells of Steel's new smith machine attachment drop, it's indeed gonna be a game changer. Not only for gains, but as you said, saving space.

[@indroidy]

I have a smith attachment in my rack and been using it mostly for the AD press. Even if it's not better than free barbell version, it's MUCH easier to set up and saves much time.... Especially when I'm doing it after benching and don't wanna set up the hooks and safties again

[@gtrrohit5078]

hey alex, you sound very tired this episode - take care of yourself! Thank you for making your videos, they are incredibly useful to me as an 18 yr old.

[@SMega]

Bro, I've been watching for so long and even I can't help but look at you and see a physique which I would normally feel suspicious of - big respect for the progress

[@marktherippertoe4280]

I've been following you since you only had a few hundred subscribers. It's been very interesting watching you grow into one of the best fitness channels out there, even surpassing a lot of people who made fun of you along the way. Sure there were some weird cringe years but now the delivery of good info is top tier. Also the Anterior Delt Press is the best exercise I've tried from you. I went from 185 to 225 in a few months. Also has been great cause I can't do the standing OHP in my basement and have struggled to find a good way to do overhead work. Good shit

[@AlexLeonidas]

Dude.. I can't begin to express how awesome you are.

[@ryanliu494]

glad you still do videos on deficit handstand pushups and all the advanced stuff despite the views dropping. always helps and fosters a community among us advanced calisthenics turned bodybuilding athletes

[@raphael_cnr7520]

Alex… you are KILLING the natural game! Never seen a stronger and more aesthetic guy like you and this for years! Love your content

[@aesthetics_hunter]

Stay safe man, show time is closing in. It's gonna be absolutely insane to see what you bring to the table. Pure dedication and it's so motivating!

[@Fitness_Lorenzo]

You , geo, and natural are the goats. Y’all inspire me so much. 🙏

[@NatureChad]

Insanely proud of you man. Great video as well! Stay strong, we're all cheering for you.

[@mihail0431]

This is the best I've seen you look, but please don't fucking die man we need you

[@georgesbouchelaghem682]

Man, you're such an inspiration. 46 years old, been pulling and pushing my whole life, and I still watch your videos knowing I will learn something, been doing it for years. Thanks Alex, and really congrats for your achievements, you're an example.

[@JuliusCaesar103]

You the man Alex, respect for sticking to your goals regardless of how you feel. Truly inspiring

[@ActiveGymMembers]

You Got One Of The Best Physique On YT It’s Like You Came From The 70s or 80s You Can Tell You Worked Hard For That Muscle💯

[@vladimirvladimirov4292]

Stay strong, brother! Almost there! Looking better and better by the day. These awful days, in a few month will be just a memory, but what you are going to bring on the stage will stay here for years! Push it trough, brother!

[@ArminEghdamiDrums]

The thumbnail goes hard af! Alex showing what it means to go even further beyond!

[@doggodesign4259]

Insert 3 minutes of screaming

[@nm8352]

Thanks

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thank you so much, N M!!

[@apa1103]

Damn! After few years not switching to this account, your progress has gotten real insane! Wow!

[@hngodesign]

Love these Q&As! I dunno if it's just me, but I think this crazy cut is changing Alex's energy in his voice. Sounds like NEAT is dropping. I noticed it over the last handful of videos.

[@AlexLeonidas]

I'm not doing too well man. I'm glad you're enjoying the Q&As & recent videos.

[@hngodesign]

@@AlexLeonidas You're almost at the finish line man! You are truly a freaking beast and watching your vids and following your journey only motivates me more! Remember that you've created a huge natty community and truly showing that there is no natty limit. Thank you again for continuing to create and share amazing content even though you are feeling like total crap.

[@radilev1996]

Bro, I feel you look tired or even annoyed at this point. Hope your preparation goes well and you kill it and then you can finally enjoy yourself.

[@AlexLeonidas]

I'm dying, Plamen. I've never felt so shit in my life. Even doing basic things like walking is difficult. I can't wait to feel normal again...

[@samuelfvalim7418]

​@@AlexLeonidas geez man, this cut has been very rough then

[@GuillaumeLeValiant]

Seated ohp on a 60° angle bench in the smith is my go-to for shoulders now. It became my all time favorite ohp variation, period. And i also love the smith for lunges and squats variations.

