2 MONTHS of cheat days in a row....what was the result?

Cheat days are cool. 60 in a row is less cool...but not the end of the world.
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#cheatday #fatloss #marklewis

[@cstephens16]

love the honesty and approach. comforting to see someone else riding the roller coaster other than me.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Mark. I really appreciate this. Over the past 3 years, I have had my times where I wasn't interested in training. But, I realized that it's part of the up and downs of fitness life. You really put it into perspective for me, and it's nice to know it's not just me. My last period of inactivity was ubrubtly ended when my 5 year old boy asked me " daddy, when are you going to get your muscles back?" That is all it took to turn the switch. Love your channel, Cheers from Boston U.S.A....

[@MarkLewisfitness]

"daddy, when are you going to get your muscles back" now THAT is a motivational quote to write on the wall of your gym!!!!!

[@clintanthony1779]

Mate I'm hearing ya. My kids think I'm superman but lately I feel like im Clark Kent.

[@accidentalactivist9633]

@@MarkLewisfitness Or alternatively just don't have kids. Good to see you're human after all ;)

[@franciscomoren0]

Your boy is an accomplished motivational coach !!! ...and, only 5 y-o cheers.

[@PAULPICKLES]

Amazing! Even more proof Mark is human and a brilliantly honest man! Love the roller coaster journey Mark. I'll be watching the pain and the glory.💪

[@Darren.Lindsay]

I've been off my wagon since end of 2020 - Went from 90kg to 120kg. So far down 15 but I keep trying to push myself too hard, too fast and trying to push through training while cutting massive amounts of calories/skipping meals. I went from being on my wagon to being dragged behind it, then pushing through to pulling the wagon and then ran over by the wagon when I crash...

[@crankgreenwatts]

Great video Mark as like many in a similar position. Coming from a very sporting background it becomes very easy to hate yourself as-well; so getting back on the wagon is even harder. I've gone from 120Kg @ 5ft10in to 70Kg. Made 'A' cat in Zwift racing and now worry about losing that. Current economic state in the UK really does not help with price rises and mental well being; so we turn to cheap pick-me ups 😥 Am sad others are going through the same but if we share we all conquer and move forwards. Please keep on posting 💪👍

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

Probably one of the best most informative talks you have done. I have at times gone in to deep depression because of the fact that after 6 months of killing it, spent 3 months on the wagon with John Wayne and the others. Work and study demands mean you literally have to fight like Rocky for the ability to have a life that doesn’t suck and is adventurous and inspiring. Last week I got my Harley out of mothballs for the sheer fact that petrol is so expensive it’s now a thing. So my arms began to ache just from moving it around in my basement car park in my apartment that’s my wake up call that and the fact I going to bed at 2 am after doing university assessments not good

[@Totalavulsion]

Coming from a cycling background and racing to a high level, you can’t keep on it all the time. Burnout occurs, both psychologically and physiologically. A cycle of build and taper is always needed together with planned m periods of reduced intensity. Maybe your expectations are too high in terms of trying to be top end all the time?

[@yasid9851]

Thank you Mark, It’s so good to know someone else is going through something similar to me. I ran three half marathons this year which was a huge accomplishment for me being 113kg this time last year and not even being able to run 1k continuously. After the third half marathon I was down to 86kg and was getting a lot of attention and compliments from my peers which felt good and I felt validated enough that I got a sense of false confidence I stopped sticking to my regular training and having a lot of excess calories. My mentality feels weak, I keep beating myself up which makes me want to seek comfort and keep taking in more calories and spiral down an unhealthy rabbit hole. This video really opened my eyes and thank you for putting to words how I’m feeling.

[@nkish]

True words! When ever anyone asks me about getting started in fitness, I say that -any- day you wake up and you feel like doing it (that click for you), then do it! Don’t wait until any specific day or week or month to get started as it’s likely never to happen. The other part of starting is to just start with anything that puts you on that path. Take that first step, even a small one, anything, to start. (Starting always better than not starting!)

