@DrTopLiftDPT I don't watch anyone who claims Natty at least. For my own sake I just take it into account that my recovery is not going to be anywhere near these guys' level, but that's okay because neither is my strength.
Funny you say that as you get as much drama from them as anyone. Mitch keeps dodging his cheating at SMoE, mocks people asking about his stack, and Eric keeps doing nonsensical ish with Juji that teaches absolutely nothing but how to get injured.
@@gankt you know its very controversial but i really liked Rich Piana. Extremely motivational. Miss the dude!! RIP. he never tried to sell his product.
There's waaaayyyy too drama and bickering going on in the online fitness world. I'm a 40 year old dude from Wales. I'm not interested in soap operas LOL
He has a bias against evidence-based, literature-guided programs, tho. I don't like that. I know his programs work for him but if you deliberately ignore recent research, you're not optimizing your gym and diet work. That seems a bit daft.
@johanahonen8627 one billion percent agreed... and also about twenty videos a month clout chasing by criticising 'influencers' with a bigger platform than him, especially jeff cavalier, greg is so annoying 😑
My current two are Hooper and Eric Bugenhagen. Hopper provides solid simple advice. Bugenhagen provides the drive the hoist and heave those hefty loads.
It really goes to the 'Broad Brush' comment from Mitch's video here. Ben Patrick (kneesovertoes) often has to speak in broad terms, but when you distill his message, he is very personalized in his approach to dealing with people. Regression to a manageable level is always the strategy. But people see him doing crazy things and assume he is advocating that for everyone and couldn't' be further from the truth. Mitch had an awesome collab with Ben, I'd love to see another one.
Knees over toes is great, but Ben is another example of someone who created nothing new (no new exercises, and protocols that have been done for decades) and re-scooped it to make it his brand.
Being in my 50’s I am actually looking for people who are older that have the experience. I’m not ignoring others but I want to hear from someone who knows what it is like to get old and still trying to be fit.
Nearing 50 as well. Last year or so my routine seemed to put on mass and made me feel more powerful, so I've been looking for videos that discuss power reps that are a mesh of Louie Simmons and Mark Rippetoe methods. However, most videos are geared to either mass or one rep maxes. Strongman methods like Hooper's though get close.
@ I have followed them in the past, but it feels anymore like they just put out content to put out content if that makes sense. Felt like it was going down hill.
@@harrisonmcdaniels6019sorry, but Will is as matural as it gets. He has many videos where he shows his physique with normal lighting, and not posing. He is as gifted as a natty can be, but I'm 100% sure he's not enhanced. Also, his whole reputation is leaning on him being a natty. Not the one to bet his career on a lie (like Mike O'Tren)
@@maxymilion Sorry, realize I need to clarify that. I meant natural athlete as in gifted athletically and zero to do with drugs. i.e. does this person move well, is coordinated, can run and jump, etc. For instance, Jesse James West is a gifted athlete vs. just having a physique.
I think the worst part of the fitness industry is the oversaturation of information whether it be good information or bad. So many influencers will give out information that can actually be ineffective but a lot of viewers can't sift through the bad stuff or they blindly follow the influencer because they like them. This is also an issue with the fans. Don't blindly follow all advice from influencers. Take bits and pieces from them all, try it, then decide if you want to use their advice.
I just started working out 3 months ago, and I’m glad to know that the three people I’ve been watching were your top three. I’ll also be subscribing here, thanks for the informative video!
Thank you Mitch for this video. I am just starting out as a certified personal trainer although fitness has been my hobby for nearly 25 years. When I hear you, I hear you speak with evidence based information and knowledge about the human body and how to improve overall fitness and health with your obvious niche being Strong Man. By the way, you are an amazing athlete. Thank you for showing us the reality of fitness influencers. We have to be careful of who we trust and we have to do our own research. You are the first of all fitness influencers who actually describes the ATP process. That tells me that you are educated and apply your education to your own life to include this UA-cam channel. Please keep up the great work and amazing content!
He doesn't post enough to really count as an influencer, but Alan Thrall is great for clear instructional videos and deep dives on all kinds of things.
And he has a track record of actually comming out and explaining why he changed his mind about something if and when that happens. For instance around the time Starting strength released their bullshit video about Trap bars, Thrall made his own video explaining why he did enjoy it anyways (Thrall used to be a certified Starting strength coach).
I have so much respect for your word and your commitment to helping people become the best version of themselves. You are just an amazing person and thank you for being a positive influence to the community.
I watch you and Eddie and Magnus Mitdbo. You are all amazing people. I watch some of Jesse James West's competitive videos for entertainment but I wouldn't ask him or his friends for advice if you paid me to. Bodybuilders are generally wildly unhealthy in how they get the images they want and how they keep them. I'll stick with you guys who both teach others how to use their bodies and continue to look to learn more from others around them, encouraging and supporting each other along the way. (And I'm a former physical therapist assistant who is now working on getting her nutrition degree. I love lifting weights but I'm now disabled and not able to go off and do it now, so I watch you and the other strongmen and rock climbers and other skilled, devoted athletes live the life I hope I'm living in a parallel universe, so thank you for being you.)
I’ve been saying it since you came on the scene. There’s a lot of Fitness Charlatans, and you use a lot of their playbooks. But I think that your commitment to being more than just another influencer really stands out. Thank you for this video.
Only thing I have against Squat University is that he paid $50 to have one of his "studies" published, then will say "research has shown..." then link his own study. Not to say his information is bad, or he is disingenuous, but that is a bit questionable.
And hyper fixation on perfect squat form is not necessary. Tey not to have terrible form and just progress at a normal pace and even if your form isn’t perfect because you built up slow you will be fine.
