The Male Body Image Crisis

[@Laurius57]

"The day you come to the gym is the day you become small forever" - Brofessor Dom.

[@CHIRAG-pBR322]

True

[@Novusod]

A lot of these guys are Gymcells. It is an offshoot of the Incell movement that turns to bodybuilding as coping mechanism.

[@JA-zs7fw]

Small balls?

[@snakesonn]

wrong

[@arrnasss]

@@Novusod kinda true, but then again, this coping mechanism is still better than being terminally online.

[@kyledahlquist9423]

You nailed it. A huge problem is actors claiming to be natural (Jackman, The Rock) when they have a whole pharmacy in their veins.

[@drayaabraham6320]

I would say that’s a problem for younger boys to see guys like that saying they’re natural. For these young men getting hooked on steroid or other enhancement drugs, it’s on them. They’re old enough to receive the education that’s needed to understand how much muscle they can put on and how genetics can play a role in how jacked you can get. There’s no reason to be looking at another guy and getting addicted to pumping juice into your body without knowing if that guy is even natural. People need to stop being envious of others without knowing their story. They also need to stop trying to find a short cut for anything that may be too hard. Majority of things that come faster will have a price to pay.

[@vess928]

How do people in 2025 still believe actors packing 30lbs of muscle in 6 months is thanks to 4 hour a day workouts and chicken and broccoli

[@jimmytwo-times5769]

@@kyledahlquist9423 It’s only a problem if you’re making it a problem by comparing yourself to other people as the metric of your self worth. Doing that in and of itself is a problem. For a very long time people would blast other people for being honest about it so I can understand why they’re doing it even though I don’t necessarily agree with their approach it’s a fairly simple concept to grasp. So is the concept of jealousy, envy, and directed hatred towards people who have things that you want but do not have and so is the concept of ego and thinking you’re better than others because you have a better looking physique or are “natty” or whatever label you prescribe to yourself in an attempt to feel more special about yourself. The entire natty or not debate is fueled by people with low self-esteem on both sides of the spectrum. If people focused on themselves as much as they hyper fixated on other people I’m sure the world would be a much better place.

[@sirriffsalot4158]

To be honest I still think Mr. Jackman is telling the truth. He never looked absurdly big and muscular like your typical PED-user, he was lean but jacked. Seems like if anyone were gonna be honest about it it would be him, as he always struck me as a very genuine dude. Also, I would like to see some comparisons: cause Hugh's job was literally just to go to the gym and eat like a horse every single day. It's very difficult to get a comparison with a controlled natty because.. well, pretty much no person on Earth lives their life like this unless they're already getting paid for it. But having a scientific experiment like that would go a long way I feel. Peace out!

[@vess928]

@ your gains cap at an excellent diet and 6-10 hours of exercise a week. You dont increase your speed of muscle building by working out more. Hugh was most definitely on PEDs, not only because of how lean and jacked he was, but the main giveaway was the speed of things. A wolverine physique might be attainable naturally but on top of elite genetics it would take a decade or more.

[@PhorSaken]

"1 in 10 bodybuilders affected by Bigorexia" Yeh...no. Try 9/10

[@RevolutionNTty]

Exacly. My gym is 9/10 using steroids, and the worst thing is that they don't even have a good shape. Its Crazy nowadays

[@Gengh13]

Exactly, perhaps only 1 in 10 admits it.

[@Louskii5]

​@@RevolutionNTty probably watered down or fake. Which in that case they might be lucky. The dealer probably saving they life without them knowing it

[@rebelpoet7587]

@@RevolutionNTty Shit , where is this? US? I'm in the Netherlands and in a fairly 'exclusive' gym (read: it's expensive, has a no 'tank top' policy and the average age = above 50 ;P ) and I'm fairly positive that pretty much nobody there (maybe a handful of exceptions) is on any form of PEDS. However, I'm also hearing stories that it's becoming more and more prevalent in the more standard gyms (anytime, basic fit etc.) amongst the youth.... Shame.

[@fredrikfahre9017]

@@rebelpoet7587 Same here in Norway. I've only seen two obvious steroid users at my gym the last couple of years.

[@Artistic_Storm]

Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on your own progress and journey to be the person you want to be.

[@jameswayton2340]

Between ages 18 and 24 i used to do cycling on high competitive level. Broke my leg and after that still tried for three years but this ended my dreams. In cycling its you vs 180 others during a competition. Then years later at age 31 i started bodybuilding and the ONE thing that is so great is that its just me vs me. There will always be others better then me or worse then me, it does not really matter.

[@AdeelKhan-uu2pv]

amen!

[@youngdreflaco]

what if i lost all my progress and i compare to myself in the past 🥲

[@Artistic_Storm]

@youngdreflaco I believe we've all felt this way at some time. We'll always have moments in our lives we're we were the best at something or felt our best. It's important to remember what got us to that point and what it took to stay dedicated. You're still the same you, and you can achieve that similar inner fire you had before. Even if we're looking back on our youth or if we're unable to do the things we did before. There's always something we can work on improving at. And in return improve our mood and improve our self confidence. The neural connections are still there. We just need to restrengthen em again.

[@thomasdovell3003]

Cool. Except others (including women) are also judging you against those impossible (without PEDs) physiques.

[@kyledahlquist9423]

Women calling Jason Mamoa's big, healthy physique a "dad bod" is insane.

[@r.brooks5287]

Young women aren't any brighter than young men unfortunately.

[@VanAkita]

Dad body in the sense of fuck me daddy

[@ayaz12yearsago23]

yeah but what do they know yk

[@John-ih7gp]

Chris Bumstead too! Girls thinking he's got a dad bod is insane

[@DatsWhatHeSaid]

@@John-ih7gp ?? Who'd think/say that?

