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Jeff Cavaliere is a fitness guru, social media star, personal trainer, and previous head physical therapist of the New York Mets ( professional baseball team).
He became fascinated with bodybuilding after seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger and action movie stars as a child. As a result, he chose to study physioneurobiology and physical therapy at college – in order to pursue a career in the fitness industry.
Since then, Jeff has become one of the most recognizable online fitness sensations – known for the training system he developed after leaving his position with the New York Mets.
This is his story:
“I think the thing that separates me from the majority of trainers out there is my physical therapy background.”
Weight | 185 - 195lbs (83.9 - 88.5kg) |
Height | 5'8" (172.5cm) |
Age | 49 |
Date of Birth | June 28, 1975 |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Personal Trainer, Social Media Star |
Alias | Athlean X |
Era | 2010 |
“Having a clientele consisting largely of professional athletes, my skill is being able to challenge the ultra-competitive client (and make it fun at the same time).”
“Long before I ever touched a weight I grew up a huge fan of pro wrestling and action movies.”
Born and raised in Connecticut (USA), Jeff Cavaliere discovered his passion for fitness at a very early age; he idolized professional wrestlers, action stars and bodybuilders, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, who all had shredded physiques.
After becoming fascinated with these muscular celebrities, Jeff began desiring a similar frame as he grew older. However, it wasn’t until high school that he started lifting weights in the gym.
As he entered high school, Jeff was introduced to weight-lifting during competitive sports classes; he realized that training in the gym was his key to achieving his dream physique – which would also help him improve at his hobbies such as baseball and soccer.
As a result, Jeff worked hard to gain lean muscle mass, becoming both bigger and stronger in order to play sports at the highest level.
“After one summer of consistent workouts, I not only started to see abs, but was finding it easier to get my job done on the field.” – Jeff Cavaliere
After graduating from school, Jeff enrolled at the University of Connecticut to study Physioneurobiology – going on to also complete a masters degree in Physical Therapy.
During this period, Jeff became a huge fan of The New York Mets – watching every game as an avid supporter. For this reason, his dream was to work in the industry as a physical therapist after he graduated.
With his sights set on this goal, Jeff studied hard to earn his masters degree, and make his dream a reality.
“I grew up an avid Mets fan. I lived and breathed the team and watched every inning of every game all the way through college.” – Jeff Cavaliere
Jeff helping Jose Reyes warm-up for the New York Mets.
Almost 5 years after he started studying at the University of Connecticut, Jeff graduated with both a BA degree in physioneurobiology, and a masters degree in Physical Therapy.
Having gained the necessary qualifications, Jeff didn’t waste any time; he opened a private practise in his hometown. However, he never took his eye off his goal – to earn a job in the baseball industry.
During his time working independently as a physical therapist, Jeff was able to work with elite sportsmen – such as Mark Johnson (a New York Mets athlete). After impressing the baseball star with his work, Mark informed Jeff of an opening at the club, after the head physical therapist had transferred to another baseball club.
With a high recommendation from Mark Johnson, Jeff successfully earned the position of head PT at his dream club, the New York Mets – fulfilling his ambition of working in the baseball industry at the age of 31, in 2006.
“I essentially went from my private practice in CT/NY to the big leagues in a matter of 2 months.
It was a dream come true for me and an opportunity that I will cherish and remember fondly forever. It changed my life.” – Jeff Cavaliere
Jeff during one of his workout videos online.
After 3 years serving as the head physical therapist and assistant strength coach for the New York Mets, Jeff made a huge decision; the immense travelling that came with his job had taken its toll, and he began to reconsider his position after moving around 14 cities in only 1 days.
Jeff became tired of living out of his suitcase, and his new marriage had given him a desire to spend more time at home. As a result, in 2009, at the age of 34, Jeff handed in his resignation from the baseball club.
However, this only made him more determined to start a new chapter of his life; almost immediately, Jeff authored numerous workout books, and developed a training system that would become 1 of the most popular online fitness guides.
“In the winter prior to my 2008 season I got married and bought a house, and finally the pull of “home” and getting a chance to spend a summer day with my family became stronger than my desire to stay in the game.” – Jeff Cavaliere
Over the next decade, Jeff worked hard to advertise his workout guides – getting the chance to work with elite athletes, such as David Wright, David Beckham, Rafael Nadal, and Terrell Owens.
As a result, Jeff became recognized as a leading figure in the fitness industry, known under his nickname ‘AthLEAN-X’.
“While I always go in with a plan, my ability to change things on the fly to react to the effort I’m getting on a given day.”
In terms of his diet, Jeff has always known the importance of nutrition when aiming to sculpt a shredded physique. He enjoys eating 6 smaller meals spread throughout the day – this ensures that his metabolism is running high and helps him stay lean all-year-round.
Jeff plans his meals around lean proteins, fruit & vegetables, and complex carbs – although he cuts carbs out of his diet later in the day. He incorporates protein shakes to help him reach his macros for the day.
