Why COMPARISON to others is stupid - DON'T be influenced

[@MarkLewisfitness]

STOP with the "Oscar Wilde was Irish" comments 🤣 - This is a video about social media fitness influences. It references Matt Does Fitness and Mr Beast, it has clips of Dolph running like God and lists Charles Barkley as a great American poet. It is not the Arts and History channel and I am not Stephen Fry. Just be grateful Oscar got a mention - and anyway, everyone knows he was very likely Scottish.

[@oneworldfamily]

Yes to Hearts on Fire for doing a fast piece on the erg. Mark, you could also try Fort Minor's Remember the Name. Go when the beat starts. It's a good one!

[@peadarr]

You, being an Irishman , should have a better understanding of the issues Mark

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@peadarr to be sure, to be sure 😂

[@williambrazil3760]

Hi Mark. obvs it was just a mistake. You are probably getting a reaction to British media constantly claiming our actors, singers, athletes as British, rather than your specific mistake (we all make them). Not the end of the world, but a bigger issue over here than maybe in Britain. Wilde for the record was Anglo-Irish so there's some more added complexity to it all. Anyway, keep up the good content

[@The1trueDave]

To be fair if you'd said he was *British* they probably couldn't touch you :-)

[@everyman6328]

So, that’s the deepest and most honest breakdown of KZbin fitness I’ve come across. As a former D1 swimmer and now an overweight, old man triathlete, that’s the best advice you’ll get from anywhere. Be yourself, but be the best version and get after it.

[@PAULPICKLES]

I've hit the slump in training. After being hit with covid twice, bad back and a heart issue, the drive to push my limits on the bike have all but gone....however. Every time I watch your videos I have a good laugh and remember how happy I was and the awesome people I've met through cycling. Like you say Mark, it's not all about what you see but how it makes you feel. So my plan now is to work on my back and heart issues and get back to what I've enjoyed for many years.

[@oneworldfamily]

Take care, Paul. I was in a similar situation. Mega-dosing vitamin D helped me enormously, in so many ways - immune/energy etc.

[@thecalmcharismatic]

Paul I feel ya man, I was in training for my first marathon. Then on 7-11 crashed my motorcycle, broke my clavicle, had surgery then got cleared to return to work then got covid. Was at work 2 weeks and got covid again. It is frustrating and a good depression opportunity to be down for so long and out of control, I'm praying for you dude. Keep fighting and focus on the small goals and wins. You're not alone !

[@oneworldfamily]

@M M Hi, would you mind explaining your rat poison connection? After a degree in clinical nutrition and working in healthcare, this is the first I've heard of that association. Vitamin D3 supplements are generally sourced from sheep's wool. Yes, I would agree that the sun, without sunblock, is by far the best source. But here in the UK, between September and May (depending on how far north you are) there simply isn't enough UVB radiation getting through the atmosphere to stimulate the synthesis of Vit D in the skin, whatever race you are.

[@Reisstopher]

Just wanted to say a massive thank you, Mark. I discovered your channel over the Christmas period last year, 9 months later I can happily say I’m 3 stone lighter and have just hit a 5K personal best of 22:54 and a 10K of 49:34. Keep up the good work, and thanks for the motivation!

[@jonas_security_kolinski]

When reading that you' re doing a 5 at 22:54 I thought, "Man, that's way faster than me..." Ironic considering the video I'm watching right now.

[@gemmatredwell1734]

As a 5 foot tall slower than average runner/cyclist and swimmer I accepted a long time ago that comparing myself to others was pointless, however consistency, enjoyment and being outside are what make me tick. Great video Mark

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I have to WORK at not getting side tracked by trying to emulate someone I'm not - anyone else?

[@christaylor2959]

Oscar Wilde was Irish.

[@rossmcleod9818]

Yeah me to, I always wanted to be robocop 🤦

[@peadarr]

Not me. I’m Batman

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@christaylor2959 or Welsh. There are conflicting reports.