[@gabrieljordan8015]

The good thing about bodybuilding at 42 versus 22 is that I stopped comparing myself to other men and instead just compare myself to myself. As long as I make progress and feel good then thats all that matters.

[@travisn346]

At 40, I walk for 30 mins or so, stretch as much as possible, and get plenty of sun. It's working well. I agree with your comment.

[@darthconquest1046]

Funny I'm the 43rd like on this post. And at 43, I also just try to be better than I was yesterday instead of trying to be the next Samson Douda.

[@avopeac6300]

I just like working out honestly

[@zakzwijn8410]

Yh I'm 45 and can say I'm doing pretty well. I do it for myself and for my kids btw. I also get a shit ton more attention from women, which is a nice by-product

[@B3N0T4FR4ID]

Well, you could’ve done this at 22 as well. But keep up the good work.

[@gurulaghima6518]

Someone once said i look gay so i spent that evening looking at shirtless pictures of muscular men I don't know what that person is talking about tbh

[@ColeHastings]

They’ve got you all wrong

[@victorinprogress]

Oil up bro

[@dawishes2329]

Look at muscular male ass and at well sculpted female ass, which of them do you find more attractive? Do you find adam's apple or wide skinny shoulders attractive? if not, you are not attracted to masculine men, unlikely, but can still be gay. If you do find them attractive, you are probably gay/bi. Finding muscular men to "look good" doesn't really make you gay. At least in my case I envy those fkers and consider them a motivation. I find wide shoulders, visible adam's apple and male flat ass major turn off and well shaped female ass very attractive.

[@stew-03]

Lather up bbg

[@Ad1nfernum]

Lol this comment 😂

[@thegritsch]

I was mainly getting shredded for the girls, but as it turns out the dudes are more into it. For girls apparently its all about the face, can't do much about that tough...

[@thecompareablezombie]

How about the tomboys?

[@Viso333]

its compination of face and body and style and personality really. But definately started to get much more attention from woman when i got bigger like getting caught chicks literally staring my ass arms and chest secretly like horny guys stare boobs and butts secretly. Now i know not to check out womans body too much because now i know its noticiable to them even if you take quick look haha. Not all woman are in to muscle men but it seems most really are but yeah face and style compined to that has to be decent at least. Muscle alone is not enough. Cant have fat waist. I went from max 2 of 10 liking me in to 6 of 10 by getting bigger and testing different style of clothing

[@james_chatman]

Most women would rather have an interesting guy than a pretty face. Work on your personality.

[@FarrFetched35]

You're almost correct. As an ugly man who married a 10 I can assure you it's the personality they care about.

[@AncientXCivilizations]

Yes, they care most about face and stature. One HyperThroid guy at my college gets more girls than gymbros. It's a cope.

[@Misscakeshop]

I think it's crazy how after the 2000s the male beauty standards in movies has completely changed. If you look at the most attractive male actors in the 90s and nowadays there's just such a big change.

[@lupo3694]

That is true on some level. There were some really jacked action movie actors, though. Schwarzenegger, Stalone, Van Damme. These were some of the biggest stars of the 90s. Now I feel like every male actor in almost every movie needs to be jacked, though. Like Bill Burr said: Why does Ben Stiller need visible abs in "Meet the Fockers"? Because there is a scene with his shirt off, and all Hollywood stars have to look as f*ckable as possible all the time.

[@bigbadlara5304]

On the other side is me. I went to the gym to look better and quickly found out there is no better way to manage my severe mental health issues than weightlifting. Maybe weightlifting actually saved my life. I made friends when I started going to a powerlifting gym too.

[@Thermopylae2007]

On the positive side, I think that just the hormonal changes associated with consistently working out, eating well, and sleeping well can really help a lot of young men. Simply the ability to make some changes to one's physique over time can also improve one's sense of self-agency, so I think that if that balance can be attained, it's a good thing for 80-90% of people.

[@mrfarax4944]

Powerlifting is also mentally difficult you are chasing strength not looks

[@AVV_Beats]

I'm in the same boat my man! I started going to the gym after a bad break up, and my confidence hit rock bottom. Over the last ten years, it has been my sanctuary - getting me through career struggles, family crises, and now, adapting to life as a father.

[@Harsha-D311]

So happy you are happy and your mental health is improving

[@paweantoniewicz5897]

Exactly, bodybuilding is good for teens and wannabes, you eat something wrong, wake up and dont look that good like yesterday and you feel like shit, you lift heavy, you know that you re fucking strong and makes you feel good inside, powerlifting is the Best ❤

[@LucasLungeanu-g9x]

I'm 16 and I've definitely been affected by social media and felt pressured to look better, be stronger. I think obsession is a good thing but there is a point where that obsession becomes harmful. I workout 7 times a week doing weight training, kickboxing, and running while also stretching when my joints aren't aching from KB. I love being obsessed and having this drive to constantly be better but only as long as it doesn't hurt me or other people. My ultimate goal is health and all these things I do are just means to the ends and not the ends so why would I jeopardize my true goal by using steroids or going way too hard in sparring. I enjoyed this video a lot man keep it up.

[@ColeHastings]

Great example of wanting to be the absolute best version of yourself through a fitness obsession. Glad you figured it out at a young age

[@flamethrower5434]

Hey I do kick boxing too! Just started a couple of months tho. Any tips?

[@danielclipper931]

Good on you brother. Just make sure you take rest days to help growth and recovery.

