Jeff Cavaliere posing in his house, showing his shredded physique as an online fitness coach called athlean x

Jeff Cavaliere

Personal Trainer, Social Media Star

 

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:


 

Jeff Cavaliere showing how shredded he is by tensing his arms, abs and chest while posing for a photo.

“I think the thing that separates me from the majority of trainers out there is my physical therapy background.”

Athlete Statistics

Full Name: Jeff Cavaliere
WeightHeightAgeDate of Birth
185 - 195lbs (83.9 - 88.5kg)5'8" (172.5cm)48June 28, 1975
 
NationalityProfessionAlias
AmericanPersonal Trainer, Social Media StarAthlean X
 
Era
2010
Weight185 - 195lbs (83.9 - 88.5kg)
Height5'8" (172.5cm)
Age48
Date of BirthJune 28, 1975
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPersonal Trainer, Social Media Star
AliasAthlean X
Era2010

 

Jeff Cavaliere displaying his back definition and size for a photo on his Instagram.

“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).”

Accomplishments

Certifications

  • BA Physioneurobiology – University of Connecticut
  • Physical Therapy Masters Degree – University of Connecticut
  • Strength & Conditioning Specialist – NSCA

Experience

  • Head Physical Therapist & Assistant Strength Coach – New York Mets
  • Writer for Men’s Fitness
  • Founder of fitness company

 

Jeff Cavaliere posing in his private gym, while displaying his muscular definition.

 “Long before I ever touched a weight I grew up a huge fan of pro wrestling and action movies.”

Biography

Early Years

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.

Start of Fitness Journey

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

College

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 Cavaliere working as the head physical therapist for New York Mets with Jose Reyes on the field

Jeff helping Jose Reyes warm-up for the New York Mets.


Physical Therapist

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.

New York Mets

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 Cavaliere during his athlean-x workout video.

Jeff during one of his workout videos online.


Entrepreneur

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

Social Media Star and Fitness Guru

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’.


 

Jeff Cavaliere performing abs exercises while talking to the camera as a personal trainer in his personal gym.

“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.”

Nutrition

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.

Diet Plan

Breakfast – 8:30am 

  • Pumpkin oatmeal
  • Scrambled eggs & salsa
  • Skimmed Milk
  • Kiwi slices

Snack – 11:00am

  • Protein shake with a banana and strawberries

Lunch – 1:45pm 

  • Cajun grilled chicken wrap with grilled vegetables, sun dried tomatoes and hot sauce
  • Greek yoghurt
  • Sparkling water

Snack – 4:00pm 

  • Black bean, vegetables and onion soup
  • Sparking water

Dinner – 7:00pm 

  • Sesami tuna steak
  • Grilled cajun asparagus
  • Sweet potato mash
  • Sparkling water

Post Workout Snack – 10:00pm 

  • Protein shake

Editor’s Tip

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Jeff Cavaliere taking a photo on a side-view so you can see his triceps and size of his biceps, displaying his shredded arms and physique.

“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.”

Idols and Influences

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.


 

Jeff Cavaliere tensing his biceps, triceps and abs for a personal photoshoot for his instagram account, and for his fans and clients as a personal trainer.

“To this day, I still haven’t found a cure for my addiction to fitness. Not sure I’d want one either!”

What We Can Learn From Jeff Cavaliere

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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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!

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.

Jeff sir gave me workout for increasing height at home. My height is 5’5″ and I want height like you.

I’ve been lifting weights to fit since my college years. Through the years of training I acquired injuries like sprained wrist, low back pain, and popped AC joint. By watching Jeff’s video I learned a lot and changed my approach to training. Now, I can train without the pain. Thank you Jeff.

I watch your videos often . I enjoy watching all your videos more so the ones on back injuries. I lower lumber is at its weakest but I don’t let it stop me from staying positive . Since watching your videos they have helped me do work out better and what stretches are good to do and what to avoid. I find that my lower body is a lot more work to lean out due to my back, as a like to be more shredded in my legs and glutes more aswel as the rest of me. This has saved me a lot in Chiropractor cost.
Your are a great inspiration. Amazing person .