[@matthewvarney6214]

Oscar Wilde-Irish.

[@NarcanMedic]

I can't remember who said it but I thought this quote summed it up: "All men are born originals, sadly most will die as copies." Great vid Mark, keep up the motivation.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I like that quote 👍🏼

[@NarcanMedic]

@@MarkLewisfitness I know my username is not indicative of this reality, but after watching your videos over the last year I'm down 45 lb, completed two centuries on a gravel bike, and I'm scheduled for my first marathon in 2 weeks. I know a comments thread in a KZbin video is not fitting for gratitude, but it's the best I've got (aside from using square space) Keep it up!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@NarcanMedic always awesome to hear people crushing their own targets of the back of, in part, some of my videos. 👍🏼🙏

[@mjokffsgfjs]

Abraham Lincoln

[@karenstyles7639]

This is good 😎

[@risika]

I was listening to a podcast that said, “it’s important to live life by design rather than emotion. Basically, sticking to a routine is what allows us to be the healthiest version of ourselves (especially when you're fighting these demons ex. OCD for me). In my journey - I’ve had to overhaul how I approach work/habits by practising mediocre consistency. Now I try to put in consistent 50-60% effort into my habits (ex. journaling/working out) - to make sure I do it I began recording it and posting it on my youtube channel. Because historically I have a habit of going too hard, not being able to sustain the Herculean effort, giving up and hating myself. So now I’m trying to give a small-ish, consistent mediocre effort everyday. And its crazy how it adds up, and its crazy how much better I’m able to handle the bad days when anxiety is trying to take over.

[@arferbargel]

Hugely important message. We're often so hung up on social media, gear, tech, etc, that we completely overlook the power and importance of a well-timed key change.

[@conradburdekin722]

Started running april this year. Completed York 10k earlier this summer and Fleetwood half a couple of weeks ago. Much tougher than I’d expected. Thanks for all the encouragement mark, I’ve definitely been positively influenced by your videos. It’s a relief when you realise you don’t have to be like anyone else. Like Kipchoege (too fast) or Nixon (too many legs).

[@staffnsnake]

Thanks Mark. I first found you after searching for reviews on Oura, then Garmin and now Apple Watch. Only last week did I explore the rest of your story. I am only a year older than you, 6’1”, but very much naturally slight. Even if I didn’t have a torn shoulder cartilage (thanks BJJ), I wouldn’t hope to reach your specific achievements. So I found an exercise physiologist recommended by my shoulder physio so I can measure where I am and set out a plan for the next 40-50 years. If I want to be able to move like I’m 70 when I 90, then I need to establish the base now: get good strength training habits and build VO2max to as high as *my body* can achieve. Individualising training and goals, with good advice is the key, rather than comparing myself to anyone else. Top stuff.

[@massiminitrains]

As a rower, I think fixing your form would actually make you competitive at that event. 500's and 1000's don't need any additional rowing-specific training adaptations, they can pretty much be done with good fitness, form, and strategy. That is why competitive racing is usually 2k, it exposes flaws that can just be muscled past over a 500 or 1k. Imo, if you got someone to coach you on correct form for 30 minutes to an hour, you would be sitting well into the mid-2:50s for your 1k which would move you from around top 2% to somewhere around the top 0.5%. It wouldn't take much to get you there. Your genetics already got you 90% of the way there, it's just the extra little bit which can push you over the top.