[@LucasLungeanu-g9x]

@@flamethrower5434 i started 5 months ago myself lol, but my best tip is to just show up consistently and avoid hard sparring unless you are getting ready for a fight

[@Max-jj3hh]

Good, imagine pumping your body with these needles with chemicals to appear big but not having the actual strenght to back up your size. Its insane

[@MetaMan227]

Simply delete social media, eat healthy, find forms of exercise you enjoy, spend time around people that are healthy, and go touch grass. It’s not that hard fellas

[@FIREFUTURES]

Simply.

[@walrusmaximus]

Simple does not mean easy. It is indeed this simple though, but very difficult for some.

[@verygoodfreelancer]

1) delete social media 2) ???? 3) profit

[@Wildatheartoz]

If only this were true

[@rxklastz1770]

It’s hard because most of us guys want girlfriends/wife’s and you have to play the social media game to even get attention now days.

[@jahRahMF]

Unrealistic body aesthetic pressurized and pushed onto men and women…. The future might look weirder than we think lol

[@thomasdovell3003]

Female body standards have dropped tremendously over the past 15 years. At the same time, male body standards have skyrocketed to absolutely impossible levels (unless you are genetically gifted AND you are taking steroids).

[@TTGG107]

No they haven’t. Stop being a victim. The dad bod is literally an overweight man.

[@jahRahMF]

@@TTGG107 are u real?

[@TTGG107]

@@jahRahMF Yes, I am real. And also realistic. Why won’t you Google dad bod and come back. Exactly

[@jahRahMF]

@@TTGG107 I know what a dad bod is… all I’m saying is the pressure to have perfect bodies is messing us up lol idk what point you’re making… ???

[@Altaranalt]

I appreciate the side by side comparison between the pump picture and the regular one.

[@human9073]

Top comment is gay

[@ColeHastings]

Woah!

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Ok Seth Putnam

[@StupitVoltMain]

Congratulations on coming out 🎉

[@RealLordVoldemort]

​@@ColeHastings pin him so he always on top

[@victorinprogress]

You give off Bottom energy

[@stillsober19]

Bro that dad bod tweet from that women is devastating. Really shows how people have no idea what it takes to even look that good. Crazy

[@Ethaara]

Important to note here that most actors have to lie about taking steroids. They literally can’t admit it even if it is clear as day

[@skippychurch2965]

Precisely. They'd be admitting to a crime. It would be idiotic.

[@mrlightwriter]

@@skippychurch2965 Is taking steroids a crime?

[@skippychurch2965]

@mrlightwriter it literally is. It's like asking a celebrity "do you do coke" on national television, and expect them to say "yep! Love the way it smells!"

[@mrlightwriter]

@@skippychurch2965 I didn't know that...If that's so, how do bodybuilders openly admit to using them and nothing happens?

[@skippychurch2965]

@juuarchit8501 Anabolic steroids are illegal without a prescription. Take two seconds to look it up.

[@sonofabishop4449]

Roided up physiques are now considered normal thanks in large to social media. It's insane. The frustration of putting in years of hard work to not even come close to looking like the guys you see on the internet can be almost unbearable. Years of dieting and gym work to be referred to as a dad bod, lol. We truly live in clown world.

[@A1D3NR1L3Y]

No idea if anyone will see this, but I work as a care assistant at the hospital in my town. The amount of young boys, the youngest being 11, have ended up needing emergency care due to steroid / "supplements" as well as horrendous diet and workout regime plans. I have seen teenagers suffer from heart attacks and strokes, some suffering extensive liver, kidney and intestinal damage with some, unfortunately, dying due to it. This is an ongoing epidemic that isn't being discussed and it is only getting worse. Every month or so, there are between 3-4 teenage lads hospitalized due to all this bullshit. THE SHIT SOME OF THESE INFLUENCERS ARE SAYING AND WHAT THEY ARE "ADVISING" NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!

[@superbullshit420]

Natural selection tbh, like if watching jacked men on the internet makes u wanna do steroids ur the fuckin problem, not them LOL

[@mariatrining4083]

Love this. I’m a mom of a son who suffers with body dismophia and I appreciate your message! ❤

[@Fausto_moh]

as someone who is starting in their fitness journey its really good to see this early on

[@benjaminyoung9694]

Get tricked

[@jipke7430]

It isn't good. Compare yourself to roided up trencows and let that be your motivation.

[@EgglyMcBagelface3]

Bodybuilding is not a sport. It's a panel judging size, symmetry and aesthetics. It's an artistic contest. There is no measured skill: do a task faster, further, more times, more efficiently, etc.

[@EggTamago7]

Okay every dude needs to see those comparison photos at the end. Even absolutely shredded guys aren't walking around with a perma-six-pack 24/7. Really appreciate this video. Men need to talk about this shit more openly - we're just as susceptible to being shoved around by ridiculous cultural/social trends, and it can fuck us up just as hard. I can't say "bigorexia" has been an issue for me, but, I've definitely dealt with my own issues with body dysmorphia (more around my perceived fatness, rather than seeking to be crazy muscular). It's taken until my late 30s to even begin to develop something approaching a constructive, healthy relationship with fitness and how I look. I want to look lean and reasonably fit, but don't really give a shit about having a six-pack. I want functional strength and a strong core so I don't constantly throw my back out like I have been since I was a teenager. I want actually good cardio so I can stay active and mobile well into my later life, and avoid heart disease, increased cancer risk, etc.

[@StevenMalott1996]

11 years in the game, and still natural. No regrets. Keep at it, and have pride in what you can achieve naturally. I wouldn't even recommend TRT until 50-60 years old.

[@ColeHastings]

Incredible physique bro

[@StevenMalott1996]

@ColeHastings appreciate you, Cole. Keep up the great content 👊🏼

[@adambendavid6766]

TrT is for anybody that testerone levels are much lower than what it should be.I’m 47 but been on trt for ten years but the doctor only allows me to be in normal range for my age not above.

