Zyzz – Legacy and Death

Aziz Shavershian, widely known by his internet persona “Zyzz,” was a Russian-born Australian bodybuilder, fitness model, and social media personality who became an icon within the fitness community and a symbol of self-transformation. His story is one of inspiration, motivation, and a tragic end, but it has left behind a lasting legacy that continues to influence countless individuals in the fitness world.

Early Life

Zyzz was born on March 24, 1989, in Moscow, Russia, to Armenian parents. At the age of 10, he and his family relocated to Australia. During his childhood, Zyzz struggled with his body image, feeling insecure and lacking confidence. He was often bullied for being skinny, which eventually motivated him to make a change. He found solace and determination in the gym, where he began his transformation journey.

The Transformation

At the age of 16, Zyzz decided to take control of his life and body. He started lifting weights with the goal of gaining muscle mass and achieving the aesthetic physique he had always desired. His commitment to bodybuilding intensified in his late teens and early twenties. Zyzz’s training philosophy centered around sculpting a physique that was not only muscular but also lean and symmetrical, emphasizing the importance of achieving an “aesthetic” body, one that was proportionate and balanced rather than overly bulky.

His journey was not just about physical transformation but mental transformation as well. Zyzz became a symbol of perseverance, showing the world that with dedication and hard work, anyone could change their life and overcome their insecurities. His transformation went viral as he began posting pictures of his progress on social media, particularly on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. His online presence gained traction, and he quickly amassed a large following.

The Zyzz Legacy

Zyzz’s influence went beyond his impressive physique. He became a figurehead for the “aesthetic movement,” which celebrated symmetry, aesthetics, and a focus on visual appeal over sheer size. His motto, “We’re all gonna make it, bro,” became iconic and is still used by fans and fitness enthusiasts today as a reminder of perseverance and belief in one’s potential.

He also created a unique persona that combined fitness, charisma, humor, and a carefree, party-centric lifestyle. Zyzz was known for his energetic and humorous videos, where he would often showcase his gym workouts, diet, and personal philosophies, along with his self-assured, “alpha” attitude. His social media presence created an entire subculture within bodybuilding, with his followers often using the term “Zyzzian” to describe a person who embodies confidence, positivity, and a relentless pursuit of their fitness goals.

His physical transformation was not just limited to bodybuilding; he also influenced the mindset of many aspiring athletes. Zyzz’s rise to fame helped normalize the idea that fitness and aesthetics could be part of a fun and enjoyable lifestyle. He encouraged his followers to embrace fitness as part of a balanced life, advocating for self-confidence, chasing goals, and enjoying the process rather than simply focusing on the end result.

Training Philosophy

Zyzz’s training regimen was focused on both hypertrophy (muscle growth) and aesthetic development. His routine was based on weight training, particularly compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, but he also placed an emphasis on isolation exercises to refine specific muscle groups. He trained with intensity, often pushing himself to the limit with high-volume workouts.

He also believed in the importance of a balanced diet, though he was known to indulge in cheat meals and often showed a more relaxed approach to eating. Zyzz’s diet would typically involve a high protein intake, with a focus on lean meats, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, but he was not afraid to enjoy some of life’s pleasures, which helped make his approach to fitness feel more attainable and less restrictive.

One of Zyzz’s most famous traits was his ability to make his workouts and routines appear fun and carefree. Despite the intense effort he put into his training, Zyzz was always quick to remind people that fitness should also be enjoyable. His “work hard, play hard” mentality resonated deeply with his followers and made him relatable to many who were on their own fitness journeys.

Zyzz’s training routine was designed to sculpt a lean, muscular, and aesthetically balanced physique. He focused on achieving the ideal “aesthetic” body by incorporating high-volume weight training, along with cardio, and a well-rounded approach to dieting. Here’s an outline of Zyzz’s training routine, which was known for its emphasis on both intensity and symmetry.