[@rickphillips2900]

Great video Mark, I have watched 1000's of fitness videos on YT, but have to say that yours is now the only channel I watch. I am now 57 and am trying to get back into proper shape (within the limits of my dodgy knees) I am going to get back onto my C2 Rower and Bikeerg, which have pretty much sat unused for 9 months, and your videos have motivated me to do that. Thanks :)

[@pitecantrop10001]

Well in case it helps I have to say you were quite a big inspiration for me personally. I've never run a day in my life (I'm 37 right now) and I've always hated the thought of running but since seeing a few of your videos a few months ago I actually managed to get in to running. And not only that but last week I managed to complete my first 5k and it was huge for me. (It's not like I was obese or completely out of shape but when i started my max continuous running time was about 30-45 seconds). The thing that shocks me is that I found that I enjoy running and I feel I've been missing out. So I guess what I'm saying is "here, have a bit of added pressure to help motivate you along" :))))

[@oo7squid]

Lost my wagon recently and found myself eating compulsively for the first time. Getting back on it in exactly the way you describe. Top vid Mark

[@iammikeDOTorg]

Thanks for this. First time off the wagon in a decade or more. New kid, Covid, new job, and moving 3000 miles. You’ve provided a bit of inspiration that I can get it back.

[@rachelvedock6376]

Thank you so much for this. I'm still recovering from COVID which hit my lungs really hard just days before a race I'd been training for for a year. After pushing myself for a couple weeks, I decided to take a break from running. I simply wasn't feeling it, which is strange for someone who loves exercise. I have no doubt I'll get back to it after a couple weeks weeks of r and r, but it won't be pretty. Thanks for being an authentic person 🥰

[@Alister_Benn]

One of my few “must watch” subscriptions. Love your vids and message.

[@rebelzombieco]

Thanks, you are fast becoming my go-to arse kicking. Down 2st, my clothes are baggy, and my arthritic knees wonder what's going on! I'd had 10 yrs of "not feeling it" and when my weight hit 16st I was done. Now closer to 13 and a half, my recovery rate from hard cardio is amazing to see and my avg resting bpm according to Garmin is 47. Now to strip the belly fat... Rowing and weights here I come. GRRRRRR!

[@chrismakara-howe9792]

So so good to hear your honesty as many get deterred by what can come across as Mr perfect fitness addict. So refreshing for people to hear and see that you like all of us no matter how determined and passionate about sport we are all human and ride that rollercoaster... keep up the great content and humour 👍👍👍🤗🤗

[@liamc5783]

I dropped off the kickboxing wagon for 9 years! No idea why and in hindsight it was a stupid move, but 6 months into restarting I feel golden. It's amazing after the initial pain you almost pick up where you left off

[@BLX187]

dont let the youtube success let you think its ok to chill off now. gotta keep the grind on

[@doernerrr]

Mark, 2 months is not falling off the wagon. 2 months is you did a face plant in the dust and the wagon left the scene and is out of sight over the horizon. It’s clearly time to start fighting back, we are all pulling for your recovery. Another great video, thanks.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

😂

[@dougalmanzar]

Found your channel recently…. Terrific content mate 👍 the combination of insightful experience, wit and engaging delivery is fantastic! Keep it up !

[@Jon-cw7gk]

I’ve just eaten the wheels off my wagon. Now I have chocolate and marshmallow on my face and a stationary wagon

[@timhealey643]

Totally agree on your point about being ready when you’re ready. Plenty of times I’ve fallen off the wagon for few weeks or a month (sometimes longer) but you always find the motivation to get back to it and grind it out. Great content as always 👍

[@patcarroll280]

Excellent and bang on the money as usual Mark 👍

[@VegascomJeff]

Props to you Mark for showing all sides of life. The lifetime story of any athlete or any person for that matter is absolutely going to involve setbacks and ups and downs, figuring out how to deal with all that is a huge part of being successful in the long term. Falling off the horse and seeing yourself off peak condition (whether that be weight, performance, etc.) is tough mentally, but something that should be more normalized.

