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Do I regret starting TRT?

“Are you on steroids?”

It’s one of the most common things I hear online — and honestly, it’s one of my favorite “insults”. Why? Because I deserve it.

If you don’t follow me on socials, you might not realize how transparent I’ve been about being on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). I take 250mg of Testosterone Cypionate per week, prescribed and monitored by my doctor.

Let me be clear — if you’re considering TRT, it’s not something to take lightly or jump into without proper medical oversight.

I prioritize my health by regularly getting bloodwork done. I also schedule annual echocardiograms along with VO2 max testing, and recently completed an executive health scan that was an even deeper dive than I’ve previously had into my complete health. Staying on top of these things isn’t optional — it’s essential.

Am I glad I started TRT? Without a doubt it’s been a positive experience for me.

That said, TRT isn’t for everyone. One of the biggest trade-offs I faced was infertility. When I began this journey, having kids wasn’t something I envisioned in my future, so it didn’t feel like a sacrifice at the time. But it’s a consequence that’s important to recognize and weigh carefully.

Fortunately, I did have banked sperm, however, this resulted in us having to go through IVF. Which, in fairness, can really be a lot on your partner. Also, I’m likely going to need a hair transplant at some point. I’m thinking about doing it in the winter of 2026. It definitely thinned my hair and despite spending roughly $10k on laser hair removal, my back shoulders need constant grooming to keep the hair off.

I’m not a doctor, and I won’t pretend to play one on Instagram. I firmly believe with years of research that TRT is perfectly healthy when monitored appropriately. (Lincoff, A Michael et al. “Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy.” The New England journal of medicine vol. 389,2 (2023): 107-117. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2215025)

This is purely my experience, and if TRT is something you’re curious about, it’s a conversation that needs to happen with your healthcare provider.

#shorts #getlabs #labwork #metabolicpanels #hormonepanels #hormones #trt #testosterone #testosteronereplacementtherapy #lowtestosterone #bloodwork #menshealth #muscle #musclemass #musclebuilding #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitfam #nycfitness

Low calorie drinks at Trader Joe’s

A lot of people don’t realize just how many liquid calories they consume in a day. Here at @TraderJoes, you can find many lower calorie, diet-friendly drinks:

1️⃣ Sparkling water – I love the raspberry lime and mandarin orange
2️⃣ Unsweetened black tea – you can add an artificial sweetener if you like it a bit sweeter
3️⃣ Low-calorie lemonade – has ⅓ as many calories as the other juices here
4️⃣ Sparkling fruit teas – a lot of flavors to switch it up

#shorts #traderjoes #traderjoesfinds #traderjoeslist #traderjoeshaul #grocerylist #groceryshopping #protein #trackingmacros #macrocounting #macros #caloriedeficit #caloriecounting #caloriesincaloriesout #weightloss #weightlosstips #dietingtips #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

My favorite protein chips

Something I’m very passionate about… protein-rich snacks. Particularly, loving the protein chip market right now.

Here is a list of my favorite protein chips in the game:

⭐️ Overall favorite flavor hands down: Atkins Chipotle BBQ – these are so good and I have yet to find another brand come close to this flavor.

1️⃣ @QuestNutrition – this is my favorite protein chip brand hands down. Quest nails the spicy flavors I love like Spicy Sweet Chili, Chili Lime, and Hot & Spicy.

2️⃣ @WholesomeProvisions – this brand only has a couple of flavors out but they are both really good. BBQ and Sea Salt & Vinegar both deliver crunch and an explosion of flavor.

3️⃣ @LegendaryFoods – Legendary has tapped into really fun flavors. I don’t prefer their style of chip over the others (think Popcorners versus Lays) however, you get a wide variety of flavors to keep dieting interesting.

Honorable Mention: @Crisp.Power Protein Pretzels are delicious and are the best in terms of macros. I love the everything bagel pretzels.

#highprotein #protein #proteinchips #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #healthyeating #healthyeatinghabits #healthyeatingtips #healthyeats #trackingmacros #macrocounting #caloriedeficit #caloriecounting #caloriesincaloriesout #weightloss #weightlosstips #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam 
Something I’m very passionate about… protein-rich snacks. Particularly, loving the protein chip market right now.

Here is a list of my favorite protein chips in the game:

⭐️ Overall favorite flavor hands down: Atkins Chipotle BBQ – these are so good and I have yet to find another brand come close to this flavor.

1️⃣ @QuestNutrition – this is my favorite protein chip brand hands down. Quest nails the spicy flavors I love like Spicy Sweet Chili, Chili Lime, and Hot & Spicy.

2️⃣ @WholesomeProvisions – this brand only has a couple of flavors out but they are both really good. BBQ and Sea Salt & Vinegar both deliver crunch and an explosion of flavor.

3️⃣ @LegendaryFoods – Legendary has tapped into really fun flavors. I don’t prefer their style of chip over the others (think Popcorners versus Lays) however, you get a wide variety of flavors to keep dieting interesting.

