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Men's Fitness Online

Jacked to the Max: The Rise of Testosterone Maxxing

On social media, influencers like James Manteit and Kade Martinelli are spilling the tea about their TRT journeys. Good or bad? You decide.

The Coach

Have you noticed how more and more guys are talking about testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)? Maybe you’ve even seen it pop up on TikTok or in gym conversations. It’s not just for middle-aged men with low testosterone anymore—young guys are getting in on the action, too. They’re calling it “testosterone-maxxing,” and it’s all about getting ripped, feeling confident, and, let’s be honest, turning heads.

What’s the Buzz About TRT?

Take Joseph Wells, for example. He’s a 23-year-old trainer who started TRT at 18 because he wanted to bulk up. Back then, he was tall and skinny, and now he’s packing a muscular 200 pounds (90kg). How? Weekly testosterone shots, and not the low-dose stuff prescribed for medical reasons. He’s all in. And he’s not alone.

On social media, influencers like James Manteit and Kade Martinelli are spilling the tea about their TRT journeys. James shares tips on boosting testosterone naturally, while Kade, who’s been on TRT for years, says it’s the secret weapon of “alpha” men. Even Joe Rogan has been open about using TRT, so you can see why it’s catching on.

What’s the Catch?

Here’s the thing: while the results might look amazing, this isn’t something to jump into without doing your homework. Doctors are waving red flags about side effects like acne, shrinking testicles (yeah, really), and serious stuff like blood clots or heart issues. Plus, if you ever stop TRT, your body might struggle to produce testosterone on its own. That’s a big deal.

Dr. Theodore Strange, a top internist, says, “If you’re going to do it, it should be in a controlled environment.” In other words, don’t just follow what you see on social media.

Why Is This Such a Big Deal?

There’s a lot of pressure on guys to look a certain way. Social media and gym culture are full of shredded physiques and “alpha male” vibes, which can make regular dudes feel like they’re falling short. Debbie Ging, a professor who studies online culture, says this whole trend is tied to a pushback against what’s seen as “soft” masculinity. Basically, there’s this idea that being strong and ripped equals being manly.

But not everyone’s on board with this way of thinking. Experts warn that chasing unrealistic standards can mess with your mental health. Dr. David Kelly compares it to how women felt pressured by those size-zero models back in the day. It’s a tough cycle to break.

So, Should You Do It?

If you’re thinking about TRT, take a step back and really think about why. Are you doing it for yourself, or are you trying to keep up with what you see online? Fitness is a great goal, but it should be sustainable and safe. Talk to a doctor, weigh the pros and cons, and make sure you’re doing what’s best for your health—not just chasing trends.

At the end of the day, there’s no shortcut to being your best self. Hard work, consistency, and a little self-love will take you further than any needle ever could. Stay strong, my friend.

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