HIV/AIDS LONG-TERM SURVIVOR * YOUTH EDUCATION * ADVOCACY * ACTIVISM * RESOURCES
Houston, Texas - United States
Exercise - fitness - workout - living strong with hiv/AIDS
It’s Not Vanity—It’s Victory
This is about inspiration—both the kind I’ve received and the kind I hope to pass on through my advocacy activism.
In 2021, I was 260 pounds, barely mobile, and barely holding on. My health was in freefall, and my reflection in the mirror looked like a ghost of who I once was. I honestly thought, “Maybe this is just what it looks like in your late 50s as an HIV long-term survivor, dealing with heart disease and decades of wear and tear.” After all, my dad died at 59. I was genuinely 'prepared' and had even saved some of my stimulus money for my cremation. But something inside me still had fight. So, with help—my staff, my service dog, and a whole lot of prayer—I got up. Again.
That “again” matters because I’ve had to do this so many times since my HIV/AIDS diagnosis over 40 years ago. Reinvention. Resurrection. Refusal to give in. And here I am at 61—turning 62 next month—doing leg curls and lifting myself back up, one rep at a time.
I recently met Peter, a brother from across the pond. He’s four years HIV positive, clean from drugs, full of faith, and packing on serious muscle. The guy’s younger than me—sure—but he reminded me what’s possible. That fire’s still in me. I want some again. I respect and admire this guy more than words can say.
And I just said goodbye to my brother and fellow gym beast Dan—a true Alpha Male, but the kind who’ll still pick you up like a ballerina during a hug. True story—he lifted my 175-pound self like I was nothing and grinned while doing it. I told him, “I gotta beef up,” and we both got a good laugh! I used to be 200–215 in my prime—maybe I’ll get close again, who knows? My HIV specialist prefers I don’t gain much more weight, but the doctor also adjusted my testosterone prescription recently. Muscle’s holding steady, and energy is creeping back in. I'm doing bands at home, gym sessions when I can—building back lean body mass because I know how crucial it is for someone living with HIV and multiple chronic conditions.
This is more than muscle. It’s medicine. It’s faith. It’s proof that no matter how many times you fall, you can rise again.
So yeah, this video is me doing leg curls. Might look like nothing to someone scrolling by. But to me? To others who’ve been told they’re “too old,” “too sick,” “too far gone?” It’s a message.
You’re never too far gone to fight for yourself again.
We all need a little inspiration. Peter gave it to me. Dan gave it to me. And if this clip can give it to someone else—just one person—then hell yes, I’ll keep showing up and sharing the journey, including my commitment to youth education.
To be continued... 🙏
Never surrender! Never Forget!
Working out & Staying fit with HIV/AIDs
I was dedicated to fitness long before I ever heard the words HIV or AIDS—and I’ve continued to train, move, and fight for my health every step of the way since. As an HIV long-term survivor for over 43 years, I’ve stayed committed to exercising as much as my body and spirit would allow. Some days were harder than others—but movement has always been part of my medicine, my therapy, and my survival. Through my advocacy activism, I aim to inspire youth education about health and fitness. Fitness didn’t just shape my body—it helped save my life.
Exercise and hiv/aids
Functional fitness isn’t about beach muscles—it’s about survival and advocacy activism. As an HIV long-term survivor living with the virus for 43 years, I train to move, lift, balance, and live fully. From tying my boots to throwing a leg over my motorcycle, this body’s been through hell—but movement keeps it sharp, steady, and strong. This is fitness with purpose, and through youth education, I show how I fight.
sitting is the new smoking
Move it or lose it!
Health experts are warning that too much sitting can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking, leading to the headline 'sitting is the new smoking.' The human body was not designed to sit. Advocacy activism around health emphasizes that statistics reveal Americans spend, on average, 93% of their lifetimes indoors and 70% of each day sitting. This is particularly concerning for HIV long-term survivors, who may face additional health challenges. Youth education on the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for fostering healthier habits.
Move your body! Movement is medicine!