I love Mitch's analytical and heavily logical approach to everything fitness related. And i agree that the 3 fitness youtube channels he recommends 99% of the time will give you useful information and help you on your fitness journey. But mitch is neglecting the "human" aspect of peoples fitness journey. What i mean by that is, none of these 3 are personable/relatable, none of them talk about how they are doing on their fitness journey and the ups and downs and other aspects of their life. Sometimes having the feeling that your not alone and someone else is on a similar journey putting in the work everyday is more inspiring than fitness literature. 2 great influencers for this are Jesus Olivarez and Sam Sulek.
jesus is among the most humane lifters i have seen but he doesn’t really focus much into the science behind of his lifts. besides his advice may not work for everyone since he is the absolute pinnacle of strength
This is where the masses need to understand and differentiate between a fitness influencer and a fitness educator. I share more information and research with my followers vs being very personable I share some or what I do and what I eat and explain WHY , BUT I also don't particularly enjoy sharing every minute of my life and day and everything I do from A-Z in the gym because alot of beginners and intermediate lifters think they should do the same when it doesn't apply unless someone is advanced so I prefer to give general information and advice and guidance. Anyone who takes what influencers share as the end all be all are the problem imo.
I think overall, many fitness influences are good. I’ve gone through a few different people I’ve watched. Currently learning from you, Jeff Nippard, and Dr. Mike. There are obviously people who spread misinformation and hate in the fitness community, but I think it’s important to spotlight the people who call that out for what it is.
Just blindly following one influencer at the expense of others knowledge is bad. Checking on many and seeing what works for yourself with an open mind is good.
@@Jafmanz in the real world maybe but we are talking about you tube fitness. When you don't know anything if you see someone you like you follow them, eventually you might find someone else with a different opinion. Then you follow them. If you get bored or you start to think they have nothing else to give to the world you unfollow them. Easy peasy.
Big agreement in the need to find folks who will give you helpful information without getting through multiple conversion points. I discovered Dr. Mike more than a year ago and he has been tremendously helpful. One such benefit is that through my digestion of his content, the algorithm helped me discover you as well.
I gotta disagree with 13:14. Mike Israetel is someone you very easily can disagree with. He's great overall, but Paul Carter, Lyle Mcdonald, and a few smaller channels have disagreed strongly with him. I think you promote Mike in a way that makes it seem like "the science" says one way of doing things. There's countless ways to disagree and Dr Mike isn't merely reflecting. He also has his own views and quirks.
You and Matt wenning are my favorite UA-cam fitness influencers I feel as if you both provide extremely valuable insights where as on instagram I watch more of Eric bugen and Greg douchette as they are just extremely entertaining
I trust you, Matt Wenning, Loz, Alan Thrall, & Nick Best for educational content. Jujimufu for entertainment that's also educational, & Aunty Liz for sheer epicness 😉. Really the only thing I'd say I look for in addition to what you covered is transparency & message.
If someone is trying to explain something that is very simple in the most convoluted way they are probably trying to sell you something and immediately discard that person.
Well done young man. I Must say watching and listening to you is really refreshing. As far as fitness influencers go, and I use the term "fitness" loosely. Most are pretty much insecure drug add#$%^. As an actual lifetime natural, which I think is a silly term because I am just a human who is trying to stay as healthy and strong for as long as I can. I can attest that gaining weight or getting super lean doesn't even come close to let you look like these guys. I got down under 10% BF once and was eating 700kcals a day and felt so weak and terrible, but looked good. On the flip side I also tried to put on as much muscle as possible once. I trained for a year eating 3500kcal a day and blew up to 230lbs at 5'5". That was strongest i ever was but, I had a 45" waist and my blood pressure shot up so bad that i would black out. Now a days at 50 years old I stay at 20-22% bf and have a 33" waist (same size as HS) and have more energy than guys half my age. Sorry for such a long post, I guess in short stay natural kids.
I like to watch the mind pump podcast. They’re not specific to anything in particularly, just overall fitness for the average person. Of course the have plans and sponsors or whatever but it’s long form content that is really good
The guys I watch the most in no order - Mr Hooper, Jeff Nippard, Althlean X, Lean Beef Patty. I also check out more plates more dates, shredded sport science, and Magnus Mitbo. I like the folks who are genuine and not trying to just sell me stuff.
I agree 100%.Israetel and Jeff has the best channels...I`ve been following Mike almost since the beginning and 95% of everything he says is on point...I would ad Alexander Bromley and Geoffrey Schofield to this list.Two other great sources of no bull information about training....
Some honoraray mentions: Sika Strength, Clarence Kennedy, KH Movement, Zack Telander, Matt Wenning, Calgary Barbell, Pete Rubish, Alan Thrall, Chad Wesley Smith, Paul Carter, Mark Bell, Jujimufu, and the late John Meadows.
nice to hear Mitchell endorse mike and jeff as his top 2 fitness influencers since they're the guys i settled on years ago as dependable and useful along with jeremy ethier.
So few people get the basics down pat, training consistently, intensely, nutrition, and stick to it. Instead they fret over minimal controversies over minor points.
I would say: 1. John Meadows (RIP) 2. Knees over Toes / Squat University 3. Cjak / GVS 4. Vigorous Steve / MPMD 5. Dr. Layne Norton / RP/ Mitchell H. 6. Dr. Milo Wolf/ Peter Khatcherian 7. Eugene Teo / Chris Duffin 8. Mark Bell Podcast/ Think Big Bodybuilding Podcast 9. REVIVAL Fitness / Alex Leonidas 10. TOROKHTIY / Enkiri
I listen to a lot of the fitness influencers but, my brain shuts off when they talk about drama. The only thing I know for sure about drama is Mike vs Greg and Mac vs Bioneer. 😂😂😂
‘You look at yourself in the bathroom mirror at 2am and you look like a rockstar…’ Ha! Joke’s on you. It’s 1am here and looking in the bathroom mirror I look overweight and saggy….
The unrealistic standard is the hardest part. We want so badly to believe that effort is rewarded. That the people who are the best and look the best did the hardest work and the most grinding, and that anyone can reach those standards by just putting in as much or even more work into it.......but thats not how it works. Some of us were just born wrong, and we have to just learn to deal with the fact that no amount of effort will ever give proper results. It goes against everything we've been taught to believe our entire lives, on a cultural level.......and its the worst thing to finally realize its all a lie.
