vlog 1 - LIFE STORY & BACK DAY MORNING ROUTINE

[@yashtewani231]

Rarely leave comments on KZbin, but it must be said. You are the sole source of motivation that got me into fitness during the pandemic. From the aesthetics of your videos to the music, from your discipline to your composure, you're one of my top role models. 4 years later, seeing you start this vlog story almost feels like having a conversation with you, rather than a workoutl. You don't owe us anything more than the great content you put out, yet you come forth to set an example on what JustMerk is about, from all dimensions of your lifestyle. That takes courage, and I admire you for being here today to tell the story. Keep going king.

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you for taking the time to comment brother. It’s a privilege to be able to share my story with you and thank you for continuing to come back to listen🙏🏽✊🏽

[@kaleblinhart1165]

“Find power from the things you thought you had to hide, the things you thought made you weak” thanks merk

[@awaisakhtar8838]

Halfway through this vid and just wanted to leave this comment. Thank you Merk for being able to open up and express yourself so candidly as you did. Really could relate to the parts where you talk of mental health (anxiety and fear of failure). Love these raw unedited style of vids

[@JustMerkChannel]

I’m glad you could relate to the same experiences, thank you for taking the time to watch today🙏🏽

[@JiggyJeffsLife]

Man this is gold bro. Thank you for being vulnerable with us and opening up telling us your “why”. The gym is most definitely my therapy dawg, I feel the same way with the working out solo. I love going to the gym throwing my headphones on and blocking out the entire outside world. Thank you for this video and thank you for continuing to inspire us bro. We right here with u big dawg. 🫡 #KeepGoing

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you for taking the time to write this and for watching today, brother. I’m glad you can to the same mindset. Have a blessed day dawg✊🏽

[@isaiahyoungz3800]

Been watching you bro for a minute…Always thought you were almost half robotic or something because I’d never seen or heard anything from your past in your videos, I appreciate the realness and authenticity of one of the deep motivations that a lot of the guys who start have which is proving people wrong and insecurities. God bless bro🙏🏼

[@dwaynerivera]

Wow bro… been following you for years. This is awesome. Thanks for opening up, you just helped me and many others so much more. Love you Michael

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you for taking the time to listen✊🏽

[@regisdickson3142]

JustMerk is as real as it gets. Started following the channel in 2020 due to the pandemic. I took the gym for granted for many years. It was an on and off type vibe, but when the lockdown happened, I was looking for different home workouts, and I scrolled upon this channel. Brotha, you'll never be worthless. You have helped motivate myself and so many others to take this gym ish seriously. Stay blessed, brotha, and I look forward to more vlogs from you. 💪🏾💪🏾

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you, brother, I’m glad we’re able to connect and I’m glad this channel has resonated with you. Stay blessed as well🏁🙏🏽

[@PatrickGreenSonVegeta]

You've been a real one for years man. I've followed you because of the journey and life lessons you've shared. It helps as a helping guide in my own strength journey. Strength is multi-faceted, beyond muscles. Keep going brother 💪🏾

[@JustMerkChannel]

It most definitely starts with a mind, brother. Thank you for coming back and listening over the years to follow my journey✊🏽🏁

[@JustMerkChannel]

It definitely starts in the mind brother. Thank you for coming back over the years and listening to follow my story✊🏽🏁

[@Illestvillian00]

I appreciate you sharing your story! Takes lots of guts to open up about triggers that cause one self’s insecurities. We all have them continue to be a big motivator in this game of life. You helped a brotha self reflect today. And to keep focusing on my why!

[@jesustapia1437]

I’ve been following you for a few years now and I’ve been able to make great progress in the gym thanks to your program & videos. I want to say thank you for sharing such an intimate experience. I want to let you know you just leveled up! You opened up to the public, more importantly to your fans. You are embracing everything that you went through and saying this is ME. This is FULLY who I am. You are no longer having to run, hide, or fight it. Instead you are accepting it. You are understanding what didn’t destroy you, only gave you strength & character 💪🏻 You may think I wasn’t good enough, for my family to want me, but you’re wrong. Your mom wanted nothing but the best, so she had to sacrifice you since she couldn’t give you that life. You got adopted, many kids don’t get chosen. You were CHOSEN! Just want to remind you bro, that you are loved and respected by many of us. You have fans. You are worthy and you are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing, you don’t owe us anything else.

[@KelinThorpe]

Big respect for this one man, takes a real man to talk about his flaws and weaknesses especially with such a big audience. Been watching you for a minute and you inspired me to start my own channel. Keep grinding bro!