[@richardlawson6787]

Never need trt at any age..my grandfather was able to do twenty pushups at age 93...most college kids cant do that

[@adambendavid6766]

@ until the day your test levels drop below normal and you feel like shit

[@teabagger117]

7:15 you forgot the third demographic. lots of them will push to achieve the best natural physique that's possible and dial in their training, nutrition and recovery until they're the best version of themselves possible. People are starting to wake up to this 'juice' craze and real true natties should be the most respected.

[@rubberpickle371]

There is literally 2 dudes that has been camping outside my gym with roids for 3 months

[@ColeHastings]

Bro what 😂 they got tents set up with signs that read “Steroids for sale”?

[@rubberpickle371]

@@ColeHastings nah they got a truck with all the stuff out in the open. Looks kinda like the supermarket fruit section lol

[@NN-sp9tu]

Why not report to the police? Thats awful and predatory

[@rubberpickle371]

@@NN-sp9tu no one cares. and potential problem if they find out who the rat is

[@jacobhartwell8211]

Me when I lie

[@MrBecza]

Great comments on current situation. you nailed it with "dad bod" comment. Extreme emphasis on body fat below 10% is crazy crap.

[@morganbailey8310]

Cole, I don't know if its clairvoyance or sheer coincidence, but the past three videos you've posted have been relevant to a conversation or thought I had in the past few days prior to posting. Whatever it is, great job picking topics and sharing your life experience.

[@kajapenes514]

Man, I like listening to your voice, it so soothing lol and the way you deliver information, easy to understand, relatable to multiple audiences, based on your own experiences also with an intent to maybe help somebody who might be struggling with the stuff you have been discussing in this video - just makes me admire you as a content creator even more. Keep it up! Proud of your work so far!

[@hyberkonawa272]

Thank you cole for talking about it, I was tired to deal with insecure dudes at my Gym. I spend 10 years of my life at a public gym with my older brother NOT because of insecurity but because I wanted to Lift a Giant Sword like Guts from berserk. My older brother was the one who was being insecure all the time, and I comfort him telling him: "The Gym isn't a place to compare others, The Gym is a place to improve your ability and potential and have fun!". "I go the Gym to gain super powers, NOT a body image that isn't mine".

[@nairbtj]

I absolutely respect this video, because while I’m a morbidly obese guy, I’ve always wanted the opposite since childhood, to be lighter, more slimmer with my muscle, and more durable since I don’t like being big, just being healthy. I’m 5’8 and I feel a smaller build would’ve been something that would’ve made me feel more confident with my body image. My heart goes out to the men who also feel dissatisfied with themselves when they look in the mirror.

[@onielk]

Since becoming an adult I was always obese, right on the verge of morbid. My body was always fine though, I could always manage to do what I wanted and checking my health there wasn't any problems. 2 years ago though I got a new job as a taxi driver. I instantly knew that this will mess me up since I mostly chill when I'm not working. So I started going to the gym. 3 times a week. At the start it was crazy hard, whole body was aching and I barely got out of bed. But it gets easier. There was noticeable change. Even though my arguably bad diet didn't change, I did. My confidence did get better. I started changing my diet, while I am still on the heavy side, alot has happened. U can get all this and u can do it. Fight on u beast

[@kyledahlquist9423]

Remember that healthy weight loss is 90% diet. A consistent caloric deficit (while still hitting nutrient goals) plus any amount of exercise will yield great results. Try walking every day and cutting down on refined sugars to start. You got this!

[@vess928]

You can do it man, the best time to start is today

[@marcuslee7868]

Brother.. start now. I’m serious. After 3 months bro you gon fall in love. It stops to hurt n feel sore you just keep getting better n stronger mentally n physically

[@nairbtj]

I gotta give some comments, thanks for the well wishes guys! I’ve been making progress since July from my highest of 315 and I’m going back to where I was previously. Rn I’m 280 and making a buncha changes since I’m working to accomplish the body I want for myself

[@gabrielsoto3876]

Wow, full respect for you, thanks for making this video, I really hope you reach all those young guys that are struggling with BD nowadays due to social media. God bless you!

[@Pero-zl4jp]

Thank you for telling your story. So many guys I know struggle with this and it’s gotten bad. Social media damaged both men and women with unrealistic standards. People need to get back to reality.

[@hml25]

Thank you for talking about this WE NEED PEOPLE TO KNOW

[@highsol222]

Nah but it does really suck how badly teens are being affected. They don't know any better so all along the way they think nothing is wrong, which really hurts.

[@stillsober19]

Bro. I knew at that age what I was doing when I did drugs. The subtle influence, sure. But let’s not avail them of responsibility for their choices

[@cheems6193]

Bro not everyone is like you damn good for you then that you realized drugs are bad woohoo do you really think the constant crossfire of hate by generations even the innocent teenagers get called lazy have negative expectations of them just because there was some video about how this generation is lazy it's a constant war of words thrown around it's understandable how it became this way and damn from incomplete parenting to situations even the kids weren't in control of it's basically Russian roulette. It's just pressure you people make it worse.

[@ProfessorBelz]

Genuinely don’t understand how people go this far. We only get one body gentlemen. Get your dream physique naturally.

[@joefer5360]

Time is limited.

[@jbone9900]

Genes wont let the dream happen

[@brianmeen2158]

People just don’t want to put in the work in the gym(or eat the right diet) it takes to build a good physique thpugh. Very few men have what it takes to grind, day in, day out to build a nice physique .. I’m shocked at how lazy younger men are especially

[@jbone9900]

@brianmeen2158 um we have work and make little money and we have bad genes.

[@DutchThriceman]

@@jbone9900 Bingo

[@bananaramaman9031]

started going to the gym, and eating healthy consistently at 33. Now I feel more inferior than ever before.