Learned this the hard way, too, half a century ago. However, a few do give out good advice such as Mitch. The best basic advice I got was from a set of sheets from Cardiac Rehab. From those sheets, cardiac education sessions, and my own research (I have a university degree in Engineering Mathematics), I wrote and self-published a professional quality text on fitness, health, diet, etc. But it's just for my own use, and everything in it is already covered by the better influencers out there such as Mitch and the three other influencers he mentioned. I think writing down what you learn in your own words helps a quite a bit.
Effort is rewarded. If you put in work, you’re going to get stronger. If you watch what you eat, you’ll lose weight. The goal is to become the best version of yourself, and that’s possible for everyone. But comparing yourself to world class athletes is a losing game- some people are just better at things than others, or more naturally gifted- but realizing that and giving up on yourself is the absolute wrong idea to take from that. Because Lebron James exists, should I just not try when playing basketball at 25 hr fitness? It’s all about improvement, not comparison
@@BGeezy4sheezy being "the best version of yourself" is great until that best version amounts to nothing. It's like studying to become the smartest kid with down syndrome, or the best sketch artist with cerebral palsy. Sure it's something, but compared to everyone else in the world it's a nothing-award. Comparison is the only thing that matters, it's literally the whole point of any of this.
I think there is often waaay too much focus on the bodybuilding influencers as if that was the entirety of the youtube space regarding training, but I very rarely see people talking about channels like Garage Strength, PJF Performance, Isaiah Rivera etc. I would love to see more interaction between these channels, Dr. Mike from Renaissance Periodization talking to Dane from Garage Strength, Jeff Nippard discussing leg training for power with Isaiah Rivera and John Evans from THP Strength etc. Training for performance and training in general shouldn't be such far apart worlds as it seems when you follow fitness influencers.
One of the smartest things Greg Doucette said in his older videos was, that "not even your favourite fitness influencer looks like your favourite fitness influence, because they are just creating an illusion aswell"
What I like about Dr.Mike is he also updates previous stances based on new research. As someone with a science background, I understand that the field is constantly changing and if you don't update, you're going to be unintentionally giving bad advice.
As a 32 year old who grew up watching the classic channels (Big J, P.O.G, Twin Muscle, etc. ), I find that the majority of UA-cam fitness has become a toxic landscape filled with substance abusing teenagers and drama. Gregg was someone I used to watch ; I find it difficult at this point. I appreciate more relatable lifters like Sam Sulek. He provides a comfort I found in the previously mentioned OG channels. I've also begun to appreciate channels based on facts , such as yours and Dr. Mike's. I miss when everyone got along and the only odd man out was Jason Blaha (I still like Blaha). I don't care if PEDs are involved, depending how old the individual is. I just know some things need to change.
Most "fitness channels" are not actually fitness channels. They're body building channels fronted by people with great genetics and on a shit-tonne of drugs, who tell their audience to neglect things like cardio and building muscle is all that matters. I'd like to see how fit these "fitness influencers" actually are. I'd like to see how long they'd last on a 5K run.
Mitch Hooper’s comment about viewers not reaching his level because of genetics is an interesting one. I get where he’s coming from-it’s true that not everyone has the genetics or circumstances to reach the very top. But at the same time, it’s not just about genetics. There’s also the fact that elite athletes use things like steroids or other PEDs to push their genetics beyond natural limits( btw, Not against steroids, neither do I believe it’s a magical wand). Not every viewer is going to eat, train, recover, or be willing to put their body through that level of testing and sacrifice. If all of Mitch’s followers indeed did it, maybe he’d have a much harder time staying the best! So genetics alone isn’t the full story-it’s the combination of genetics, choices, and the extremes someone is willing to go to that separates the elite. That said, I can see how comments like Mitch’s might unintentionally discourage people. It’s not that he was trying to make anyone feel bad, but hearing something like that could make someone feel like their effort doesn’t matter as much ( kinda like what he was told at the beginning of his career). And that’s just not true. Every journey has value, and you never know how far you can go unless you push yourself. It’s also important to remember that being the best, or at the top of the top, isn’t the only definition of success. Take music, for example. If every musician thought, “I’ll never be Michael Jackson or Mozart, so why even try,” we’d lose so much incredible music. Think about bands like Linkin Park or Foo Fighters-they’ll never reach the same level of fame as Michael Jackson or whatever , but that doesn’t make their work any less meaningful. Or someone like Hans Zimmer-he’s not Mozart, but his music inspires millions. Success isn’t about being “the best of all time.” It’s about making your mark in your own way. Eddie Hall even talked about this after he broke the 500-kilo deadlift record. Just two weeks later, he was back to changing diapers and doing the same everyday stuff as everyone else. He found it kind of depressing because that high didn’t last. And Mitch has been open about his struggles with depression too. It goes to show that even at the top, people face the same human struggles as the rest of us. Success alone doesn’t equal happiness. What really matters is the connections we build, the people we love, and how we spend our time. And just to be clear, I don’t think Mitch meant anything different. He wasn’t saying you can only be happy or successful at the top. He just made an honest observation that most people won’t reach that level-and that’s okay. This message is for anyone who might feel discouraged by comments like his. Even if you’re 5 feet tall, 150 pounds, or don’t fit the “ideal strongman mold,” it doesn’t matter. You can still achieve the best version of yourself, and that’s what counts. That’s where the real inspiration is-unlocking your potential and showing yourself what you’re capable of. You don’t need to be at the very top to do something extraordinary and impact people. Again, I don’t believe Hooper inferred that. I just wanted to offer encouragement to those who fell let down by the comment for one reason or another.
Layne Norton, biolayne, is definitely for me the best source for advices. He was my diet coach for Mr Universe and it was amazing how much I learnt from him..
One good litmus test I think is the quality of the education. I don't watch influencers who are just posting posing videos and don't have anything to say. Strongman is different because you have to be on gear but for calisthenics and weightlifting the natty educational channels are far superior to the enhanced channels with a couple of exceptions (RP is the main one that springs to mind) So if they claim natty and put out consistently high quality educational content then I will believe them. They may as well not be natty because they are the genetic crème de la crème but yeah, I've bought a plan from Nippard and from FitnessFAQ and had amazing results.
