Nothing about this great video was "holiday" except the shirt you wore to record it. Hopefully that wardrobe choice won't keep folks who need to hear this message from watching it the whole year 'round.
This is all great and jealous of your outcome. I'm 41 and tried for 5 years to well look like you and I'm still can't add mass. I am 160 lbs but can't put on muscle at all. Would love to have a challenge out there as my last resort bc 5 years of solid working out, cycling, running....and still the same body. Love the content cheers
Hey Mark, started running after my dad died to covid to save my kids from loosing me to having an unhealthy life style. You Sir have contributed a lot to that last almost 12 months were i managed to stay on track. Thank you! Greetings from Germany
What a perfect motivator.....for all the hype about looking good....end of the day, just being alive has to be the best reward (for everyone around you to!)
Great video. So many helpful tips in 1 vid. A little goes a long way. U will get 80% of the gains with only 50% of the effort. Short on time make up for doing less volume with more intensity. When I ride I race. And when I lift I train harder than last time. People just need to do the best they can. Training does not need to be a full time job and this is coming from a professional bodybuilder who also races on zwift and works A LOT!!!
Hey Greg, just thinking aloud - would you consider a cross channel collaboration with Mark? Perhaps a 2 part video series about Zwift, over 40s bodybuilding / fitness tips or a mutually agreed theme? Part one on your channel, part two here on Marks channel? Cross promotion would probably give you both a nice subscriber bump 🤔
You‘re really one if the most reasonable and sensible fitness youtuber out there! I am 26 now and serve in my countries army, so i spent a decent amount of my life at becoming both generally fit and strong and can say that your approach to fitness is the best and most sound!
I’m 25 and you have no idea how much this and your videos have meant to me in the past few months. I’ve been hitting the gym and trying to be more active when I can for the past month. I feel more energetic, more social, and more active than ever before. The above average mentality in whatever you do in life is a gift!
I was recently on the other side of this question. Overweight, mostly sedentary, just not healthy. I looked at my fit, healthy friends like they were freaks of nature with some mad obsession with health and fitness. A couple of years ago I started playing 5-a-side football once/week. This was a great way to start getting exercise, because everyone else was also sort of unfit, and you can go in goal if you're too tired to run. Most importantly, it was *FUN*, I would look forward to it every week, and even started playing 2x/week. With this slowly-built base fitness, plus being inspired by my ultra-fit friends, I started trying to get fitter and healthier. In 3 months I've lost 9kg. I've started running, and gone from run-walking a 40min 5k, to a 32:25 parkrun @100kg. I'm running or playing football 3-4x/week, and pushing my long runs up to 10k. But this hasn't totally become my life. I still watch TV and play video games and do all the same things I did before, I just do them a bit less, and make time for running. My long run currently only takes about an hour, and often I'd spend more than that watching youtube, listening to music or an audiobook. Now I just do those things while I run. I've realised how much time I was spending doing things that could also be done while I'm out running or walking, so I've not got a good excuse to not do it. I'm still quite new to this routine, and still overweight, so I take plenty of rest days as well, to avoid injuries. I bought more running gear than I need so something's always ready to wear. My shoes live by the door. It's surprising just how low-effort it has been to maintain once I got started.
Mark, this is why you’re such a valuable voice in the fitness community. Always a humor filled yet balanced and knowledgeable perspective that helps make being above average fit achievable.
I love that you acknowledge that some people just don't have the time, point blank period. Seems like a number of fitness influencers forget that it's not always about finding the motivation or switching out TV for the gym
Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. You're probably the only fitness guy out there promoting this way of thinking. And the great thing is this can be applied to all parts of life, not just fitness. Great stuff, as always :)
Its only taken me 50 years to realise that my fitness is part of my life rather than something I bolt on and slog away at, get injured and stop doing for 5 or 10 years, then start the whole cycle over again. I started watching your entertaining videos a year ago, lost 2 stone, started Parkrun and this is the longest I've been fit and maintained it, without injury. Its now become part of my life rather than something I slog away at, get injured and give up. Run, swim and bike are all enjoyable forms of exercise and I've now entered my local sprint triathlon so have something to look forward to next year. Well done for promoting above average Mark; you've hit on something that's really common sense, but most of us get caught up in the elite sport aspiration when being above average is what most of us would be happy with. As always, great content, well produced!
Great video Mark - best yet. Habit traps and inspiration not emulation the biggest takeaways for me. At 63, recovering from a bad accident earlier this year and training for my first Ironman in 2023 I’m learning to accept I can’t perform like my younger counterparts but videos like yours keep me going. Keep up the good work!
Probably the most well thought out and presented argument against this modern “influencer” mentality I’ve heard. This is why you’re successful Mark, you speak the truth that most people need to hear, including myself at times. Keep up the work (not too much though 😉)
Love this stuff Mark, keeping it real. The way I look at it also is that 1/24 of my day working hard to enjoy 23/24 infinitely more (yes, including better sleep) is incredible value-for-effort. And that doesn’t even include living a longer life etc (hopefully). Doing hard things is healthy, keeps your mind fit too. How lucky are we that all we have to do is an hour of hard work per day, for ALL these benefits?
Great message. As a 48 year old bicyclist, I too have taken the approach to balance the passion with life instead of the passion leading my life. Now I’m stronger and fitter though maybe not as strong of a cyclist. Heading into my 50’s in good shape is a great feeling!