💥 If you’re dealing with chronic illness, existing injuries, or new symptoms—talk to your doctor before starting or changing any fitness routine. You’re worth the check-in. Make sure your path forward is safe, smart, and strong.
Bob Bowers - EXERCISING & living with hiv/aids for 43 years
Exercise with HIV/AIDS: More Than Muscles
Health experts are warning that too much sitting can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking, leading to the headline 'sitting is the new smoking.' The human body was not designed to sit. Advocacy activism around health emphasizes that statistics reveal Americans spend, on average, 93% of their lifetimes indoors and 70% of each day sitting. This is particularly concerning for HIV long-term survivors, who may face additional health challenges. Youth education on the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for fostering healthier habits.
move it or lose it!
Movement is survival. Movement is freedom. Movement is hope. Movement is my medicine.
Bob's Workout: Exercise, Fitness, and Living Strong with HIV/AIDS
Bob Bowers aka One Tough Pirate
STOP THE STIGMA!
"It's not who you are, it's what you do that puts you at risk for HIV."
Health experts are warning that too much sitting can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking, leading to the headline 'sitting is the new smoking.' The human body was not designed to sit. Advocacy activism around health emphasizes that statistics reveal Americans spend, on average, 93% of their lifetimes indoors and 70% of each day sitting. This is particularly concerning for HIV long-term survivors, who may face additional health challenges. Youth education on the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for fostering healthier habits.
View straight men living with HIV/AIDS
Jim Morris - My Mentor and Hero by Bob Bowers
This is about inspiration—both the kind I’ve received and the kind I hope to pass on through my advocacy activism.
In 2021, I was 260 pounds, barely mobile, and barely holding on. My health was in freefall, and my reflection in the mirror looked like a ghost of who I once was. I honestly thought, “Maybe this is just what it looks like in your late 50s as an HIV long-term survivor, dealing with heart disease and decades of wear and tear.” After all, my dad died at 59. I was genuinely 'prepared' and had even saved some of my stimulus money for my cremation. But something inside me still had fight. So, with help—my staff, my service dog, and a whole lot of prayer—I got up. Again.
That “again” matters because I’ve had to do this so many times since my HIV/AIDS diagnosis over 40 years ago. Reinvention. Resurrection. Refusal to give in. And here I am at 61—turning 62 next month—doing leg curls and lifting myself back up, one rep at a time.
I recently met Peter, a brother from across the pond. He’s four years HIV positive, clean from drugs, full of faith, and packing on serious muscle. The guy’s younger than me—sure—but he reminded me what’s possible. That fire’s still in me. I want some again. I respect and admire this guy more than words can say.
And I just said goodbye to my brother and fellow gym beast Dan—a true Alpha Male, but the kind who’ll still pick you up like a ballerina during a hug. True story—he lifted my 175-pound self like I was nothing and grinned while doing it. I told him, “I gotta beef up,” and we both got a good laugh! I used to be 200–215 in my prime—maybe I’ll get close again, who knows? My HIV specialist prefers I don’t gain much more weight, but the doctor also adjusted my testosterone prescription recently. Muscle’s holding steady, and energy is creeping back in. I'm doing bands at home, gym sessions when I can—building back lean body mass because I know how crucial it is for someone living with HIV and multiple chronic conditions.
This is more than muscle. It’s medicine. It’s faith. It’s proof that no matter how many times you fall, you can rise again.
So yeah, this video is me doing leg curls. Might look like nothing to someone scrolling by. But to me? To others who’ve been told they’re “too old,” “too sick,” “too far gone?” It’s a message.
You’re never too far gone to fight for yourself again.
We all need a little inspiration. Peter gave it to me. Dan gave it to me. And if this clip can give it to someone else—just one person—then hell yes, I’ll keep showing up and sharing the journey, including my commitment to youth education.
To be continued... 🙏
Never surrender! Never Forget!
🏴☠️ Fitness Tips for People Living and exercising with HIV
By Bob Bowers, aka One Tough Pirate – 43-year survivor, certified trainer, and forever fighter.
