A clean, minimalist home gym setup with a yoga mat, kettlebell, and resistance bands on a light wood floor, bathed in soft natural light
About

The Guy Behind the Site

The Former Fat Kid is run by Ryan Jackson, who built the site to share straightforward, free fitness and self-improvement information.

Who Runs This Site

Ryan Jackson (online as RyanTheFFK) started The Former Fat Kid to help people work toward their fitness goals without a paywall. His own summary of the mission is simple: run a fitness website to help people reach their goals, with completely free information designed to be easy to follow.

That approach shapes every corner of the site — direct, no-nonsense guidance rather than gated courses or sales pitches.

The philosophy behind The Former Fat Kid is refreshingly uncomplicated: fitness information should be free, honest, and easy to follow. Rather than locking content behind paywalls or burying advice under jargon, the site strips away the noise and delivers practical guidance that anyone can put into action. This straightforward approach reflects a belief that good health advice doesn't need to be complicated, expensive, or exclusive. Whether someone is just starting their journey or looking to refine an established routine, the goal is always the same — meet people where they are and give them tools that actually work in real life, not just on paper.

Ryan Jackson, known online as RyanTheFFK, built this platform from a deeply personal place. Having navigated his own transformation, he understands both the struggles and the victories that come with changing your body and your habits. That lived experience shapes the tone of everything published here — direct, supportive, and free of judgment. The site never shies away from the hard truths about consistency and effort, but it also celebrates every small win along the way. It's this balance of realism and encouragement that keeps readers coming back for more than just workout tips.

At its core, The Former Fat Kid exists to prove that reaching your fitness goals doesn't require expensive programs, miracle supplements, or insider secrets. The content is built around sustainable habits, clear explanations, and a no-excuses mindset that respects your time and intelligence. Every article, routine, and piece of advice is designed to be accessible to beginners while still offering value to those further along their path. By keeping everything free and open, the site removes the biggest barrier most people face — cost — and replaces it with something far more valuable: the confidence that change is possible for anyone willing to start.

A clean, minimalist home gym setup with a yoga mat, kettlebell, and resistance bands on a light wood floor, bathed in soft natural light

What The Site Covers

The Former Fat Kid organizes its free content into five core topic areas, with articles building up over time in each one.

  • Fat Loss
  • Build Muscle
  • Supplements
  • Self-Improvement
  • Women and Dating

Alongside the articles, the site offers a daily calorie calculator as a free tool, and a newsletter for readers who want updates and new posts delivered directly.

Fitness and health themed still life with dumbbells, a water bottle, measuring tape, and fresh produce on grass

Getting In Touch

Ryan invites casual questions, personal advice questions, and business inquiries through the site's contact page, and aims to respond to emails as soon as possible.

The site also discloses that some product links are affiliate links — meaning a small commission may be earned on purchases made through them, at no extra cost to the buyer.

Visit Contact Page

Explore the Topics

Start wherever fits your goals best.

Fat Loss · Build Muscle · Supplements · Self-Improvement · Women and Dating