Your channel has been influential in how I have approached getting back in shape. I hadn't trained at all following the birth of my youngest (also of 4) three years ago and I woke up in September and decided I wanted to be fit by Christmas. I walk/ran a 5km in 32mins that morning. It's hard for me to fit training in as I have to be out the door at 6:30am and I don't get home until 6:30 pm and the kids get thrown at me by an exhausted Wife! So I decided to get up earlier. I train at 5:30 4 times a week so I don't affect my family or work. And.... You're right, it's not difficult to fit it in. I just ran 10km in 50:22 and I know that's not fast, but I can't believe how far I've come and I've gone from 98.8 to 92kg. Thank you ❤️
That’s a hugely important message that almost nobody is communicating. You and I have a lot in common and I am trying to roughly adopt a similar approach. I don’t want to look like The Rock, I don’t want to be fat, I like the way exercising most days feels. I’ve run sub-3-hour marathons but I’m content to never do that again. Really appreciate this video. This is way more “health orientated” than most fitness stuff online. I like this saying: Taking care of yourself is a gift to those who take care of you.
Ultimately everything has to be sustainable. If the amount of effort you put in, be it a job, a hobby, maintaining the household, or getting fit etc, hinders your ability to either enjoy the fruits of your labour, because you either have no spare time, or you're exhausted, or forever stressing about the "next thing to do" on your list. Then you need to stop doing so much, compromise something, or deal with burning out (when your body finally tells you it's had enough) and you have to take months of sick leave because of a chronic injury, or a breakdown or something else that forces you to stop and reevaluate. Thanks Mark for this video. For championing the "above average" ideal. Not everyone has the time, bank account (or financial freedom) and drive to be an instagram fitness influencer. But it IS possible to get out and run three 5k runs a week, or hit the gym 3-4 times a week to stay generally fit, and prevent injury or ill health due to sedentary lifestyle habits. Thank you again!
Mark, this is a gem of a channel, I'm glad I found it. 40 year old guy from Cornwall, been on and off exercise for many years. Your videos and philosophy resonante with me, deeply. Thank you, and have a great 2023 :)
Great messaging Mark. And a good reminder that perfect is the enemy of good. Whilst we all love watching you do interesting and sometimes amusing stuff, these attitude, balance and habit videos really do hit the mark. Keep it up.
Interestingly, the person I was discussing this topic with on Friday (the prompted this video) ended up using the same quote pretty much - perfectionism is the enemy of good enough.
Thanks brother! At 53 I started getting back into better health for most of the reasons that you mentioned. This video hit the spot with "better than most". I was mentally stuck with that youthful idea of "give it your all" opposed to making the journey more of a fun challenge, and less of a dreadful one. Plus, recovery can be tricky as we get older, so a more controlled pace seems like the way. Keep it going Mark, and maybe host an event with all of us!
Great video, don’t get obsessed with the routine so that you get demotivated if doesn’t pan out, but be completely honest about how your time is spent😊
I cannot overstate how helpful I find your attitude and tips on these topics. I am good at managing my time but I have an exceptionally stressful job in international development, which often leaves me totally fried, mentally and physically exhausted. I'm also a 70.3 triathlete (amateur, but it's still plenty of training!). The key points around forming good habits and making things easy for yourself are just so true. I've moved house to a place with a garage basically just so that I can have my running shoes, bikes and kit absolutely ready to go at the drop of a hat. It's so helpful to take away the mental effort of it all, considering that the physical effort is already plenty! Thanks for the good sense
Since seemingly forever on YT, never commenting on anything, not even 2 minutes into this video... best statements ever made already, looking forward to the next 15 minutes! You truely are an inspiration Mark!
This is refreshing to hear. I was feeling disheartened at not being able to do an unassisted pull up yet, feels like I have been at it for ages! I need to just focus on the PROCESS and getting even just a little bit better! Even if I get to do just one pull up, it's still better than the average as a female.
Totally makes sense. I agree with every point! Being above average is a good place to be! At 69, I am aware of the U-shaped curve of exercise value, and you are in a sweet spot.
Brilliant Video Mark , it’s what makes your videos so good , it’s very relatable to a lot of us , little bits of doing everything and trying your best to be better at them a little bit at a time 👏🏻👏🏻
Your channel has had unbelievable growth over the last year and its clear you work hard and stay true to your values, but are also able to listen to others and glean what you need for you and not be distracted off your path. Happy Christmas to you and congrats on your successes this year! When will we see some of Jen's HYROX progress since you are just mucking about right now? 😆
I'm very grateful for your channel Mark. The vast majority of fitness channels are so convoluted and unrelatable. All of your content is truly inspiring. Cheers mate.
Mark, this is why I love your channel. This video is precisely why this is the kind “fitness influencer” channel people should watch and engage with. Keep doing it!
I pop by and comment from time to time since I decided to take my health and fitness a bit more seriously, and at the moment I'm definitely not doing the best I can. Last week I only made it to the gym twice, and for various reasons I've not been on top of my food either and have been eating crap for the last couple of days. And despite that, I'm still doing much much better than I could ever have done before. A few weeks ago I set myself a new PB 5 kilometre time on the rower at exactly 22:00, and that's a time I could never have hoped for previously. I've signed up with my local cricket club to get back into that after a few years without, and I am noticing real differences in how my body looks and feels. Even if the whole "New Year's Resolution" thing is a cliché, I do plan to use it as a deadline to plan a range of good habit traps for myself for the coming year, because there's a whole range of things I could do that would help me go through each day just a little bit better
Just love the fact that you just say it as it is. The truth the whole truth...... No B.S. mixed in with tremendous wit. Great video Mark, all the best for future endeavours in 23.
Great video mark. I have a 3 yr old daughter and a very demanding job. I’m down from 100kg to 82kg since she was born. Just about to do my first half marathon. I could have chose to watch tv every night but I’m glad I didn’t. It’s all about discipline and priorities. Plus it’s bloody good for your mental health.