[@MrLeovdmeer]

Honest and funny. Can’t stop watching your channel. Keep it up😎

[@clarabenton]

Thank you Mark! Great video and really reassuring that we all struggle with the same sorts of bumps in the road.

[@billcarpenter6009]

Fricking hilarious, motivated me out of a fitness nosedive! Cheers.

[@neilmurray549]

Brilliant video mate 👌👍

[@rhinopaul]

Having a lot of day 1's at the moment but it doesn't help having high 30 degree heat here in France. Having to wait until at least 9pm to go for a run means stuck indoors binging during the days. Can't wait for autumn to get back on track.

[@rhinopaul]

@@TheDwanius I can't handle the heat, not even walking in it and I run maf so its also not possible in such conditions.

[@mikeclarke6000]

excellent video to prove the point that your fitness is only ever rented, never paid for 👌🏻

[@erickotiniano6654]

The post race depression/rut is real. Especially after accomplishing a big goal like the hyrox podium for you. I felt down and just wandering a bit after the alure and success I felt from finishing my first Ironman 70.3. But I'm back at it excited as ever to keep pushing forward! Glad to see I'm not the only one lol

[@ppgedez]

I’ve had meniscus root repair surgery 8 weeks ago and i’ve literally watched my legs wither away. They look like they did when i was about 10 years old. Plus i’ve been comfort eating. Can’t wait to get back on it 🙂

[@misterb1915]

I had a bad 4 or 5 first months of 2022 as well. Injuries and emotional reasons which probably fed off each other. I also saw my quads wither away, a terrible thing to see as my legs were always my strong point, visually. I had some medical tests done, waited out the injury, and then in my badly unfit state jumped back into it and did a 100 miler ultra and 100km mountain ultra a week apart and hit my training like a maniac again. Within a month I'm running the same splits as before, faster maybe even, and legs are on point again. You'll be back as well champ.

[@ppgedez]

@@misterb1915 Thanks bud all encouragement is gratefully accepted.

[@christopher1368]

"Tweaked my back picking up a cotton bud" - I wasn't ready for that, made me chuckle 😂

[@1donzine1]

Big smile on my face watching this, great stuff!

[@jayhulrs1435]

This literally made me laugh out loud so many times. You are so funny without knowing it. Loved this!

[@hywelroberts6280]

Thanks for sharing this. I’ve been on holiday for 2 weeks - eating the right things but in excess, hillwalking/ dog walking but no weight training and only a handful of runs and I was berating myself because I’ll probably have put 5 pounds on and set my 10k training back a couple of weeks. Nice to know I’m not the only one who has bumps in the road.

[@alisonS4708]

That wagon! Some times I'm completely in tune with the ride, other times I've just caught my foot in a rope and it's dragging me along and other times it leaves me behind eating dust.

[@Narcaes]

Needed this video this week. Great content, as always.

[@tkdguy93]

Love and appreciate the honesty. Keep being awesome 🤘

[@edserman9032]

Thanks Mark, that certainly rings true for me. After completing my first marathon, last October. I was delighted and all up for the next training program, but that enthusiasm didn't last long. A rigid enough marathon training program, of about 16 weeks most likely had me mentally exhausted. from about Nov to about February I was off the wagon (fitness and weight suffered, big time). Between a busy working schedule, fitness program and family time, no wonder I was burned out. Eventually I picked myself up, not sure what clicked at the time, but coming into Spring this year and wanting to get of the house more often, I felt up to starting a new regime. I think there is a point when you are someone like myself, its all in or its all out, that you prone to these ups and downs. Mental fatigue is certainly something to watch out, after a long period of compliance, the mind just says fxxk that, once its achieved its goal. Possibly a good idea is to plan for that, mental shutdown, and find something novel to do and the end of fitness goal/race. In my case I probably should have switched to another sport in a fun competitive way (e.g. Cycling or CrossFit), that might have worked.

