David Elbem was very skinny at 15. In 2016 a health condition ended his time in the army. Four years later he had a degree in physical therapy, and the training he began at university has not stopped since.
Today he works as a physical therapist and gym coach, with a master’s degree from Vienna. His posts come with no explanation and a deliberately sarcastic bio. Under almost every one, someone asks whether the physique is natural.
We asked him everything. His answers have been edited for length and clarity.
The start
Who is David Elbem?
I’m a physical therapist and a gym coach. I graduated in physical therapy in 2020. I left the military in 2016 because of a personal health condition, and the impact it had on my life is what brought me to physical therapy and a healthy way of living. I wanted to be able to help people as much as I can.
Where did you grow up?
Zagreb. I’ve spent most of my life there, and I finished my master’s degree in Vienna. Life was busy as a kid. I had to work from a young age, in restaurants and on construction sites.
Your bio is sarcastic and your posts come with no context. Why?
I think people on social media love humour, and I try to bring some. There’s no real story behind it.
When did you first walk into a gym?
Around 16 or 17. My uncle inspired me to build a good physique and get as strong as I could. I wasn’t consistent at that age, unfortunately. I started again at university, so it’s been six years of consistent training.
What did you look like back then?
Very skinny, around the age of 15. By 19 I had put on a lot of weight. I always felt I could do great things with my body and get great results.
When did training become serious?
In the army. I realised there were a lot of strong men around me. That’s when I knew I had to get stronger and take training seriously.
The training
How long did it take, and what do you say to the steroid comments?
It took me six years. People always comment asking whether it’s natural or whether I use steroids. It’s completely natural, and I’m very proud of it.
What does your training week look like?
I train five times a week, and each day has its own target. Chest gets a day on its own. The day after is biceps and abs, and the day after that is arms and triceps. Then there’s a special day for forearms, strength training and calisthenics.
What do you eat on a typical day?
Breakfast is at 9am: four eggs, some mashed potatoes, broccoli and vegetables. Lunch at 12pm is usually rice, meat and a salad of cucumber, tomato and onion. Around 4pm, after my workout, I have a protein shake. Dinner is usually similar to lunch. At night I eat a lot of fruit and mixed nuts.
What made the biggest difference?
Consistency, obviously. That’s what made the difference. I wish I had been training consistently since I was 16.
The message
Why do people connect with you so easily?
Because I know what it’s like to need help. I try my best to help my community and the people around me. Showing kindness is what makes us human and connects us to each other.
Is there one message that stands out?
Back in 2023 a young man messaged me asking for help in the gym. He was really skinny and needed help building, so I said why not. I organised his training programme, his meals and his sleeping hours. A month later he messaged me again. He said I had saved him from ending his life. He had been insecure about his body and had been bullied a lot. It made me realise how powerful words are, and how a little kindness and care can save a life.
Do you feel pressure on social media?
No. No one can put pressure on me. I ignore negative comments and people, and I let them be. Everyone has their own problems. I don’t talk much about mine on social media.
Who has supported you most?
My younger sister. When she was little I helped her with school projects and homework, and I taught her a lot. When I started training, she pushed me and was there for me mentally. Most importantly, she cooked for both of us. She said it was the bare minimum siblings can do for each other.
Off the gym floor
What’s a perfect day away from the gym?
Going on a hike. I’ve always felt at one with nature. Thinking about how things are created and how they just work is a great way to appreciate your life and everything around you.
What don’t people know about you?
I used to have a different account under a different name, because I have dual citizenship. People sometimes think I have a twin. I closed the other account, and this is the only one I have now.
What would you tell a man who hasn’t started yet?
It doesn’t matter where you start. What matters is starting. Once you start, you have a lifestyle, something to look forward to in your day. The rest comes naturally, along with the people you meet. The gym community isn’t only where you build a physique. For a lot of people it’s where they meet the best people in their lives, even if they’re strangers at the gym. Everyone is insecure about something. So why focus on what you have, and not on what you can change?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Contributing more to the gym community, my hometown and charities. I believe helping people is the greatest thing a man can do, and I live by that.
Last one. Beard or moustache?
The beard is the real David. The moustache is just for show.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the US, call or text 988. In the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123. Elsewhere, find a local helpline at findahelpline.com.
Photos: David Elbem.
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