[@patrickaherne1274]

This is definitely true about more rowing-specific training taking him to being a beyond-great rower, however I would like to point out that it is not his genetics that got him 90% of the way there. Maybe 5 or 10%, but realistically this man has worked his ass off to get to where he is now. His only real genetic advantage is his height / length

[@ThorneAshwell]

@@patrickaherne1274 Absolutely agreed, Its very annoying seeing people always say stuff like "genetics are %90". If that was true training wouldnt even make a difference

[@georgiapatrick5154]

Your videos are always a good watch, love the grounded honesty!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Thanks 🙏

[@raoefvanmouwerik9037]

If I look at my own life, I believe that the older I got, the less I cared about how others thought of me and the less I wanted tot compare myself to others. On the other side, I do get motivated by people, close to my own agegroup. (I am 57) I makes me foces on what might still be possible and inspires me to try new things. My background is mostly in powerlifting and crossfit but because of your channel I am about to try Hyrox in october and find motivation in "the running channel" and am starting to find running acutally fun. (Excuse my grammer, English is not my first language)

[@chrisplatten2293]

There aren't many benefits to getting older, but not being bothered about what others think of you is one of them. Although when you consider what happens when you stop getting older, getting older isn't really that bad.

[@ian-mucarruthers441]

A well timed and very interesting video.. I worry so much about younger folks, and I'm aware of a mental health crisis in younger people. But as a 57 year old chap, I can also feel the pull of being influenced in the negative way you describe.. This (your) message needs repeating and amplifying.

[@willpeachable]

This a fantastic message that applies to so much more than simply fitness/body composition etc. 'Me, but a bit better' is a mantra for life.

[@Kosh42EFG]

I love the honesty and pragmatism. Be a better you, not try (and fail) to be me.

[@mdgeisto8953]

Very true. I just always strive to be the best version of myself!

[@andrewzach1921]

Starting to go through your back catalogue and enjoying your videos. Commenting for the algorithm

[@Cypher99]

„Comparison is the killer of joy“. It took me some time to really get this.

[@lynchs2441]

"Us but a bit better" Thank you very much, absolutely superb video :)

[@dylancunningham6145]

If you're interested in quick rowing technique pointers; at the end of the stroke swing the back over the hips as though you are trying to stretch your hamstrings. Hold this back angle as you compress to the catch. This will allow you to develop more power from your glutes rather than using just your quads for the legs drive. Could probably make the difference of those 2 seconds :p

[@graemetough9988]

As i get older i am even more less bothered by what others think of me. But that isn't a luxury younger people think they can have. They'll get there. So now i do stuff i enjoy, am not perfectly suited to but can get better at. But mainly because I enjoy them. Great vid

[@MarkLewisfitness]

100% - at 48 I don't give a f**k - at 18 I was obsessed with not being me.

[@amysheridan-garrity7130]

You are hilarious!!! I'm currently training for a half marathon and I'm a rubbish runner (injury prone and slow). I thought the other day 'why am i doing this'.... 'because it will make me a better version of me, no matter what my time'. That's my motivation!

[@chasemason5129]

Mark thank you so much for this video! I think something else that you could have covered is how influences actually want their followers to ‘desire’ to be like them and want their followers to make those comparisons. My trust in you and your channel has just levelled up knowing that you have this channel because you want to share your insight and experience, not to show off about how big your balls are. Keep up the good work.

[@MrBoggins1234]

"I had to block her" best 5 word punchline, you funny b😂🤣👌

[@Tawttitude]

Thank you, Mark. Every message in this video is helpful!

[@robmcintyre7652]

You inspire me to work a bit harder to be above average. That is achievable. And you make me shout 'this is my classroom' and laugh when I run and get caught in the rain. Priceless!

[@conradburdekin722]

Been watching your videos for a few months Mark. Started a running journal yesterday - just for fun. Decorated it with all the people who’ve been a positive influence on my return to exercise (started feb 2022 after a gap of about 25 years…). You’re on the front cover along with my brothers and various other people. Goggins didn’t make it. Neither did Rocky 😢

[@plameng]

Thank you Mark, this is the message that every influencer should give. Regarding the rowing challenge just like you, setting foot only 4 times on a rowing machine I clocked a 640m 2min row in a crossfit gym. Everyone is different and accomplishments of people should only motivate you to do better.

[@stevetodd9581]

Great advice Mark, I took my eye off the ball with working out to better myself. I have recently started rowing in the gym as never been any good at it. But I am Enjoying it so far and your video has given me the focus again.