[@lynnezabek]

Thankyou for making me feel ok with my own ongoing rollercoaster 🙃

[@unregisturd]

You guys have got some of our weather this summer, now you know what it's like down under 😃. Remember to slip, slop, slap to stay sun safe! (Slip on a shirt, slop on se sun screen and slap on a hat)

[@chloerixson7867]

Definitely needed this!! Pushed myself too hard the week before last running further than I ever had and picked up a niggle which carried over into the next run. Used that and the heat as an excuse to have a week off but also realised I kinda just needed to chill out too and used the time to catch up on some sleep and eat a bunch of Colin caterpillar faces 🤤 Will get back on it at Parkrun on Saturday though! 💪

[@Verysimpleyetverydifficult]

I find that I fall off the wagon after I have done a big event. As if I tell myself ‘I’ve made it’. I need to channel some Goggins - ‘there is no finish line, you’re never done’. Thanks for sharing this. I really wish I knew what the ‘switch’ was between being on and off the wagon. But then, I’d be a millionaire! I like your office space - where did you get your medal rack!?

[@Fraser365]

Duck pond will never get old.

[@yeyeTF2]

welcome back :)

[@chrismelikian]

Would be interesting how you cope with injury/illness AND falling off the wagon. I’ve been unwell for a while which I’ve put down to dangerously low vitamin D. Then I found out about it and my stats were getting back to healthy. Then I was ill for a few days then hurt lower back and now I’ve got Covid. Finally recovering from Covid now but wondering how you get in mental state for knowing your times will be terrible and the weight loss has gone backwards. Any tips appreciated! 👍

[@gavinwilliams302]

I'm not Mark Lewis but I can give you a tip. Just start now. Stop waiting for the perfect time to start again, it never comes. A half arsed effort isn't as good as full effort training session but its far and away better than none at all. Doesn't even have to be hard. Just start and I believe you can do it.

[@troyhunt5634]

the great thing about starting again and "terrible times" new PBs are just around the corner, enjoy the successes

[@mompalomp]

Had that light bulb moment yesterday. Race on zwift with some colleagues. I was so rubbish I caved at 2/3 laps. Came dead last by a long margin. Had to force myself to come into work and face them. Just knowing what I should be versus what I am is enough to know it's time to crank it back up.

[@ronnynolegs]

Damn nice medal collection

[@Da-Creams]

I’ve been dealing with the occasional binge since getting very lean a year ago. However these last three months have been brutal, at least 1 binge a week and recently several a week. Definitely has become a habit/addiction rather than a physical need which is why it started. I went from 135 lbs 5’11” to 155 lbs, going to try to maintain at 140

[@ghostwalker0299]

As a part of a couple who serial yoyo, its good (in a positive way) to know someone in your condition has the same problems. However after both smashing in new pb's at park run a fortnight ago and having a weekend away. We then got smashed by covid and now have to climb back up that hill to where we were. Not the easiest feeling going from sub 30 minute 5ks to feeling like a sub 30 minute 5 feet.

[@stesrunning8200]

I have also been off the wagon. I've got the equivalent of 16kg kettlebell on my stomach. I'm very slow again! I'm getting back on the wagon!

[@davebroom7]

I would agree that everybody has the 'fallen off the wagon' moments, I know I certainly do. A lot can be down to simply other stuff you have going on in your life such as personal issues, work issues, a pandemic, the cost of living and even crappy weather. I would say mine is due to lack of sleep due to all of the above at some stage. I am tired and ready for bed at a sensible time (22:30PM) but rarely sleep though due to one thing or another or needing the loo! I am mainly a runner and have done for over 20 years and 100% agree that Training, Diet, and Rest days all go hand-in-hand. I allow myself to relax a little more on the weekends after the Parkrun and by Monday I am ready to get on it and burn whatever rubbish I 'may' have eaten. This isn't normally in excess anyway but normally a little out of the norm. Winter might be a different story and chocolate is my weakness. I have said before, I love the humour in the videos and who doesn't love Rocky. Keep up the great work and good luck to you both at the next event.