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you for taking the time to listen today brother. And best of luck with your channel, kill it man🏁🏁

[@MambaKicksLA]

This has to be one of the best videos you have posted…..I have connected with you throughout the years because I always saw some of me in you and now you being this open just cements not just for me but for all the fellas and anyone who watches you how much we each deal with that other voice in our heads from our childhood trauma and pain… thank you for posting this…I salute you and even though I’m a stranger I’m proud of you …those are words I struggle with hearing from others…even when I know I’m doing my best… tons of people admire you ..look at the comments… crazy to know you’re not even 30 yet and you’ve got all this discipline and knowledge when many have chosen the easy fast life … I appreciate you…but what do I know….. 💪🏽

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you for taking the time to watch today and write this. I’m glad we’re able to connect at least through this channel. Let’s keep using what we’ve overcome to push further, have a blessed day brother✊🏽🏁

[@heshameldawy8969]

You are a real one Merk, been following you for years and I felt talk back in 2019. Bro i had the same feelings and it hurts a lot with pain all the times but remember bro “ life is pain, pain is power” thanks for you bro keep going

[@JustMerkChannel]

That’s it man. Thank you for taking the time to watch today🙏🏽

[@lekeidricktate1199]

I have another level of respect for you. To be able to sit down and tell thousands of people thoughts that have taken you years to overcome is a testament to your character. Bless brotha ✊🏿

[@jazielcarballo3734]

Brother you are such an inspiration, Ive been always a big fan of your physique, the way you train, and the vibe of your whole videos, keep doing what you doing.

[@DariusD1995]

I can tell you don't talk about this a lot and I respect you for it bro! been following you for years and always and always wondered what your story was! praying you heal and God continues to guide you in the right direction.

[@Bigp1mpin64]

You a real one for this… Plz make this an ongoing thing maybe 45 minutes + (to show the training as well) for the next one???

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you for watching, training coming in future vlogs✊🏽

[@DepanshuMittal2122]

Yeahhh​@@JustMerkChannel

[@RoyalRareShua]

Wish I could hug you bro. I feel I go through the same anxiety and have that same mindset, where my existence is justified by what I’m good at, if anything. I appreciate you Merk for opening up, I admire your bravery to do so, especially for us who you might never know. Thank you for the inspiration

[@JustMerkChannel]

I appreciate you, thank you for taking the time to write this and thank you for watching. I’m glad we’re able to connect✊🏽

[@da1braden]

This is one of the realest videos I've ever seen on youtube. You've come a long way man. Look forward to meeting you someday

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you for taking the time to watch today, I hope we are able to cross paths✊🏽🙏🏽

[@arizrasul3258]

Brother this video touched me. What you described was your ability to go into the dark side in the gym, and to use and challenge that energy. You’ve come along way and you’ve built yourself up from the bottom, congrats

[@David2Blessed]

We love you bro you got family all over ! I appreciate you being vulnerable and helping us keep a good head on our shoulders

[@JustMerkChannel]

I appreciate you, brother, thank you for watching today🙏🏽

[@David2Blessed]

Keep em coming ! We doing big things this year

[@julienalexander6113]

Man, I so relate to this. Similar story, but I was a foster kid and lived with different families up til I was 7. A lot of people I've grown up with don't really know because I keep a lot of things in. I definitely felt your point about proving someone wrong, and being patient is a powerful source of energy. I hope we meet one day man, you a cool dude. Thanks for this.

[@JustMerkChannel]

Hey brother, thanks for sharing your story here. I’m glad we’re able to connect over the channel and I hope we’re able to cross one day too. Keep showing the world how powerful you are✊🏽🏁

[@julienalexander6113]

​@JustMerkChannel Thanks, man! For sure.

[@hndsmdvl]

The introspective depth to who you are is a good thing to see. And it speaks volumes when you're at that place in life when you can speak about and reflect on those things that made you who you are today. Looking forward to the rest of these vlogs brother.