I was born crippled and anorexic, now i chest press 400 lbs at 5 foot 6 180 as a natty vegetarian Ill never be hooper, but ive gotten HUGE compared to my old self,
Speaking of your programs... I asked a question a couple of days ago and linked to your coaching site in it (I'm guessing my comment was marked as spam since it included a link, even though all I was linking to was YOU. But I digress...), and since my comment got deleted I didn't get an answer. So, I just turned 45. My birthday gift myself was going to be joining your personal Zoom coaching group. But as I visited your site, I found that there was no longer an option for the Zoom weekly coaching calls there. I assume that means it's gone, and that financially it doesn't make sense to commit your time to that program any more. But I really hope to be wrong! Is that program gone for good, or it is simply on temporary hiatus?
The majority of fitness influencers, their success is down to attractiveness and nothing else and what they advocate won't necessarily make you fitter or healthier and what they do definitely won't. Fitness influencers and their appeal has a lot more to do with sex than it does with health and longevity. Those kinds of influencers have no value as far as I can tell. Sports specific ones like bodybuilders, powerlifters and strongman athletes are an exception as are channels from experts that give general training advice or injury recovery advice. For those interested in strength training, Alexander Bromley gives some of the best programming advice around. I have a great deal of respect for Terry Hollands advice on programming too, though his stuff isn't structured or presented nearly as well. The best beginners guide to strength by far is Mike Israetel's "Strength Made Simple" series. There's a playlist on his channel for that. Although he's known much more for bodybuilding advice, that is the best intro to strength training I've ever come across.
I think there are a few influencers who are genuinely natty and sincere but I definitely think some are fake. I’m surprised some people are so gullible.
The problem I've noticed is that the 'coming out' of influencers on usage and being open about what they use is just as bad as being 'fake natty'. Since there's more people coming out I see a lot of younger people use ridiculous amounts of gear, just to copy the person and be like them. Seen a few guys here in the gym even dressed like Sam Sulek and being on massive amounts of shit... Yes, mental issues and all. But still. I don't believe being open about usage is healthier to the younger public
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I watch Mitch Hooper and I watch Eric Bugenhagen. I don't need no drama, just tips and tidbits
You don't watch anyone who is natty? Do you take steroids too?
@DrTopLiftDPT I don't watch anyone who claims Natty at least. For my own sake I just take it into account that my recovery is not going to be anywhere near these guys' level, but that's okay because neither is my strength.
Dr. Density sends his rotund bulbous regards!
Funny you say that as you get as much drama from them as anyone. Mitch keeps dodging his cheating at SMoE, mocks people asking about his stack, and Eric keeps doing nonsensical ish with Juji that teaches absolutely nothing but how to get injured.
@@bigguy7353 Yeah they delve but they're hardly Greg or Mike when it comes to clickbait BS
Waiting for coach Gregs response harder than last time
Yep its coming ha ha
yeah that guy can only make drama/reaction videos and shill his products. I wonder which side of the spectrum he falls on...?
@@gankt you know its very controversial but i really liked Rich Piana. Extremely motivational. Miss the dude!! RIP. he never tried to sell his product.
There's waaaayyyy too drama and bickering going on in the online fitness world.
I'm a 40 year old dude from Wales. I'm not interested in soap operas LOL
Exactly!! Well said!
And Mitch just adds to it.
I don't care mate. I'm so tired of this "mean girl" style cattiness. Give it a rest 😂@@bigguy7353
everyone else is.
Wtf does Wales have to do with it
i think Alexander Bromley has a great strongman / strength channel .
Agreed
I've learned enough just by listening to Brom that I probably won't ever use someone else's programming again. That dude is a G
yeah for me he's like Mike Israetel of strongman
He has a bias against evidence-based, literature-guided programs, tho. I don't like that. I know his programs work for him but if you deliberately ignore recent research, you're not optimizing your gym and diet work. That seems a bit daft.
@@TheJohn8765agreed, Alex has an attitude towards research that shows he’s too stuck in his ways imo
Liver King, Mike O'Hern, and DLB are the natty holy trinity.
I love Dr Mike’s videos on these guys
Cant wait for Greg's response video
And about ten adverts to buy his 'cookbook'
🦜🗣️🗣️🗣️ cookbook my turk Hooper 😡
Yeah I was so glad he didn't mention Greg when he talk about who to trust
@johanahonen8627 one billion percent agreed... and also about twenty videos a month clout chasing by criticising 'influencers' with a bigger platform than him, especially jeff cavalier, greg is so annoying 😑
@@naysaynever Dont forget Turkesterone that doesn't do anything!
My current two are Hooper and Eric Bugenhagen. Hopper provides solid simple advice. Bugenhagen provides the drive the hoist and heave those hefty loads.
Approved comment. Hail Dr. Density.
Mike, Jeff, Mitch, Squat University and as an aging athlete with knee and back issues: Knees over Toes Guy. His advise is gold with minor caveats.
There are a few others but this pretty much sums it up.
Do you also follow low back ability? He is guy behind the back program at knees over toes.
It really goes to the 'Broad Brush' comment from Mitch's video here. Ben Patrick (kneesovertoes) often has to speak in broad terms, but when you distill his message, he is very personalized in his approach to dealing with people. Regression to a manageable level is always the strategy. But people see him doing crazy things and assume he is advocating that for everyone and couldn't' be further from the truth. Mitch had an awesome collab with Ben, I'd love to see another one.
Knees over toes is great, but Ben is another example of someone who created nothing new (no new exercises, and protocols that have been done for decades) and re-scooped it to make it his brand.
I called all 3 of your recommendations, they undoubtedly post very informative information
I love this channel no drama no bs just a human down to earth trying to help people
Being in my 50’s I am actually looking for people who are older that have the experience. I’m not ignoring others but I want to hear from someone who knows what it is like to get old and still trying to be fit.