Perfect video on how to live a happy healthy life. Yes there’s work involved, but don’t beat yourself up about not following a specific programme. Do you want to run an ultra? Cool know you have to allocate the time for that. Don’t fancy putting that time in, no problem, you can still do the exercise you feel like. The point is, doing exercise in any form is good, and certainly better than what a lot of folk are doing. If you’re enjoying it and want to take it further, that’s great, but don’t feel any pressure to just because you’ve seen someone else doing on social media.
This for me is the best video you have done this year, your channel has really made me look at how i see fitness and what it means to me. Have been over training for years and then found your channel and made a lot of changes. Just excellent advise all round.
Mark, this is probably your best video to date, really hits the mark (sorry not intentional) about exercise and how it should fit into the “above average “ and not “above average” athletes lives. Awesome videos thanks 👍
Watching this video this morning motivated me to get out. I'm not at your level, but I don't have to be. I can't run yet (20 a day guy) but I can walk 20k on a nice Saturday. And besides the smoking, you're videos make me feel OK with just doing what I can do. And seeing you push yourself to the max, makes me see.. I could push a little bit harder too. I'm not you, and I can't do what you can do, but I can can make gains, and absolutely have. 3 miles turned into 4, turned into 8, turned into cycling 7 miles, turned into cycling 12 up to 15. Just, thank you.
I like this video because it shows the key to avoiding mental burnout so common in fitness. Be committed, but not obsessed. You have got the balance just right 👍
this is such an eye opener for me ,i need to take a day or two just to organize stuff, I'm always looking for stuff or wasting time on things without realising.
This really brings out a good message that says "Balance is the real key in life" having too much toxic stuff would obviously be bad, but having too much good doesn't mean the world is super great either.
This video is the quintessential Mark Lewis. I feel like you have touched on a lot of this before in other videos, but I could still watch one of these videos every month and feel inspired.
I gotta say, this is the best TH-cam fitness channel. Love it because you guys work hard but don't go overkill. Plus the humor, content and discussion in the videos are always great. Keep up the excellent work.
This is great Mark, absolutely love this channel and the only fitness TH-camr I really watch as it's so honest and refreshing. Really helps keep me motivated on my fitness journey. Ran my first trail race today, 18km. Finished in the top 50%. Just Above average is such a great goal
I just want to say thank you for this video, I think I needed this for my fitness journey coming up. I am training for a Spartan Race and began to get overwhelmed thinking that I need to be in the best shape possible in order to do well. This video has brought me back down to earth in thinking in more realistic terms. Thank you
Spartan is acting like a 10 year old in a field! Go and have fun and push hard - thats it. I've won a couple of age groups at Spartan... But my favourite runs were some of the first where I was nearly last, but just enjoyed it😁
I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and nuance, here. I am so sick and tired of the youtube/insta culture of sensationalist and clickbaity type stuff, I really appreciate you not doing that and offering some nuance, talking about individual people's goals, balance and moderation, etc. You just gained a follower off this video.
Mark . The best video you have done to date. Not many out there I would care to watch twice but this one is a cut above the rest of the TH-camrs massaging thier egos.
You're an inspiration, but I know better than to emulate anything but your attitude. Good idea to workout when the kids are getting their sports in. When I was a kid, my dad was smoking in the car, and he's gone already. I turned 40 this year and I want to do better for my three kids. I also want to enjoy it and not have burn out from too much exercise, which I did last summer. This is one of your best uploads, thank you.
Sorry to hear your dad is gone - I'm nearly 50 and mine is still out walking the dog 5 miles every day at 85. I value that more than if he saw me play football in 1983. And burn out is ok...it lets you know where the edge is 😁 Just avoid next time......better to bump into burnout than go the otherway.
Hey Mark I really like the content you put out. Sharing your personal story and how you get on day to day is really relatable for the average person and amateur in fitness. You show what is realistically achievable for most people.
Hey Mark, Fantastic channel! I love your attitude! I’m a 48 yo father of a 5 yo girl who’s lost 30 lbs since January. I love that You run & lift & love the runs with Nixon!! Keep up the good work Brother & please tell me where to get that T-shirt! We appreciate the motivation 🏋🏼♂️
I'm glad i found your channel. I'm 47 and just recently started running. Found out about parkrun through you and found that my city in Canada has 1! I signed up today! 😀
I learned about parkrun and atomic habits from your channel. Both have changed my life for the better in a number of ways. Thanks for doing what you do
For your age, you are above the average, you're in the top 15%. But your mindset and approach towards sport/life is something which is really worth admiring.
Somehow I missed this 5 days ago, but after watching it today I do feel compelled to comment due to this video being truley inspiring in it's reasonableness. Great work.
"to me - that's balance" - thank you so much Mark for this awesome video. It's just always a pleasure to watch your videos, to learn about your thoughts on things and to also get kind of a "confirmation" on my own thoughts ;) Love the approach you are going for, more or less the same I am also going after - being the best athlete I can (achieve to) be, without (over-) compromising on REAL life :) Also, knowing to ALWAYS and consistently being able to perform (way) above average keeps intrinsically motivated, makes me proud of myself and keeps me going on and on and on :)
Well explained. A lesson in life, let alone fitness. By using social media as a tool rather than a lifestyle, people have a better understanding of what you explain here. Otherwise, you're always chasing a dream rather than being honest with your own particular characteristics. Know everything. But know thyself better.
Long-time watcher, first-time commenter. Probably the most helpful and important video I've seen you put out (which is saying something amidst the deluge of great content you put out, Mark.)
Really good video! Timely reminder for me as i ramp up my training for my 2023 goal. That i need to be careful not to let it ovetake my life, just to be seconds better up a mountain on a bike and still leave me trailing the pro's strava times. Sometimes just enjoying the journey and being able to ride the mountain is enough.
