Why We HATE Optimal Bros

[@78DoubleA]

We tend to think of balance as a static state, once found it’s just there, easy to maintain . When in fact, balance is dynamic. It requires constant adjustments to all the external forces working against it. If you’re the balanced person, remember this when/if you feel like you’ve gone too far one way or the other.

[@PiamLendergrass]

well spoken, gracias mi amigo

[@hunterbelvis]

Respectfully, wtf does it matter. This isn't even about health and fitness, this is about what you and your bros like doing. Some bros like go the club and get wasted on guys night. Some bros hop online on guys night. Some bros go hunting. Some bros play DND all night. Guys night isn't about slamming beers or getting a lifting session in; it's about taking a break from everyday life to do the things you all enjoy doing together regardless of whatever that activity is.

[@Cedarsunrun]

yes.

[@SlicedLizard]

Guy who posted boys trip video is about to go to his first Olympics. Feels like it is ok to make the exception of wanting to keep somewhat of a training routine while not totally losing yourself in the last 2 months of prep.

[@discipline-my5hi]

didn't realize that hide the pickle was an olympic event

[@JoeyG-o8r]

yea but they could have made it look at least slightly less gay lol

[@justus4423]

@@JoeyG-o8r we still using gay as an insult in 2024?

[@JoeyG-o8r]

@@justus4423 hell yea we are.

[@justus4423]

@@JoeyG-o8r jeez man get a hobby aint no way

[@immanuelsuleiman7550]

I literally caught this 22 seconds after you posted it. I feel like I won the lottery

[@zacktelander]

Lightning reflexes

[@boyunderbridge]

The prize is family dinner with LK

[@sir0nion]

"Being optimal with the BOOOYYYZZZ" - Cody 'No Wasted Time' Garbrandt.

[@Gojimaru]

Bangin' with the BOYYYZZ! - Cody "No Homo" Gaybrandt

[@bradydastrup1025]

I’m a 37 year old man with two kids, a wife, a dog, a mortgage and a partridge in a pear tree. I’ve got a 555lbs deadlift, a 425lbs squat and a 275lbs bench. I approach training and working out about as casual as anyone can while doing it consistently. I came a a realization very early on that I wasn’t going to be the next big thing in strength sports or bodybuilding but I did enjoy training so, I’ve just kept at it and I’ve made PRs (mainly the 555lbs deadlift and 425lbs squat) this year. My plan is to hopefully get a 455lbs squat for a double or triple this year. If it doesn’t happen, maybe it will next year. Being casual with my training and a little more stringent with my diet has helped me be there for my wife and kids and extended family, all while being stronger than the average man. And that is enough for me.

[@AdamParkhurst]

Who asked?

[@jmcsquared18]

Here before I drink one glass of cab with my dinner which will certainly definitely destroy all the gains that I've made over the last year of my life.

[@BroncoBen123]

I’ve been trying to learn more about hormones and how they affect daily life. I’ve studied a lot about dopamine lately and it caused me to think; what is balance? What makes something a good source of dopamine increase vs a bad source of dopamine hit. The conclusion I’ve come to so far is that if it caused other people to have lasting happiness, it’s probably a good source of a good dopamine boost. These guys are all in the process of boosting/ depleting dopamine. Which is better? Sometimes it’s hard to say. But which leads to higher baseline dopamine levels long term and allows you to live longer; definitely the first video

[@jonahmessinger4914]

bro I went to highschool with the marathon guy in the second video 😅 def an athlete, football and shot put

[@justincarrow102]

Gerudo Valley... Nice. I teach kids music and we had our recital the other day and that was one of my kids performances.

[@jonathanpersaud2744]

The idea of balance should be seen as a long game if you’re doing a 9-5 and having that strict regime then I think the point of balance is to enjoy the things you can’t, life still needs to be lived fully

[@ThatBigGuyAl]

With my friends, it would be a gym workout in the morning and maybe something active in the afternoon, then drinks at night. Balance.

[@sstorey94]

I’m fairly dialled into my powerlifting & bodybuilding but I plan in 2-3x music festivals, boyz trips etc a year of degeneracy. Work towards your goals intensely but don’t forget to take some small breaks, its way better for longevity. 15yrs deep so I say that with experience!