[@tommcmahon8277]

In a dip at the moment after a half marathon in April, I think this vid is my argument on the beach 👍🏼

[@peteedmondson4678]

Tbh I’d be happy with the “after 2 months of cheat days body” 🤣

[@WheelersAtLarge]

Thanks... If it's okay to fall off the wagon, I'm off to buy biscuits 🤣🤣

[@richacoll1]

This was super helpful 👍🏻

[@bigbroondug]

Rocky III syndrome, I knew it had to have a name.

[@johngriffin7255]

Was doing 16/8 but started having massive blood sugar swings (hyper headaches, hypo fainty). Had to start having breakfast (fruit, oats, yogurt), but got naughty in general eating too much. Now getting back on it, but not as easy as on 16/8. Put on 6k, gotta lose it, exactly as described by you!

[@chadmcvlad9794]

not alone in my month long cheat day

[@allenvilleendurance]

Absolutely guilty of this, trained my arse up till a month out from my Ironman, and just couldn’t. Figured “I can do this I’m fine I’ll relax today” and I almost died.

[@garethneller8239]

Another great video! Good to see you back at it, are you still doing that crazy ultra this year?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

100k in Sep!

[@garethneller8239]

@@MarkLewisfitness outstanding!

[@Dwhite7]

Got my first Spartan this weekend and I can sense I'm going to fall off the wagon immediately afterwards. Hopefully I can make it a short fall!

[@alanwetherelt7155]

Odd was only thinking today , not seen anything from you for awhile ,

[@MarkLewisfitness]

That's actually more to do with sorting out my old job-this time next month, it's two videos weekly!!!

[@Andy_Lewis]

Great video as always Mark. My wagon has fu*%ed off in to the distance with a cloud of dust trailing behind it, if you see said cart please slow it down so i can catch up. Sleep is all wrong, eating far too much GOOD food, not training properly - what could possibly go wrong?

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Yes!!!!! New upload!!!

[@peelman12345]

3 weeks ago I ran my 1st marathon and was the fittest I’ve ever been in my life… caught covid at said marathon and today struggled to finish a parkrun in under 30 minutes… rollercoaster? Tell me about it. Great video by the way 👍🏼

[@scottjones9362]

Good video Mark. I was thinking you might do a cycling video to capture the TDF interest. Shows what I know about YouTubing 🤪

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I didn’t even know it was on 😂

[@scottjones9362]

@@MarkLewisfitness A proper mini slump then 😜It’s been the best 2 days of TDFing for years as well.

[@daz575]

I hurt my ankle a few months ago so Wasn’t able to run for weeks, so spent two months stuffing my face and put on 2 stone, staying on the wagon is very hard especially when chocolate and cake taste so dam good

[@williamjamesheather1953]

Great self sacrifice for all of our benefit

[@MrBoggins1234]

Does anyone out there have a similar story to me and a solution? This is the way I cope, I know it's really stupid but it kind of works for me. I cycle about 10 000 km per year, competing with myself on Strava and their leaderboards, keeping the impact of my 53 year appetite impact to a manageable 13 1/2 stone,/ however every year, I accept that I fall off the wagon during Nov-Feb. I call it putting on "my winter plumage" 🦃 I move from cycling c 200miles per week to indoor rowing I love the C2 I have it set up in our conservatory and follow fellow KZbin Cam Buchan I accept my body weight goes up by 1 stone, trouser waist bands muffin top, it's mainly fat as I don't burn enough Cal's off, and a small amount of gained upper body strength. Like I said my solution is totally crazy, building my well-being coping mechanism around symptoms, in business, I've always pinpointed then mitigated causes, however hard, but have in my life not cracked it with "me" and would like to.