[@Wetterwet]

#5 is huge and all of social media needs to hear this

[@bryantgouveia]

Finally someone giving the seated smith machine press the merit it deserves. I use to do it in the past and nothing would gives me a shoulder pump or soreness like it does. Even after a decade of lifting not even close. Only after did I realise that Zydrunas used to do it as his first shoulder exercise for many years. There's a big trick to it on the smith machine tho which most people end up doing naturally anyways. You push the barbell against the machine so your getting an intense contraction the whole way through the lift 💪💯

[@thom8363]

Regarding the handstand pushup, I personnally do progressive range of motion, I increase the depth every week, two centimeters at the time. That, then en OHP variation for the full range gainz, I have been progressing from not being able to do one on the floor to being able to do it with 10cm deficit. My shoulders have already gotten bigger in the process. In a few months, I'll be able to rep out full range and my shoulder will look crazy. I am 186 tall and weigh 85kg, I have been spinning my wheels to progress in it, now that I combine the progressive ROM with full range OHP/BTN press, my progress are skyrocketting. Also, be patient and dont try to "max out" depth when not ready. Build it over weeks, over months, even over years maybe. Focus on the baby steps along the way

[@zup9819]

Man has entered the diced dimension. Stay safe and best wishes king!

[@JakeSemeniuk]

Been listening to these QnA’s my entire lifting career. Always good info man, regardless of being lethargic from a gnarly cut. You’re gonna kill it!

[@SirJoange]

this is motivation brother, thank you for all this years. The shredd is real man

[@Motivatorteo]

Wow man, you look like you need some sleep. Must be pushing super hard. Unreal respect. We're all behind you and it'll all be worth it! Physique will look insane! Stay safe brother.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thank you Teo!!!!

[@Motivatorteo]

@@AlexLeonidas My pleasure my man! An inspiration! ❤️

[@MarianoGrande1]

Hey Alex, you looking insane! Just want to thank you for sharing the knowledge. This channel is really a gem.

[@9videoguy]

Alex's progress is like an anime character arc. It's hype af

[@AlexLeonidas]

☺️☺️☺️💯 Anime was my original motivation

[@popcornto6032]

Eating my Iftaar (breaking of the fast in Ramadan) and watching a 26 minute video of Alex. Life is good 😎.

[@petar.dj98]

Had elbow pain for a year on every pulling movement. Removed barbell curls and supinated chins, added straps and the pain was almost gone after that. Now I use Versa grips instead of straps and there is ZERO pain

[@stayontrack]

weak forearm flexors

[@guid0_gainz908]

Physique looking absolutely insane homie

[@Davichiz]

Alex is such a fountain of knowledge, love it! Looking absolutely nutty my dude.

[@simonh.1433]

I feel your pain Alex, I had a similar cut in terms of exhaustion because of timeframe and aggressiveness, stay strong brother. We appreciate it that you even upload deep into a contest prep. Will love to see you energized again after jumping back on the carb train. Keep going bro 🤟🏻

[@robinrobinho333]

Bro even got veins in his damn BACK. Looking great bro, cut must be extremely rough. Keep pushing but stay save, you got this Alex!

[@aubertbethencourt3241]

I've been following your page for a long while and have always seen you in the bulking and strengthening up stages. This is the first time I've seen you in your cutting stage, and I must say your frame is looking sick man good shit. Congratulations, beast vibes.

[@raulhernandez2010]

Thanks for answering my question, Alex! After hearing what you had to say, I decided to maintain at my current weight until I get back on a regular routine. I am using a modified version of your novice program until I get my strength back. University has been brutal this semester. Wish you well 🙏🏼

[@veerex1546]

utd⁉️

[@raulhernandez2010]

@@veerex1546 yup, u know me?

[@hamdawg1]

As a young lifter who's used to seeing constant fake natties and people pushing for ped use, thank you for being one of the few voices of reason, you inspire tons of people to stay natty and not sacrifice their health, thank you for the content bro 💪

[@asianfire2911]

Alex you're a big inspo, love your channel

[@d3an.o]

Alex discussing bulking and cutting will never get old 😂. Need a bulk motivation video bro

[@brandonyoung4910]

Bro you look insane right now. I wonder if cutting more will take away from what you currently have. Great work man

[@RDS_Armwrestling]

As a natural, if he tries to get leaner than this, he will likely start losing muscle, man is huge and diced

[@Jack-tq3hu]

Love these Q&As, I go through the playlist and listen to them in the background everyday

[@hnc9]

Bro stay strong your nearly there!

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thank you HNC, trying to keep it together!!

[@MrThatguyaaron]

Alex your physique has hit GOAT status. Congratulations.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thank you, Crofe.

[@ryanliu494]

appreciate these videos despite how you feel. youre a huge inspiration alex

[@meuxtag]

You are getting a Fred Rollon's back more and more in many of those shots! Cheers!

[@do_odman]

Alex's teres major got a promotion, they're now colonel teres.