[@thenewjord50]

How inferior?

[@bananaramaman9031]

@@thenewjord50 Enough to make me actively avoid people, and interactions.

[@bxzidffbxzidff]

Try to go to a gym with a lot of old people. It's not like I you should compare yourself to them, or anyone else, but if you do so subconsciously even if you try not to then that helps. Good job staying consistent

[@commenteroftruth9790]

@@bananaramaman9031 it sounds like you were probably already doing that then.

[@ifthatthenthis3797]

Hope you feel better bro that feeling sucks

[@affordable-art9501]

Thanks

[@ColeHastings]

Thank you

[@AnthonyStJames-yn8nr]

I remember during my time in the navy, thinking to myself that I should develop a physique like captain america or some superhero. I got laughed at by more senior sailors and said those people won't survive basic training and would perform poorly in combat. One marine pointed me to another marine who just came from a frontline combat unit and said "that" physique is what will get you where you need to go. They guy's build was similar to that of cole's, albeit with additional fat. From then on, I just focused on building strength and endurance, disregarding aesthetics. What good is a greek god body when you get gassed out from sprinting 500 meters or can just hump a 50-pound pack for about 30 minutes. thankfully, I'm not that affected by lookism and body dysmorphia. Good vid, brother cole.

[@b-doi1211]

Depends on your job. Someone working in the IT department , clerk/hostess or as a sex worker (prostitute , cam girl etc.) Is going to benefit more from beauty privilage than physical prowess (beyond their job requirements)

[@armannstraughter3296]

Hm.

[@l0rf]

The shredded and vascular physique only works with strict dietary restrictions, constant maintenance and even then probably only looks that way right after a workout. It's not healthy, it's performative.

[@Tazio_01]

This has been going on for 15 years, if you trained in the early 2010s you’ll remember all the teens hopping on prohormones.

[@emate8422]

Im working out for 13 years naturally. I have great effects, but if i would start to look online on bigger guys for sure, i would be now on gear. I dont have socials, and on yt, i always press the "dont show" button when it suggests me some fitness content. I enjoy making small strength progress, and im very content with what i have achieved. Comparing to other kills any enjoy what you have progressed. There is always someone better.

[@raunaqsapra7160]

This topic was badly needed to be talked about! I was a regular gym goer till Covid struck in 2020. I had severe issues with my body image while everyone around me told me I looked great, but I was never confident as I always thought that it ain't enough and I still needed to do more to "be someone." and basically pack more muscle in order to impress women. Covid lockdowns made me gain weight, and now when I decided to lose it - I realized I don't need to be jacked or ripped. Simple calisthenics, resistance bands, a mixture of yoga and mobility along with long zone 2 walks and jump rope is enough to keep me lean, have decent tight functional muscle mass and feel good about myself. It's liberating.

[@KieranMcNiven]

Dealt with this too, I used to be very overweight growing up, once I hit about 23, I started to take care of my physical health a lot more. Lost so much weight and packed on decent muscle. Looking back (I’m now 26) I looked very lean and healthy, but in the moment I thought I was still fat. I’ve packed on some muscle now and even a bit of fat funnily enough, but since leaving all the social media standards behind, I truly love the way I look now. Great video ❤

[@phantomred2]

Excellent video, my only fear is that those who need to hear this message may not be the ones watching.

[@yfaewwegfawg]

The biggest irony is none of these people with big muscles are physically fit. They would get smoke checked even on a long walk

[@danielcausevic4403]

I didn't touch steroids before the ripe age of 24, and I've had my fair share of side effects. I couldn't imagine what they are doing to these young bodies that still haven't fully developed yet.

[@stillsober19]

It’s going to be fucked up to see the documentaries in 5-10 years about the washed up influencers who are fucked up after early steroid use

[@JLX1373]

"ripe age of 24" what a joke bro

[@danielcausevic4403]

@@JLX1373 Well, you're pretty much fully developed by that age?

[@Nordicmilitaria]

@@danielcausevic4403lol it’s still stupid as hell

[@fierymoth4330]

​@@danielcausevic4403no

[@isaacsee3807]

Love the nauces and commentary you give on your videos, not only are you talking about things that need to be talked abt, but your relating and actually getting in depth, keep it up man ur channel is great!🙏

[@handlebar4520]

I'm a young man, I work out at the gym regularly to get stronger and more muscular. I have 0 desire to get on gear or do synthol because I was told about of the adverse effects of anabolic steriods very early, before I started going to the gym. I'm a bit older now and I can safely say to any younger boys out there, stay natty, or you could die at 30 from a heart attack. Use progressive overload training (lifting weights) to improve your health first and foremost over getting ripped, the latter is a postivie benefit that does make you feel good, but you have to understand that for most people, there's only so big you can get without steriods, and you should come to terms with the idea of not being able to be the biggest dude in the room, if you try to cheat around biology, you usually pay for it in other aspects, like your health. You don't have to be the strongest in the room to be confident with your build, focus on improving yourself first and foremost so you feel okay with yourself standing next to the gods, even if you aren't as big as them, it's making progress that counts, and we all have to start somewhere. Body building, or just getting fit, should really be a positive sum game, where everyone can feel better about themselves without being envious of others.

[@ethanrat_bodybuilding]

Honestly, I started working out for fun, I was invited to the gym by a friend and I was obsessed for a couple years. it was my whole personality and without it I felt empty. I ended up injuring my shoulder temporarily for about 3 months, and had to go very easy for a while. During that time I found other hobbies, and realized how much else I like to do. I stopped going every single day and cut it down to like 4 to 5 days a week. I feel whole again after cutting my time down in the gym because of my obsession. TLDR: find hobbies and you won’t feel so obligated to do perform.