[@KennyKrenzin]

Jack Calendar really upping the production quality. King Zora absolutely MWEEPing in the background

[@jtkachlmeier]

I needed to hear that.

[@deathxul777]

Rad vid. Your editor always picks sick music

[@anthonyyazzie4199]

Yeah yeah yeah balance, but the GERUDO VALLEY outro 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@karangupta2292]

I used to be super dialed in with nutrition to the point that i was accounting for the amount of micronutrients i was getting in. That, on top of sleep and deciding to not drink at all, really made me miss out on life and didnt even make my gym progress increase at a faster rate. Im much more balanced with things now, diet less strict, drink occasionally, sleep ok, and i pull 705 on my deadlift…. So i think im doing better now

[@nathanmiller5753]

Let’s go just went on lunch break perfect timing ZT

[@enochcrosby6630]

Premier lunchtime content.

[@Gladiatorat]

Gotta say Zack has the best backgrounds for his videos in KZbin 😁

[@cerealsgames3118]

I seriously agree with every bit of this video ❤ Got me contemplating life out here and i appreciate it

[@notdescartes4538]

Optimal bros advice didn’t gave me a 185kg zercher, Bugz did. Simple as

[@slee2695]

That's not the topic genius And the optimal bro is an Olympic athlete

[@satabdeesahoo]

Fit vs fun vs FULL. I think the path to follow is clear

[@goforbroke2]

I go on an annual guys trips also, have been for the past 10 years. The first guy is not how we do it.😂. That said I do bring bands and a jump rope on these trips, but there is A LOT of booze being consumed.

[@riv6580]

Alec Merino just posted it, he’s actually a sick ass dude that does indeed balance it pretty nicely!

[@top500autist]

holy the rac music hit so hard in the sponsor

[@jayscaping]

I've always taken both to extremes tbh. In my early 20s i would show up to hit squat/deadlift PRs on saturdays and sundays still fucked up from only a few hours before. Cant do that shit in tandem in my late 20s but still able to plan around and do all that shit when i know I have a couple rest days ahead. Still 100% on top of my nutrition and recovery and still progressing on all my lifts and in my career as a software dev. It's not rocket science to live both ways at once.

[@nickxx9729]

What's that blue frogman thing in the background?

[@macdad159]

3:44 did that all the time in at 1/75 RGR in H.A.A.F. That was a weekly Monday morning PT. Wednesday nickel beer night then Thursday morning 12 mile road march with 70lbs ruck. Thursday evening $3 PBR at Grayson Stadium when it was Savannah Sandgnats and Friday Morning 7 mile run. All on maybe an hour of sleep. Too easy.

[@n3phalem754]

The second guy was way more genuine. The first video is pure torture. It's not a boy's trip, it's a working camp. Plus that awful weather ugh.

[@TeKnoVKNG23]

Literally who cares? Time with the boys is whatever you want it to be and whatever you enjoy doing with your buds. It's also interesting how binge drinking is glorified and considered the fun/balanced side, lol.

[@rommyt7004]

Who’s the king fish in the background 😮‍💨??? Sending you love from U.K. as always Zack

[@rollerr]

Would love to see you comment on the new JRE featuring the guys behind the Enhanced Games. I think they raised a lot of good points and it would be cool to see your take on it too

[@milesloef5062]

Love it Zach, hell of a video

[@adatud4804]

love the og zelda background, and the music. gives me hard flashbacks

[@ru1n3dsa1nt2]

I think the guy right down the middle might be Luc Bong

[@davidscott9699]

Dope video Zack! I like the Zelda background 👍🏻

[@christianingersoll3581]

Most people do look up to and praise balanced people, but it's not glorified on social media because it's not good content. Nobody is interested in watching someone being balanced at everything, they want to see people acting in extremes to either side. I feel like the reason the first video was getting so much hate as opposed to the second one all comes down to ego. The first video comes off as fitness influencers flexing their discipline for internet clout, making the viewer feel inferior, whereas in the second watching a dude be degenerate is entertaining and makes people feel better about their own discipline.