[@JustMerkChannel]

That’s real, I’m glad to have made it to the place where I can look back and reflect on things. Thanks for taking the time to watch brother✊🏽

[@eduardosimon5743]

You’re my idol when it comes to this fitness lifestyle. I admire you fr

[@chandlerpatton2942]

Agreed

[@JustMerkChannel]

I’m glad you can connect to my message✊🏽

[@JossueCarrillo]

Same here

[@stephonlbrown]

I don’t usually comment but bro I love this growth and honesty for you man. It’s a heavy burden and to have the strength to talk about it let alone publish it for the world to see is powerful. Love brother! May God bless you and your families as you go on this journey 🙏🏽

[@spencerssenjovu]

This was a beautiful watch man, thank you for this. Keep doing great things as you have been, God bless

[@Xbox3133]

You have to let that go brother. Forgive those ppl and let your soul rest. That mindset of using your trauma to lift weight is deathly and depressing. God wants eternal life for us and exercise is his gift to us. People who discouraged you as a child were dead inside themselves. Lift because of the LIFE IN YOU, not because of the DEATH IN PEOPLE. May Jesus bless you Merk, you’ve come so far🫶🏾

[@JustMerkChannel]

I think for some that may work, but I am grateful for what I’ve been through Because it all allows me to take on any challenges God has ahead for me. It may sound negative, but from it only positivity grows🙏🏽

[@vinchencillanderson1829]

Motivation thnks bro been following you for years im a infantry soldier from south -africa going on deployment your videos motivates me everyday never stop brother ​@@JustMerkChannel

[@eliflawlessevvasquez5677]

Bro you dont know how many people you are saving and helping with this video, your trial, your tribulation. Dawg big ups to you. Absolutely amazing video. Keep inspiring G!

[@Sgabau]

I remember the first time i started watching your videos. It was 2020 and now four years later I'm obsessed with it. Just wanna let you know that you are doing good. Keep working and motivating us, Stay strong brother.may god bless you. ❤️🔥

[@JustMerkChannel]

May God bless you as well brother, thank you for following the journey over the years✊🏽🙏🏽

[@JordanAnatole]

Love your videos brotha🙌🏾This one too. The power you feel in the gym while comments flow through your mind has got to be one our greatest inner strengths💪🏾channeling it, and utilizing it accordingly can be so beneficial! Glad to see you doing it. Straight inspirational, always.🫡

[@JustMerkChannel]

I have yet to find a power greater. Thank you for watching and listening brother✊🏽

[@thelonniedamond]

Day 1 getting back into it, always respected you and your grind. I needed this video today!

[@redstone6739]

Man,I go through the exactly same stuff in my life right now and your speech helped me to understand that I am not the only one who faced it.Thank you for your openness and honesty.Stay Hard!!

[@wesidejay]

I appreciate your story man cause it definitely builds character and strength. I went through something similar only my situation was being a lot less fortunate than other kids. Teased for hand me downs, teased for wearing the same shoes, so I understand how your past is a source of motivational energy. I use it to my advantage when I need it to push me to grind and get to it and show those who tried to belittle me that I am a King💯 and can beat all odds.

[@tlovell32]

This one hit hard! Thank you for having the courage to share this, Merk. I’m mixed just like you and I definitely tap into certain things when appropriate. Really excited about this series you’re starting, no doubt it’s been a long time comin. Appreciate you, bro 🫡.

[@tonywrussell235]

Thank you for sharing this. I literally went to my car during a lecture break and just listened to this. I felt extremely relieved afterwards.

[@bbyflip1]

stories like this really helps me to keep pushing foward ! specially with the bullying stuff … I feel your pain ! gym is also my sanctuary !! no pain no gain !! 💪🏼🔥🔥🔥 the thing I like about working out by myself also is u get move at your own pace !

[@zayy5x270]

Merk your awesome bro, been watching you for years now and your inspiring so many people to be great 🖤 it takes a real one to come out and just be honest about life and what happens behind closed doors. Keep progressing 😤💪🏽

[@montellcarlock]

From PA to Ohio : Honestly, Michael. This is moving. I been impacted by the channel slander because of the authenticity of who you are ( what you decide to share on this platform), the routine, discipline, and the simplicity of it. Not too much or too less but right in your own pov. I thank you Michael for sharing this because this resonates. Whether a million subs to 0 you never are too big or small to be impacted, positive, and be a story for people to be better and strive for better. Thanks Merk✊🏿

[@LevyLevvv]

Damn merk…this story is literally spot onto my story growing up…😢 I feel for u in this! U have prevailed my brotha! We both have!✊🏼 been watching u since u started uploading. Love ur content! Love supporting u man! Keep going!🙏🏼👏🏼

[@wolfganglisborg3970]

I ain't gon hold you. But, I'm glad this popped up on my feed on here. Cause, my mom literally had no plan for me fr. And dropped me off to her siblings in America from Europe. And even though I'm in Europe at the moment my goal is to get back over there. Yet hearing your reflection on how you've come to molded yourself is impeccable. I respect your transformation for being quiet to actually speaking me now. That gym puts perspective to so much. Thank you for this. Imma be on my journey back more focused wit the help of this video.