[@domsan3222]

Working out makes me feel good, both physically and mentally. Only reason I do it.

[@CrimsonRose93]

I have body dysmorphia and anorexia and what you describe is exactly what I go through on a daily basis except reversed: I never feel small enough. This makes me so sad for all the men being influenced and made to feel like they’re not good enough 💔 it’s a shitty feeling.

[@benjaminyoung9694]

You can never be "good enough" gotta keep working

[@CrimsonRose93]

@ Exactly

[@Banditxam5]

The growth you show in your videos from a couple of years ago... Man I'm proud of you 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Keep guiding youth... You are doing an amazing job at it

[@MrKasy8]

Stay natural people, enjoy the process and witness legacy... Leave steroids for people who don't like long life.

[@ulyssesclayton2546]

Good video Cole. I really appreciate the shining of light on this matter. More people should too.

This happens and most of them don't even want to look cool, just big. I never ever saw someone normal who thought the body builder type of body was the best, besides bodybuilders themselfs.

[@ChuckieMcHaggis]

Superb vid. The clarity and the analysis - sociological and medical - make it perfect for the target audience. Showing this to my (English) class this week.

[@ryandillingsworth3540]

That's such bullshit that it took "6 hr workouts daily" to produce the 300 physique

[@donaldbowler4514]

It is bullshit that it takes 6 hour workouts daily to obtain that level of physique. However, the actors were pretty much always pumpining inbetween takes to keep the hardness of the muscle in between scenes. It's alittle exaggerated.

[@johannesaigner8501]

You are right. If you train, sleep and eat well, than probably 3hours of workout per week. No roids needed

[@benjaminyoung9694]

Yall are dumb

[@nikkolaus91]

I appreciate this video. Id been obese all of my adult life until last year when i started eating right and exercising. Im 11 months in, 80 lbs down but mentally, i dont feel any different. This journey is just as much mental as it is physical. Whats funny is, i dont model myself after REAL fitness influencers, but ANIME characters lmao it just makes things funner for me to pretend im a super saiyan or something for motivation.

[@doom1509]

Nearly 40 here. Been weight lifting seriously since my early 20s. What I've learned: Stay off social media. Focus on being a better version of your former self. Log your training Reasons: Social media is doctored and heavily leans on marketing and misinformation to get that sale. All pro athletes are on something, not by choice, just to make the cut. The minute you compare yourself to a CBum or Arnold type while trying to stay drug free, you're doomed. Everyone is different - you are you, and will never be the person you are comparing yourself to. Understand what diminished returns are, accept that they are fact and rejoice when you add 5lbs to your 1RM.

[@Janthonyx]

Exactly. I work out because i just like it and it is part of my life. I ended up with a good physique because of it lol. Hence i cannot relate with any of it. The physique is for a large part just a by product.

[@jochipchip]

Great video! You seem like a very intelligent nice guy! Stay that way and enjoy your life! Godspeed!

[@shm236]

Almost loses arms... "I should take horse tranq" lol

[@amspook]

He's gonna lose his life this time

[@Thomas48484]

literally decides to self delete because of how his actions stemming from his insecurities led him to almost losing both of his arms.... and then decides to take horse tranq. No self reflection at all.

[@iwashungry]

This is a very important lesson for young men. Thank you for sharing

[@highsol222]

Yeah too many people have lost the plot to the point of being too far gone. The whole point to begin with was to have a healthy, and functional masculine body. Hot take, I think getting your dream body is like getting your dream life, not everyone gets to have one. Not unless you want it bad enough and make sacrifices. Try it with shortcuts and you'll inevitably step on a mine, so to speak.

[@CantFightRobots]

Self confidence and self reliance is the enemy of everyone who wants to sell you something. They want you to feel incomplete because then you feel the need to consume.

[@Saitoshiba]

I am in a a bit bad case of this due to some other mental issues. But every time I see videos like this with guys showing "this is me with good lighting and a pump" and "this is me without a pump and bad lighting". I always see the second case and always say to myself "but he still looks alright and better than me without a pump and bad lighting"

[@unseenhero9726]

Yea but even the second one could still be a false perception bc u never know until u see them irl on a bad day, plus most these guys been lifting 10 years+

[@Saitoshiba]

@unseenhero9726 for me I am always in a bad day and bad lighting. Unless when I am not.

[@OllyJJ1122]

I don't usually comment on videos, but this was an amazing video. The comparison of pumped in good lighting vs natural was a huge eye opener too! Appreciate your content brother!

[@matsumbra4984]

Men on picture in 3:00 looks like greek gods.

[@Matiocka]

18:50 showing that to the world show a lot of maturity and character from that's insane, we appreciate your honesty

[@anthonyshepherd6692]

This was really eye opening, a pump and lighting does so much

[@jonwick5824]

The guys in 300 where on drugs. It's already been discussed. Why are we acting like he actually worked out 6 hours a day when that's simply not true even on with test injections.

[@ColeHastings]

the 6 hours he was referring to was 2 hours of weight training, 2 hours of crossfit, and 2 hours of fighting scenes for the movie

[@mactrombley]

Great video. The message is so important and yes it's sad to see young men ruining their life and hormones to have a physique for a year or too and regrets for the rest of life

[@meta671games]

If only the gym could change my height and face...

[@ModelJames13]

And age. Women are very age prejudiced.

[@Satanic-Dan]

Yep but it’s all cope. I’m still doing it for my health and self esteem. I’ll be shredded and smash escorts with more stamina.

[@starpooper1681]

@@ModelJames13 Could you care to explain?

[@bvpgege]

no we’re not

[@ModelJames13]

@ I've been screwed out of dates by multiple women just because of my age. And I'm not talking about lack of attraction, I'm saying they literally agreed to go out with me but then rejected me when they learned my age.