Health experts are warning that too much sitting can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking, leading to the headline 'sitting is the new smoking.' The human body was not designed to sit. Advocacy activism around health emphasizes that statistics reveal Americans spend, on average, 93% of their lifetimes indoors and 70% of each day sitting. This is particularly concerning for HIV long-term survivors, who may face additional health challenges. Youth education on the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for fostering healthier habits.
Move it or lose it!
10. And Finally—💥Always check with your doctor before beginning or modifying an exercise routine—especially if you have existing conditions, symptoms, or concerns. What fuels one body may stress another. Clear it first, then crush it.
🏴☠️ The Pirate’s Guide to Functional Fitness After 50
No filters. No fluff. Just the truth from a survivor who’s still got wind in the sails and fire in t
Health experts are warning that too much sitting can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking, leading to the headline 'sitting is the new smoking.' The human body was not designed to sit. Advocacy activism around health emphasizes that statistics reveal Americans spend, on average, 93% of their lifetimes indoors and 70% of each day sitting. This is particularly concerning for HIV long-term survivors, who may face additional health challenges. Youth education on the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for fostering healthier habits.
Move it or lose it!
💥 If you’re dealing with chronic illness, existing injuries, or new symptoms—talk to your doctor before starting or changing any fitness routine. You’re worth the check-in. Make sure your path forward is safe, smart, and strong.
heterosexual men living with HIV.
We’re made to feel invisible.
Health experts are warning that too much sitting can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking, leading to the headline 'sitting is the new smoking.' The human body was not designed to sit. Advocacy activism around health emphasizes that statistics reveal Americans spend, on average, 93% of their lifetimes indoors and 70% of each day sitting. This is particularly concerning for HIV long-term survivors, who may face additional health challenges. Youth education on the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for fostering healthier habits.
Straight men living with HIV/AIDS - Bob Bowers 43-year survivor Houston, Texas
testosterone replacement therapy - TRT
Testosterone injections while living with HIV/AIDS
Testosterone injections while living with HIV/AIDS
Testosterone injections while living with HIV/AIDS
A 2015 review of prescriptions for testosterone therapy revealed that men with HIV, particularly those who are HIV long-term survivors in the United States, were two-and-a-half times more likely to be receiving it than their HIV-negative counterparts. This finding underscores the importance of advocacy activism and youth education in addressing health disparities within the HIV community.
Self-injected testosterone shots
Testosterone injections while living with HIV/AIDS
Testosterone injections while living with HIV/AIDS
Between 1996 and 2016, as an HIV long-term survivor, I engaged in advocacy activism to support others like me while having to give myself (self-inject) injections of testosterone (Vitamin T) in my thigh or buttocks. It never got easy for me to do, even as I focused on youth education to share my experiences.
Honoring lives lost to HIV/AiDS
Honoring the Ones Who Came Before Us
Health experts are warning that too much sitting can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking, leading to the headline 'sitting is the new smoking.' The human body was not designed to sit. Advocacy activism around health emphasizes that statistics reveal Americans spend, on average, 93% of their lifetimes indoors and 70% of each day sitting. This is particularly concerning for HIV long-term survivors, who may face additional health challenges. Youth education on the importance of movement and reducing sedentary behavior is crucial for fostering healthier habits.
Honoring lives lost to HIV/AIDS -- Never ever forget!
people living with hiv/aids benefit from exercise
Movement matters
Movement matters
Movement matters
A 2015 review of prescriptions for testosterone therapy revealed that men with HIV, particularly those who are HIV long-term survivors in the United States, were two-and-a-half times more likely to be receiving it than their HIV-negative counterparts. This finding underscores the importance of advocacy activism and youth education in addressing health disparities within the HIV community.
Movement matters
Movement matters
Movement matters
Between 1996 and 2016, as an HIV long-term survivor, I engaged in advocacy activism to support others like me while having to give myself (self-inject) injections of testosterone (Vitamin T) in my thigh or buttocks. It never got easy for me to do, even as I focused on youth education to share my experiences.