[@MeriaDuck]

Been binge watching you the last weekend since I finally took up exercise back up (more than walk the dog for an hour a day at least). And eating better. You are my best current influence I guess 😂

[@TysonMichael77]

Be yourself because everyone else is taken! And why would I wanna be you anyway.. I love that

[@HaplessQuark]

Oscar Wilde was Irish. I wouldn't normally care about things like that, people make mistakes you know, but its all too common a practice for the the English to claim Irish people as there own once the achieve a certain level of success in their field. Love your videos by the way. I have found them very helpful in dealing with my issues with food and taking care of my body

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Wikipedia said, Anglo Irish….. And this is KZbin, not the history channel 😜

[@mickfanning93]

@@MarkLewisfitness tbf Wikipedia says Irish, with his parents being Anglo Irish. Born raised and educated in Ireland, jailed in England 😂

[@muckyteeth3076]

@@MarkLewisfitness Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh hes irish though.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@mickfanning93 it’s KZbin fitness, Wilde should be happy he’s getting a mention at all 😂

[@wandatowellable]

Triggered!!!!!

[@wildernesstraining1957]

Love it! 👍🏽 I had to replay the bit where you stated that you were doing an ultra the day after a competitive row! I’d never doubted your sanity Mark. Well not until I heard you state that at least! I’m going to have to listen to that bit once more, as clearly, killing your legs the day before an ultra is clearly insane. But still, I wish you well with both of those performances ❤️👍🏽🍀

[@benmurray1975]

Doing my first Hyrox, doubles, next Saturday in Glasgow. Excited and apprehensive at the same time. Thank you for all your tips and motivation, keep it up Mark.

[@remccarthy2898]

Hi Mark, I stumbled across your channel a few weeks ago when I was looking to upgrade my Fenix 5X and I was torn between the 6X or go with the 7X. Long story short, I found a great deal on a new 6X sapphire and couldn't be happier. I'm a mountain biker that has gotten a little plump during COVID, and even know I still ride every week, your videos have motivated me to get back to more exercising. I love your jokes! Keep up the great videos! Also where is Nixon? Haven't seen him in awhile, put him in the next video, if not, give him a biscuit for me. 🙂

[@1519Spring]

Check out Nixon at 10:26 in the coffee, cookie, and pizza Instagram posts.

[@kevinalway2907]

Great Video Mark - thank you. I've begun a healthier lifestyle and reaped the benefits - shedding five stone in two years. This was primarily diet - and exercise at a gym based on videos and such I'd watched on KZbin. Not long ago I downloaded an app from one of the influencers you mentioned, and whilst great content on his channel - I realised my form whilst doing these exercises (and paying the fifteen quid per month privilege) wasn't doing anything for me. I've subsequently cancelled the app, and the gym - and I'm now fitter and healthier by having 1-2-1 sessions with a PT, it's highlighted the width of exercises I was doing incorrectly - and in a month I've seen better results than two or three left to my own devices - hoping for the best. The one thing your channel has certainly done is make me fall in love with running again. As a 6ft 4, large footed, 100kg or so chap I had been hesitant - but watching your channel and listening to your advice (not gospel) made me take it up and I bloody love it. Ran my second 10k yesterday and managed a 54 min - 4 mins better than first attempt... But that's it - improving on self is the ultimate goal. As you say, you guys are there to entertain, inform and guide...not to emulate. Thanks for keeping it real 👍

[@offroadcanirunners3423]

Be yourself becouse everting else is already taken, dmn powerful, i take this one with me.

[@cpruns4501]

Early in my career (in sales) I read this quote that has stuck with me forever. Something to the effect of "If you try to copy someone else's sales technique then you will spend your energy acting and not selling" (or something like that). I have carried that in every aspect of my life. Don't spend your life acting!!

[@zacharysmiles1308]

I love the influence of Rocky IV in his videos!! One of the greatest movies of all time!!