[@chadliampolley6991]

Best outro music. :)

[@Ryan-wx1bi]

I dont think there is an answer to whats "right". Do whatever TF makes you happy and enjoy life (within reason obviously).

[@jonchapman8344]

Typical day for a soldier. To be drunk running 6 or more miles with no sleep at 0 dark 30. 😂

[@EgglyMcBagelface3]

Did he bandit the race? He doesn't appear in the race results and we never see him with a bib. I wanna know his time for context.

[@RogueCylon]

I wish I had stopped drinking earlier. Never felt better than when I dropped the social drinking.

[@miatomi]

wow, I need to replay zelda

[@Big.Rik_]

If you and your friends find it fun, do it. Not your type of fun, don't do it. Live how you find happiness, self-assurance, and personal health and stop caring how others find it

[@cej3940]

Social media does a great job at telling you to be more private lmao

[@yonmusak]

Join the army or marines for a while. That’ll make these baby men find some self confidence

[@dope.dialectics]

Can I blame my lack of following for always trying to be that balanced guy in the middle? 😂

[@charlyvss5440]

Work hard play hard that is easy

[@joegates2111]

I’m 44 years old. I take that first guys trip 9 times out of 10

[@reyesr16]

Zelda x Big Friday streams when

[@landerhendrickx3522]

Another Zach T middle ground fallacy vid

[@infinitejinpachi]

nooooo you HAVE to drink and smoke and eat shit and waste money when you hang out with your friends because.................YOU JUST DO OK?!?!?! soyfacing rn

[@Up2Me-h2z]

I hid a backack of proteine shakes during a festival that i downed in the woods when no one saw while binge drinking. Thats my kind of balance.

[@ryintel]

When I was in my 20s I was lean and fit, super easy when you’re young, I skateboarded and played basketball and that’s all it took, ate what ever I wanted. Then when you turn 30-40+ you have to actually try. These young guys are missing the opportunity to eat damn near what ever they want with little effect (unless you’re lazy), can they keep it going into there 40s 🤷‍♂️

[@elliotbgardner]

The guy down the middle is boring to watch, why you will never see this

[@atiabristy]

Nice video but you don’t have good SEO score which is very important for higher rankings lead to increased visibility, driving more organic traffic to the site and the overall growth of your channel. if you want i could help you.

[@mitchgowing2336]

Working out for like an hour and not eating trash is optimal? I'm genuinely confused. "Living life" means being a complete slob and eating literal poison?

[@prestonruns]

Shoutout @alec merlino

[@heftytraining]

Get married. Buy a home. Start a family. Build a garage gym. Lift 3 days a week. Eat meat. Play with your kids. Have that occasional tequila. The simple life rules

[@firstdonuts]

I'm sure plenty of people would be in the comments saying you live a generic boring life if you posted a video of that lifestyle.

[@tet2755]

This is exactly my life now and it's frickin great. When you're in your 20s it sounds scary and boring. But, now, mid-30s, it's clear it's what I always wanted. Just try to get a little better each day and spend time with your kids. And don't take yourself too seriously.

[@bennymountain1]

To each their own.

[@k1xnt]

you lost me at the 3 day split

[@JoeyG-o8r]

This is my life. Had the day off today. Went to jiu jitsu at 6am, came home to coffee and the kids. Kids went down for a nap and wife came home from her half day, mowed the lawn, gonna grill and beer later. Life good.

[@CombatVeteranReacts]

I think it depends on what your normal life is like. Honestly, having a kid and running a business and being a creator means that my nutrition, training, recovery, is always just kinda 'good enough'' and always like I'm hurrying through everything. A chill workout, steaks, a round of golf a dip in the ocean, and a good nights sleep sounds pretty dope tbh. 8 years ago, when I was in a boring office job and locked in on training, a wild adventure vacation would have been awesome.