Honorable Mention: @Crisp.Power Protein Pretzels are delicious and are the best in terms of macros. I love the everything bagel pretzels.

#highprotein #protein #proteinchips #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #healthyeating #healthyeatinghabits #healthyeatingtips #healthyeats #trackingmacros #macrocounting #caloriedeficit #caloriecounting #caloriesincaloriesout #weightloss #weightlosstips #performancecoach #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Practical Application: How to Build Muscle

If you haven’t already, make sure to check out my four-part series, “How to Build Muscle.” In this series, I take a deep dive into the core principles of effective muscle building:

1️⃣ Mechanical Tension – The foundation of muscle stimulation and growth.
2️⃣ Progressive Overload – The gradual increase of stress on the muscles to sustain progress.
3️⃣ Intensity – The effort and focus required to maximize results.
4️⃣ Volume – Finding the right balance of sets, reps, and load for optimal development.

Now that I’ve broken down the educational side of these essentials, I’m excited to bring you into the practical application. In this next video, I demonstrate these principles in action with a focus on lateral cable raises. I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to execute this exercise efficiently, ensuring you’re maximizing your time in the gym and building muscle effectively. Let’s put the science into practice.

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Chip alternatives at Costco

We’re at @Costco looking at diet-friendly chip alternatives:

1️⃣ @Crisp.Power protein pretzels – these pass The Test and are a fantastic alternative to traditional pretzels.
2️⃣ @HarvestSnaps – these come in a lot of flavors and most people I know genuinely like them.
3️⃣ @LesserEvilSnacks popcorn – highly bingeable and high in fiber.

#shorts #proteinsnacks #protein #proteinchips #proteinbars #macros #highprotein #supplements #dieting #fitnesstips #fitnesstip #fitness #bodybuilding #muscle #training #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Adding Stability

If your goal is to build muscle, adding stability to any exercise can make it more effective.

Adding stability can look like using a PVC pipe to steady you during a Bulgarian split squat. It can also look like doing a chest fly while seated on a bench rather than standing. Another simple way to add stability is to hold onto a bench or wall while performing a single-arm cable pulldown.

You can get more repetitions or lift more weight this way, take out any potential momentum, and isolate the intended muscle group allowing you to maximize intensity and build muscle.

#shorts #strength #stability #bulgariansplitsquats #backday #chestday #workoutvids #workoutvideo #training #trainingtips #trainertips #fitnesstips #formtips #muscle #bodybuilding #personaltrainer #nyctrainer #nycfitnesstrainer #nycfitfam

Tatum Sharp

Director of Social Media

"For there is always light, if only we're brave enough to see it, if only we're brave enough to be it."
- Amanda Gorman

Tatum is the mastermind behind Jacob Zemer’s social media. Every post you come across has its journey through her creative touch. From crafting compelling content and refining videos and reels to composing captivating captions, overseeing videographers, and meticulously planning release schedules – she’s constantly immersed in curating the Jacob Zemer content that captivates our audience!

Away from the digital buzz of social media, Tatum enjoys taking the stage, wielding her bass in her hardcore band, Volition, and indulges her passion for all things horror by frequently cozying up with scary movies.

Specialities:

  • BS Exercise Science minor in Communications
  • EXOS Performance Specialist
  • ACE Group Fitness
  • Creative writing
  • Visual communication

Elise Ladaw

Director of Coaching

“Science is Stronger”

Elise’s primary role as Director of Coaching is to ensure that the coaching business runs smoothly and is driven by science based principles concerning nutrition and exercise science. Her goal is to continually work to enhance the overall client experience, educate the clientele, monitor key performance indicators related to the coaching services, and foster a company culture of continuous learning among coaching staff.

When Elise is not helping the company with all things coaching she is either in the gym lifting weights or taking long walks through the grocery store finding new tasty and macro friendly nutrition products.


Specialities:

  • BAS Food Science 
  • NQ NPC Figure Competitor 
  • ACE CPT 
  • J3 University

Michelle Freedman

Chief of Operations

“Practice not perfection”

Michelle holds a crucial position in supervising the daily operations, aiming for operational efficiency, fostering growth, and contributing to the achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives. Beyond providing structure, Michelle is actively involved in coaching and managing social media activities.

Away from refining policies and operations at Jake Zemer, LLC, you’ll discover Michelle outdoors, often barefoot with her kettlebells, engaging in adventures alongside her husband, two children, and two bulldogs.

Specialities:

  • BFA Graphic Design 
  • 10 years Corporate Fitness Management 
  • ACE CPT & GFI 
  • ACE Nutrition Specialist 
  • Kettlebell Master Instructor 
  • FMS I & II
  • USA Weightlifting 
  • Pre/Post Natal Certified  
  • TRX 
  • Schwinn & Maddog Cycling