Breakfast – 8:30am
Snack – 11:00am
Lunch – 1:45pm
Snack – 4:00pm
Dinner – 7:00pm
Post Workout Snack – 10:00pm
“I idolized guys like Arnold, Stallone, Ravishing Rick Rude, and The Hulkster, I found myself wondering what it would actually take to look like them.”
As a child, Jeff idolized bodybuilders and action movie stars, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger; these were the people who inspired Jeff to sculpt a shredded physique.
However, since he became an online personal trainer and social media star, he motivation comes from seeeing his clients work towards – and reach – their fitness goals.
“To this day, I still haven’t found a cure for my addiction to fitness. Not sure I’d want one either!”
One thing we can learn from Jeff, is to set our goals high and do whatever it takes to reach them; being a lifelong New York Mets fan, Jeff set himself the aim of working for the club after graduating from college – a target he reached after gaining experience at his private physical therapy clinic.
Jeff has taught us to always keep improving ourselves – he earned his dream job at the New York Mets, but after marrying his wife and starting a family, he needed a new profession that allowed him to spend more time at his home. He left his job, but he through hard work and dedication, he’s since become one of the leading fitness guru’s in the industry.
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View Comments
Jeff, you are my idol. Were 15 and follow all of your workouts
Jeff you are an inspiration even for this 63 yo man! Your workout tips have helped me as I fight off the aging process! Thanks
Jeff, congrats on all your past, present and future accolades. I've been an avid gym enthusiast for 6 years now however I've been physical my entire life. I really appreciate all your videos, the physioneurobiologic explanation within your videos. Keep up the solid work, Kris.
Wow Jeff im so inspired by you...i stumbled upon you Youtube video and i how i never run out of them and some i booknoted for future references(i should be paying you..I know).
I watch you before i head to work or the GYM.. And i apply your Science..And im improving more all the time..And i I seen the Stupid stuff you see in the GYM and you have a couple vids here that covered just those stupid mistakes..I always avoid them and those who do them because if i was to try and correct a dummy ..theres going to be an altercation
Im not in the GYM for them ..its all about me...THANK YOU SIR..For adding Class to my workouts
Jeff, I can't even begin to tell you how much help you have been to me. Over the last eight years, I have gone through an incredible physical, and metaphysical, transformation. YOU were always there for the biggest part of it, and in the end, allowed me to win a rather large Physical Transformation Challenge! Since then, because of the incredible desire for fitness that has been reignited in me, I returned to school to receive me MSPT (it's a step down, education wise, but it accompanies the Ph.D. in Kinesiology, that I already possess) and I have also received my PICP Certification. Proof that God truly has a sense of humor...after going through my renewal, I am now dealing with a failing heart. The real stinger is... my cardiologists tells me that had I not gone through my transformation, and lost over 250 pounds, there is no question that I would not be here, today. Ergo, I literally owe you my life! How do you thank someone for something like that? Now, to top everything off, one of my past trainers; and now good friend, tells me that he has met you. AND, I've also been told that one of my people actually wrote your office and heard back, with them saying your team wants to hear my entire story. I'm in the process of writing an up to date bio, so as soon as I get all the data together, I plan to answer your team member and send you "The Rest of the Story!" Ha!!!
Thanks for ALL that you do, Jeff. Congratulations on your, MUCH DESERVED, accolades. Blessings to You, Jesse, all of the Athlean X team and fellow Athlean-xer's out there.
Stay 'Healthy,' My Friends!
independantly (sic) should be spelled independently
Thanks Thomas! That's really helpful...All the best, Greatest Physiques
Jeff, I love watching and learning from you on YouTube. I am a Certified Personal Trainer and I just passed my Nutritionist Exam Yesterday!! I look up to you and Thank God for your dedication. It's inspiring me to keep on go on growing and learning. I love the fluidity of your workouts, I watch and then try it on myself then after I get it, I have my clients do it!
I'm a wife and Mom of 4 and I'm just now starting to get serious about it really going all the way with this. It's really exciting. I even had my oldest 2 watching and learning from your videos , they enjoyed you. Thank you for all you do! You're doing a great job!! God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
Aja
Atlanta, Ga.
Respected Mr X,
U r really da X factor. I was addicted to fitness since childhood but I started working out at gym with no scientific human body science knowledge. All da PT at gym used to suggest various supplements n anabolic steroids. I messed up wid myself totally. Den I decided to become certified from da best institute of my country. Nw I understand all ur videos properly. I'm a certified trainer n I'm planning to open my own gym. I know it's impossible to meet Jeff but one day sir, I will meet u n fullfill my wish. U really mean a lot to m coz u earned my dedicated respect. Luv u Jeff always n 4 ever
Sir,
My height is 5'7" and I want to increase about 3-4 inches . My age is 19.
I tried so many Exercises and different workout plan but it doesn't work . So, tell me how can i do so.
Jeff you are the best trainer I have ever seen and I don’t think I’ll ever see another trainer like you. I hope to look like you one day, So I am gonna try from right now “15 years old” and follow your program and hope that I consistently train hard until I reach your level.