[@trents7516]

I think biggest part of it is like you said: the way the videos are packaged. The first one kind of has that condescending air of superiority while the second one is just fucking funny

[@soarinpenguinlive6372]

The first video also comes off as fake espically as the image of a pro athlete is dispelled. In an earlier time we would assume all pro athletes live like this but with the advent of social media and more honesty we know it not true. The last point is as more people get exposed for being fake the doubt and lack of trust in this video rises. PS He could live his life like this I don't know

[@salvadorromero9712]

Amen amen. It is all product, and all packaged to some extent. The first is going to seem offputting to more people, I think, the second entertaining and funny. The first also more "fake," though make no mistake the second is a mixture of documented experience and performance too. I can certainly see weekends with friends akin to both types of content as being fun, and indeed have had them. For example sometimes (e.g. before an event) you need to watch what you eat and train and be careful but it's a much needed psychological break to mix it up and incorporate some fun with friends, especially if you tend to be monklike and isolated in your training. Then sometimes (e.g. after an event) you act goofy and party your ass off with the boys and do something bro-silly like an "impaired" run. Both are fun. Then again, it is also fun to stay in and play some board games with the boys, or spend a lazy day fishing with them, or whatever. Lots of ways to have fun; that is beautiful.

[@thomasbrockhoff4195]

dont take advice from content creators

[@EdwarkingOFitness]

The reason why the growd is attacking the first guy and not the second is because the second guy is more relatable to common mediocrity. It's comfortable, more herd like per say. And this is going to sound kinda sad, but many are probably using that character to feel better about themselves. As opposed to wealthy, organized, elite athlete, not endulging in vices, eating clean, etc... and all of a sudden, it's like comparin' yourself to batman.

[@riv6580]

It’s not that deep fam. Just have fun and don’t waste your life on one side of the other

[@Bjorn_R]

I see absolutely nothing wrong with the first video. I dont enjoy drinking and doing drugs. I just like to be active so having a trip like that would be a dream for me.

[@JamieoftheNorth]

Came here to essentially say this. Heck, I don't even drink coffee! I just like to move.

[@firstdonuts]

Yup these people are pretending they have found "balance" based off how many drinks they have vs how much time they spend working out 🤦It's a really dumb metric when you think about it. The reality is, everyone likes doing different things, and it is entirely petty and stupid to judge how someone else chooses to spend their time based off your own preferences for certain activities like drinking. Zack missed the mark on this one, he is blindly following the crowd and just accepting the first video looks lame because everyone else said so.

[@JoeyG-o8r]

I bet your dreams look a lot like that

[@deficitstifflegzercherdeadlift]

@@firstdonutsthe first video is lame because it’s a vlog-flex about spending exorbitant amounts of money for a weekend trip. It’s like the 1% chronicling their day to look relatable. Idgaf about the activities, do what you want to do with your life, but that first video is objectively lame af.

[@firstdonuts]

@deficitstifflegzercherdeadlift Objectively is a stretch. Going to a pool, working out in a garage gym, eating a healthy meal, etc, are not really things you don't have access to. Sure they rented a nice place to do those activities, but thats about the only thing here that exemplifies their status as rich and flexing their money. So I don't think your argument holds up either way. Regardless, that's not the point people are making anyways. Zack was mostly pointing out the drinking and unhealthy meals when talking about how fun the latter video looked. And he made a point that revolving your life around your training is something he couldn't do anymore. I'm saying that all the activities showcased in the video are really not that restrictive and centered around training other than going to the gym. However, even that can fall into the pool of perfectly normal habits that people would rather do for fun, instead of drinking and eating a ton of food. It really is as simple as different people have different preferences for activities. And the point of the video is to highlight the activities, and the difference between the activities in the videos. From that perspective, I think Zack arbitrarily deems the first video lame, based off his preferences. As far resenting rich people goes, I don't really care about that or relate to your sentiment 🤷

[@iielysiumx5811]

During the week I’m pretty optimised, my diet is mostly fruit, milk, yoghurt, meat, bagels, seeds, honey etc etc etx. I train hard, eat right and all that. However, I also let loose a little every now and then, I have a big cheat meal on Saturday. I really enjoy whiskey so I have a drink every now and then. I also go out with the boys and just let loose occasionally, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Do everything right 90% of the time but remember to enjoy yourself

[@bobbybobman3073]

I don't understand this video, I could be wrong but how often is this "needed knowledge"? Also idk who else thinks both of these could be great fun if you do shit cooler than golf. Like you can have a "schedule" without it ill just chill on a trip. And god damnit its so much fun to loosely schedule a few cool events.