[@StrengthSanctuary-u4d]

W honesty brother, You just gained a subscriber

[@Jacob-py9mx]

Human nature means we are all narcissists, some much more than others, but all of us desire attention amongst other things. Combine that with male loneliness, 80% of men being completely unattractive to women, the internet showing us photoshopped people who fraud angles and lighting and timing to get a perfect gym pump during a carb loading where you didn’t eat any carbs for a week before, and you’ll have men wanting to get on steroids and do all sorts of shit just to fix all the problems in their life. The steroids are not the issue it is a symptom of the real cause, which is actually the collapse of friendships, relationships, and community at large.

[@TwistedLullabies]

You said it perfectly

[@iiyyxxnn]

You get that in real life as well comparing yourself to the best

[@james_chatman]

This argument is rooted in a false premise. Introverts do not desire attention and most people are not narcissists. Almost people desire respect at some level however. Attention/narcissism and respect are not the same.

[@limitisillusion7]

I agree with the second paragraph. Narcissism itself is actually just glorified insecurity. People are "narcissistic" because they fear a scarcity of something, and sometimes their attempts to ease that fear come at the expense of others.

[@nightfighter7452]

Y'all wanna sound deep so bad 😭😭😭 "we're all narcissists," nah bro that's just you I guess

[@Marky_Rhino]

I’m so glad that this particular topic is being addressed more and more bc the concept of fitness is warped and too many kids are being swayed into doing steroids and glorifying them

[@tmscipione1]

What concerns me is an overreaction. Just remember that women (yet again) have fallen for corporate manipulation. The "body positive" embrace fat movement seems like self love but remember that tobacco companies bought up food companies in the 1990s and they are massively clever at manipulation. Obesity is one of the biggest killers in the country (particularly with diabetes), and women have chosen to sacrifice themselves for corporate food profits, a.k.a. embrace the food addiction--"fat is beautiful." We don't want body dysmorphia in men, but I'm also seeing a new cultural reaction from men that fitness and muscularity are bad and unattractive as a reaction to this garbage. Don't fall for either extreme. Health and fitness are attractive for a reason. Women claim they are into "dad bod" but that is BS. The science shows they are more into lean and basically fit.

[@JohnnyBGoode-xn9mo]

This has very little to do with the video. So little, that you should probably reflect on why you reacted this way.

[@tmscipione1]

@ I am a physician and over the last ten years my population of obese children as well as self mutilation in both young boys and girls has been increasing. I’m seeing extremes in both directions and no one is taking it seriously. Do you? Do you really think more moralizing is the answer? I came across this video trying to get extra insight and all I find are extreme positions and reactions in all the posted videos on the topic. I know the medical science, but the “public take” is just as important. Virtue signaling does not help anyone.

[@Thomas48484]

@@JohnnyBGoode-xn9mo hes just using another example of how media and companies can manipulate the consumer into believing something harmful to their health. his comment expands on the original topic.

[@lemmiix]

I've been working out consistently for almost 3 years now, only took creatine at the beginning for half a year and still take proteine shakes (cuz yummy). I absolutely have body dysmorphia and see myself as the version I was way before I was working out. That's why for me weight tracking is very important. I don't chase the numbers but weighting myself after each workout (cuz I don't have a scale at home lol) gives me a reality check that 'no bro you haven't been losing all your progress chill out'. When I started weighting myself I noticed a much healthier relationship with working out. I don't stress myself anymore if I 'miss' a workout because when I'm goin to the gy them I feel excited to be there again. Biggest takeaway probably is: once you've cultivated 'enough' mass, you can go a month without working out before you actually lose progress in the form of not being able to lift as much weight. But then it's only a matter of a couple of workouts again to get to that level again. For me this is the best possible way to ensure I will work out my entire life and staying healthy.

[@andrei1637]

14:15 mate what do you mean good average phisique? That dude looks better than 98% of men and better than many many people that go to the gym on the regular

[@TheShredtube]

When social media exposed users to worldwide physique, people's standards rose considerably.

[@Thomas48484]

I think he meant: "A really good/average physique", he wasn't necessarily trying to call the guy "average" just saying that if you have an average physique or even a really good physique people will still clown on you for not looking like those guys who don't live beyond their 40's

[@ymgamer207]

I was very skinny, and now I love seeing my self in the mirror and I know the change I did and still improving... only when you know that you already have a good physic, you can be happy and just improve yourself, because you already know the hard work was at the beginning of the journey.

[@aklar_45]

9:13 is that makeup on your abs?

[@matthewwagner7014]

The background of your office is a chefs kiss perfect for film and photography

[@voodoochile333]

You do know that THE majority of muscles in 300 were CGI?

[@thunderbear9418]

Says who?

[@voodoochile333]

@thunderbear9418 says a quick Google. Makeup plus cgi.

[@lastofanancientbreed8616]

Yeah it’s so easy to notice, there’s a “sheen” over the whole movie. Remember the 8 foot tall warriors and the beasts? Looked quite real but definitely fake. Also was every single guy equally jacked? Yes. If they can make alien ships and monsters look real why can’t they make dudes look like that

[@skippychurch2965]

Love this video. You're saying what basically EVERYONE that lifts already thinks. I looked at myself in the mirror today and like it, then took a pic and was disgusted.

[@commandergree37]

I've recently been getting into working out and calorie counting after being diagnosed with sleep apnea and realizing my lack of energy is linked. My end goal is the "dad bod". Definitely not willing to devote my life to getting gains, as there's projects i want energy for. I'll add I've been going out of my way to eat high fiber and protein rich foods.