[@benc-j4942]

Your delts and arms are looking ridiculous on the incline curls, veins and shreds everywhere. Keep up the the grind bro, can't wait to see the end of cut and the fowling bulk if you do one.

[@kettlebelleddie5272]

those are some insane lats/ lat insertions when you were doing the pullups. Looking insanely shredded, good luck!

[@sirhc4986]

I love the Smith! No shame at all. I use it for several lifts especially OHP. Great vids man! Keep'em coming.

[@AzaiKyou]

I've never cut as much as you but you are looking insane! Even on like 9/10% I get really tired and the biggest issue for me was that I wasn't able to lift heavy during that time, am about 15% now and while I miss the shreds, the energy and seeing my weights still going up is an amazing feeling. Keep up the good work bro!

[@Will-power1]

I'm glad I found your channel Alex. Keep up the good work! 👏

[@AlexLeonidas]

Much love, Will!

[@techtexan2816]

Cannot wait to see this on stage!!! Physique has just mutated in the past few years!

[@WhilliamBrandinFitness]

Honestly seeing your insane progres over the years is both impressive and so inspiring💪🏼

[@crazyjay321]

Mindblowing physique. Incredible work, you inspire the community!

[@danielloera25]

I’ve been a busy man for the past two months but I always tune in for your vids! 👊🏻

[@qdomorro]

First of all, thank you for all of the incredible content. Your physique is unreal. Really something for us natties to strive for that honestly, I would’ve doubted was possible if you hadn’t have documented it so well. I think you’ve exceeded everyone’s expectations and at least to me, proven that PEDs are not necessary to have a world class physique. Just one question for you: have you ever and/or would you get a body composition test done? Like an Inbody test? It would be really interesting to see your numbers and how they stack up to your viewers. Eric Bugenhagen did one a few months back and it was pretty eye opening…he had like 50 lbs more muscle on his frame than me 🤯. I know they’re not super accurate or anything but I always get one at the end of every bulk and cut to track my progress

[@chiefpanda7040]

Im excited for todays qna always look forward to these

[@VoiceKulaka]

holy shit, dude! i didn't watched your videos for a long time now, and you look shredded as hell! nice progress!

[@manuneagoe7990]

I felt what you said in the video. I've been bulking for over 6 years with short cuts, and now when I'm cutting I feel small and like losing muscle

[@shrexyboi1850]

How short are the cuts?

[@manuneagoe7990]

@@shrexyboi1850 didn't know how to cut, used kinobody's programs and lost a lot of muscle. I'm about 18% bf right now. I'm not sure how short the cuts were, I think a month or so but I looked worse since I lost muscle

[@n7Andy]

@@manuneagoe7990 Bro, f*ck Kino's 'shredded' preaching. It's a bit silly, honestly. It's not even good for overall health and testosterone levels. Kinobody only looks jacked on camera because he's super lean. In the real world, or in normal clothes, if you saw him, you wouldn't even know if he works out... Eat big, progressively overload in the gym for heavy days, and reps until failure for volume days. Keep your body in an anabolic state, man. Hit the weights hard and often and get them calories in. The last thing you wanna do is lose muscle that you've worked so hard to gain.

[@manuneagoe7990]

@@n7Andy Yeah, I tried two of his programs and both lost me muscle. I'm doing all of that, proggresively overload, just didn't cut so I can look leaner. Every time I cut I feel smaller, its more of a mental thinkn I believe

[@bail223]

We need more frequent Q&A!s!!!!!!

[@FratBoyFitness]

Jesus bro you are diced. Very impressive

[@chezzington918]

14:30 Further proof of the genius of past Alex by incorporating OHP before Bench in his free novice program. I've been running his program since I started lifting and I can say for certain doing OHP before bench made my shoulders solid af.

[@BasedAhmed]

Still the best natty in the game. Been subbed since 2018 bro, when I was a skinny 100lb teenager. Now I'm a national deadlift champion :) Just wondering how much pure lean tissue you've put on in recent years?

[@espendahl9719]

Looking great Alex.😎😎💪💪

[@SpencerC1995]

Looking truly very amazing. Really helping me bulk back up from some really depressing girl stuff. and Compared to where you were months ago.. gives me hope to embrace the bulk "bearmode". Much love

[@herakles6901]

Looking really ripped and really jacked. The most I've seen you get so far. Don't forget to record your bodybuilding comp bro. I wanna see the outcome.

[@dividendking3686]

Man you look insane Alex. Psychotic physique 💪🏻 big inspiration for every natty.

