Dan Koe

I’ve always had an obsession for fitness but have never shown it.

So, I decided it's finally time to set a new goal and compete (at 6'5 that'll be a challenge).

For those interested, I'll be creating a separate "side quests" channel for fitness and vlog related things (like building a startup): youtube.com/@sidekoests

I also created this IG account to dump progress updates: www.instagram.com/sidekoests/

When I was 14 (about 14 years ago), I would sneak my dads adjustable dumbbell set into my room. I would spam wrist curls because I wanted veins in my arms.

At 15, I asked for a bench press for christmas because I wasn’t old enough to use the community gym.

In high school, I’d come straight home, throw on a vlog from my favorite creators at the time, take my preworkout, and spend 3 hours in the gym.

I would wake up before school, make 2 frozen burritos, a bowl of oatmeal, and eggs with tuna so I could knock out almost 2000 calories because I knew that school lunch wouldn’t be enough to help me gain weight.

My passion for lifting stuck around through the first year of college, but then I got distracted. Started partying and wasn’t as regimented. There was a period of six months where I’d wake up, drive to McDonalds, get to sausage and egg mcmuffins, and watch The Office all day because my online classes were a joke.

Since then, I’ve always been consistent with the gym, but my nutrition and passion for it were all over the place. Over the coming years, I made close to zero progress.

In 2020 (the first image of me being pale and washed out), I got fed up.

I was about 220 pounds (the same weight as I am now), and decided to cut down.


Since I didn't want to gain the weight back, I got stuck in a cycle of trying to stay lean and ended up not making much progress again.

A few years later, I found out that I have a small and benign brain tumor (it's very small and isn't anything to worry about) that was messing with my hormones. I got my levels checked 3 times over four years and my testosterone was very low.

So, I was put on TRT (I probably would have started regardless of that situation though lol) and that launched me into the rabbit hole of biohacking and biochemistry. To this day, that's all I've really studied aside from philosophy and business.

That was around 3 years ago, and since then I've made more progress than ever.

But I don't want my passion for it to fade again, so I decided to start working with a trainer and he convinced me to set the massive goal of competing for the first time.

So, that's why I'll be tracking / documenting in public.

To show a different side of myself, from fitness to building a startup to other "side quests" I decide to go on.

I'll share occasional updates as things happen or when I feel I have something to share.

3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 2,317



@Anon-qp3kt

The most surprising thing is Dan being 6'5". Dan is optimized in every facet a man can think of 😂

3 weeks ago | 67

@xinth23

I can’t believe you got that fit from writing every day. Awesome!

3 weeks ago | 34

@The21Gamer

Wait what this guy’s overpowered. Rich, smart, articulate, 6’5, lean & jacked?

3 weeks ago | 102

@4Mikes4Mindset4

Epic. Very helpful. Thanks for your side quests share.

2 weeks ago | 0

@thehealthcrusader3626

We all need to bolster each other up in this regard. Thanks for sharing the journey brother.

3 weeks ago | 2

@payinwaffles

Hey Dan. This is off-topic, but do you have any recommendations for those of us who struggle with ADHD? I just really struggle to hold myself accountable (and I’ve been unemployed for more than a year, which doesn’t help). But when I was in school, I was on top of the world.

3 weeks ago | 3

@SuiteStamps

Omg I just saw my teacher without a shirt! 😂 good stuff Dan

3 weeks ago | 35

@vista.vincent

My man is on a mission to be an ubermensch in every aspect of life, what an inspiration 🔥

3 weeks ago | 4

@TheKonnoisseur11

ABSOLUTE CHAD

3 weeks ago | 7

@tennisish

I like 2020 but both are amazing ❤

3 weeks ago | 1

@Maynulhasan19

I just love this dude. Gonna follow this to death. This beyond hype. I'm supper pumped to see this. Damn i also started bulking. I made some money from your teachings so that allowed me to pour money on fitness. Lessgo man. Let's fucking gooo.

3 weeks ago | 4

@jovanchavira2530

Good job man! A height like yours that’s impressive as hell! You look massive as hell 🙌🏽⚡️

3 weeks ago | 0

@abnormal.customs

That before and after is insane!! Good stuff brother. Your passion to never stop growing and learning is infectious. Wishing you nothing but the best

3 weeks ago | 1

@gjatt7410

I love your honesty man.

3 weeks ago | 0

@Kiarilk

Go off BRO 🎉

3 weeks ago | 0

@ShmeeYourShmaaaaaa

DAMN DANIEL!!!!

3 weeks ago | 1

@MoveWithRani

AMazing Dan! thanks for the inspiration!

3 weeks ago | 0

@MB-xw6xt

😍Sheeesh! Great Work… I can see the veins.😅💕What an inspiration you are. Thank you for sharin

3 weeks ago | 0

@orangetree80

Yay! Proud of you! I’ve had a couple family members compete and they really enjoyed the journey of learning what they’re capable of doing and achieving.

3 weeks ago | 2

@nicoled9756

I didn’t realize he’s still such a youth! Under 30 and cranking all this wisdom out? 🤯👏🏻

3 weeks ago | 1