Check Out Nick Best He's 90 Years Old And Still Strong AF 💪🏻😏
@ I already follow him
Nearing 50 as well. Last year or so my routine seemed to put on mass and made me feel more powerful, so I've been looking for videos that discuss power reps that are a mesh of Louie Simmons and Mark Rippetoe methods. However, most videos are geared to either mass or one rep maxes. Strongman methods like Hooper's though get close.
I would argue someone like squat university who has rehab experience is still extremely valuable to you as they work with folks who get old.
@ I have followed them in the past, but it feels anymore like they just put out content to put out content if that makes sense. Felt like it was going down hill.
It's all in the eyes and your eyes are so kind, you simply radiate warmth and kindness
another option as well is Will Tennyson. super fun videos, great advice, and he is overall super entertaining. highly recommend
Legit
I like his channel, but he's definitely not a natural athlete.
@@harrisonmcdaniels6019sorry, but Will is as matural as it gets. He has many videos where he shows his physique with normal lighting, and not posing.
He is as gifted as a natty can be, but I'm 100% sure he's not enhanced.
Also, his whole reputation is leaning on him being a natty. Not the one to bet his career on a lie (like Mike O'Tren)
@@maxymilion Sorry, realize I need to clarify that. I meant natural athlete as in gifted athletically and zero to do with drugs. i.e. does this person move well, is coordinated, can run and jump, etc. For instance, Jesse James West is a gifted athlete vs. just having a physique.
@@harrisonmcdaniels6019wills mom is shredded and in Shape herself
I think the worst part of the fitness industry is the oversaturation of information whether it be good information or bad. So many influencers will give out information that can actually be ineffective but a lot of viewers can't sift through the bad stuff or they blindly follow the influencer because they like them. This is also an issue with the fans. Don't blindly follow all advice from influencers. Take bits and pieces from them all, try it, then decide if you want to use their advice.
I just started working out 3 months ago, and I’m glad to know that the three people I’ve been watching were your top three. I’ll also be subscribing here, thanks for the informative video!
Thank you Mitch for this video. I am just starting out as a certified personal trainer although fitness has been my hobby for nearly 25 years. When I hear you, I hear you speak with evidence based information and knowledge about the human body and how to improve overall fitness and health with your obvious niche being Strong Man. By the way, you are an amazing athlete. Thank you for showing us the reality of fitness influencers. We have to be careful of who we trust and we have to do our own research. You are the first of all fitness influencers who actually describes the ATP process. That tells me that you are educated and apply your education to your own life to include this UA-cam channel. Please keep up the great work and amazing content!
He doesn't post enough to really count as an influencer, but Alan Thrall is great for clear instructional videos and deep dives on all kinds of things.
And he has a track record of actually comming out and explaining why he changed his mind about something if and when that happens. For instance around the time Starting strength released their bullshit video about Trap bars, Thrall made his own video explaining why he did enjoy it anyways (Thrall used to be a certified Starting strength coach).
He's a genuine natty too. Love Alan's channel.
Love his channel literally the one I would refer to over and over again as a baby lifter trying to squat and deadlift.
I have so much respect for your word and your commitment to helping people become the best version of themselves. You are just an amazing person and thank you for being a positive influence to the community.
I watch you and Eddie and Magnus Mitdbo. You are all amazing people. I watch some of Jesse James West's competitive videos for entertainment but I wouldn't ask him or his friends for advice if you paid me to. Bodybuilders are generally wildly unhealthy in how they get the images they want and how they keep them. I'll stick with you guys who both teach others how to use their bodies and continue to look to learn more from others around them, encouraging and supporting each other along the way. (And I'm a former physical therapist assistant who is now working on getting her nutrition degree. I love lifting weights but I'm now disabled and not able to go off and do it now, so I watch you and the other strongmen and rock climbers and other skilled, devoted athletes live the life I hope I'm living in a parallel universe, so thank you for being you.)
I’ve been saying it since you came on the scene. There’s a lot of Fitness Charlatans, and you use a lot of their playbooks. But I think that your commitment to being more than just another influencer really stands out. Thank you for this video.
Only thing I have against Squat University is that he paid $50 to have one of his "studies" published, then will say "research has shown..." then link his own study. Not to say his information is bad, or he is disingenuous, but that is a bit questionable.
And he’s not that strong
And hyper fixation on perfect squat form is not necessary. Tey not to have terrible form and just progress at a normal pace and even if your form isn’t perfect because you built up slow you will be fine.
I love that you backed Mike. That’s a like for your video from me.
I love Mitch's analytical and heavily logical approach to everything fitness related. And i agree that the 3 fitness youtube channels he recommends 99% of the time will give you useful information and help you on your fitness journey. But mitch is neglecting the "human" aspect of peoples fitness journey. What i mean by that is, none of these 3 are personable/relatable, none of them talk about how they are doing on their fitness journey and the ups and downs and other aspects of their life. Sometimes having the feeling that your not alone and someone else is on a similar journey putting in the work everyday is more inspiring than fitness literature. 2 great influencers for this are Jesus Olivarez and Sam Sulek.
jesus is among the most humane lifters i have seen but he doesn’t really focus much into the science behind of his lifts. besides his advice may not work for everyone since he is the absolute pinnacle of strength
This is where the masses need to understand and differentiate between a fitness influencer and a fitness educator. I share more information and research with my followers vs being very personable I share some or what I do and what I eat and explain WHY , BUT I also don't particularly enjoy sharing every minute of my life and day and everything I do from A-Z in the gym because alot of beginners and intermediate lifters think they should do the same when it doesn't apply unless someone is advanced so I prefer to give general information and advice and guidance. Anyone who takes what influencers share as the end all be all are the problem imo.
Solid take. Solid recommendations. Solid dude.
I think overall, many fitness influences are good. I’ve gone through a few different people I’ve watched. Currently learning from you, Jeff Nippard, and Dr. Mike.
There are obviously people who spread misinformation and hate in the fitness community, but I think it’s important to spotlight the people who call that out for what it is.