Zyzz’s Weekly Training Split:

Zyzz typically followed a 5-day workout split, training different muscle groups on different days. Here’s a breakdown of his general routine:

Day 1 – Chest and Triceps

1. Flat Barbell Bench Press – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
2. Incline Dumbbell Press – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
3. Chest Dips (weighted if possible) – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
4. Cable Chest Flys – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
5. Tricep Pushdowns (using rope or bar attachment) – 4 sets of 10-12 reps
6. Overhead Dumbbell Tricep Extension – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
7. Close-Grip Bench Press – 3 sets of 8-10 reps

Day 2 – Back and Biceps

1. Deadlifts – 4 sets of 5-8 reps
2. Pull-Ups (weighted if possible) – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
3. Bent-Over Barbell Rows – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
4. Seated Cable Rows – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
5. Lat Pulldowns (wide grip) – 4 sets of 10-12 reps
6. Barbell or Dumbbell Curls – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
7. Hammer Curls – 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Day 3 – Legs

1. Squats (Barbell back squats) – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
2. Leg Press – 4 sets of 10-12 reps
3. Walking Lunges (holding dumbbells) – 3 sets of 12-15 reps per leg
4. Leg Curls (machine) – 4 sets of 10-12 reps
5. Leg Extensions – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
6. Standing Calf Raises – 4 sets of 12-15 reps
7. Seated Calf Raises – 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Day 4 – Shoulders

1. Barbell or Dumbbell Overhead Press – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
2. Lateral Dumbbell Raises – 4 sets of 12-15 reps
3. Front Dumbbell Raises – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
4. Rear Delt Machine (or reverse flys) – 3 sets of 12-15 reps
5. Upright Rows – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
6. Face Pulls – 3 sets of 12-15 reps

Day 5 – Arms

1. EZ Bar Curls – 4 sets of 8-12 reps
2. Triceps Dips – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
3. Preacher Curls (machine or barbell) – 3 sets of 8-12 reps
4. Skull Crushers – 4 sets of 10-12 reps
5. Concentration Curls – 3 sets of 10-12 reps
6. Overhead Dumbbell Tricep Extensions – 3 sets of 10-12 reps

Day 6 – Cardio + Abs

• Cardio: 20-30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio (e.g., treadmill, cycling, or HIIT)
• Abs Circuit:
  • Crunches – 4 sets of 20 reps
  • Leg Raises – 4 sets of 15-20 reps
  • Russian Twists (with weight) – 3 sets of 20 reps
  • Planks – 3 sets, holding for 1 minute each

Day 7 – Rest or Active Recovery

• Zyzz believed in the importance of rest for muscle recovery. He often used this day to rest or do light activities like stretching or walking.

Key Aspects of Zyzz’s Training Routine:

1. High Volume and Intensity: Zyzz’s workouts were designed to be high in volume, with multiple sets and reps, which allowed for more muscle engagement and growth. He also trained with high intensity to maximize hypertrophy (muscle growth).
2. Focus on Aesthetic Goals: While many bodybuilders train for size, Zyzz’s primary goal was achieving an aesthetic physique — balanced, lean, and symmetrical. This is why he placed a strong emphasis on exercises that helped develop both large muscle groups and smaller, accessory muscles that contribute to overall symmetry.
3. Isolation Exercises: In addition to compound lifts (like bench presses, squats, and deadlifts), Zyzz also incorporated isolation exercises to target specific muscles, improving the overall proportion and aesthetic of his body.
4. Cardio for Conditioning: Zyzz didn’t neglect cardiovascular training. He incorporated it to maintain a low body fat percentage, which was crucial for achieving the shredded, lean look that became his signature.
5. Mind-Muscle Connection: Zyzz frequently emphasized the importance of focusing on the mind-muscle connection during his workouts, ensuring that each exercise was performed with proper form and intentionality. This helped him maximize muscle growth and improve muscle control.

Zyzz’s Mentality

Zyzz’s approach to training was not just about physical effort; it was also about mentality. His motto, “We’re all gonna make it, bro,” embodied his belief in perseverance and self-confidence. He encouraged his followers to train hard, stay dedicated, and not be discouraged by setbacks. His carefree attitude toward life and fitness was an integral part of his brand.

While his workout routines were intense, Zyzz always promoted the idea of having fun, enjoying the journey, and celebrating progress rather than being overly obsessive about the results.

This combination of hard work, aesthetic goals, and a fun approach to fitness helped Zyzz become a beloved figure in the bodybuilding community and beyond. His workouts are still emulated by many aspiring bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.

Zyzz’s Legacy in Posing

Zyzz’s posing style was both a reflection of his fitness journey and his larger-than-life personality. It wasn’t just about showing off muscle; it was about attitude, confidence, and creating a connection with his audience. His poses became iconic because they reflected the same carefree and fun-loving approach to fitness that defined his entire brand.