[@AB-qx3pf]

What's that moto behind you? Where's it's tank? What's happening?!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

It’s all so confusing 👍🏼

[@SWTORDREKKIN]

I have come to the conclusion that these ebbs and flows to fitness are completely natural. I think training too hard results in a cooling off period. I think dieting too hard results in a natural period of overeating. I believe this issue is very much physiological initially and like a gradient, transitions to more psychological (emotional) state as the days go on from overfeeding. Everyone wants to blame this on willpower, but I don't believe this to be the case at all. Certainly willpower plays a role for people and people with immense willpower (reasons, goals, etc...) can put themselves in a starving period for longer, but that is simply because they are ignoring their bodily queues and overriding with their wills. Again, this works for all of us to some extent, but it is still a tether ball of setpoint. I am going on almost 18 years (18+ cycles of getting lean 10%, to getting fat 20%) where I am fit for 6 months out of the year and slightly less fit for 3 months followed by just plain lazy for 3 months per year. My weight fluctuates about 20-25 pounds each time. When I get fat, there is some trigger that eventually says "enough" and I am able to push hard and get back in shape. After being in super good shape for a period of time, something gives and I start waning in motivation... I start slipping slowly, and more often until I am no longer slipping but in full relapse. Again, I believe this is 100% physiological and only starts to become psychological (emotional) as the body nears full recovery and we start to be dissatisfied with where nature took us. Just the perspective of a 41 year old gym rat.

[@Omnis2]

8:10 I burst out laughing. I think only people who have been over 300 lbs will understand this and really have a laugh here. One of the biggest hardships of being fat is trying not to sweat when you're not supposed to be all sweaty. It's Sisyphean. Being a Floridian, you just explode with sweat the moment you open a door to the outside world.

[@kobilee7110]

Eat lots don't bother training 🤣 literally my mantra when I am off the wagon

[@hellzapoppin1]

Of all the videos you do, the theme of struggling with your addictions and trying to get back on track is what I find most inspiring, mostly because I find myself in the same situation every now and then. Your being open and honest about this, rather than trying to pretend it’s all sunlight and roses, makes me realise I’m not alone and gives me hope. Thanks Mark.

[@crippabear5116]

Almost like this video was made for me lol. Training for my first ironman at 52yo (no previous athletic ability) and just had a real low in training, motivation and diet. After 8 months work the last 2 weeks have been rubbish, hopefully this can spark me back into life. Keep em coming.

[@treblepet]

Come on man. 58 and training for a 10k trail run. Never done it before. We can do this. No more excuses. Always one more step.

[@mungo75]

Dropped an absolute stack of weight, spent about 18 months alternating between pretty clean and sporadically well and truly falling off the wagon and rolling around in burgers, pizza's, curries etc etc… Now on my fifth day after a 48 hour water fast and five days VLCD. Kind of tripped and fell onto a spicy vegeburger at work today. Perfect timing Mark, back on it tomorrow. 👍

[@kaypie3112]

The burger was alright. Just don’t eat the bun or fries.

[@theknights1512]

I’ve recently not exactly fallen off the wagon, more was instructed by the doctor in A&E and my wife to get off the flipping wagon or else! Too much training, too high intensity, too much intermittent fasting all seems to result in feinting, smashing my head on the stone tiled floor and being unconscious until after the ambulance had arrived, and they’ve given me an ecg - that explains how 2 patches on my chest have been shaved…. “I don’t remember them doing that” says I; “that’s because you were still unconscious “ says she! Anyway as I have a history of lymphoma with a brain tumour they took me to hospital in the ambulance, CT scan etc…. All is ok - but I think getting off the exercise & intermittent fasting wagon is prudent! Lots of rest, hardly any training, no OMAD days, some cake & icecream seems ok. Nearly 4 weeks now - I’m soon to be getting on the - slightly less hardcore - wagon again. Training modified to keep an eye on the intensity, rest more aligned to the training, doing more like 16:8 IF - not 5 consecutive days of OMAD!

