Zyzz: who he was, his story (from beginning to death), training and diet

Aziz Shavershian, better known as Zyzz, was one of the first celebrities in the bodybuilding world on the internet, especially on YouTube and forums.

Regardless of his controversial personality and lifestyle, there's no doubt about Zyzz's impact on the fitness community. To this day, his name remains prominent.

ProfileFull Name: Aziz Sergeyevich ShavershianNickname: ZyzzDate of Birth: March 24, 1989Place of Birth: Moscow, RussiaNationality: Australian (family immigrated to Australia when he was a child)Height: 1.87 mWeight: Approximately 98 kg (at his most muscular stage)Profession: Digital influencer and entrepreneur (later in life)Cause of Death: Heart attack (related to a pre-existing heart condition)Date of Death: August 5, 2011Place of Death: Bangkok, ThailandLegacy: Fitness culture icon, known for popularizing the “aesthetic lifestyle” and motivational phrases like “Do you even lift?”Who was Zyzz?

Aziz Shavershian, better known as Zyzz, was a legendary figure in the fitness industry whose influence transcended time – he is known as the first “fitness” celebrity.

With the help of his brother, Aziz went from a young man passionate about video games and the target of bullying to one of the most influential icons in the fitness world.

His impact was so significant that he inspired millions of insecure young people to start training.

Zyzz wasn't just about aesthetics; his physical transformation was accompanied by a transformation in confidence that became an example for many.

He was an influencer even before the age of influencers, known for his unique personality, social media trolling, and a lifestyle that was extravagant to some and controversial to others.

In this text, we will learn more about his story up until his tragic and premature death.

Aziz Shavershian was born in 1989 in Russia, the second child of Sergei, a university professor, and Maya, a cardiologist.

In 1993, his family immigrated to Australia, seeking better living conditions.

During his childhood, Aziz stood out for his intelligence, becoming captain of a chess club and finishing among the best students in his class.

However, his extremely thin physique made him a target of bullying. He had his lunch money stolen, was assaulted, and was constantly humiliated, which led him to seek refuge in his room playing video games.

But everything was about to change when Aziz watched his older brother, Said, start weight training.

Zyzz's Physical and Mental Transformation (Before and After)
Zizz's transformation began humbly, but quickly became extraordinary.

After selling his World of Warcraft account to pay for a gym membership, he began training consistently, influenced by his brother Said.

His first few months of bodybuilding already showed signs of change, but Aziz decided to go further. He started using steroid hormones to accelerate his transformation.

Aziz's physical transformation was impressive, but the most notable change was in his mindset.

He left behind the shy, introverted teenager who sought refuge in video games to embrace a new, confident, and bold persona.

Aziz used his appearance and attitude as inspiration to other insecure young people.

His confidence, however, also attracted criticism, which he responded to with humor and irony, solidifying the “Zyzz” character.

Popularity and fame

Over time, Aziz began to take a deeper interest in the world of bodybuilding and frequented bodybuilding forums, where he shared his transformations and interacted with others.

It was in this environment that the character Zyzz began to take shape.

Inspired by his own journey and the criticism he received, Aziz decided to adopt an exaggerated, caricatured, and often ironic persona, mixing extreme confidence and provocative humor.

Zyzz has become a symbol of physical transformation and attitude, attracting followers with his self-confidence and unusual lifestyle.

Phrases like “U mirin, brah?” and “Come at me, bro” became trademarks, while videos and photos of her physical evolution exploded in popularity.

Despite being the target of criticism and attacks, Zyzz embraced the controversy and turned the hate into fuel, attracting even more attention.

Aziz also made a point of sharing the spotlight with his brother and friends, forming what became known as the “Aesthetic Crew.”

This blend of impressive physique, sharp humor, and a carefree attitude has cemented Zyzz as a unique figure in the fitness world. The combination of his provocative posts, vibrant lifestyle, and the support of a growing fan base has catapulted him to near-mythical status, influencing millions of young people around the world.

Surrounded by haters and controversies

Zyzz became a global phenomenon by personifying a lifestyle that combined aesthetics and confidence, and that broke away from the stereotype of the gym-bound bodybuilder.

However, controversy has always accompanied its success.

Zyzz's figure was both idolized and criticized, especially by those who saw the character as superficial or as glorifying questionable practices such as steroid use and a lifestyle that included excessive partying and risky behavior.

Yet he seemed to thrive on criticism, using his notoriety to challenge norms and spark debates about authenticity, acceptance, and the boundaries between inspiration and irresponsibility.

Use of anabolic steroids

Aziz, upon beginning his journey into the fitness world, demonstrated a remarkable physical transformation that caught the attention of many.

However, this impressive change included the use of anabolic steroids from the first months of training.

In one of the forums where he participated, Aziz spoke openly about his use and did not hide the fact that his rapid transformation was possible due to the use of these substances.

But fame and hormone use did not come without costs.

The costs of fame

As Zyzz's fame grew, he faced increasingly greater challenges.

Despite his outward confidence, he began to feel the weight of the character he had created, especially as he was constantly approached by people at festivals and events.\

He was surrounded by hundreds of fans, but many did not treat him with respect, using him only to gain attention.

Furthermore, the character Zyzz demanded a perfect appearance and attitude at all times, which created pressure to train and use hormones non-stop.

Aziz felt he needed to maintain an impeccable image to meet the expectations of his followers.

This pressure led him to distance himself from his true essence, creating a disconnect between his public persona and who he really was.

Close friends reported that despite the confidence he displayed to the world, Aziz was anxious, insecure, and often afraid to go out alone.

As time passed, Aziz began to regret the character he had created and the impact it had on his life.

He began to express weariness with the superficial interactions his fame attracted. 

This led him to want to take down his viral videos and rethink his approach as a public figure.

Aziz was determined to separate the serious from the playful in his image, recognizing that his greatest accomplishment was not just his physical transformation, but the inspiration he provided to others.

Unexpected tragedy in Thailand

In a moment of rest away from the internet's attention, Zyzz decided to take a vacation in Thailand before returning to work and focusing on his new projects.

During the trip, he sent a message to his brother saying he planned to extend his stay.

However, his brother Syed insisted that he return, as the family already missed him. Aziz was supposed to return on August 5th, but the unexpected happened.

On August 8th, the family received a devastating visit.

It wasn't Aziz arriving home, but a police officer with his death certificate.

The shock and pain were immense, both for his family and for the fitness community, which lost one of its greatest figures.

How did Zyzz die?

Zyzz's death occurred suddenly on August 5, 2011, as mentioned above, while he was on vacation in Thailand.

He suffered a massive heart attack in a sauna at just 22 years old.

Zyzz's untimely death raised questions about the potential risks associated with his lifestyle, including the use of anabolic steroids, which he had openly discussed.

After his death, it was revealed that Zyzz suffered from an undiagnosed underlying heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This is a genetic disease of the heart muscle that can lead to sudden heart failure.

Her case highlighted the importance of awareness and regular medical checkups, especially for those involved in intense physical activity and who may be using substances that increase the risk of heart problems.

Zyzz's legacy lives on through his influence on fitness culture and social media. His death became a moment of reflection for many young bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts about the potential risks of certain lifestyles and the importance of balancing health and physical aspirations.

The fitness community honored his memory and contributions, keeping alive his philosophy of pursuing personal improvement and confidence, while also becoming more aware of the health risks associated with certain lifestyles.