Mark this was definitely one of your best insights into a a balanced life so far. Intrigued by the Namibia trip. Also one of my highlights. Think I speak for everyone when I say we would love to see a review and highlights of that trip one day on the channel!
A thing I do since covid lockdowns is home workouts. I do 2 gym workouts in the week, but a small workout at home in between. Just a few sets of push ups and pull ups and some assistance exercises with a chest expander. Takes 20-30 mins and no time traveling
Love this! Good reminder that we should enjoy the process more and focus less on the ABSOLUTE BEST results we can achieve. As you pointed out, is it fun to do that sometimes? Sure, but what most of us are looking for is a sustainable lifestyle.
Another great and inspirational video Mark, thanks! I'm guilty of previously following some Dubai based influencers but soon tired of the unrealistic image and ultimately shallow content. Thanks for keeping it real!
Listening to you talk about this is how I enjoy going to the gym again and how I got myself to dobmy first OCR this year and even go for the 100km walk event called death walk.
Love this video big dude. Said it perfectly. For myself as a guy who was once trying to be a 'pro athlete' while having a full time job I have realised at 45 how little I now have to do to be 'better than average' Three sessions a week, one 5 - 10 k run with a good full body weights session, one boxing session on the bag with some prowler (sled) sprints at the end and one good hard HIIT session is more than enough imo. My mates say the same thing ref having time, but forget most of my sessions are at 8.30pm when both my little kids are in bed when they are 'binge watching' another TV show. I STILL have 4 full nights to watch rubbish TV with my missus on the sofa. All about balance. If your new to fitness try it, works great for me.
I can’t agree more with your statement. I’m 59 and served 5 years in the FFL. I’m still pretty fit (1.90 and 85kg) and I take care of my diet. I train everyday and I love that!!!! The only concern is injury!!! I have to find the sweet spot between good training and no injury… I wish to start BJJ but the injury risk scares me… New Year resolution most likely… Keep making awesome videos!!!!
Excellent video Mark, really good of you to unpack your day and give us this insight. Lots of reflection back to Atomic Habits (damn fine read), duck pond clip (twice.!), plenty of SMEG product placement (did you get sponsored.?), potential walking Olympian and a few digs at Liver King LOL.
I felt I was the only person on TH-cam not to have a copious amounts of liver King footage - I thought four seconds might go someway towards fixing that 😂
This is way better "fitness" content than all out there, I think in future vids you should mention how or why you moved or changed workouts to promote better fitness relationship. Great vid.
Love your channel Mark, really resonates with me - I'm just coming up for 48 this month and was (until August just passed), a 14.5 stone sedentary guy @ 5 feet 8", eating and drinking too much and moving too little. From the baby steps of run-walk intervals (leaving me gasping for breath), I'm now down to a 24 minute parkrun time, nearly 3 stones lighter and a much happier, healthier person. Am I obsessive? No, not really, just focused on being a better version of me, both physically and mentally. Nonetheless, I've pigged out on chocolate a bit today, which has become a minor vice since cutting back on alcohol to it being a treat only, inconceivable just a few short months ago - couldn't wait for Friday and, quite often, tearing through 2-3 bottles of wine, whilst listening to music and podcasts. As you say, it's all about balance and I feel (like you) I've got it just about right. For me.
If everyone in the UK did a 24 min parkrun you'd have a LOT of doctors and nurses with nothing to do anymore! (and some big pharma companies going bust!)
Conversation with friends who assumed I worked out 24/7 and a couple of emails I got promoted this one... (spoiler....I don't work out 24/7 😂)
Nothing about this great video was "holiday" except the shirt you wore to record it. Hopefully that wardrobe choice won't keep folks who need to hear this message from watching it the whole year 'round.
@@1519Spring I swapped it for the thumbnail, just to keep it Evergreen 😂
As a reality check, is this still with TRT?
This is all great and jealous of your outcome. I'm 41 and tried for 5 years to well look like you and I'm still can't add mass. I am 160 lbs but can't put on muscle at all. Would love to have a challenge out there as my last resort bc 5 years of solid working out, cycling, running....and still the same body. Love the content cheers
@@HairRival yes, hormone treatment is typically for life. Like glasses 😂
Hey Mark, started running after my dad died to covid to save my kids from loosing me to having an unhealthy life style. You Sir have contributed a lot to that last almost 12 months were i managed to stay on track. Thank you! Greetings from Germany
What a perfect motivator.....for all the hype about looking good....end of the day, just being alive has to be the best reward (for everyone around you to!)
Well done
Sorry for your loss. Hope you’re still on the fitness journey
Great video. So many helpful tips in 1 vid.
A little goes a long way. U will get 80% of the gains with only 50% of the effort. Short on time make up for doing less volume with more intensity. When I ride I race. And when I lift I train harder than last time.
People just need to do the best they can. Training does not need to be a full time job and this is coming from a professional bodybuilder who also races on zwift and works A LOT!!!
Thanks Greg. 🙏 Was going to skip training tonight but as you’ve commented I feel obliged to jump on Zwift 😂 and get a race in 💪
@@MarkLewisfitness Thanks for introducing me to Zwift. I did four horsemen today. I 'just got round' 4:45. I've never felt so exhausted 😂
@@tombarnes2652 that is a crazy route. Only done it once. 🥵🤮
Hey Greg, just thinking aloud - would you consider a cross channel collaboration with Mark? Perhaps a 2 part video series about Zwift, over 40s bodybuilding / fitness tips or a mutually agreed theme? Part one on your channel, part two here on Marks channel? Cross promotion would probably give you both a nice subscriber bump 🤔
@@stephen_101 dude I would love that. Been following both since well before they grew to this level
You‘re really one if the most reasonable and sensible fitness youtuber out there!
