How Chasing Aesthetics Gave Me Body Dysmorphia (ft. Zack Telander)

[ZACK TELANDER]
/ @zacktelander
Instagram:
/ coach_zt
[WEAR MY APPAREL] raskolapparel.com/
Europe: raskol.eu/
Canada: raskolapparel.ca

[@OmarIsuf]

Met up with the legendary giraffe Zack Telander. Thought we were going to talk about lifting and Zack started opening up, sharing his recent personal journey with his physique. I greatly appreciate Zack's vulnerability and willingness to discuss such a sensitive topic to the community. You can subscribe to Zack here: www.youtube.com/@zacktelander

[@zsahe21]

You guys are great.

[@zacktelander]

Thank you for having me on, Omar! Going from being a fan of yours to a friend of yours has been an amazing process.

[@rollerr]

As a fellow giraffe, going from a fan of yours to a parasocial pseudo friend has been an amazing process

[@antonchizhov4419]

Hey Zack, just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do, all the insights and the invaluable help on my (and countless others') journey of self-improvement. I also enjoy your music a lot :-) Have a great one and thank you from a fellow Tool fan

[@daggersdown]

What a great pair. We need you two to drag Bromley out of his garage and make the best trio since poutine.

[@EpicwinFTW27]

They'll need to arrange transportation for his whiteboard too

[@gabrielamaro6156]

Oh man, yes! That’s a collab that I would love to see

[@AlanThrall]

Good message

[@punxsutawneyphil3944]

You should care a little bit about how you look though, since you're running a bb program right now. ;)

[@victorw2474]

Your boy NH is one of the worst on KZbin when it comes to encouraging body dysmorphia. Your constant references to his channel only reinforce his skewed views on body image. A few months ago he even called out Omar's physique. Anyone calling out Omar's physique definitely needs to have their head examined.

[@DCJayhawk57]

​@victorw2474 I think you totally misunderstand the point he's trying to make. He's combating the black pill mindset, which is the natural but immature answer to modern fitness culture. He references the pre-steroid era a lot, and his overall message is one of positive self-improvement. There's a trend towards too much of a fatalistic approach to fitness now, whereas I think the noble natty community is trying to unshackle people's minds from setting limits. People are capable of a lot more than they think, and using the body dysmorphia claim is becoming really overused. Body dysmorphia has to impair your daily function, it's a mental health disorder. It's not thinking that you could be in better shape, or lose a little body fat, or gain a little muscle here and there. I also think body dysmorphia claim is overused by fitness influencers who got into this for external validation, especially when they fall off the wagon for whatever reason.

[@spde]

Really, really love to see this discussed more openly and seriously. Research has been showing how much men suffer from perceived standards of beauty, but when they try to raise awareness or talk about it, it often gets swept under the rug. Seeing even CBum struggle with this has been such an eye-opener.

[@77dris]

I know hundreds of bodybuilders and body dysmorphia is prevalent with about 95% of them... even the roided ones like "Cbum".

[@yakudza2773]

Because there isnt really much to talk about its mostly internet problem and not rl problem. This extreme masculinity and feminism mostly exists within internet cultures go outside and nobody gives a shit. Women still want masculine men that doesnt cry or bitch about their problems unlike what "women" on internet says and other ppl still dont give 2 shits about how men look like unless you wanna date some1 than its all that matters but even than it gets overshadowed by your education/job/income. We men are on our own for most part ,and the day we release that nobody cares about us is the day we can trully stop caring about others opinions and do w/e we want

[@TC-by3il]

I know this isn't the flashy kind of content that gets a lot of traction, usually, but we NEED more of it. Unfortunately the fitness social media trend that has developed in the last decade or so has brought a lot of bad with it. Body dysmorphia, orthorexia and stress is at an all time high. We need more 'influencer' moving away from all the nonsense. And, there is potential in this kind of content as a lot of people can relate.

[@RamseyDewey]

Great message guys!

[@honestmichelangelo]

The day u started lifting is the day you became forever small - Dom Mazzetti

[@Kirbylover489]

Zack is an absolute solid lad.

[@Bjorn_R]

I think it is important to discover what you are good at in the fitness space. I have lifted for 10 years now and my lifting numbers were kinda good but never great, meanwhile my musclemass is way above average. I am stiff like a plank of wood. I have realized that putting too much effort into chasing big numbers and being super flexible is only going to make me sad, meanwhile bodybuilding (with a splash of bodydysmorphia) is what makes me feel happy.