EXERCISE - FITNESS - WORKOUT - LIVING STRONG WITH HIV/AIDS
Movement is medicine
Exercise for quality of life
Functional strength is key
A 2015 review of prescriptions for testosterone therapy revealed that men with HIV, particularly those who are HIV long-term survivors in the United States, were two-and-a-half times more likely to be receiving it than their HIV-negative counterparts. This finding underscores the importance of advocacy activism and youth education in addressing health disparities within the HIV community.
Functional strength is key
Exercise for quality of life
Functional strength is key
Between 1996 and 2016, as an HIV long-term survivor, I engaged in advocacy activism to support others like me while having to give myself (self-inject) injections of testosterone (Vitamin T) in my thigh or buttocks. It never got easy for me to do, even as I focused on youth education to share my experiences.
Exercise for quality of life
Exercise for quality of life
Exercise for quality of life
Lifting weights isn’t just about chasing numbers — it’s about advocating for better days. For HIV long-term survivors, incorporating exercise like simple curls helps maintain muscle strength, support bone health, and boost energy levels. This advocacy activism is essential for enhancing quality of life: it empowers individuals to have the strength to play, laugh, love, and live on their own terms. It’s not solely about adding years to life, but rather about enriching every year with vitality, especially through youth education that promotes healthy habits.
Move it or lose it
Lean Body Mass is Key
Exercise for quality of life
After about age 40, we all start losing lean body mass — roughly 3–8% per decade if we don’t fight back. For those of us living with HIV/AIDS, particularly HIV long-term survivors, that decline can hit harder, making strength, independence, and overall health tougher to hold onto. Exercise is the antidote. Advocacy activism surrounding health and wellness emphasizes that resistance training, bodyweight movements, and staying active preserve lean muscle, protect bones, and keep the body resilient. The choice is simple: move it, or lose it. Moreover, incorporating youth education about the importance of physical activity can foster healthier habits for future generations.
Movement matters
Lean Body Mass is Key
Lean Body Mass is Key
You don’t need a gym to take care of your body — you just need to move it. Walking the dog, climbing stairs, dancing in your living room, or working in the yard — it all adds up. Every kind of movement improves circulation, supports heart health, reduces stress, and helps the immune system do its job. This is especially important for those involved in advocacy activism, as staying active can improve overall well-being. If you’re an HIV long-term survivor, incorporating movement into your routine is vital for maintaining health. Adding weights or cardio is even better. What matters most is consistency: keep your body in motion, and it will keep you in the fight. Additionally, youth education about the benefits of staying active can encourage a healthier lifestyle.
Lean Body Mass is Key
Lean Body Mass is Key
Lean Body Mass is Key
The number on the scale doesn’t reflect the complete picture. What truly matters is lean body mass — the muscle that keeps you moving, balanced, and resilient. Unlike excess body fat, lean muscle acts as a reserve when illness strikes, providing your body with the strength and fuel it needs to recover. For HIV long-term survivors and for all of us as we age, protecting lean body mass is essential for maintaining independence, health, and quality of life. This is where advocacy activism plays a crucial role in youth education about the importance of building and maintaining lean muscle. Invest in your health and let your lean body mass carry you through.
Exercise is generally safe for people lving with hiv/aids
Fit over 60 - move it or losee it
People Living with HIV/AIDS Can Enjoy Exercising
Fit over 60 - move it or losee it
This is about inspiration—both the kind I’ve received and the kind I hope to pass on through my advocacy activism.
In 2021, I was 260 pounds, barely mobile, and barely holding on. My health was in freefall, and my reflection in the mirror looked like a ghost of who I once was. I honestly thought, “Maybe this is just what it looks like in
This is about inspiration—both the kind I’ve received and the kind I hope to pass on through my advocacy activism.