[@tevis3]

The guy doing the half marathon was the “balance”, he was pretty jacked, partied and could run. Most people who can drink like that, have no muscle mass and can’t do cardio.

[@reallygoodclips9733]

This one caught me kind of riding through a low period, but I’ve started focusing on healthier choices again and balancing things, not being extreme with training and eating clean, because when I do, I inevitably snap and end up feeling down and committing excessively to bad habits instead. The celebrating normal balanced people part at the end really means a lot to me right now so thank you

[@Steve-sp4rx]

I exercise religiously, compete in USA Weightlifting in the Master's and do pretty well at it and monitor my diet...but if I'm with the boys, the alcohol is in danger.

[@BUFFALO_cougar_slayer]

I’ll never understand how deliberately putting a toxin and depressant in your body is “enjoyable,” but you do you, boo

[@jaeger2278]

@@BUFFALO_cougar_slayer thats a pretty obtuse and arrogant comment

[@michaelcorreira5629]

Great video puts things in prospective , you can't take yourself too seriously

[@josephbloxham3992]

If i booked a sweet mansion for a boys trip and one of them starts trying to get me to do a 20 minute calisthenics workout I'm heading out

[@josephbloxham3992]

Unless they switch it to a max out deadlift sesh

[@amazin7006]

people that do cardio on vacation are like patrick bateman tier psychopaths

[@joh_kun5530]

Might just be my autism but I'd genuinely be down to clown with that. Beach sprints, tossing around random beach rocks, coming across a pullup bar to work, doing some kyokushin/pancrase style sparring. That'd be ideal as hell. No alcohol or hangovers to put up with either.

[@PcCAvioN]

​@amazin7006 you just haven't realized that cardio is the vacation. Every hard run is a vacation from life. Therefore, running in a new place especially a beautiful locale is awesome

[@aegisfitnessnutrition]

I think the biggest thing about the "boys trip" is the social aspect, not so much whether it's degen behavior or psycho health behavior. The importance of a group of fellas just cuttin back, having fun, doing gay cold plunges together, or suffer through a hungover half marathon. Just doin shit together

[@MJfromdaO]

haha fax

[@richardpajarillo4136]

It all made sense when he said the first vid is from an Olympian.

[@RpSKhaira]

Something you may not know, that guy in the first video is being accused of paying his way into the Olympics. Long story short, he was always refereed by 1 ref at all competitions who gave him points so he could qualify for paris. The fencing community does not like him.

[@ZeGreatBamboozle]

It makes me uncomfortable when someone's entire identity revolves around fitness. If you're that obsessed and you're not getting actively paid to do it, it's probably coming from a place of insecurity and ego. Shoutout to Telander, I think playing instruments is one of the best things you can do to be a well rounded person. It stimulates you, physically, mentally and emotionally.

[@nickvasios3650]

Slightly different perspective. To use your words Zack, one idolizes a healthy lifestyle (even during a boys trip) and the other a totally unhealthy lifestyle. Most people will hate on the first one and love the other because they simply see themselves in the second video. Generally we associate a boys/girls trip with a safe space where we finally get to indulge in all the things we couldn’t do on the daily. So when someone chooses to exercise, not drink, eat well etc. on such a day it alienates people because the vast majority would never do that.

[@taitcarrillo8926]

“Optimal” training kept me small. When you let yourself take a rest day, or eat a little extra, or even workout a lil extra, it’s a lot less stressful. PS I don’t remember all the Zelda theming on this channel. Is this a new thing? lol

[@LatimusChadimus]

Remember how women used to marry men and now they want to marry a lifestyle? This just illuminates the fact that instead of men working on themselves as men, many are just working on their profiles to give off certain impressions. Zack is a real person, he's not a profile.

[@awildstrongmonappears6770]

I definitely find the second video to be faaaaar more cringey between the two. Do what you do with some composure. I’ve never enjoyed the frat boy demeanor, so I might be biased.

