Male Body Dysmorphia, Fat Loss & Insane Challenges - Will Tennyson (4K)

Added: Oct 8, 2024

Will Tennyson's Experience in an Obese Suit

Tennyson begins with sharing his experience of wearing an obese suit for a day, which served as a powerful reminder of his past struggles with weight and societal perceptions. He describes the emotional journey he underwent, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges faced by individuals who are overweight. The suit allowed him to experience firsthand the difficulties of fitting into spaces and the judgment that often accompanies being overweight. Despite starting the day with a light-hearted attitude, he found himself increasingly affected by the experience, feeling like a spectacle and recognizing the emotional toll that societal perceptions can impose on individuals.

Relationship with Food and Weight Management

Tennyson opens up about his relationship with food, noting that he does not necessarily eat poorly but has a high appetite. He recounts how he would often overeat even healthy foods, such as salads, influenced by his active lifestyle as a high-level hockey player. Despite his activity, he reached a weight of 275 pounds by the age of 16, leading to feelings of insecurity, particularly in locker room settings. He emphasizes that weight management is a complex issue, not merely about eating less and moving more, as various factors, including genetics and emotional well-being, play significant roles.

Simplifying Weight Loss: Macro Fasting

To simplify weight loss, Tennyson introduced the concept of "macro fasting." This approach involves fasting carbs and fats until later in the day while consuming low-calorie, high-protein foods to maintain satiety. This method allows individuals to enjoy more substantial meals at night without feeling deprived. He stresses the importance of finding a sustainable routine tailored to the individual, rather than adhering to strict diets that may be difficult to maintain.

The Modern Male Body Image Crisis

Tennyson addresses the modern male body image crisis, noting that many young men feel pressured to achieve a specific physique, often for the attention of women. He believes that true attractiveness stems from being healthy and happy rather than conforming to unrealistic standards. He differentiates between fitness entertainment, which he aligns with, and the extreme bodybuilding culture that often promotes unhealthy practices, such as steroid use. Reflecting on his past temptations to use steroids, Tennyson expresses gratitude for not pursuing that path, highlighting the long-term health risks associated with such decisions.

The Importance of Self-Validation

Reflecting on his younger self, Tennyson wishes he had understood the importance of pursuing personal goals rather than seeking validation from others. He shares his experience with an eating disorder during his weight loss journey, where he became fixated on the scale dropping and lost sight of his original objectives. He encourages others to focus on their personal journeys and not allow external opinions to dictate their self-worth.

Navigating the "Lonely Chapter"

Tennyson discusses the concept of the "lonely chapter," a period in life where individuals may feel isolated while striving for self-improvement. He acknowledges that during this time, it can be challenging to relate to old friends while not yet having formed new connections. He emphasizes that change takes time and that it is essential to be patient with oneself. As he approached 30, Tennyson began to confront thoughts about aging and mortality, leading to a deeper understanding of life and the importance of emotional expression. He believes that showing vulnerability and being open about one's feelings can be a strength rather than a weakness, encouraging men to embrace their emotions and not take themselves too seriously.

Embracing Aging and Playfulness

Tennyson reflects on the societal pressures associated with aging, sharing a moment when he observed a child running freely and wished he could do the same. His wife challenged him, asking why he didn't allow himself that freedom. This interaction highlights a common struggle: as people age, they often feel compelled to adopt more serious behaviors, losing touch with the playful aspects of life. Tennyson emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of playfulness in daily interactions and communication, suggesting that it can lighten the mood and foster better connections with others.

The Role of Playfulness in Communication

Elaborating on the idea of playfulness, Tennyson notes that many people feel pressured to provide the "right" answer to questions. He believes that injecting humor and lightness into conversations can enhance relationships and create a more enjoyable atmosphere. Tennyson has made a conscious effort to incorporate more playfulness into his work, using reminders to find the playful elements in serious discussions. He argues that play should not be limited to recreational activities but should also be integrated into everyday communication.

Nikocado Avocado's Transformation

The conversation shifts to Nikocado Avocado, a YouTube influencer known for his mukbang videos. Tennyson expresses astonishment at Nikocado's dramatic transformation, where he lost a significant amount of weight. He questions the methods behind this transformation, wondering if it was achieved through hard work, surgery, or a combination of both. He notes the public's fascination with such transformations and reflects on the challenges of maintaining drastic lifestyle changes and the potential health risks involved.

The Hardest Challenge Will Has Done

Tennyson recounts one of his most challenging experiences, which involved a physically demanding workout at North America's highest gym. He describes the intense physical strain he felt during the workout, leading to a moment where he thought his body was shutting down. This experience was emotionally overwhelming, culminating in tears after completing the challenge. Tennyson acknowledges the dangers of pushing oneself too hard, especially in extreme conditions, and reflects on the importance of listening to one's body and prioritizing health over content creation.

Life as a YouTuber

Sharing insights into the life of a YouTuber, Tennyson discusses the balance between creating content and maintaining personal well-being. He admits that while he enjoys the creative process, the demands of consistent content production can take a toll on mental health. He emphasizes the importance of routine and how disruptions can affect his physical training and overall mindset. He also highlights the misconceptions people have about the ease of creating content for social media, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes work involved in producing videos and managing a channel.

Thoughts on Bryan Johnson

The discussion turns to Bryan Johnson, known for his extreme health and longevity practices. Tennyson describes his experience meeting Johnson and how he was surprised by Johnson's down-to-earth demeanor despite his eccentric lifestyle. He notes that Johnson's commitment to health and wellness has influenced his own perspective on sleep and self-care. While Tennyson admires Johnson's dedication, he also questions the sustainability of such a rigorous lifestyle, suggesting a balance between pursuing longevity and enjoying life.

Overwhelmed by Fitness Information

Addressing the overwhelming amount of fitness information available online, Tennyson suggests that individuals should find a trusted source of information and stick with it for a while, rather than constantly jumping from one trend to another. He acknowledges the challenge of staying committed to a routine when faced with conflicting advice from various fitness influencers. He encourages listeners to focus on what works for them and to keep a few different strategies in their toolbox for future reference.

Essential Exercises for Building Muscle

When asked to choose only ten exercises for building and maintaining muscle, Tennyson selects a mix of compound and isolation movements. His list included hack squats, Romanian deadlifts, incline barbell bench press, preacher curls, pull-ups, overhead press, lateral raises, overhead tricep extensions, and a chest-supported row. He emphasizes the importance of these exercises in targeting major muscle groups and promoting overall strength.

Current Mental Health Status

Tennyson shares his current mental health status, noting significant improvements compared to earlier struggles with self-image and anxiety. He discusses how his experiences in the fitness industry and the support from his audience have helped him embrace his true self. Despite this progress, he admits to grappling with impostor syndrome, feeling unworthy of his achievements and opportunities. He expresses a desire to appreciate his successes more fully, acknowledging that he often downplays his accomplishments.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Tennyson reveals plans to travel to the UK and Paris to collaborate with well-known figures in the fitness community, such as Eddie Hall and Magnus Rognan Midtbø. He expresses excitement about these opportunities, indicating a desire to create engaging content and expand his reach within the fitness world.