[@BlackTelephoneGrey]

I love how you're always so enthusiastic to share Rocky music 😆

[@johnandrews8590]

Nice one Mark. So true about basketball (and volleyball come to think of of it). You have to be tall to be a pro, or at least 99% of them are, which makes it unfair to begin with.

[@adamburton5184]

There was a written blog I used to read / stumbled across called something like The Daily Grind or Escape The Grind about 10+ years ago possibly less. Man in his 30s documenting how he was despising his office job and was going through a divorce later to become a trainer / entered into a new relationship at which point the writer declared the blog was no longer necessary. It's now defunct. I realize there are billions of people in this world but I'm convinced the person could be Mark (or at least a person who underwent a very similar transformation). I've no idea if I've commented this before / if this is even relevant. Interesting video as always!

[@sarahlachowsky2177]

I, for one, can say that you have positively influenced me and my personal goals. I did my first 50k race and your videos and humour saw me through. I can even say that I podiumed!!! Because there were 4 people in my category...so thanks Mark...you helped me reach MY goals, and also allowed me to see the humour in everything whilst doing it. Keep up with the great content!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

That is awesome to hear - 50 K is an amazing distance. Further than 99% of people will ever run yet not quite so ridiculous that they put you out of action for a month 😂

[@GHWMR]

You are by far my most influential influencer :) Thanks to you I have a sled (well, I made my own tire sled) and a powerdot (cheap on e-bay). Feel free to show that comment to your sponsors and delete the () bits. My build is very different, more of a natural distance runner so rowing 3 minutes on a 1K on a rowing machine is not going to happen for me and I can live with that, although it did hurt back when I used to row every day. Good thing that form does matter once you get out on the water :) These days my goals are different, I just want to be able to keep up with my kids as they (and I) get older. When I do get to the finish line of an event I want to feel like I did the best I could with the preparation I had.

[@seanjohnson8899]

Great video! I started watching your videos for the reviews of the Garmin Fenix watches and stayed for all the content. During that time you have helped me be more committed to running, I hated running. I kind of like it now and it’s paid off, two weeks ago my friend and I left 3500 feet elevation and hiked up 10,680 feet while scouting for elk, all the running paid off. I sweated, we took frequent rests but, I never once thought about stopping. Your “influence” (sorry) helped me be ready for that experience, thanks.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Good stuff 👍🏼

[@sixfootleotriathlete4581]

I enjoy your channel. I don’t get motivated by super fit people. As a 44 year old woman. I just want to be better than myself. Currently have 110 pounds to drop. So I’m looking forward to the journey. Your videos totally relate

[@AF-qq2le]

This is an incredibly powerful video. Thanks Mark, youre a legend!

[@hamishjames]

Great video, I think the appeal of your channel is your ability to be decent at anything you try which leads people to be “influenced” to attempt the activity as-well. Yeh disappointment occurs when we aren’t as good but the ability to get someone to move and try something new is pretty awesome. So thanks :)

[@jasonhodach5711]

Love the videos. Love the message. Love that it's always delivered thru some very funny humor. Keep the content coming. Been devouring it since I've discovered this channel a month ago. Super motivating

[@framedman]

Always love these breakdowns. Really well crafted and good points conveyed really well. Wish all 'influencers' were like this.

[@RepeatOneAddict]

For 95% of the last 25 years of training I've listened to the Rocky soundtrack religiously and although I've told friends about it who invariably laugh, I've done so thinking it must just be my thing and I'm weird, so the fact that you are a disciple and openly talk about it makes you a brother to me. There is nothing that even close to the power this mind/body/visualization (one arm pull-ups at the playground) music produces, to the extent that for me the music has never dated?! I mean I don't associate an age to the music or even the quality of the arrangement, it's just about what the music represents (skipping in sawdusty barn in Russia), the work rate, against all odds, power, muscle etc. Even if your content becomes shocking as you age and enter your twilight years I will be here for you, waiting for a Balboa reference that will make me smile and know that I wasn't alone as I swore, sweated and grunted my way around the gym whilst visualising an Italian man with a speech impediment and a big heart. "Where's Your Hat" - R.Balboa

[@OddJob728]

I can't lie: I reluctantly love the the rowing overlay during the inevitable moment from the sponsor. Definitely suggest continuing to present core content during the aside for the financier(s).