Mike and Jeff are my favorite for sure. And I love squat university too!
My vote would be Dr. Eric Helms.
baldomni man is my go to fitness youtuber right now
My top influencers are: 1)Brad Castleberry. 2)Liver King 3)Mike O'Hearn. All are reliable and give honest takes.
you should write a book about it
😂
Brad is my brother and he curled 405 two minutes after being born.
Those are also imo the most honest and knowledgeable. Jason Blaha honorable mention
you forgot the best my dude V FKN SHRED
Cant believe this turned out the way it did. Amazing
Just blindly following one influencer at the expense of others knowledge is bad. Checking on many and seeing what works for yourself with an open mind is good.
following any is bad. you must lead.... take from others what you need... discard the rest....
@Jafmanz how are you going to learn from anyone if you don't study/follow them?
@@andrewzach1921 studying and following are not the same thing.
@@Jafmanz in the real world maybe but we are talking about you tube fitness. When you don't know anything if you see someone you like you follow them, eventually you might find someone else with a different opinion. Then you follow them. If you get bored or you start to think they have nothing else to give to the world you unfollow them. Easy peasy.
Eugene, Strength Side and Bioneer are some of my personal favorites. Oh and don’t forget Shredded Sports Science for the humor.
Strengthside and Bioneer are two of my faves too, both really wholesome and inspirational content
Agreed.... also would add Dr. Pak and Dr. Milo Wolf as some others I don't see mentioned in the comments here.
Big agreement in the need to find folks who will give you helpful information without getting through multiple conversion points. I discovered Dr. Mike more than a year ago and he has been tremendously helpful. One such benefit is that through my digestion of his content, the algorithm helped me discover you as well.
I gotta disagree with 13:14. Mike Israetel is someone you very easily can disagree with. He's great overall, but Paul Carter, Lyle Mcdonald, and a few smaller channels have disagreed strongly with him. I think you promote Mike in a way that makes it seem like "the science" says one way of doing things. There's countless ways to disagree and Dr Mike isn't merely reflecting. He also has his own views and quirks.
Classic candy toe W
Wanted to say something similar but you did it a lot better than me.
You are a great fitness influencer too.Always fair and always factual.
I could not agree more with your top three.
Squat University is underrated imo, his exercises help a lot
You and Matt wenning are my favorite UA-cam fitness influencers I feel as if you both provide extremely valuable insights where as on instagram I watch more of Eric bugen and Greg douchette as they are just extremely entertaining
Omg 6:00 is too true. I look sooo much better first thing in the morning and bloated as hell before bed.
Mitch, Mike, Jeff. They cover all i need
Amazing choices. Both of those guys are super trustworthy. Mike is also hilarious
It’s a life skill knowing just enough to be able to sort through the BS and find a few good cookies
I trust you, Matt Wenning, Loz, Alan Thrall, & Nick Best for educational content. Jujimufu for entertainment that's also educational, & Aunty Liz for sheer epicness 😉.
Really the only thing I'd say I look for in addition to what you covered is transparency & message.
It's crazy how good this turned out!
If someone is trying to explain something that is very simple in the most convoluted way they are probably trying to sell you something and immediately discard that person.
Well done young man. I Must say watching and listening to you is really refreshing. As far as fitness influencers go, and I use the term "fitness" loosely. Most are pretty much insecure drug add#$%^. As an actual lifetime natural, which I think is a silly term because I am just a human who is trying to stay as healthy and strong for as long as I can. I can attest that gaining weight or getting super lean doesn't even come close to let you look like these guys. I got down under 10% BF once and was eating 700kcals a day and felt so weak and terrible, but looked good. On the flip side I also tried to put on as much muscle as possible once. I trained for a year eating 3500kcal a day and blew up to 230lbs at 5'5". That was strongest i ever was but, I had a 45" waist and my blood pressure shot up so bad that i would black out. Now a days at 50 years old I stay at 20-22% bf and have a 33" waist (same size as HS) and have more energy than guys half my age. Sorry for such a long post, I guess in short stay natural kids.
I like to watch the mind pump podcast. They’re not specific to anything in particularly, just overall fitness for the average person. Of course the have plans and sponsors or whatever but it’s long form content that is really good
I will always be grateful to Dr. Mike for being the reason I started lifting.
The guys I watch the most in no order - Mr Hooper, Jeff Nippard, Althlean X, Lean Beef Patty. I also check out more plates more dates, shredded sport science, and Magnus Mitbo. I like the folks who are genuine and not trying to just sell me stuff.
Mitch, I learn a lot from your content. Thanks very much. The female I recommend is Kelly Mathews Strong with Kelly.
I agree 100%.Israetel and Jeff has the best channels...I`ve been following Mike almost since the beginning and 95% of everything he says is on point...I would ad Alexander Bromley and Geoffrey Schofield to this list.Two other great sources of no bull information about training....
I feel like mike has fallen off in quality the last 1-2 years where jeff hasn't.
Hey Mitch would you make a video about recovering after back injury or herniatior? What should you focus etc? Best man!
I need a giant poster of you to hang in my gym! This is amazing.
Mitch: "I have a undergrad and master's degree in heath and exercise"
Also Mitch: Is one of the strongest people in the world
Additional good resources/influencers: Derek More Plates More Dates, Ben Yanes, Menno Henselmans, Dr. Pak and Milo Wolf
Yeah I like menno.
Miniwargamer dave
Not because he gives fitness advise og programmes but for his honest view on life and motto just move and build minis
Some honoraray mentions: Sika Strength, Clarence Kennedy, KH Movement, Zack Telander, Matt Wenning, Calgary Barbell, Pete Rubish, Alan Thrall, Chad Wesley Smith, Paul Carter, Mark Bell, Jujimufu, and the late John Meadows.
Social media is not good for humanity.
nice to hear Mitchell endorse mike and jeff as his top 2 fitness influencers since they're the guys i settled on years ago as dependable and useful along with jeremy ethier.