In 2021, I was 260 pounds, barely mobile, and barely holding on. My health was in freefall, and my reflection in the mirror looked like a ghost of who I once was. I honestly thought, “Maybe this is just what it looks like in your late 50s as an HIV long-term survivor, dealing with heart disease and decades of wear and tear.” After all, my dad died at 59. I was genuinely 'prepared' and had even saved some of my stimulus money for my cremation. But something inside me still had fight. So, with help—my staff, my service dog, and a whole lot of prayer—I got up. Again.
That “again” matters because I’ve had to do this so many times since my HIV/AIDS diagnosis over 40 years ago. Reinvention. Resurrection. Refusal to give in. And here I am at 61—turning 62 next month—doing leg curls and lifting myself back up, one rep at a time.
I recently met Peter, a brother from across the pond. He’s four years HIV positive, clean from drugs, full of faith, and packing on serious muscle. The guy’s younger than me—sure—but he reminded me what’s possible. That fire’s still in me. I want some again. I respect and admire this guy more than words can say.
And I just said goodbye to my brother and fellow gym beast Dan—a true Alpha Male, but the kind who’ll still pick you up like a ballerina during a hug. True story—he lifted my 175-pound self like I was nothing and grinned while doing it. I told him, “I gotta beef up,” and we both got a good laugh! I used to be 200–215 in my prime—maybe I’ll get close again, who knows? My HIV specialist prefers I don’t gain much more weight, but the doctor also adjusted my testosterone prescription recently. Muscle’s holding steady, and energy is creeping back in. I'm doing bands at home, gym sessions when I can—building back lean body mass because I know how crucial it is for someone living with HIV and multiple chronic conditions.
This is more than muscle. It’s medicine. It’s faith. It’s proof that no matter how many times you fall, you can rise again.
So yeah, this video is me doing leg curls. Might look like nothing to someone scrolling by. But to me? To others who’ve been told they’re “too old,” “too sick,” “too far gone?” It’s a message.
You’re never too far gone to fight for yourself again.
We all need a little inspiration. Peter gave it to me. Dan gave it to me. And if this clip can give it to someone else—just one person—then hell yes, I’ll keep showing up and sharing the journey, including my commitment to youth education.
To be continued... 🙏
Never surrender! Never Forget!
Movement is Medicine
People Living with HIV/AIDS Can Enjoy Exercising
Fit over 60 - move it or losee it
I was dedicated to fitness long before I ever heard the words HIV or AIDS—and I’ve continued to train, move, and fight for my health every step of the way since. As an HIV long-term survivor for over 43 years, I’ve stayed committed to exercising as much as my body and spirit would allow. Some days were harder than others—but movement has
I was dedicated to fitness long before I ever heard the words HIV or AIDS—and I’ve continued to train, move, and fight for my health every step of the way since. As an HIV long-term survivor for over 43 years, I’ve stayed committed to exercising as much as my body and spirit would allow. Some days were harder than others—but movement has always been part of my medicine, my therapy, and my survival. Through my advocacy activism, I aim to inspire youth education about health and fitness. Fitness didn’t just shape my body—it helped save my life.
People Living with HIV/AIDS Can Enjoy Exercising
People Living with HIV/AIDS Can Enjoy Exercising
People Living with HIV/AIDS Can Enjoy Exercising
Functional fitness isn’t about beach muscles—it’s about survival and advocacy activism. As an HIV long-term survivor living with the virus for 43 years, I train to move, lift, balance, and live fully. From tying my boots to throwing a leg over my motorcycle, this body’s been through hell—but movement keeps it sharp, steady, and strong. Th
Functional fitness isn’t about beach muscles—it’s about survival and advocacy activism. As an HIV long-term survivor living with the virus for 43 years, I train to move, lift, balance, and live fully. From tying my boots to throwing a leg over my motorcycle, this body’s been through hell—but movement keeps it sharp, steady, and strong. This is fitness with purpose, and through youth education, I show how I fight.
Survive!
This is about inspiration—both the kind I’ve received and the kind I hope to pass on through my advocacy activism.