I sure he is not on steroids… but people have been accusing him of being on TRT!…Is that true???…Ive never seen any other fitness youtuber claim him to be a steroid user…. that probably speaks volumes…but im just curious.

Jeff – I am 60 and I am following your videos – its amazing what is happening to my body ! Thanks so much ! I have to ask you a question – you seem to like Cajun products and your last name is French – how French are you ? I’m a Cajun boy in Lafayette, Louisiana. We have a world class gym here called Red LeRille’s – my life revolves around that gym right now ! You should come down and visit ! LOL !

Hi Jeff, you should do some videos on youtube specifically on muscle nutrition for men in their 40s and 50s….its easy to lift and get stronger up until your 30s but once u hit 40 things slow down a lot, most men in their 40s cannot look like u at all no matter how hard they try….a lot has to do with supplements so u better start talking about that too, I know it can be “legally” risky to give advice on supplements but surely you can say what you take? Unless u wanna keep it a big secret. I think without the right mix of supplements its impossible to have the strength at your age to lift properly and be so fit.

I do like your videos a lot, very informative….hope to keep seeing u with fitness advice for the next 40 years (at least).

There’s a t missing in front of the ‘he’ here:

“and social media star, he motivation comes”

Please delete my comment after reading as it isn’t really important.

Totally agree with you all! Thanks Jeff! I spent Years trying to become the image of A. Schwarzenegger. I just got ripped off with bulking supplements and ended up fat! Jeff, you shown me the way! Il never be huge but I’m well on my way to being the best version of myself that I can be and that’s all because of the decency of one Mr. Jeff cavaliere and his will to share the knowledge (for free) that he worked so hard to learn himself!

Hi! Thank you, Jeff!
A year ago, I was not able to walk. I couldn’t stand straight. I was leaning away from the pain! At that moment, I was searching for a good treatment and guess what! I found your youtube channel, the “How to Fix a Bulging Disc (NO SURGERY!)”
I watched it! I was also 22 like Jessie! You explained really well, what the hell is happening inside our bodies when we have a herniated disc.
Then I start to do the plan that you had given to Jessie. It was the first exercise that really helped me!
After that, I started to follow your youtube channel and watch your videos daily.
And then, guess what?!
After one year, I went and got an MRI and the doctor said: “Your disc is OK. You don’t need any surgery!” Thank God!
Your advice was really helpful and my disc has been centralized again!
As you told, just like 98 percents of people my disc is now in its correct position. I really appreciate you. In fact, I love you, Jeff. Your attitude was also helpful in this process.
Thank You!
Ali

Hi, I’m on a Keto diet and it doesn’t seem to be working for me. I can’t seem to eat enough fat and it causes my body not to go into ketosis, which means my body turns the protein into carbohydrates and I cannot loose the weight that I hoped to loose. Any suggestions?

Jeff isn’t French, Kevin Rees. He’s Italian. “Cavaliere” is Italian for “knight.” The French spelling would be “Chevalier.” And as his bio says, he was born and raised in Connecticut, although I agree that I can hear a definite Southern twang when he speaks, which makes no sense since he IS from Connecticut. That’s probably what’s making you think that he’s a Louisiana Cajun.

173.5 cms is not equal to 5’8″. Either I’m tripping or it’s 5’6″ and some mm. I’m sorry for being this guy lol I like your work nonetheless.