His signature poses, combined with his motivational messages and charismatic personality, helped solidify his place as a fitness icon. Even after his passing, fans continue to replicate his poses in tribute to his legacy, keeping his influence alive in the fitness community.

How did Zyzz Die

Tragically, Zyzz’s life was cut short at the age of 22. On August 5, 2011, Zyzz passed away while on vacation in Thailand. He had collapsed in a sauna, and it was later revealed that he died of a heart attack, which was likely linked to an undiagnosed congenital heart condition. His untimely death shocked his fans and the bodybuilding community, leaving a void in the fitness world.

The cause of Zyzz’s death has been widely debated, with some pointing to potential issues related to his use of performance-enhancing substances like anabolic steroids. However, it’s important to note that Zyzz never openly advocated for drug use, and his message was always focused on hard work, consistency, and dedication. Regardless of the specifics of his passing, his legacy has remained undiminished, and his influence continues to impact the fitness community.

Here are some of Zyzz’s most iconic quotes and citations that reflect his philosophy on life, fitness, and self-improvement:

Motivational Quotes:

1. “We’re all gonna make it, brah.”
   • This became Zyzz’s most famous quote, symbolizing unity and encouragement within the fitness community. It’s a reminder to stay optimistic and motivated, no matter the struggles.
2. “The day you stop caring what other people think is the day you start living.”
   • Zyzz often emphasized the importance of self-confidence and living life on your own terms.
3. “If you don’t enjoy it, what’s the point? Life’s too short to be unhappy.”
   • A reminder to find joy in both fitness and life, balancing hard work with fun and passion.
4. “Chase your dreams. Don’t let anyone stop you.”
   • A call to pursue personal goals relentlessly, no matter the obstacles or doubts from others.
5. “Being shredded is a state of mind.”
   • Zyzz highlighted that aesthetics and fitness are as much about mindset as they are about physical effort.
6. “You gotta be a freakin’ lion in this world if you wanna make it.”
   • An encouragement to adopt a bold and determined attitude in pursuing success.

Humorous/Lighthearted Quotes:

1. “You mirin’, brah?”
   • A playful phrase Zyzz often used, meaning “Are you admiring me?” It became a staple in his videos and among his fans.
2. “Do you even lift?”
   • Zyzz popularized this phrase, often jokingly questioning someone’s dedication to fitness.
3. “I’m not here to take part; I’m here to take over!”
   • A quote that embodies Zyzz’s larger-than-life personality and his commitment to making an impact.
4. “Aesthetics. It’s not a choice; it’s a lifestyle.”
   • Reflecting his focus on creating a visually balanced and proportionate physique, rather than just building size.
5. “Why be average when you can be a god?”
   • Zyzz’s humorous yet motivational way of encouraging people to strive for greatness.

Reflections on Life:

1. “Life’s too short to be small.”
   • This quote encapsulates Zyzz’s belief in pushing personal limits and making the most of life.
2. “In your darkest moments, that’s when you’ll find your greatest strength.”
   • A motivational message to keep moving forward during tough times.
3. “Find what you love and let it kill you.”
   • A testament to his passion for fitness and living life fully, even if it means taking risks.

Zyzz’s words continue to inspire fitness enthusiasts worldwide, serving as reminders of self-confidence, dedication, and the importance of living life with purpose and joy.

Legacy and Impact

Zyzz’s legacy endures through his online presence and the widespread adoption of his philosophy. His viral videos, memes, and quotes continue to inspire millions of people worldwide. His transformation, both physical and mental, demonstrated that it was possible to achieve greatness through hard work and belief in oneself. Despite his death, Zyzz has remained a figurehead in the fitness world, with new generations of fans discovering his content and learning from his journey.

His impact on fitness culture is immeasurable. He helped popularize the idea that bodybuilding was not just about getting big, but about achieving a balanced and aesthetically pleasing physique. Zyzz’s confident and carefree attitude encouraged others to embrace their true selves, be proud of their bodies, and pursue their dreams without fear of judgment.

In honor of his memory, his fans continue to celebrate his legacy, whether it’s through fitness challenges, sharing his quotes, or embodying his persona. The fitness world, in many ways, still carries Zyzz’s message forward, with countless people continuing to say, “We’re all gonna make it, bro.”

Zyzz’s story serves as a reminder that no matter where you start, with dedication, passion, and a belief in yourself, anything is possible. Even in death, his influence remains a powerful force in the world of fitness, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.