[@unclemoneymoneyuncle8702]

Straight up real talk, highly appreciated! Especially since I'm going through stuff similarly.... all this grinding away at age 35 just to hit old peak numbers but the chronic overuse injuries accumulate and then sleep gets tough because you're just tossing n turning in misery... so I myself am working with letting go of chasing the numbers whether scale weight or liftwise and being ok with training with more longevity in mind.... already have dialed back a few lifts to just below the pain threshold. The stuff you can get away with in earlier years can't be ignored in later years, doesn't even come from improper form or what most people want to jump to, but rather our bodies can only take so much of a beating and connective tissue just doesn't recover all that quickly. Hit a nice peak late last winter just before spring, hit a lull in summer where I wasn't grinding, regrinded from this summer onwards at hit the same peak but all those past haunts/injuries are still there, great training session yesterday but I couldn't sleep for shit last night and the pain was terrible, been putting off time-off for a while now but I think I've finally hit that point where I'm going to take the rest of the week off and return fresh next week.

[@JohnL9013]

Extremely wholesome content that deserves more views. Thanks to you both for making this video.

[@MorethanGUNZ]

Legendary collaboration! Great to see these creators from different areas of the community come together to make content!

[@Blaineisawarlock]

Damn, 2 of my favorite creators together again. I'm here for it Mr. Oh My Ass Off.

[@tylermasi289]

Omar is the tavarish of fitness the way he builds everyone up around him. What a top dawg!!

[@GeniusControlsChaos]

Great vid Omar. As someone who was an overweight kid, I've definitely struggled with body dismorphia over the years. Looking forward to the vid with you and Omni man.

[@Theo-ul8qm]

This video showcases my favorite aspect of Zach and his channel - his honesty. The way he shares his own experiences and the way he comments of the fitness industry in general are my favorite parts of his videos.

[@michaelthreepeat]

What a crazy tall beast ! Never heatd of him but I'll definitely check his content. Love the message and the personality too. You don't have that many non toxic fitness content creators great to find another one here.

[@StephColbertsonStrength]

Gotta love the process

[@sonicwave32]

I've been on-and-off watching you guys since I started lifting in 2019, and am glad that you're still putting out casual content and staying away from the obsession and idolization that seems to dominate the fitness scene.4 years is shorter than I thought but so much has changed in fitness and online content creation in general.

[@batgal4256]

thats why i love zack he is too real man wtf LOVE this video

[@jsmith108]

You are a true natty inspiration

[@_good_for.]

Zack the ultimate overthinker 😂😂🤙🏾

[@Hadw1n]

Have not watched the video yet, but Zacks body looks amazing! I never understood certain comments from others, but as I did competitive sports and saw all different size of atheletes I could always tell that Zack is a maschine :D

[@Sewnkinmusic]

Love this convo. Been watching both these dudes for a long time. Real shit baby!!! Social media is an illusion!! We’re in Hell!!!

[@Fedethedangerous95]

most likely you've already been told this, but to be fair the JORTS are consistently the best part of your videos. The only youtuber ad that I never, ever skip

[@SnifferSock]

Just watched Zach's video about Vice covering PED use among teens, good stuff.

[@cameronclements958]

Omar has the old Barbell Brigade vibes to his videos. You can just tell he’s a genuine dude who loves to share his knowledge.

[@zamanfahimimteaz3412]

But I realise the only solution to body dysmorphia is to get bigger

[@calebolver3223]

This conversation feels like when I hit 30 and couldn't play SC2 enough to stay in master so now just tell people I use too be, knowing full well they probably don't believe me. Its ok to be diamond.

[@rachelrolltide3106]

Sweet video.

[@DCJayhawk57]

Omar, you caffeinated AF right here. Lol.

[@banglevision8207]

Hell yea Zack x Omar

[@K4R3N]

Good collab

[@Reppintimefitness]

🔥💯🔥

[@MrAmadeus1998]

Therapy with Coach Zack and Uncle Omar.

[@ashog1426]

Interesting video cool watch

[@EBWALL8]

lawd have mercy. IS THAT A GUN IN YOUR CROTCH!?!?!?!? gangstah recognize gangstah

[@suncu91]

6:06 Dude tried so hard his eyes started bleeding. The video is on jujimufu's channel

[@Jay-mi6qj]

Lol, i remember watching a video omar did with jeff nippard where i caught omar analyzing jeff whilst he was in the middle of talking, then proceeds to stick out his chest+lift his shoulders up to get a better angle than jeff, we're all guilty of doing tbese things

[@AntoineLifts]

So he's frustrated because he couldn't fill out his clothes in 8 months of hypertrophy training? What did he think is gonna happen fr? You need years of specific training (basically bodybuilding) in order to grow and look big natty, it's not strength, not power nor speed

[@Mattscalf]

Zach is aesthetic. Like maybe he’s not a bodybuilder but he doesn’t train year after a year for bodybuilding, like he does for weightlifting.

[@imbman3347]

2 goats

[@Pine_Gap_Island]

Don't lie, Zack. When you've been hanging around and doing videos on the most beautiful men in the world, Clarence Kennedy and Lu Xiaojun, I'd be insecure too. Seriously, my problem with body image only happened after Jeff Cavalier said I needed to take a long hard look at my body in the mirror and want for something better. It never worked. Instead, what worked for me was just the motivation of improving my athleticism. F that guy. Athlean sux.