I am 26 now and serve in my countries army, so i spent a decent amount of my life at becoming both generally fit and strong and can say that your approach to fitness is the best and most sound!
I’m 25 and you have no idea how much this and your videos have meant to me in the past few months. I’ve been hitting the gym and trying to be more active when I can for the past month. I feel more energetic, more social, and more active than ever before. The above average mentality in whatever you do in life is a gift!
Thanks! You inspire me before every workout and got me to find and participate in my local Parkrun. 😊
🙏 🙏 🙏 Thanks!
I was recently on the other side of this question.
Overweight, mostly sedentary, just not healthy. I looked at my fit, healthy friends like they were freaks of nature with some mad obsession with health and fitness.
A couple of years ago I started playing 5-a-side football once/week. This was a great way to start getting exercise, because everyone else was also sort of unfit, and you can go in goal if you're too tired to run. Most importantly, it was *FUN*, I would look forward to it every week, and even started playing 2x/week.
With this slowly-built base fitness, plus being inspired by my ultra-fit friends, I started trying to get fitter and healthier.
In 3 months I've lost 9kg. I've started running, and gone from run-walking a 40min 5k, to a 32:25 parkrun @100kg.
I'm running or playing football 3-4x/week, and pushing my long runs up to 10k.
But this hasn't totally become my life. I still watch TV and play video games and do all the same things I did before, I just do them a bit less, and make time for running.
My long run currently only takes about an hour, and often I'd spend more than that watching youtube, listening to music or an audiobook. Now I just do those things while I run.
I've realised how much time I was spending doing things that could also be done while I'm out running or walking, so I've not got a good excuse to not do it.
I'm still quite new to this routine, and still overweight, so I take plenty of rest days as well, to avoid injuries.
I bought more running gear than I need so something's always ready to wear. My shoes live by the door.
It's surprising just how low-effort it has been to maintain once I got started.
Mark, this is why you’re such a valuable voice in the fitness community. Always a humor filled yet balanced and knowledgeable perspective that helps make being above average fit achievable.
I love that you acknowledge that some people just don't have the time, point blank period. Seems like a number of fitness influencers forget that it's not always about finding the motivation or switching out TV for the gym
Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. You're probably the only fitness guy out there promoting this way of thinking. And the great thing is this can be applied to all parts of life, not just fitness. Great stuff, as always :)
Its only taken me 50 years to realise that my fitness is part of my life rather than something I bolt on and slog away at, get injured and stop doing for 5 or 10 years, then start the whole cycle over again. I started watching your entertaining videos a year ago, lost 2 stone, started Parkrun and this is the longest I've been fit and maintained it, without injury. Its now become part of my life rather than something I slog away at, get injured and give up. Run, swim and bike are all enjoyable forms of exercise and I've now entered my local sprint triathlon so have something to look forward to next year. Well done for promoting above average Mark; you've hit on something that's really common sense, but most of us get caught up in the elite sport aspiration when being above average is what most of us would be happy with. As always, great content, well produced!
Great video Mark - best yet. Habit traps and inspiration not emulation the biggest takeaways for me. At 63, recovering from a bad accident earlier this year and training for my first Ironman in 2023 I’m learning to accept I can’t perform like my younger counterparts but videos like yours keep me going. Keep up the good work!
Yep - I hear a lot of people getting bogged down about comparing themselves to people, they just should not be bothered about!
Probably the most well thought out and presented argument against this modern “influencer” mentality I’ve heard. This is why you’re successful Mark, you speak the truth that most people need to hear, including myself at times. Keep up the work (not too much though 😉)
Just enough 🤣
Love this stuff Mark, keeping it real. The way I look at it also is that 1/24 of my day working hard to enjoy 23/24 infinitely more (yes, including better sleep) is incredible value-for-effort. And that doesn’t even include living a longer life etc (hopefully). Doing hard things is healthy, keeps your mind fit too. How lucky are we that all we have to do is an hour of hard work per day, for ALL these benefits?
Great message. As a 48 year old bicyclist, I too have taken the approach to balance the passion with life instead of the passion leading my life. Now I’m stronger and fitter though maybe not as strong of a cyclist. Heading into my 50’s in good shape is a great feeling!
Your channel has been influential in how I have approached getting back in shape. I hadn't trained at all following the birth of my youngest (also of 4) three years ago and I woke up in September and decided I wanted to be fit by Christmas. I walk/ran a 5km in 32mins that morning. It's hard for me to fit training in as I have to be out the door at 6:30am and I don't get home until 6:30 pm and the kids get thrown at me by an exhausted Wife! So I decided to get up earlier. I train at 5:30 4 times a week so I don't affect my family or work. And.... You're right, it's not difficult to fit it in. I just ran 10km in 50:22 and I know that's not fast, but I can't believe how far I've come and I've gone from 98.8 to 92kg. Thank you ❤️
That’s a hugely important message that almost nobody is communicating. You and I have a lot in common and I am trying to roughly adopt a similar approach. I don’t want to look like The Rock, I don’t want to be fat, I like the way exercising most days feels. I’ve run sub-3-hour marathons but I’m content to never do that again. Really appreciate this video. This is way more “health orientated” than most fitness stuff online.
I like this saying:
Taking care of yourself is a gift to those who take care of you.
Sensible fitness advice on TH-cam... nice. Keep it up Mark! Great stuff.
Ultimately everything has to be sustainable.
If the amount of effort you put in, be it a job, a hobby, maintaining the household, or getting fit etc, hinders your ability to either enjoy the fruits of your labour, because you either have no spare time, or you're exhausted, or forever stressing about the "next thing to do" on your list.