[@krsnramsumair3500]

This Q and A was particularly useful to me

[@gabetheguy4297]

Alex you should also make videos on your mindset/things that aren't gym related. Like your videos on nostalgia and or body dysmorphia. Maybe like depression or something. Always like to hear the way you think about things.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Yeah I most definitely will, got lots to share now brother

[@Nick-PaiN]

I stepped away from exercise and workout videos for a solid year. First time seeing one of your videos in 12 months or so and damn 😮 you definitely put size on 💪🏻.

[@noahbratschi]

I agree you can do bench and OHP at the same time, not really necessary to stop doing one over the other. You can make progress gains with both.

[@patrykloda6345]

People talk about muscle memory for when we de-train for a period of time and we can then regain the lost muscle much faster than we did the first time. Does this also apply to strength? If peaking in strength and then focusing on hypertrophy, would then coming back to strength mean we can get back to the same strenght faster than last time? Love your work!

[@ptadisbander7959]

One of my few comments on your vids. Keep going!!!

[@kindaFunkyNGL]

Jesus bro you're at 28" waist right now you look MASSIVE. I got to 29 at my lowest ~14% fat and I looked skinny af. Thank you for the inspiration brother and keep up the cut.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thanks bro and I naturally have a wider waist! Muscle is the key to everything

[@alexakos1223]

I'm super curious after an insanely deep cut like this how you don't binge at everything you see after the cut? What do you do after a cut like this how do you maintain good leanness without gaining a lot of bf? Btw your cut and your physique are the most insane I've ever seen, very inspiring. Most ppl will never get there, i know I'll never will

[@John-cena6483]

Simple answer, self control. Less simple answer, knowing what's best in the long term, and will make you feel best inspires you to take that route. Bulking is amazing for gains, but if you slingshot back to mid bulk, you can't bulk as long, and you gotta cut again, so coming out of a cut slowly will result in more gains. It also wacks up your hormones even more than they already are, which is again, terrible for your long term progress. Understanding this, among other things, will help you develop the self control needed to stay diligent

[@BornGreatMike]

Maybe because after he’s done cutting he’ll probably eat a crap ton of healthy food and bulk up again idk but his self control and discipline is high

[@cookiecutter1773]

You will always ‘binge’ after a cut to sub 8% bf. It’s not even a bad thing it gets you to a body fat conducive to productive training and life in general faster.

[@joshwilliams6517]

He might lol. He should film it too btw bro is so locked in

[@KM-04]

Great content mate! Really looking forward to the second bulk to shredded video. It's really hard to be shredded and noticeably big at the same time, unless you have hyperelite genetics!

[@aniketsharma3512]

His energy has gone down a lot, literally I can feel the difference

[@coley0172]

In the politest way possible Alex, you look f***ed😂😂 Keep yourself safe in this last stretch of the cut man💪❤️

[@samuelfvalim7418]

11:45 damn bro, looking even leaner than the last time you've done it. Congrats and good luck in your comp !

[@EsotericOrderJ]

Looking better than ever Alex.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Thanks Josh. I look my best but feel my worst, funny how that works!

[@1KnattyDread]

Yo your physique is on another level right now bro! The clip when you're doing handstand push ups your erectors are mad impressive. You've came a long way Alex your very inspirational thank you for all the jewels you drop.💪🏾👊🏾🇨🇦

[@thydog]

Hey Alex. I'm a novice. Former Athelete. Lifting 4x/wk while cutting for 4 months while gaining strength on SBD. 126lbs, 5'4, 15% bf now no stall on LP yet. SBD 1RM based on 5RM. (265/135/330). Raw, beltless, sumo, high bar. The National Men's Junior record for 115lb in my country is (310/190/355). 130lbs record - (390/225/485) & 145lbs record - (465/325/475). I'll be turning 24 in June, 2026, I want to break a National Record. What should I do after LP ceases. Strength is priority right now.

[@darrylkemp3253]

I've always preferred seated shoulder presses on the Smith machine....

[@jazsi_]

Just discovered your channel. Holy shit, insane natty-looking physique-maybe the best I've seen. Great content too.

[@PungiJung]

Love these q&a's 🔥💪

[@JLX1373]

alex you are a beast, so inspiring

[@DrewLSsix]

I wa Sable to pick up a monster of a smith machine for $75 last year right as I moved to a place with more room for my gym, can't beat the value if you have the space.

[@pioneer_1969]

Looking better every video, Alex. I have a question. Do you have any goals regarding cardiovascular activities (speed/distance running, swimming etc)?

[@heroevulgar]

Remember when everybody hated on Alex? I'm just here to remind the haters to think it twice before making fun of someone working hard.

[@AlexLeonidas]

Fuel

[@pallasashta9129]

Hey. Im using a chest expander now thank you. Nice and cheap equipment. You are my barbell man