While Jay is built like a beast and his appearance may seem overwhelming, it’s really important to understand what backstory makes the man mountain we see today! Jay grew up in New York State with his brother and single Mom. From a very early age, he recalls always having low self-esteem and self-doubt issues.

He found drugs and alcohol when he was young which temporarily helped silence the voice of fear and quieten his insecurities. By the time he was 15, he was indulging in some heavy gear. Taking drugs like cocaine, oxycontin and acid.

He got suspended from school on too many occasions to ever keep count. His addiction became so serious that he needed these drugs every single day of his life as a teenager. Eventually, it all got too much for his Mom and she kicked Jay out of home.

Two weeks before his last bad day, he went AWOL and was in a very bad state. He was ‘higher’ and more addicted than ever……Miraculously, he had a moment of clarity when he was 20. He realised he was a burden and liability and checked himself into recovery, to begin his journey back, using the twelve step program.

Jay turned his life around through various fitness activities, but was soon dealt another blow when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

Jay has blown up into a fitness celebrity but remains as humble as ever. He has single handedly amassed a huge following on Instagram, where he shares his daily workouts and exercises. Jay tells us why it’s so important to stay true to who you are and who you associate yourself with.

We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.

Let’s find out what it means for Jay Maryniak to be Ridiculously Human

Your fellow beings

Craig and Gareth