Philip Archibald, AKA Natty Gainz: From Life’s Challenges to Inspiring Strength in Others

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Philip Archibald, better known as Natty Gainz, turned rejection into resilience at just 12 years old. After being told he “wasn’t man enough” by a girl from his church, Philip picked up a pipe and bricks in his backyard and began his fitness journey. What started as a response to heartbreak soon became a lifelong passion, not just for building his own strength but for helping others find confidence through fitness. In this exclusive interview, Philip shares how that pivotal moment shaped his career and mission to inspire transformations around the world.

Men’s Fitness (MF): Philip, thank you for joining us. For those who don’t know you, who is Philip Archibald, also known as Natty Gainz? How would you describe yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?

Philip Archibald (PA): I’m someone who’s been through a lot—grief, rejection, and loss. I was homeschooled, so I dealt with being ostracized. I didn’t really have friends growing up. I remember my 16th birthday—only three people showed up. Later, I went to Texas A&M but dropped out because I hated school. I already had a passion for training people and decided to pursue it full-time. To sum it up, I’ve gotten good at overcoming adversity. People say I’m negative, but I’m just a realist. Life is hard, and fighting for everything you want is what helped me build my business—twice, actually, after losing it during COVID.

MF: Your fitness journey began in such a unique way. Can you tell us how that moment with a girl from your church inspired you to start working out?

PA: As men, a lot of our self-esteem comes from how women see us. We want to be attractive, alpha, desirable. My ego told me I was all of that until this girl told me I was too small. It shattered my ego, and I had to rebuild it—this time on real foundations, not false beliefs.

MF: What went through your mind when you picked up that pipe and bricks for your first workout? Did you ever imagine it would lead to where you are today?

PA: Honestly, I had no clue what I was doing. I just started doing curls. Back then, YouTube wasn’t what it is now—there were no workout videos. I was figuring it out on my own. At the time, I just wanted to be bigger than that girl’s boyfriend. Funny thing is, he probably didn’t even know I existed.

MF: You mentioned being homeschooled and socially awkward as a teenager. How did fitness help you overcome those challenges?

PA: Fitness gave me self-esteem and discipline. It was something I could do alone, without needing a coach. It also helped me connect with others because it gave me something to talk about. It became a foundation for building my confidence.

MF: At what point did you realize fitness wasn’t just about getting stronger but also about finding happiness and fulfillment?

PA: When I was 14, I wrote a diet plan for my uncle that helped him lose 20 pounds. Seeing him succeed was more fulfilling than anything I’d done for myself. Today, I’m driven by helping others find self-esteem through fitness. Taking control of your body can be life-changing.

MF: How did your early experiences of lifting evolve into your passion for transforming others’ lives?

PA: My confidence came from taking control of my physique, and I wanted others to feel the same empowerment. Helping others transform their lives became my mission—it’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone reclaim their self-worth through fitness.

MF: Can you share a specific transformation story that’s left a lasting impact on you?

PA: One of my clients, Robert, stands out. He was overweight and had hypothyroidism, which made things harder for him. He wanted to compete in a show, so we worked together for two years. When he stepped on stage, he was insanely shredded. He didn’t have a cheat meal for six weeks. What makes his story special is how he pushed through every challenge and never gave up.

MF: Looking back, how do you feel about the challenges you faced as a teenager? Were they pivotal moments for you?

PA: Absolutely. Those challenges gave me an entrepreneurial spirit and turned me into an expert in fitness. Without them, I’d probably be working a boring office job and living a completely different life.

MF: You started with no professional guidance. How important do you think education and mentorship are for beginners today?

PA: Mentorship is more important than formal education. I had people like Chris, who taught me compound lifts, and my first boss, who showed me how to coach others and build relationships. Later, a client named Sam taught me how to build an online business. Without those mentors, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

MF: What does “being jacked” mean to you now compared to when you first started? Has your definition of fitness evolved?

PA: Being jacked now means having visible muscle, staying around 8–10% body fat. When I was younger, competing was everything, but it wrecked my health. Now, I focus on longevity. I want to be lean and strong when I’m 60.

MF: What advice would you give to someone struggling with self-confidence and wanting to start their fitness journey?

PA: Show up. Put in the work. Take progress pictures weekly. Self-confidence comes from the journey, not the results. Consistency is everything.

MF: How do you balance physical fitness and mental well-being when coaching others?

PA: I keep my clients out of the gym every day—four times a week is enough unless they have aggressive goals. Diet-wise, I encourage balance. Calorie cycling works well, and I’m not anti-alcohol or extreme restrictions. Sustainability is key.

MF: “Natty Gainz” is a bold name. What does it represent about you and your philosophy?

PA: It’s a reminder that you don’t need steroids to achieve incredible results. I learned the hard way—steroids gave me serious health problems, and I want to help others avoid that path. Quick fixes aren’t worth decades of your life.

MF: If you could go back and give your 12-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

PA: I wouldn’t bother—12-year-old me wouldn’t have listened. I’ve always learned things the hard way.

MF: Finally, what would you say to someone intimidated by starting their fitness journey?

PA: Just try to do better every day. Start small—10 pushups, fewer takeout meals. It’s not about being ripped; it’s about being healthy and mobile for the people you care about. That’s what really matters.

Philip Archibald’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience, consistency, and self-discipline can transform not only your body but also your life. Through his journey as Natty Gainz, he’s empowering countless others to embrace the hard work and find fulfillment in the process.