[@orangew3988]

Orthorexia is real pal.

[@nicolamurphy5296]

Life's hard enough without beating yourself up 🥊

[@mossyroots]

Mark, I was dialed in on my fitness and eating in the run up to a big cycling sportif I had. I was feeling absolutely fantastic. I was leaner than I had been in over a year (not exactly where I wanted to be but happy and proud of my progress), faster than I had ever been and felt empowered and in control. After that it's been a rapid decline in diet and work. I haven't even been on the trainer since then and have felt absolutely rubbish. Back pain, knee pains, low mood, even depressed. It's so easy to beat yourself up and I have been doing that for sure, but watching you for a year or two and thinking you had it completely sorted, it's really heartening to see that we're all pretty similar in many ways. You've given me a bit of heart and hopefully I'll be back on the bike in no time. Peace ✌️

[@gavinwilliams302]

I had a minor surgery, got a cold and then a few things on my plate over about 6 weeks. I put on about 5kg. Woke up and decided one day it was the day to start again. I knew I wasn't alone and seeing the community here really shows me that its just about trying again until you 'succeed'. Cheers from Australia.

[@stephendavidcampbell]

Well said Mark. I've found that since breaking my year up into "on" and "off" seasons (I'm a mid forties above average runner), I've felt and performed better overall. If nothing else the feeling of improvement and and making gains totally makes up for the feeling of losing them, and certainly feels more motivating than a plateau. Thanks for all your videos, my wife loves them too

[@allenbrown2030]

It sounds like you experienced a “post-reinforcement pause,” a phenomenon that happens after working hard for a reward. Adults experience it, children experience it, guinea pigs experience it, pigeons experience it, and so on. In other words, it’s a natural phenomenon. There are ways of mitigating it, but accepting it and moving on as you’re doing is a pretty good approach, IMHO.

[@cincicycles]

My intuition told me “Eat lots, don’t bother training.” Haha. Another great video with honesty throughout!

[@Bezulba2]

I love that you also show these things. Instead of going "everything is fantastic, always" this inspires more.

[@philiproberts6947]

This is by far one of the most genuine channels on KZbin. Myself a 39 year old Trucker who has always wanted to be able to run/jog but found it near on impossible due to my bitch tits slapping me in the face with every stride. I have always cycled up to recent years 200 miles a week for pleasure and to and from work,then I had 2 children and the cycling stopped and my bitch tits took on a life of there own. Since February I have got back into cycling on my road bike and can now easily do a 100 mile ride. In fact most Saturdays during summer are between 70-100 miles! And thanks to your inspiring videos I have since got measured for running shoes and as of Monday the 11th of July I started running. Been doing one day on and one off running and Tuesday just gone I managed my 1st 5k doing 4x mins running and 1x min walking . My plan is to use the running to fill in the gaps when I don't have enough time to get a good ride in and also run more in winter when the weather is rubbish and I don't fancy riding in the dark and cold. Also I went vegan/plant based over 12 months ago and haven't looked back,this alone lost me alot of weight. Since starting back cycling the weight has fell off me and now I'm sort of running I'm sure this will help further and also compliment my cycling fitness. Thanks again Mark for all you do on your channel,its truly very informative and extremely funny throughout,you have a very funny dry sense of humour. All the best

[@starkiller34]

I go with the 2 week rule. Takes about one month to start losing skeletal muscular strength (much less for athletes, 2-3 weeks) and just a few days to start losing cardio and aerobic fitness. So I average that all up to two weeks. If you need it, take 2 weeks off training. I wouldn't recommend binge eating, ever, but take those two weeks of no training and just eat normally, no diet. When you get back to it after those two weeks, you wont feel like you've lost a step after just 1 or 2 workouts.