[@JFITNESS1]

This man has been an inspiration since I started my fitness journey & my KZbin journey. Just want to say thank you my guy, you’re doing great keep up the great work because you’re changing lives out there. 💪🏼💪🏼

[@treydavis3745]

Thank you for sharing Merk 💯 the reason why i still follow you is because your realness and authenticity over the years.. these other guys be capping

[@theronpage6507]

Appreciate your story! Been following for a while and respect your grind. You have helped me a lot! Thank you! 🙏🏿

[@anurouth2907]

Loved the vulnerability in this video man Takes a lot of strength to share your story like that, looking to more of your videos

[@rashadcobham8775]

Takes a real man to be vulnerable 💪🏽we love this video bro

[@JustMerkChannel]

✊🏽🙏🏽

[@TJ-wq1ue]

Real spill. Thank you for doing this video. Trauma is a powerful force indeed. The gym has always felt like therapy. Better every day. Keep going Merk 💪🏾

[@MotivationalSportss]

I rarely comment but I’ve been watching you for years and I’m proud of you man. You are not worthless, you have made an impact on so many people bro❤️

[@cesarlabastida318]

love how real you got with this one brother, a lot of young men out there needed to here this, including me. thank you

[@leroysomefun2511]

You are such an inspiration to me, and the things you produce are really something special. Keep doing what your doing!

[@Jekyll_Hyde3005]

Always enjoy your content bro! “The people who see it as a weakness are weak people” 🔥

[@johnneyabera]

Thank you for sharing your story. Your journey is very similar to mine, and it made me realize that my hardships made me strong. It takes a ton of courage to talk about your pain, so I appreciate this. 🙏

[@dannymartinez3951]

What a masterpiece, Merk. Keep spreading wisdom, brotha. I can relate to a lot of the words you said while you were driving. Looking forward to watch more videos like this one 🤞🏽

[@KingStrider-kk6zr]

Merk, I’ve been following you for a long while. You are not worthless, none of us are. We are made in the image of God so all of us have value. He thought enough of you that you were worth dying for. Jesus created all things and he desires to know you personally, but he won’t force you. Knock and the door will be opened to you. Seek and you will find. I hope this gives you some encouragement.

[@MaximusAugustusOrthodox]

Amin ☦️

[@ShayanContractor1S2H3A4Y]

Love the vid and the real talk! Really proud to be a loyal fan since day 1!! keep gng!

[@Inkd_Nurse]

You’re on of my motivations bro, im glad you found your way.

[@tebogonwedamutsu1412]

Love and respect the realness and raw insight into your life. Let's keep chasing our dreams and most importantly the gains!!!

[@JossueCarrillo]

Maaann this video hit, i fw merk soo much heavier now! I can relate to him on a deeper level now! I went through a situation somewhat similar to this and he really hit the nail in the coffin. Definitely wanna see more videos like this. Please include training after the life stories

[@ShivamPetumber]

Brother i just wanna say that you inspire me so much and you're the one who push me everyday to go to the gym and achieve my dream physic.

[@AdrianFavella]

This whole video was genuinely a vibe & humbling much love brotha 🙏🏼

[@joshBT12345]

Hey man, I have a very similar story to you in the early stages of my life. And to be honest since 16/17 I've spent every day in my head just going round in circles. I think the difference for me is I don't really know how I feel about everything that has happened. I need to do a much better job at using the events etc that have happened to fuel me. I have enjoyed your videos for years now, I really appreciate your realistic, down to earth personality and I'm grateful that you've opened up as it might encourage me to face the things which I probably should. Thanks mate 👌

[@hunterbowles4]

You are an inspiration. You have helped me through some tough times. I appreciate your vulnerability on this one.

[@maalikevans]

Yerrrr! I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability in this video. Bro just remember, outside of the gym, therapy is also extremely helpful-and as I’m telling you this, I’m telling myself the same thing. Keep up the good work ✊🏾💯❤

[@TakeaChanceFilms]

I like how organized Merk is. Even down to his bookmark. Keep up the great work my man!

[@PinnyHardaway]

Keep the vlogs coming my guy 🫡 you inspire me a lot to keep going 💪🏽

[@THATSCRAZY-li8ei]

You can always tell in someone eyes, there’s some pass trauma, and doing this takes a Man to let it out brother you keep moving forward and working hard like your doing! God bless you!