The three channels I mostly watch videos from, the three channels you recommended. 😂
Mitch u should do another video on Colton Engelbrecht, he just totaled 2546 at 120kg bodyweight
So few people get the basics down pat, training consistently, intensely, nutrition, and stick to it. Instead they fret over minimal controversies over minor points.
Squat U is too influenced by Stuart McGill. I don't know why Hooper mentions him. Maybe they have a mutual sponsor so he's careful with his words?
Just throwing out a recommendation fo K boges, excellent short videos applicable to the normal fitness-interested person.
Honestly I just follow old school body builders and keep it simple it’s worked for me
I would say:
1. John Meadows (RIP)
2. Knees over Toes / Squat University
3. Cjak / GVS
4. Vigorous Steve / MPMD
5. Dr. Layne Norton / RP/ Mitchell H.
6. Dr. Milo Wolf/ Peter Khatcherian
7. Eugene Teo / Chris Duffin
8. Mark Bell Podcast/ Think Big Bodybuilding Podcast
9. REVIVAL Fitness / Alex Leonidas
10. TOROKHTIY / Enkiri
Not anymore. I want to enjoy lifting. Not get told I'm doing it wrong.. LOL
I remember squat uni first blowing up and understood the quality of his word. 🕺🏽🕺🏽
I listen to a lot of the fitness influencers but, my brain shuts off when they talk about drama. The only thing I know for sure about drama is Mike vs Greg and Mac vs Bioneer. 😂😂😂
Athlean X has always had my back. Mountain Dog RIP was/is my go-to bodybuilding guy.
‘You look at yourself in the bathroom mirror at 2am and you look like a rockstar…’
Ha! Joke’s on you. It’s 1am here and looking in the bathroom mirror I look overweight and saggy….
Best fitness guru on youtube atm is Charles glass
For fitness, I follow Richard Simmons and Lizzo. My go to fitness influencers in the late 90s were Steve Urkel, Chris Farley and Screech.
The unrealistic standard is the hardest part. We want so badly to believe that effort is rewarded. That the people who are the best and look the best did the hardest work and the most grinding, and that anyone can reach those standards by just putting in as much or even more work into it.......but thats not how it works.
Some of us were just born wrong, and we have to just learn to deal with the fact that no amount of effort will ever give proper results. It goes against everything we've been taught to believe our entire lives, on a cultural level.......and its the worst thing to finally realize its all a lie.
Wise Words Mate 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Learned this the hard way, too, half a century ago. However, a few do give out good advice such as Mitch. The best basic advice I got was from a set of sheets from Cardiac Rehab. From those sheets, cardiac education sessions, and my own research (I have a university degree in Engineering Mathematics), I wrote and self-published a professional quality text on fitness, health, diet, etc. But it's just for my own use, and everything in it is already covered by the better influencers out there such as Mitch and the three other influencers he mentioned. I think writing down what you learn in your own words helps a quite a bit.
Effort is rewarded. If you put in work, you’re going to get stronger. If you watch what you eat, you’ll lose weight. The goal is to become the best version of yourself, and that’s possible for everyone. But comparing yourself to world class athletes is a losing game- some people are just better at things than others, or more naturally gifted- but realizing that and giving up on yourself is the absolute wrong idea to take from that. Because Lebron James exists, should I just not try when playing basketball at 25 hr fitness? It’s all about improvement, not comparison
@@BGeezy4sheezy being "the best version of yourself" is great until that best version amounts to nothing. It's like studying to become the smartest kid with down syndrome, or the best sketch artist with cerebral palsy. Sure it's something, but compared to everyone else in the world it's a nothing-award.
Comparison is the only thing that matters, it's literally the whole point of any of this.
I think there is often waaay too much focus on the bodybuilding influencers as if that was the entirety of the youtube space regarding training, but I very rarely see people talking about channels like Garage Strength, PJF Performance, Isaiah Rivera etc. I would love to see more interaction between these channels, Dr. Mike from Renaissance Periodization talking to Dane from Garage Strength, Jeff Nippard discussing leg training for power with Isaiah Rivera and John Evans from THP Strength etc.
Training for performance and training in general shouldn't be such far apart worlds as it seems when you follow fitness influencers.
House of Hypertrophy is another solid science based channel. Very current on the literature and performs some massive deep dives.
One of the smartest things Greg Doucette said in his older videos was, that "not even your favourite fitness influencer looks like your favourite fitness influence, because they are just creating an illusion aswell"
My top 5 fitness channels on yt, in no particular order:
- Juggernaut training systems
- Sika strength
- Mike Israetel
- Clarence0
- Mark WIldman
+1 for Sika Strength, my favourite fitness channel!
Mike Israetel doesn't know what he is talking about.
What I like about Dr.Mike is he also updates previous stances based on new research. As someone with a science background, I understand that the field is constantly changing and if you don't update, you're going to be unintentionally giving bad advice.
As a 32 year old who grew up watching the classic channels (Big J, P.O.G, Twin Muscle, etc. ), I find that the majority of UA-cam fitness has become a toxic landscape filled with substance abusing teenagers and drama. Gregg was someone I used to watch ; I find it difficult at this point. I appreciate more relatable lifters like Sam Sulek. He provides a comfort I found in the previously mentioned OG channels. I've also begun to appreciate channels based on facts , such as yours and Dr. Mike's. I miss when everyone got along and the only odd man out was Jason Blaha (I still like Blaha). I don't care if PEDs are involved, depending how old the individual is. I just know some things need to change.
This guy, Will Tennyson, Jeff Nippard, Jujimufu, sometimes Jesse James West
Amongst the 3 you listed and yourself I also follow John Haack, C Bum and that’s about it.
Most "fitness channels" are not actually fitness channels. They're body building channels fronted by people with great genetics and on a shit-tonne of drugs, who tell their audience to neglect things like cardio and building muscle is all that matters. I'd like to see how fit these "fitness influencers" actually are. I'd like to see how long they'd last on a 5K run.
