Overcoming It All

Strong in every way.

Ryan Root is a strong man.  He wasn’t always that way, though.  He studied strength and worked at it until he was able to build a fitness level that reflected his true self.  He realized how much better he felt after he got strong.  So he went on a mission to improve other people’s lives through performance optimization.  He didn’t stop until he became the best version of himself and he wants others to do the same.  He’s gone through big ups and downs along the way, but it would be a mistake to not listen to him.  So I bring you my friend Ryan Root:

Reflecting

It is not about calories in vs. calories out.  Controlling calories is important, but it is more about putting your body in an anabolic state to burn fat before muscle and to create muscle hypertrophy to increase metabolism so you burn more calories.  When your hormones are low, your body enters a catabolic state where you will burn your own muscle mass as a primary source of energy over your fat stores.  In this condition, no matter the frequency or effort of exercise, they will burn muscle and retain fat, which is not aesthetically pleasing and is where we get the term skinny fat.  When your hormone levels are optimal, your body will burn its fat stores as a primary source of energy, conserving and building muscle mass.  

Training

I have always excelled at the bench press.  I used to enter bench press competitions; I could bench 405 lbs. for 8 reps, with a 450 lbs. max, all while weighing only 199 lbs.  I don't compete anymore.  Now, it is all about looking good and being healthy.  

Fueling

I am not adept in the kitchen, but I have looked and felt my best when I eat five meals per day, broken into proper portions of lean meat, broccoli, and rice.  No favorite proteins, just a variety.  My favorite weird dish is foie gras.  When prepared properly, it is a delectable explosion of taste like no other. 

Supplementing

I used to own a supplement company.  It is questionable whether any supplement has any effect.  Supplements tend to only work if your body is deficient in that specific supplement.  The most overrated supplement; ironically, protein.  Most people get plenty of protein in their diet.  After more than twenty years in the industry, I can't say I have noticed protein supplements making any difference in anyone.  Amino acids as well.  Protein is simply long chains of amino acids; our bodies break down protein into their individual amino acids, and we use the individual amino acids to build more proteins from there. 

Most people get plenty of all the necessary amino acids from the protein in their diet.  The only instance where I have seen protein and amino acids make a big difference is for vegans.  Vegans do not get enough protein in their diet, and will need to supplement with protein.  L-Arginine as an oral supplement is specifically overrated because it does not survive digestion.  When you take L-Arginine orally, it does not yield any results.  Most underrated supplement: I guess, if I have to pick one, L-Citrulline. L-Citrulline does survive digestion and converts to L-Arginine for all the benefits of vasodilation. Additionally, it is cardio protective.

Measuring

I tell people all the time to stay away from the scale when they are measuring progress.  Weight, and especially BMI, are poor metrics.  We can gain muscle and lose fat without the scale moving.  The numbers on our blood test, on the scale, body fat %, are unique for every situation, and can be misleading.  The best metric to measure progress is the mirror test.  How do you look in relation to where you have been and where you want to go, and how do you feel?  

Recovering

Nothing makes you recover better than optimized hormones.  

Mentoring

The eclectic advice from a multitude of sources led me to understand that each individual is unique, with unique genetics, and unique goals.  Therefore, workout regimens, diets, supplementation, and HRT all need to be customized to the individual.  The people who first got me into this part of my life are bullies.  My biggest benefactors were those who told me I was small and weak, and those who told me I couldn't best them in athletic endeavors.  

Connecting

I own Hormonesforme.com.  I am one of the foremost experts in Testosterone Replacement Therapy/Hormone Replacement Therapy in the country.  I have commenced two educational/entertainment YouTube channels on which I will begin breaking down everything I have learned: Hormonesforme and Memoirs Of A Steroid Kingpin.  I have been writing a book that you can read here.

Closing

Two truths and a lie:

• I have squatted 365 lbs. 

• I have been to prison. 

• I made over $10 million on a venture that laid the groundwork for my current venture.

Comment with your guesses below.