Then you need to stop doing so much, compromise something, or deal with burning out (when your body finally tells you it's had enough) and you have to take months of sick leave because of a chronic injury, or a breakdown or something else that forces you to stop and reevaluate.
Thanks Mark for this video. For championing the "above average" ideal. Not everyone has the time, bank account (or financial freedom) and drive to be an instagram fitness influencer. But it IS possible to get out and run three 5k runs a week, or hit the gym 3-4 times a week to stay generally fit, and prevent injury or ill health due to sedentary lifestyle habits.
Thank you again!
Mark, this is a gem of a channel, I'm glad I found it. 40 year old guy from Cornwall, been on and off exercise for many years. Your videos and philosophy resonante with me, deeply. Thank you, and have a great 2023 :)
Great messaging Mark. And a good reminder that perfect is the enemy of good. Whilst we all love watching you do interesting and sometimes amusing stuff, these attitude, balance and habit videos really do hit the mark. Keep it up.
Interestingly, the person I was discussing this topic with on Friday (the prompted this video) ended up using the same quote pretty much - perfectionism is the enemy of good enough.
Thanks brother! At 53 I started getting back into better health for most of the reasons that you mentioned. This video hit the spot with "better than most". I was mentally stuck with that youthful idea of "give it your all" opposed to making the journey more of a fun challenge, and less of a dreadful one. Plus, recovery can be tricky as we get older, so a more controlled pace seems like the way. Keep it going Mark, and maybe host an event with all of us!
Great video, don’t get obsessed with the routine so that you get demotivated if doesn’t pan out, but be completely honest about how your time is spent😊
I cannot overstate how helpful I find your attitude and tips on these topics. I am good at managing my time but I have an exceptionally stressful job in international development, which often leaves me totally fried, mentally and physically exhausted. I'm also a 70.3 triathlete (amateur, but it's still plenty of training!). The key points around forming good habits and making things easy for yourself are just so true. I've moved house to a place with a garage basically just so that I can have my running shoes, bikes and kit absolutely ready to go at the drop of a hat. It's so helpful to take away the mental effort of it all, considering that the physical effort is already plenty! Thanks for the good sense
Since seemingly forever on YT, never commenting on anything, not even 2 minutes into this video... best statements ever made already, looking forward to the next 15 minutes! You truely are an inspiration Mark!
2 minutes further in, not much information but laughed 3 times
after watching the whole video i can say "yup, you nailed it"! I wish everone above 35 getting into fitness would watch this exact video first
ok nevermind, did not mention Nixon even once, forget everything i said :P
This is refreshing to hear. I was feeling disheartened at not being able to do an unassisted pull up yet, feels like I have been at it for ages! I need to just focus on the PROCESS and getting even just a little bit better! Even if I get to do just one pull up, it's still better than the average as a female.
Totally makes sense. I agree with every point! Being above average is a good place to be! At 69, I am aware of the U-shaped curve of exercise value, and you are in a sweet spot.
Brilliant Video Mark , it’s what makes your videos so good , it’s very relatable to a lot of us , little bits of doing everything and trying your best to be better at them a little bit at a time 👏🏻👏🏻
Your channel has had unbelievable growth over the last year and its clear you work hard and stay true to your values, but are also able to listen to others and glean what you need for you and not be distracted off your path. Happy Christmas to you and congrats on your successes this year! When will we see some of Jen's HYROX progress since you are just mucking about right now? 😆
Jen has an update video coming over xmas and she races solo the end of Jan!!!!!! Exciting times! (and thanks for your kind feedback 🙏)
I'm very grateful for your channel Mark. The vast majority of fitness channels are so convoluted and unrelatable. All of your content is truly inspiring. Cheers mate.
Good stuff Mark. Your fitness serves your life, not the other way around.
Mark, this is why I love your channel. This video is precisely why this is the kind “fitness influencer” channel people should watch and engage with.
Keep doing it!
And enjoy that Christmas candy! Super honest and entertaining! Thanks for that! You're the only guy on TH-cam who makes me laugh out every episode!
I pop by and comment from time to time since I decided to take my health and fitness a bit more seriously, and at the moment I'm definitely not doing the best I can. Last week I only made it to the gym twice, and for various reasons I've not been on top of my food either and have been eating crap for the last couple of days.
And despite that, I'm still doing much much better than I could ever have done before. A few weeks ago I set myself a new PB 5 kilometre time on the rower at exactly 22:00, and that's a time I could never have hoped for previously. I've signed up with my local cricket club to get back into that after a few years without, and I am noticing real differences in how my body looks and feels.
Even if the whole "New Year's Resolution" thing is a cliché, I do plan to use it as a deadline to plan a range of good habit traps for myself for the coming year, because there's a whole range of things I could do that would help me go through each day just a little bit better
Just love the fact that you just say it as it is. The truth the whole truth......
No B.S. mixed in with tremendous wit. Great video Mark, all the best for future endeavours in 23.
Your awesome, love the positivity and realism of your message. Happy Christmas mate 👍🏻👋
Thanks, you too!
Great video mark. I have a 3 yr old daughter and a very demanding job. I’m down from 100kg to 82kg since she was born. Just about to do my first half marathon.
I could have chose to watch tv every night but I’m glad I didn’t. It’s all about discipline and priorities. Plus it’s bloody good for your mental health.
Aspire to be above average. In a world that tells you to aspire to be the best at everything, this is comforting!
Perfect video on how to live a happy healthy life. Yes there’s work involved, but don’t beat yourself up about not following a specific programme. Do you want to run an ultra? Cool know you have to allocate the time for that. Don’t fancy putting that time in, no problem, you can still do the exercise you feel like. The point is, doing exercise in any form is good, and certainly better than what a lot of folk are doing. If you’re enjoying it and want to take it further, that’s great, but don’t feel any pressure to just because you’ve seen someone else doing on social media.