Hi Jeff i like all the stuff you post and like your works iam a massive fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger and you are becoming one to me as it push me to train when iam having dark days, i started training when i was 14 years old being born with Short bowel gut and my first Op was at the age of 8 hours old and that has lead to lots of promblems but at a age of 48 years never hitting over 12 stone i was so close until i had a bleeding from the gut that almost cost me my life again. after 6 weeks of no training iam ready to start again i want to be 80Kg by the end of this year and as i say this probley the 1000 times of restarting up, also i train indoor with not a lot of stuff and still managed to build a good body keep the good work up i enjoy reading and watching all the post, and the post on rear shoulder i enjoy as ive been hitting them nice and hard with good gains until the bleeding i hope you like my post would like to see some stuff from yourself jeff with regards to training with Short gut might help a very small group of people who are without facts the hardest of hard gainers and that word is not use likely

Anurag Kumar,

If you’re 19, you may be toward the end of your growth. I’m not sure than anyone knows a workout routine for height, either.

However, get your proper nutrients. Naturally, you’ll need to ensure sufficient calcium for bone growth. But most, most, most importantly: Get your sleep!!

That’s the hardest thing for young people to be consistent with, yet it’s the most important for growth.

So, get out there, work hard, eat well, and sleep! Your height is largely determined by your genetics, as far as is known, but doing those things should maximize your potential for further growth.

Jeff,

I’m not sure if this is the correct venue to pose a question for you. Hopefully you get this. I’m 50 years old, 5”8 tall, 175 pounds. I’ve worked out my whole life and about a year ago I was diagnosed with a slap tear of my right shoulder labrum. 30 years ago I had a slight tear in the supraspinatus tendon, so I’m think the instability of the shoulder had been there for quite some time).

I got opinions from three docs and was planning to have surgery, and then got diagnosed with a right hip labrum tear (former long distance runner) and had the hip surgery first.

My thinking was that while the shoulder was healing from surgery I would at least be able to ride the bike and get some cardio in by having the hip done first.

The doctor that performed my surgery did not do what we discussed (reattach labrum) and just shaved down part of the labrum. My hip is no better now than it was before the surgery and I can’t help but wonder if the shoulder surgery could yield the same result.

my question:

While watching one of your videos last night, you mentioned that you had a labrum slap tear. Can you tell me if you had surgery or steer me in the right direction as to what you think would be best for FULL recovery & FULL ROM.

Working out has always been the biggest mental release I have, and I’ve been struggling for over a year working around the injury and thinking surgery might be best .

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this!

Kevin Hickey

The stats can’t be correct unless he is on physique altering drugs. If he is short and 5’8″ and looks this ripped, then he is probably no more than 160-165 lbs (probably even 154 lbs) before he will look soft and have higher body fat percentage even with more muscle.
I have a three degrees, exercise physiologist, licensed dietitian, worked as a trainer for 6 years, work in nutrition counseling. He is evasive online about his stats, so my opinion is he is 155-160 max if natural and this site is full of shit when it comes to real body stats. Being lean just means having less muscle if natural. I’ve been an athlete my whole life and know the same if not more training principles than he does because of my background and experience. Physical therapy is a rehab professional, fyi. I do not see a doctorate or license either.

Hey Jeff!
Congrats on all your numerous accomplishments! You are the real deal and I love your straight up, and very helpful information on all topics covering all of fitness and nutrition!
I have checked out numerous trainers and fitness “professionals” on and offline, over the past years, and you are the only one I follow now.
I’ve been a personal trainer for 26 years and have read tons of magazines and articles and can honestly say I have learned the most by far through you!
You not only cover all the bases with style, but with a humorous side as well.
Thanks for all your tremendous help and know that you’re the best and that I will always follow you. Even with all my knowledge and experience in the field, I am starting to consider you helping me out with my routines, something I never even considered in the past! Ha
Keep up the great work and God bless you and yours.
Steve

Hey All
Thank you for all your all motivations Jeff!!!

Cavaliere is Italian.

Cavalier exists in French ( means a horserider)
It is masculine ( Cavalière féminine)

Gazie mile Jeff

Vincent from France

At 54 I’ve come across a lot of advice but Jeff stands out for quality and practicality top bloke cheers nigel uk fan

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