[@MarkLewisfitness]

What’s more impressive is that I brought that whole section in bang on time for the 3:02 row 😂. And Squarespace should be happy, it saves people skipping past their bit 😂

[@xavthedrummer]

I've rarely liked a video so hard! Awesome message and great way to bring the point across

[@MartinJonesamheuwr]

Excellent video. Great message delivered with humour. Thank you.

[@vengermanu9375]

Informative as always Mark. Enjoy your content 🙂

[@philallen8272]

Brilliantly covered Mark. Everything you say is spot on.

[@jungtao]

Love the message of this channel. Keep up the good work brother. Also the the humor is always on point.

[@RadicalRumin]

Spot on Mark! When I started my fitness journey, I made a very deliberate choice to focus on me and what improvements I wanted to make to myself. Find out what I do well, what I don't do well and most importantly, which of those I enjoy. Bit by bit, I can feel, see and measure the improvements I'm making and I can't help but be proud of myself. I think that's why it's important to focus on tracking your own personal progress instead. Lots of tracking apps still try to incorporate some sort of weird social media aspect to it though. I don't want to see how much Freddy deadlifted, I just want to see if my own deadlift has been improving or not!

[@thecalmcharismatic]

Another gem big bro! Am so thankful for earnest, attainable goals for health and fitness. Great work and keep it up, you do inspire many!

[@donyastubbs8315]

Entertained? ✅️. Inspired? ✅️ Very important message!! Thank you!!

[@lacingtrails420]

Love and seriously enjoy the laid back style of the channel. Just wanted to say thank you for the amazing motivation and thought provoking content. 👌

[@craigrwc]

This video encapsulates why I have been watching all of your others. I have no interest in being you. Not sure other Canadians would understand where the accent comes from if I did. But I can relate to your journey and your motivation. It's helping me stay on target for running. Thanks to this mindset, I'm better now at keeping my goals my own. Cheers!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Perfect use of the videos 😁

[@markbphilip]

Another top video. Inspiration is different to influenced.

[@danny-boyjoshus1058]

Well said, I concur with the vast majority of what you say here 👍

[@leovanduyn2699]

Influencers are vapid, what I look for is a motivator. Something I can appreciate or call upon when I need to reset my grey matter. Example one of my best mates is 15 years my senior but the way he lives and balances his life (exercise, work/retirement/, personal) is motivational. Primarily I am a cyclist, that hits the gym a few times a week to tone my other muscles. I recently said to him we need a challenge forgetting I had 3 b2b2b hundred milers on the calendar. I really should have given him more parameters beside 'we need a challenge', because I am now committed to a 20k trail race in the hills. I am not a runner, but I can still do 5 miles. I don't really enjoy running solo and my buddy who is semi retired has be vacationing most of the summer abroad. so my initial training plan was kaput, but I found some motivation watching your 100k and Jenna's 40k (i think) and I found motivation from one of the cyclists in my club who is a runner and agreed to train with me. Those got my head focused, then I set my goals 1. finish 2. sub 14 mile pace 3. sub 13 mile pace. Even on training runs these are useful as I can find and accomplishments from them. Now that I have done a few longer training runs in the hills I have another motivator, the peace that comes from the effort and the quiet of the trail running. Will this make a runner over a cyclist, most likely not but if my mate says lets give a 30 k a go, the odds of me saying yes are much higher. Good Stuff

[@2proudie]

Great video Mark. If you look at these guys who do these videos saying that in 30 days they went from having a gut to being ripped look like they were ripped before. They look as though they have eaten flat out to gain 10kgs to make a KZbin video. I'm sure if you were to look at their Instagram account (creepy) you would find that they had the ideal body shape 3 months before. It knocks the confidence of those who don't see the same results in the same time frame.