[@southwesthotmustard7762]

So you’re saying don’t be a Huberman husband and don’t be a slob. If one is too much on one end of the spectrum strive to get back to the middle.

[@n00dle_king]

Balance is all well and good but no one is going to tell the story of the time you showed up at the rented mansion ate healthy, lifted, and went golfing. On the other hand the story of getting trashed and running a half marathon still buzzed and eating garbage the whole way will stick with you for the rest of your life.

[@BrentCox2B]

I hate being hungover haha so Im not a huge drinker but I will definitely still struggle to make it to my workouts because I'd rather be gaming or something hahs

[@alex31721able]

If you take away all of the cringy stuff that trip is just a fun training camp with the boys. The issue is influencers not the concept 😅

[@paulpanzer641]

Good take bro

[@lookitup99]

who the fuck plays a 2.5 hour round ??????

[@ulhasanzk2249]

they don't even look in shape tho? if he is professional athlete i would understand it

[@colinvandenbroek8139]

Fucking love the outro music

[@centropygepotteri]

No excuses. Just ... have 14 beers

[@ulhasanzk2249]

second guy looks way more jacked

[@legendary7708]

Just here for the best video game of all time as background visual as music.

[@stevenarnett4471]

What game is that?

[@drinkinouttacups2665]

@@stevenarnett4471 ZOGs nightmare

[@Doctorgoodegg]

Cool story bro

[@drno62]

Honestly thought that was Derek from MPMD for a second

[@TristanRogersInPittsburgh]

Golf!? The fuck is golf??

[@bobbybobman3073]

Golf an excuse is a walk with some beers interrupted by a ball no can find, or so I'm told.

[@Josh-x2d]

Mr. Zack Telander, I am typing this in your most recent video (so hopefully, you may see😅). You have changed my life entirely. I am 16 years old male living in a small town in the country of South Africa 🇿🇦, and I just wanted to say that I am so grateful that I stumbled on to your content by random on KZbin because you have introduced me to the "dark side" of the fitness industry (MorePlatesMoreDates, Dr. Mike Israetel, etc.) and have pushed me into a love for Olympic Weightlifting. I will always remember you throughout my whole life✌️ and am always willing to learn more.

[@bigslacker666]

I definitely go from one extreme to the other. Most of the time all about eating well, great sleep, work performance, sport performance. I'm 50 and can still see abs, ski dobule blacks and hit 20'+ gap jumps on the bike. I've had the same beers in the fridge for like 6 months and not touched 'em. OTOH I was with the boys in Austin (AMAZING party and food town Zack, holy shit!) and drank half the beer and whiskey in town, partook of some other stuff, got like no sleep for a week and ate who knows how many pounds of BBQ and tacos. Balance is for normies, YOLO! ;)

[@RenderingRebel]

Im kinda like that, i lift but nothing crazy, drink and party occasionally. Low stress work taking up minimal efford, making decent bank but not rich. Honestly though it always keeps me hungry for making it big or getting crazy fit, but i know i dont have the motivation to be that person at the end of the day. I general its just hard being happy the way u are i guess, thanksful for what u have. We all want something more out of life, probably the thing that makes us human.

[@maverikotonashi]

I went a long time abstaining from alcohol and party lifestyle to focus on the gym and get the most results possible because I heard some one preach it to me. I knew now that if I don't find ways to get myself out of the grind of work and gym routine and have an occasional night out or two during the week that I have left some happiness and diversion on the table. Mind you I would get immersed in video games at some points but nothing compares to a night of brewskies and heaters at a texas bar during the summer. Cheers.

[@patrickh9937]

A career counselor once offered me the idea of auto pilot as a model. A flight from JFK to Heathrow is on auto pilot for most of the trip. It is probably never on a perfect heading for Heathrow, always headed in that general direction, a little too far north or south and constantly correcting course. It gets there.

[@Hugin.Muninn]

I grew up competing in swimming and kyokushin, until my early twenties. Sow I used to be on the everything must be optimised at all times camp. It took me a years time after I stopped competing to get out of that mindset. But I feel sow much better day to day, now that I'm way more relaxed about food and exercise.