This for me is the best video you have done this year, your channel has really made me look at how i see fitness and what it means to me. Have been over training for years and then found your channel and made a lot of changes. Just excellent advise all round.
Mark, this is probably your best video to date, really hits the mark (sorry not intentional) about exercise and how it should fit into the “above average “ and not “above average” athletes lives. Awesome videos thanks 👍
I subbed for your honesty!!! Thank you for being REAL!! Geez. Why is it so hard for people too talk straight!
Watching this video this morning motivated me to get out. I'm not at your level, but I don't have to be. I can't run yet (20 a day guy) but I can walk 20k on a nice Saturday. And besides the smoking, you're videos make me feel OK with just doing what I can do. And seeing you push yourself to the max, makes me see.. I could push a little bit harder too. I'm not you, and I can't do what you can do, but I can can make gains, and absolutely have. 3 miles turned into 4, turned into 8, turned into cycling 7 miles, turned into cycling 12 up to 15. Just, thank you.
I like this video because it shows the key to avoiding mental burnout so common in fitness. Be committed, but not obsessed. You have got the balance just right 👍
Thanks for the inspiration Mark.😀
Happy Christmas from Northern Alberta Canada 🎄. Have some chocolate chips on me.
Thank you - means a LOT 🙏
Excellent video. I burst out laughing at the insert of the race walking challenge. It's still so good.
Thanks!
🙏 🙏 🙏 Thank you!
Respect for this. Know what you want and drive for it.
Also LOVED YOUR COFFEE MAKING COMMENT! Made me laugh out loud!
this is such an eye opener for me ,i need to take a day or two just to organize stuff, I'm always looking for stuff or wasting time on things without realising.
This really brings out a good message that says "Balance is the real key in life" having too much toxic stuff would obviously be bad, but having too much good doesn't mean the world is super great either.
Props for the honesty and not trying to look like a superhuman.
Edit: and, of course, for the very useful tips and insights on staying on the path.
One of your very best video’s Mark. Thank you. I am over 50 and whilst I push harder than most it is collective experiences that matter.
Finally under a 25 min 5k today! Coming to Scotland for a few months in January. I’d love to do a park run with with you sometime!
Humility and relatability are just two of the reasons why I like these videos. Thank you for posting.
This video is the quintessential Mark Lewis. I feel like you have touched on a lot of this before in other videos, but I could still watch one of these videos every month and feel inspired.
You're a leader Mark and a well above average one. What you say makes complete sense.
Great advice, be fit and enjoy it but make sure you have a balanced life.
I looooove your channel! I always listen to it in the car!
This is hands down the best “motivational” fitness video on TH-cam.
'Get in the ocean-wait for the waves'-LOVE that
I gotta say, this is the best TH-cam fitness channel. Love it because you guys work hard but don't go overkill. Plus the humor, content and discussion in the videos are always great. Keep up the excellent work.
This is great Mark, absolutely love this channel and the only fitness TH-camr I really watch as it's so honest and refreshing. Really helps keep me motivated on my fitness journey. Ran my first trail race today, 18km. Finished in the top 50%. Just Above average is such a great goal
I just want to say thank you for this video, I think I needed this for my fitness journey coming up. I am training for a Spartan Race and began to get overwhelmed thinking that I need to be in the best shape possible in order to do well. This video has brought me back down to earth in thinking in more realistic terms. Thank you
Spartan is acting like a 10 year old in a field! Go and have fun and push hard - thats it. I've won a couple of age groups at Spartan... But my favourite runs were some of the first where I was nearly last, but just enjoyed it😁
@@MarkLewisfitness sounds good! Thanks again, really enjoying the content!
I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and nuance, here. I am so sick and tired of the youtube/insta culture of sensationalist and clickbaity type stuff, I really appreciate you not doing that and offering some nuance, talking about individual people's goals, balance and moderation, etc. You just gained a follower off this video.
Mark . The best video you have done to date. Not many out there I would care to watch twice but this one is a cut above the rest of the TH-camrs massaging thier egos.
Reasonable advice. You will go far on this TH-cam thing. Inspiring. Thank you as always.
You're an inspiration, but I know better than to emulate anything but your attitude. Good idea to workout when the kids are getting their sports in. When I was a kid, my dad was smoking in the car, and he's gone already. I turned 40 this year and I want to do better for my three kids. I also want to enjoy it and not have burn out from too much exercise, which I did last summer. This is one of your best uploads, thank you.
Sorry to hear your dad is gone - I'm nearly 50 and mine is still out walking the dog 5 miles every day at 85. I value that more than if he saw me play football in 1983. And burn out is ok...it lets you know where the edge is 😁 Just avoid next time......better to bump into burnout than go the otherway.
Hey Mark I really like the content you put out. Sharing your personal story and how you get on day to day is really relatable for the average person and amateur in fitness. You show what is realistically achievable for most people.
Inspiring! One of the best video’s for anyone trying to find their path and get fit!
Hey Mark, Fantastic channel! I love your attitude! I’m a 48 yo father of a 5 yo girl who’s lost 30 lbs since January. I love that You run & lift & love the runs with Nixon!! Keep up the good work Brother & please tell me where to get that T-shirt! We appreciate the motivation 🏋🏼♂️
I'm glad i found your channel. I'm 47 and just recently started running. Found out about parkrun through you and found that my city in Canada has 1! I signed up today! 😀
I learned about parkrun and atomic habits from your channel. Both have changed my life for the better in a number of ways. Thanks for doing what you do
My fav fitness/motivational person on TH-cam. I hope you prosper sir
Thanks
Thank YOU! 🙏
For your age, you are above the average, you're in the top 15%. But your mindset and approach towards sport/life is something which is really worth admiring.