Bro The Thumbnail 😂 you know what you’re doing
Mitch Hooper’s comment about viewers not reaching his level because of genetics is an interesting one. I get where he’s coming from-it’s true that not everyone has the genetics or circumstances to reach the very top. But at the same time, it’s not just about genetics. There’s also the fact that elite athletes use things like steroids or other PEDs to push their genetics beyond natural limits( btw, Not against steroids, neither do I believe it’s a magical wand). Not every viewer is going to eat, train, recover, or be willing to put their body through that level of testing and sacrifice. If all of Mitch’s followers indeed did it, maybe he’d have a much harder time staying the best! So genetics alone isn’t the full story-it’s the combination of genetics, choices, and the extremes someone is willing to go to that separates the elite.
That said, I can see how comments like Mitch’s might unintentionally discourage people. It’s not that he was trying to make anyone feel bad, but hearing something like that could make someone feel like their effort doesn’t matter as much ( kinda like what he was told at the beginning of his career). And that’s just not true. Every journey has value, and you never know how far you can go unless you push yourself.
It’s also important to remember that being the best, or at the top of the top, isn’t the only definition of success. Take music, for example. If every musician thought, “I’ll never be Michael Jackson or Mozart, so why even try,” we’d lose so much incredible music. Think about bands like Linkin Park or Foo Fighters-they’ll never reach the same level of fame as Michael Jackson or whatever , but that doesn’t make their work any less meaningful. Or someone like Hans Zimmer-he’s not Mozart, but his music inspires millions. Success isn’t about being “the best of all time.” It’s about making your mark in your own way.
Eddie Hall even talked about this after he broke the 500-kilo deadlift record. Just two weeks later, he was back to changing diapers and doing the same everyday stuff as everyone else. He found it kind of depressing because that high didn’t last. And Mitch has been open about his struggles with depression too. It goes to show that even at the top, people face the same human struggles as the rest of us. Success alone doesn’t equal happiness. What really matters is the connections we build, the people we love, and how we spend our time.
And just to be clear, I don’t think Mitch meant anything different. He wasn’t saying you can only be happy or successful at the top. He just made an honest observation that most people won’t reach that level-and that’s okay.
This message is for anyone who might feel discouraged by comments like his. Even if you’re 5 feet tall, 150 pounds, or don’t fit the “ideal strongman mold,” it doesn’t matter. You can still achieve the best version of yourself, and that’s what counts. That’s where the real inspiration is-unlocking your potential and showing yourself what you’re capable of. You don’t need to be at the very top to do something extraordinary and impact people. Again, I don’t believe Hooper inferred that. I just wanted to offer encouragement to those who fell let down by the comment for one reason or another.
Layne Norton, biolayne, is definitely for me the best source for advices. He was my diet coach for Mr Universe and it was amazing how much I learnt from him..
One good litmus test I think is the quality of the education. I don't watch influencers who are just posting posing videos and don't have anything to say.
Strongman is different because you have to be on gear but for calisthenics and weightlifting the natty educational channels are far superior to the enhanced channels with a couple of exceptions (RP is the main one that springs to mind)
So if they claim natty and put out consistently high quality educational content then I will believe them.
They may as well not be natty because they are the genetic crème de la crème but yeah, I've bought a plan from Nippard and from FitnessFAQ and had amazing results.
Greg Nuckols would be on the top of my list.
13:25 I really recommend checking out Mike Van Wyck 😭
My top 3 in no order, Mich Hooper, Mike Ohearn, josh bryant
Controversial oppinion: YT channels over 1 million get worse, over 2 million are mostly terrible
Tren twins?
@@krntucky tren twins suck
@ I am actually a fan of Jeff nippard and the tren twins and I think both are extremely entertaining.
@@krntucky maybe I'm to old 😄
@@UnixSysV maybe I’m just too much of a young buck
I was born crippled and anorexic, now i chest press 400 lbs at 5 foot 6 180 as a natty vegetarian
Ill never be hooper, but ive gotten HUGE compared to my old self,
Between your content, programs and Loz I am a very different much improved strongman in 1 year
Speaking of your programs... I asked a question a couple of days ago and linked to your coaching site in it (I'm guessing my comment was marked as spam since it included a link, even though all I was linking to was YOU. But I digress...), and since my comment got deleted I didn't get an answer.
So, I just turned 45. My birthday gift myself was going to be joining your personal Zoom coaching group. But as I visited your site, I found that there was no longer an option for the Zoom weekly coaching calls there. I assume that means it's gone, and that financially it doesn't make sense to commit your time to that program any more. But I really hope to be wrong! Is that program gone for good, or it is simply on temporary hiatus?
I Remember You Jace I Watched Your Strongman Tier List a Few Months Ago
The majority of fitness influencers, their success is down to attractiveness and nothing else and what they advocate won't necessarily make you fitter or healthier and what they do definitely won't. Fitness influencers and their appeal has a lot more to do with sex than it does with health and longevity. Those kinds of influencers have no value as far as I can tell.
Sports specific ones like bodybuilders, powerlifters and strongman athletes are an exception as are channels from experts that give general training advice or injury recovery advice.
For those interested in strength training, Alexander Bromley gives some of the best programming advice around. I have a great deal of respect for Terry Hollands advice on programming too, though his stuff isn't structured or presented nearly as well.
The best beginners guide to strength by far is Mike Israetel's "Strength Made Simple" series. There's a playlist on his channel for that. Although he's known much more for bodybuilding advice, that is the best intro to strength training I've ever come across.
Alan Thrall.
Alexander Bromley.
Brian Alshrue.
And of course Mitch 💪👍
I think there are a few influencers who are genuinely natty and sincere but I definitely think some are fake.
I’m surprised some people are so gullible.
The problem I've noticed is that the 'coming out' of influencers on usage and being open about what they use is just as bad as being 'fake natty'. Since there's more people coming out I see a lot of younger people use ridiculous amounts of gear, just to copy the person and be like them. Seen a few guys here in the gym even dressed like Sam Sulek and being on massive amounts of shit... Yes, mental issues and all. But still. I don't believe being open about usage is healthier to the younger public
Athleanx, Hanna Eden, erin stern, Pavel tatsouline, joellerblades etc.
💥