[@What-he5pr]

Focus on health, performance. Performance like grip and endurance too.

[@apeinto5637]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: - Discussion on their recent workout and hot Texas weather. - Zack shares his coaching journey and channel's focus. - Challenges faced due to the shift and vulnerability to criticisms. - Zack's mental health issues due to aesthetic focus and realizing self-worth. - Omar talks about the online vs real-life persona and seeking validation. - Emphasis on enjoying the journey rather than chasing numbers. - The intersection of identity, sport, and the implications of drug use. - The dangers of always wanting more and the importance of contentment. - Zack emphasizes finding a supportive community in training. - Details on Zack's online presence and appreciation for his content. - Omar's closing remarks and a call to engage with the video. Made with HARPA AI

[@odives6166]

awesome

[@theKashConnoisseur]

Needs timestamps.

[@MrStreetninja007]

Always find it interesting those who lift who dont care how they look at all long as their strong vs me idc about prs or strength all i want is hypertrophy

[@MaxBadstibner]

That’s an immaculate beard

[@MrStreetninja007]

@@MaxBadstibner thank you so much

[@ck3125]

You still need to care a lot about prs and strength if you want hypertrophy. Not one rep maxes, but adding weight and reps in the 5+ rep range as frequently as possible and ideally workout to workout. You also need to let go of how you look/looking your best, because bulking is mandatory to gain muscle effectively and with that will always come bodyfat. Not saying this is you, but when people say they train for “aesthetics” its very often bad training and nutritional practices (high volume, not focused on strength, not bulking)

[@MrStreetninja007]

@ck3125 i mean ya i have to progressively overload to achieve a stimulus but its only a means to a end and its all in proximity to failure

[@therealforestelf]

Coach ZT & OmarIsuf Lift Companion Episode when? (Omar's Return to Weightlifting confirmed?)

[@cactuarking4138]

He looks better than he let's on by a long shot

[@LiveRaidei]

Shout out to Lift ATX

[@bloopbloop2703]

honestly he just needs to bring up his arms and he'd be pretty solid

[@Omar1066]

Great video

[@drip369]

I knew I heard ZT lol

[@hamm0155]

Speak for yourself, Zack. You're a human being, but maybe I'm just a hollow, soulless shell.

[@Morpheah]

I was just giving some constructive, side-delt feedback mate, didn't mean to give you BD!!!

[@eventhorizon7234]

pure performance, atheltic aesthetic, both is exactly the same just less bf

[@andyharrison2424]

Great video but the Raskol ad was the highlight for me ‘you look submissive and breedable’ 😂

[@counterspell69]

My boy you need to hop on tren /s

[@MrSuperPsymon]

Body dysmorphia saved me from obesity.😎☕

[@yoswayd5520]

Wait a second, do you mean to say that sometimes if you set goals to meet you’ll have negative thoughts along the way? It may be better to stay the same and not improve lagging aspects of yourself. And to give up when faced with adversity from yourself or outside forces. I like what Kazmaier said, “if you ever doubt what you’re doing with your training, take two weeks off, and then quit.”

[@timgazsy666]

I live in Alaska where fitness is not a priority…. My tribe is non existant….

[@Cussmem07]

Do you fight with grizzly bears barehanded?

[@the.natural.guy.]

The physique guys arent really impressed by big numbers. Figure out what you truly want. Look good or be strong all the time. Needs vs wants analysis.

[@Alejandro-te2nt]

Its not the fault of aesthetics or natural bodybuilding but of a steroid filled social media landscape.

[@punxsutawneyphil3944]

I've never understood this guys build. The weights just don't match with the body.

[@drip369]

Up until the late 1800s not one man really cared about what he looked like under his clothes. Only women ever dealt with that and they only could expose their faces at times. I really do feel for the folks that deal with body dysmorphia because it is a mental condition that is self-induced. Performance > aesthetics

[@RSuave545]

We cared what we looked like before we even had clothes. Size is integral part of mating and dominance hierarchies in the animal kingdom. It also depends what your performing. Bodybuilding is more practical for irl use than powerlifting, in example.

[@warriorworkouts5397]

What about cultures like mine where the traditional and most common everyday outfit was just a breechcloth? Obviously the body isn’t then “under clothes” but it’s definitely on display. And people have always had cultural and personal bias towards what looks good.

[@2jmajjic]

You completely made that up 🤣🤣

[@diedonasaturday]

Didn’t know the Greeks only existed 200 hundred years ago. They cared about aesthetics. Stop making shit up. Also if it’s a self induced mental illness, start with acceptance not denial.

[@UnoriginalUsername25]

yeah let's go back to the 1800s

[@DeCapitanOG]

"Wahhhh wahhhh"

[@MaxBadstibner]

I don’t understand why dudes can’t just workout and not have a mental breakdown about their perceived body image.

[@CaKelley]

Was a glorious convo till I heard the Nujabes beats... Immediately switched to a "convo to lift and chill" too🤌