[@alexlorenz7]

I was thinking about this exact topic today. Thank you for reinforcing what I already know!

[@andrewsmith378]

Great video. Took me a bit to figure this out. Very well said.

[@rickphillips2900]

Another great video Mark. I agree 100% with the honest observations within this. All you can aim to be is the best version of yourself :)

[@julescg]

"I had to block her in the end" lol!

[@darinhorton7957]

Another excellent video. Thank you!!!!

[@timverkoyen8742]

Thank you for this. Again. You have definately motivated me the past year. My goal was to be a better runner and be fitter and I succeeded at that so far. 18:35 5km race today. Goal is to run my first marathon in April 2023. Keep up your great content, messages and humor.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

That is a rapid Parkrun-well done

[@fcbarniessoccer8952]

Well said Mark. Oddly enough I subscribe to numerous cycling channels, trainers, commentators ( GCN, Latern RoUge )/ ex pros ( Chris Horner ) , your the only “influencer” I watch. Its more because of your humor and insight you provide!

[@hulkthedane7542]

LOVE it that you go row - on camera - wearing pink socks and orange shoes 😂🙈😂. You don't pretend to be a fashion influencer.... Keep it coming 👍👍👍

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I only take fashion advice from people that row quicker than me 😂

[@hulkthedane7542]

@@MarkLewisfitness Ha, ha, ha. Good idea! I am 48 years old (49 in September) and train at home. My training "philosophy" I call Ugly But Efficient training. No because it has to look bad, but because it does not have to look nice/cool/chrome plated. A good deal of my equipment is homemade - I built a dip bar, made a sled, some benches, use an old axe shaft as a handle for pulling, have sewn sand bags out of old trouser legd and so on. Making training acessible to myself at a low cost and little space. My training is crossfit-ish, but not crossfit, and I train outdoors all year round. In the winter at temperatures below 0 °C I dress to keep warm, not to look fashionable or cool.

[@evilclowntje]

@@MarkLewisfitness surely, pink socks and orange shoes are recommended by Redgrave?

[@FlatToRentUK]

@@MarkLewisfitness As someone with a PB over 2k about 8 seconds quicker than you I say either dump the pink socks or go all out and hit the gym in a neon pink lycra rowing gimp suit. Your choice.

[@mercersg]

Well said Mark, well said.

[@matth1586]

Great video Mark. As a 50y/o fitness enthusiast it took a while to realise I couldn't look like Jeff Cavalier or even his sidekick no matter how many of his videos I watched or workouts I purchased. I'm now content with my fitness and strength. I can run anything between a parkrun or with a bit of preparation an ultra and as long as I finish I'm happy, top half finisher is great but having a top day out is more important.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

You could always draw on yourself with marker pens and pretend to be Jeff 😁

[@matth1586]

@@MarkLewisfitness nah tried that, don't have the muscle tone or choice of colours.

[@thomasleahy3767]

You are hilarious! I came to this channel because I started running. I have stayed bc of the great content. The joke at the end made me laugh out loud!

[@nancythompson9412]

Maybe not influenced, defined encouraged by all you give. Thanks! I’m doing more than ever imagined for me. And you bring a “hey, why not give it a try” perspective. In my mid 60s, not ever in the lead. Which is ok. I do try. All that matters.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Exactly the sort of attitude that I hope to provide for people! You are PERFECT target audience !