[@saxophonistballerina]

Appreciet your honesty, that makes a man more than any amount of muscle

[@Piratewaffle43]

What's the point of bigger muscles if you aren't any stronger???

[@Torgomasta]

Also, in the modern world being stronger is basically pointless unless you’re a manual laborer.

[@stormveil]

​@Torgomasta so you can take all the groceries inside in one trip 😅

[@yra253]

I love what you said at the end, We really needed to hear that

[@NeonRazer42]

Dorian Yates was of the 90's. He wasn't part of the Golden Era

[@ColeHastings]

Ah shit, yeah. My fault, thanks for clearing that up

[@xboxpenguin8705]

I enjoyed the video and as a young man trying to get some more exercise in, that comparison of you with and without a pump / bad lighting was really reassuring, would appreciate if you linked your sources in the description since i found some of the studies you mentioned interesting but didn't see the link once i looked in the description

[@taylorhillard4868]

To the question of "why do you put so much value in your appearance?" Because it is how others value me. I am perfectly content and happy with myself as a person. I have enriching hobbies, a garden with almost every fruit that can be grown in my area, i'm healthy enough to do all the things i want to do in life, and i have a stable and well paying career. If i never longed to hold someone close or make nice meals and care for someone, I'd never need anything else in life. But every dip or dive into the dating market reveals that I'm little more than a peice of meat on a shelf to anyone else. I'd never care in the slightest what my body looked like if not for the fact that everyone else does.

[@ModelJames13]

Exactly. In the end this all circles back to women, always. 😎

[@benjaminyoung9694]

Keep lieing to your self and you get better at it

[@hou942]

You're vids are gold, spot on, saying what many won't. I laugh my ass off when watching some of the 'motivational' vids, the narrator going on about years of lifting, dedication (not wrong), however continually fails to mention that they're on PED's, not just a little, not just some, but many and at extremely high doses, cheers.

[@soroushal1921]

I just put two 10kg dumbbells near my workstation and every once in a while I do some arm training and squats (I work remote). In comparison to my colleagues I look so much better doing 5% of what gymbros do. Stay healthy. Not every girl likes a shredded body

[@GerardoHernandezF87M2]

Actually, they do, but they also appreciate effort and value that more

[@Mr.Chedda_]

​@@GerardoHernandezF87M2No, SOME do, I couldn't give two shit about something that superficial, personality is everything

[@timothyswindell4924]

This was me for a long time. When I was in the military, standing only 5’9 but 200 lbs with visible abs I still felt small and inadequate. Even though I was the most muscular guy in the platoon and easily scored perfects on PT tests. Body dysmorphia is no joke.

[@disadadi8958]

It's funny how people think women have unrealistic beauty standards when being lean and applying some makeup gets the job done.

[@Moarlatz]

1:15 That's disingenuous, "Horse tranquilizer" is Ketamine. That has nothing at all to do with muscle building, so why frame it in a way that suggests that it does? It's like saying instead of using synthol for bodybuilding he decided to do heroin for muscle growth instead. It just makes no sense. Are you simply drug-naive and you made an honest mistake with that?

[@Curlyyyyyyyyyy]

He misspoke, if you watch the screen the text names a "horse hormone". So honest mistake

[@MrChochichon]

It's true for nearly everything. The more you're on social media, the more people will lie about their results.

[@oddfitnesstimbrennan560]

Synthol is dumb. Just working out and eating perfect. Do cardio. Body of your dreams. Thanks Cole I love your videos bro

[@Oz1455]

I admire your ability to stay transparent at all times, and even go as far as to not only admit your insecurities, but also show people your physique in less flattering lightings. And, personally, I'm glad I managed to escape the social media fitness circus before it did anything on me. For me, it wasn't so much being misled by fake naturals as it was people bragging about how much they lift. Appareantly the average 15 year old online lifts more than than every grown ass man I've met at the gym...yeah, you get my point.

[@gamingseed2511]

As a young guy who's been lifting for almost two years, let me just say this: being influenced by unrealistic standards is still leagues better than sitting around doing nothing and crying about society not accepting you. Every time I see overweight people or anyone unhappy with their body, especially women, it’s the same story. They either refuse to put in the effort or cling to the lies of people telling them they’re “perfect the way they are.” No, you’re not. The world is drowning in an obesity crisis, and instead of holding people accountable, we’re coddling them. Take a woman who’s overweight and unhappy with her appearance-people rush to tell her she’s beautiful and doesn’t need to change. Now compare that to a guy in the same boat. Nobody’s telling him he’s perfect or making excuses for him; he’s just ignored or shamed outright. And you know what? That’s the fuel a lot of guys use to hit the gym and change their lives. Meanwhile, some women keep doubling down on excuses, crying about society’s expectations while doing nothing to better themselves. Gym culture might be toxic sometimes, but it’s still miles better than living in denial, gorging on processed garbage, and wondering why no one finds you attractive

[@amoney464]

seems like you're really overly concerned w others and what women have going on, maybe it would benefit you to reflect on that inwardly

[@JohnnyBGoode-xn9mo]

This is enough material for at least five sessions of therapy

[@bvpgege]

are you mentally okay? it genuinely just seems like you have a grudge against women. also, telling an obese woman she’s “perfect” is looked down upon. the “fat body positivity” movement is dying because THEY’RE dying. women now go to the gym and get muscles instead of whatever they used to do in the early years. I would know because I AM one. I can promise you that obesity is not glorified, rather, discouraged. this goes for men and women both. so please stop generalizing and taking social media at face value; it’s not how the world works.

[@l.s.6680]

we need to make this video viral. lots of truthful, needed things were said

[@mrlegs1544]

Guys work with your genetics you've been given and staying your own Lane and try and Stay Lean as possible