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Is strength really measured by records—or by what keeps you in shape every single day?

In this episode, I sit down with Andrey Smaev, a Russian athlete and fitness content creator. Despite his online fame, Andrey has no desire to move to Moscow. He chooses to stay in Sarov, continues working at a factory, and lives an otherwise ordinary life.

In this episode:
— Why does he refuse to move to Moscow, and what keeps him in Sarov?
— What would happen if Andrey stopped training?
— Injuries: what happens when your body starts breaking down, but you keep pushing forward?
— Recovery and the true cost of staying in shape: why can the consequences take years to catch up with you?
— Supplements and peptides: where do the real benefits end and the dangerous pursuit of quick results begin?

A candid conversation about discipline, pain, the limits of the human body, and choosing to live life on your own terms—without the glamour or the myths.

▶︎ Andrey Smaev’s social media:
YouTube: ‪@AndreySmaevEnglish‬

▶︎ For business inquiries: adv@glebsolomin.com

Timestamps:
00:00 Teaser
02:12 Andrey’s fascination with space
02:28 Did Andrey study ballet?
02:47 His first experience with sports
04:41 Who did he start training with?
07:12 His original training goal
08:00 Andrey’s progress
10:02 Performance-enhancing drugs and his parents’ influence
10:47 Bench press record
11:44 Arm wrestling with Larry
12:29 Does Andrey train without a coach?
13:10 Why does Andrey work at a factory?
15:44 Why doesn’t Andrey move to Moscow?
17:31 Does Andrey plan to leave the factory?
21:44 What substances does Andrey take?
26:32 Why does Andrey see the world in such dark colors?
29:17 How do you become successful?
32:45 Andrey’s training environment
35:45 Andrey’s victory in Moscow
38:54 Did people refuse to support Andrey?
42:40 How long are his workouts? Plus, pull-ups
43:31 Andrey Smaev’s breakdown videos
47:14 Becoming more famous online
49:14 How much does he spend on sports nutrition?
51:39 Why does Andrey turn down opportunities?
55:37 Andrey’s English
56:51 When will Andrey Smaev quit sports?
58:37 Smaev’s appearance
01:00:48 Testosterone and libido
01:01:38 What does Andrey watch?
01:03:25 Who does Andrey listen to?
01:04:53 New fitness content creators
01:06:52 His goals in life
01:08:55 A trip to the United States
01:09:16 Andrey’s rules for beginners
01:12:43 A weekly training plan for beginners