Somehow I missed this 5 days ago, but after watching it today I do feel compelled to comment due to this video being truley inspiring in it's reasonableness. Great work.
"to me - that's balance" - thank you so much Mark for this awesome video. It's just always a pleasure to watch your videos, to learn about your thoughts on things and to also get kind of a "confirmation" on my own thoughts ;) Love the approach you are going for, more or less the same I am also going after - being the best athlete I can (achieve to) be, without (over-) compromising on REAL life :) Also, knowing to ALWAYS and consistently being able to perform (way) above average keeps intrinsically motivated, makes me proud of myself and keeps me going on and on and on :)
God, Mark I love your reality talks...and your humor! Thanks for your content!
Well explained.
A lesson in life, let alone fitness.
By using social media as a tool rather than a lifestyle, people have a better understanding of what you explain here. Otherwise, you're always chasing a dream rather than being honest with your own particular characteristics.
Know everything. But know thyself better.
In a word, Brilliant. You are making a difference.
Always nice to watch a fitness video without the bs or trying to sell you something 👏🏼
Long-time watcher, first-time commenter. Probably the most helpful and important video I've seen you put out (which is saying something amidst the deluge of great content you put out, Mark.)
😁 Thanks - got some daft stuff coming up so thought a thoughtful one would be good!
Really good video! Timely reminder for me as i ramp up my training for my 2023 goal. That i need to be careful not to let it ovetake my life, just to be seconds better up a mountain on a bike and still leave me trailing the pro's strava times. Sometimes just enjoying the journey and being able to ride the mountain is enough.
This is my favourite video you've made to date. Such great messaging. Super balanced outlook on fitness and life as a whole. I needed to hear this.
Great video, very inspiring. “Get in the ocean, wait for the wave” seems like a great merch idea.
Great question ! Don't want to be so fit it takes too much to maintain...
Mark this was definitely one of your best insights into a a balanced life so far. Intrigued by the Namibia trip. Also one of my highlights. Think I speak for everyone when I say we would love to see a review and highlights of that trip one day on the channel!
A thing I do since covid lockdowns is home workouts. I do 2 gym workouts in the week, but a small workout at home in between. Just a few sets of push ups and pull ups and some assistance exercises with a chest expander. Takes 20-30 mins and no time traveling
This is such a good message mate - thanks for putting it out there.
Love this! Good reminder that we should enjoy the process more and focus less on the ABSOLUTE BEST results we can achieve. As you pointed out, is it fun to do that sometimes? Sure, but what most of us are looking for is a sustainable lifestyle.
Your approach the health and fitness is so refreshing, really glad I found this channel a few weeks ago.
Another great and inspirational video Mark, thanks! I'm guilty of previously following some Dubai based influencers but soon tired of the unrealistic image and ultimately shallow content. Thanks for keeping it real!
Dropping knowledge that needs to be heard! Keep it up!!
This is so true, as a avid exerciser less is more than recover😉 great vid as always mate
Listening to you talk about this is how I enjoy going to the gym again and how I got myself to dobmy first OCR this year and even go for the 100km walk event called death walk.
Love this video big dude. Said it perfectly.
For myself as a guy who was once trying to be a 'pro athlete' while having a full time job I have realised at 45 how little I now have to do to be 'better than average'
Three sessions a week, one 5 - 10 k run with a good full body weights session, one boxing session on the bag with some prowler (sled) sprints at the end and one good hard HIIT session is more than enough imo.
My mates say the same thing ref having time, but forget most of my sessions are at 8.30pm when both my little kids are in bed when they are 'binge watching' another TV show. I STILL have 4 full nights to watch rubbish TV with my missus on the sofa. All about balance.
If your new to fitness try it, works great for me.
I can’t agree more with your statement. I’m 59 and served 5 years in the FFL. I’m still pretty fit (1.90 and 85kg) and I take care of my diet. I train everyday and I love that!!!! The only concern is injury!!! I have to find the sweet spot between good training and no injury… I wish to start BJJ but the injury risk scares me… New Year resolution most likely…
Keep making awesome videos!!!!
Excellent video Mark, really good of you to unpack your day and give us this insight. Lots of reflection back to Atomic Habits (damn fine read), duck pond clip (twice.!), plenty of SMEG product placement (did you get sponsored.?), potential walking Olympian and a few digs at Liver King LOL.
I felt I was the only person on TH-cam not to have a copious amounts of liver King footage - I thought four seconds might go someway towards fixing that 😂
@@MarkLewisfitness it would be hilarious if for say, April fools, you put out a spoof fitness influencer video. I’m laughing just thinking about it.
This is way better "fitness" content than all out there, I think in future vids you should mention how or why you moved or changed workouts to promote better fitness relationship. Great vid.
Love your channel Mark, really resonates with me - I'm just coming up for 48 this month and was (until August just passed), a 14.5 stone sedentary guy @ 5 feet 8", eating and drinking too much and moving too little. From the baby steps of run-walk intervals (leaving me gasping for breath), I'm now down to a 24 minute parkrun time, nearly 3 stones lighter and a much happier, healthier person. Am I obsessive? No, not really, just focused on being a better version of me, both physically and mentally. Nonetheless, I've pigged out on chocolate a bit today, which has become a minor vice since cutting back on alcohol to it being a treat only, inconceivable just a few short months ago - couldn't wait for Friday and, quite often, tearing through 2-3 bottles of wine, whilst listening to music and podcasts.
As you say, it's all about balance and I feel (like you) I've got it just about right. For me.
If everyone in the UK did a 24 min parkrun you'd have a LOT of doctors and nurses with nothing to do anymore! (and some big pharma companies going bust!)