[@lj.fitness___]

This was real authentic of you my guy💯 I love it!

[@You.Can.Do.It.]

The life experience you go through might be so tough to bring it up but you just don’t know when someone else’s whole life will change just because of hearing you share

[@moestaxx286]

respect bro. this made me want to read the book by goggins and also try to unlock that inner energy that makes me want to go harder. like you said it is very powerful and it makes you wanna go harder than ever and reach that full potential. thanks for this bro i needed this!

[@kendonwalker3272]

Bruh your videos are so dope man, been watching you for years, just vibes

[@JadenSpeck]

Excited to show you my transformation soon dawg. Been a minute but you helped set up my routine in lifestyle before going over to body building coaching. Just keep going coach.

[@gabrielperez82204]

Thanks so much for sharing bro🙏🏽 you are truly an inspiration. Wishing you continued growth and happiness. Happy you are allowing us in and being so honest.

[@MikeJohnCore]

GOAT. Rocked my CrossProjects in the gym today. This the type of stuff that makes me wanna support. Only real.

[@parkerzi]

Been watching since the red car, just watched your podcast with Vaughn and Nathan. Glad to see this type of content. Your videos have been a massive inspiration for me and I see why, we pretty much grew up the exact same way almost weirdly how similar my story is.

[@mauriciogutman2644]

Thanks for sharing justmerk. True inspiration for us. Keep working your legs man they will get bigger

[@__josh.2x]

I needed to hear this, and its crazy how god works this time in my life honestly is the most confusing because everything is just unclear for me like you I strive to better myself mentally because thats the one spot in my life where I lack strength. For you and for me and anyone else reading think about the over achievements of where you have come from and the outcome any obstacle and circumstances you have faced with whenever you feel yourself falling back into that same state of mind.

[@Adriantank37]

Amazing stuff! Michael your a beast. And you should be proud of your accomplishments. Your journey has not been the easiest but you still marched forward man. You’re inspiring and motivating. 💯✊

[@rj.2k506]

Michael thanks for sharing that man and being vulnerable really feel like I can connect more to you when you open up, keep yo head up king God bless you

[@lukamacek6550]

been following this guy since he made that transformation video, solid guy still

[@JustMerkChannel]

Appreciate you man✊🏽🙏🏽

[@josuedelacerda1421]

Keep grinding, bro!💪🏽 Knowing alot about you and about fitness is helping me alot to be better in the gym and in life ⚡️💯

[@JayT_fitt]

I resonate so much to you with training alone. It helps me so much mentally. Thank you for sharing your story

[@vinnimrqs]

You're inspiration man, I appreciate you for make this video. Continue with this approach of long videos, they are very good.

[@edwolf0082]

Good stuff as always Merk, I’m currently on the shed challenge II ⚡️

[@JustMerkChannel]

Thank you brother, glad to see you in the app⚡️⚡️

[@antoniolopez9309]

Needed to hear this. You’re a huge inspiration bro 💪🏽

[@kylesyce2438]

Just what we needed love this type of videos just like every other one you make bro

[@vinimix_]

This was really raw brother, appreciate you pouring your heart out like this (no pun intended)

[@rocketgogetter]

I appreciate the transparency in your story.

[@nicknix1924]

Appreciate your backstory I found some real guidance through you🤝🏽 your work goes unnoticed💯

[@izayagorman8890]

I love your channel bro your the one that made me starting lifting 🖤

[@barryfelton2050]

Love the vulnerability brother. I’m tapped in with you. Keep grinding 💪🏾

[@Pac_ju1ce]

Merk the goat don’t care what no one says 💯

[@Ocktanez]

Been waiting for this day for the vlogs

[@RONIE-dr9hg]

My brotha, always inspiring, thank you. 😊❤

[@ShoMariPayne]

Real one, major respect 💯

[@beazer285]

Thank you for sharing your story. Vulnerability is a true strength 🙌🏽

[@prescottosegie]

🔥🔥🔥Let go!!! Justmerk keep up the good work dawg 💪

[@magenmontez1938]

So proud of you for sharing.. God always win and you will win.. stay strong

[@TKF4lcon]

ngl lie dude, I missed this type of videos, glad to see you doing it again 🔥🔥

[@jacepellerin3461]

Thank you man, this video is a bigger inspiration than you could know 🙏🏻

[@AnthonyRayNaturalBB]

Great video bro 💪🏼🙏🏽

[@jamiekhari6651]

Man, thank you for sharing. This was deep!