[@iiii2903]

Of course, I compare myself to others....not to be the same, but to know what is "possible" to do/reach, and how I'm related to the general population. In that regard, you've got, for example, the NYC marathon ranking which ranks you in %graded to the world record in your age group. I know that I won't ever be a WR holder in marathon as I've got your kind of body frame, but it's very satisfying to say that I'm at a regional/national/world level in my age group. Concerning the comparison to you, well....as long as you're on TRT, it's like comparing my bicycle time to your motorbike time...indeed, I agree with you, that would be stupid. This said, I like your style, your honesty, and your vlog. Too bad you're not talking more about long distance event nutrition, as it is the main cause of failure/quiting. I would bet for a huge amount of viewers on the topic (just saying...😇).

[@MarkLewisfitness]

That sort of comparison is good - I do that a lot 😁 Knowing where you are within society is great....picking a single person in society and wanting to be like them, is not. Nutrition for long distance.....I'm just not that knowledgeable on the subject.

[@jamesbeneda6747]

Thank you once again for a great video and an even better message. Just needed a bit of Nixon.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Just been out with him! Check Instagram in the morning 😁

[@KC_Runz]

Just wanted to say I really took a lot from this video and enjoyed the points made, really relatable. Thanks Mark, excellent work!

[@moneyishermotive6296]

the ultra marathon video was the video that made me discover the channel and get hooked, looking forward the the next marathon

[@MarkLewisfitness]

couple of weeks - you get another (if I finish!)

[@lukecollins7965]

I have recently watched most of your videos, I was looking for park run tips because I started them to train for a yearly 10km race in my city. You are definitely influencing me at the moment..my record for the 1km row is around 3.30.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

3:30 is not too bad at all - if I was normal sized I'd be very happy with that. In fact, it's pretty rapid. (if you're 6ft9 and 250lbs - you suck though ) 😁

[@neildxb]

Brilliant video, an important message and as always well delivered as a story with a good balance of truth and humour.

[@mattwideman3986]

Great message. Thanks for this content.

[@TheDoosh79]

I got motivated and made a start, but gave up. I just can't get excited enough about exercise to make it part of my life, it's right up there on the shitometer of life with having to go to work.

[@movemorenowjames]

Love that song 🎧… Great advice and very true. Especially the sack of sh@t bit

[@seng9190]

Brillant message !

[@chrisjordan7165]

Want to make sure I understand. If I wear orange Altras with pink socks I can be above average. That about right?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

If you wear that combination, you would be above average anything 😂

[@hellomark1]

You need the turquoise shirt to tie it all together or everything falls apart

[@Simon16511]

Hi Mark you turning in to a modern stoic. With a sense of humour on top.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I always thought the Stoics never told enough jokes 😁

[@Mr.McIntyre]

Fantastic. Thx for this. Four yrs of being the best me. 56, fractured back, dropped 173lbs, ex smoker…resting heart rate of 45. Type two diabetic four yrs ago. In remission for three, A1C or 4.6. Two sons, 31 and 26 and married for 34.5 yrs. I am the king of dad jokes….living my best life be the sea.🇨🇦🫂🙏

[@clarabenton]

Great video! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@htownblue11]

Mark you straight nailed this message. Your humor is often the star of the show here, but today the truth you spoke has the most impact…..but I’ll come back for the humor of course…..hahahaha. Be fit for yourself, not an image.

[@mcfarvo]

This is an important message to hear 👏 🙌

[@martinandrews2860]

Yet another excellent vid, brilliant and humorous in so so many ways…..,,well done….and yes I want to post comments on the lack of form but as you don’t care I won’t. But you do care cos the form has improved massively……until fatigue kicks in….as with us all….as someone who knows…..your rowing is impressive…bravo…..despite your words of don’t care.. cos I know u do. Bravo. Love your work on every level…..M

[@jefejeffwell1113]

Agreed. I like the motivators, but in terms of making me be better, not making me be them. I guess it just has to do with being born before there was only a constant stream of media to dictate perception and lifestyle. Born in the 80’s or before maybe has something to do with it?

[@chrisvanbuggenum871]

Very good video Mark, agreeing with every point your making.

[@deanmitchell81]

Mark great as always. I enjoyed that, quite funny too!