[@stuper9107]

Hi Mark, as an older bloke, and just recently 'got back o the wagon' I can totally sympathise with your struggle. I'm just the same when it comes to that 'click' moment that turns the thought of training from "meh", to "let's go", unfortunately I can go for months/years between them. Now I'm in the gym 6 days a week for an hour and slowly building up my "fat, fat" body into something that stops aching and creaking at the slightest exercise. My only worry in the back of my head is that I will lose that 'spark' again, but your vid's and advice are really good to keep the motivation up. Its great to hear your honest report of the way you can 'fall of the wagon', its so easy to trip up in your thinking, it reminds me of the old alcoholic delusion of "just one won't hurt" as far as 'cheat days' go. Its almost as if our minds are always looking for an opportunity to trip us up. There must be some solid psychological explanation for this, poor self esteem?, lack of peer support?, early influences/life experiences?, who knows, but it would be good to understand this and have strategies to counter it.

[@OmahaTonyG]

This happens to me every Christmas. The weather sucks, the holiday food is everywhere, and there are no races until March.

[@Ian-H76]

Your ability to engage in Self deprecation humour is so refreshing. You say EXACTLY what we all say to ourselves when we get out of shape. Bloody awesome video Mark.

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

"I know what I should be doing today, but fuck it" is pretty much my life. My "bit of time off the gym to catch up on work" turned into 3 months away and I've lost all the speed I had picked up. Yeah, my wagon went off the cliff and burned at the bottom of the mountain.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

On the plus side, it sounds like you were best not staying on that wagon!!!

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

@@MarkLewisfitness Touché!

[@cmorrison5466]

Back in May, I had walked every single day for 365 days and earned my 365 walking badge. I was so proud of myself for the achievement and then I felt lost. I had spent a year overcoming every obstacle life (and weather) could throw at me to upend my goal. After I achieved it, I didn't walk for a week and was trying to sort out the soaring high I felt when I did accomplish my yearlong goal and the crashing low that followed. Being "freed" from this "obligation" tried to return me to my former life, but I knew I couldn't go back to my former self. I finally learned to pat myself on the back for my consistency, discipline and determination. I had lost 30lbs and regained my health at 61 years. I now had a foundation to try other things and stick with it. I currently enjoy running, swimming, biking, hiking, tennis and weight training because it's fun and I'm able-bodied to do these things out of pleasure and simply for my health. Walking for that year was one of the best years of my life. It taught me so much about myself and that there are many wonderful challenges awaiting me. I don't have to break any records but enjoy that I'm no longer bedridden and CAN be active at my age.

[@Foxtrottangoabc]

I ate my wagon wheels this week 🤠 got a 36hr bike race in Nov I def need to start training a rhythm this week but the heat has been my excuse and tiredness . I've only cycled 3hr max in one go so far 🤣. So time to Get After It ! No finish line !💪😃

[@Dailydivefix]

Just watched this after 6 weeks on the injury coach (plus 2 extra weeks of not getting back into it). Just got back from my first run in 8 weeks and very surprised and relieved how well it went. Nice to watch this to see that it doesn’t all go perfectly for you all the time either. That’s really motivational.

[@98alexanderthegreat]

These videos are so down to earth and genuine, really refreshing and enjoyable to watch and a nice change from the fitness robots that plague social media. Getting back on track after a bad day is one of the hardest things to do, but also the most important as consistency is king! I always have to remind myself that 30 days of 5/10 gym sessions or runs is a lot better than 1 week of 9/10 sessions!

[@andyking8464]

Fantastic post, Mark. Nailed the reality that most of us live. Lost motivation is the hardest thing to 'solve'. Thank you for demonstrating a positive approach rather than the self-flagellation that most experience. Cheers. :)

[@rowalong]

... "like The Rock pretends to..." Best shade ever.

[@hulkthedane7542]

Sadly, not being fat does not necessarily correlate to not cooking every summer. Even back in the day when I was at 9-10 % bodyfat, I cooked inthe summer. Hell, all year round. I sweat easy, fat or lean, no difference. Still love your direct way of saying things. 👍