In 2021, I was 260 pounds, barely mobile, and barely holding on. My health was in freefall, and my reflection in the mirror looked like a ghost of who I once was. I honestly thought, “Maybe this is just what it looks like in
This is about inspiration—both the kind I’ve received and the kind I hope to pass on through my advocacy activism.
In 2021, I was 260 pounds, barely mobile, and barely holding on. My health was in freefall, and my reflection in the mirror looked like a ghost of who I once was. I honestly thought, “Maybe this is just what it looks like in your late 50s as an HIV long-term survivor, dealing with heart disease and decades of wear and tear.” After all, my dad died at 59. I was genuinely 'prepared' and had even saved some of my stimulus money for my cremation. But something inside me still had fight. So, with help—my staff, my service dog, and a whole lot of prayer—I got up. Again.
That “again” matters because I’ve had to do this so many times since my HIV/AIDS diagnosis over 40 years ago. Reinvention. Resurrection. Refusal to give in. And here I am at 61—turning 62 next month—doing leg curls and lifting myself back up, one rep at a time.
I recently met Peter, a brother from across the pond. He’s four years HIV positive, clean from drugs, full of faith, and packing on serious muscle. The guy’s younger than me—sure—but he reminded me what’s possible. That fire’s still in me. I want some again. I respect and admire this guy more than words can say.
And I just said goodbye to my brother and fellow gym beast Dan—a true Alpha Male, but the kind who’ll still pick you up like a ballerina during a hug. True story—he lifted my 175-pound self like I was nothing and grinned while doing it. I told him, “I gotta beef up,” and we both got a good laugh! I used to be 200–215 in my prime—maybe I’ll get close again, who knows? My HIV specialist prefers I don’t gain much more weight, but the doctor also adjusted my testosterone prescription recently. Muscle’s holding steady, and energy is creeping back in. I'm doing bands at home, gym sessions when I can—building back lean body mass because I know how crucial it is for someone living with HIV and multiple chronic conditions.
This is more than muscle. It’s medicine. It’s faith. It’s proof that no matter how many times you fall, you can rise again.
So yeah, this video is me doing leg curls. Might look like nothing to someone scrolling by. But to me? To others who’ve been told they’re “too old,” “too sick,” “too far gone?” It’s a message.
You’re never too far gone to fight for yourself again.
We all need a little inspiration. Peter gave it to me. Dan gave it to me. And if this clip can give it to someone else—just one person—then hell yes, I’ll keep showing up and sharing the journey, including my commitment to youth education.
To be continued... 🙏
Never surrender! Never Forget!
I was dedicated to fitness long before I ever heard the words HIV or AIDS—and I’ve continued to train, move, and fight for my health every step of the way since. As an HIV long-term survivor for over 43 years, I’ve stayed committed to exercising as much as my body and spirit would allow. Some days were harder than others—but movement has
I was dedicated to fitness long before I ever heard the words HIV or AIDS—and I’ve continued to train, move, and fight for my health every step of the way since. As an HIV long-term survivor for over 43 years, I’ve stayed committed to exercising as much as my body and spirit would allow. Some days were harder than others—but movement has always been part of my medicine, my therapy, and my survival. Through my advocacy activism, I aim to inspire youth education about health and fitness. Fitness didn’t just shape my body—it helped save my life.
Functional fitness isn’t about beach muscles—it’s about survival and advocacy activism. As an HIV long-term survivor living with the virus for 43 years, I train to move, lift, balance, and live fully. From tying my boots to throwing a leg over my motorcycle, this body’s been through hell—but movement keeps it sharp, steady, and strong. Th
Functional fitness isn’t about beach muscles—it’s about survival and advocacy activism. As an HIV long-term survivor living with the virus for 43 years, I train to move, lift, balance, and live fully. From tying my boots to throwing a leg over my motorcycle, this body’s been through hell—but movement keeps it sharp, steady, and strong. This is fitness with purpose, and through youth education, I show how I fight.