Working Out With My Wife RUINED My Fitness

[@rinotz7]

Jen is probably the greatest addition to the channel we could have asked for.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I'll let her know 😂 She'll like that!

[@TD05SSLegacy]

She’s “a keeper” as we say here in the States! 😇

[@firestara4830]

​@@TD05SSLegacyI am pretty sure in the US you say "she's a keeper" when you start dating not when you already married her 😂

[@DaemonViews]

I second that Some more room for commentary from her is always welcome as well.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

@@DaemonViews she’s not that chatty 😂

[@xenocide2210]

I'm now 39 and 95kg (not much of that is muscle). I used to run and lift heavy until my back snapped like a dry twig. It has been almost exactly 2 years since my spine surgery and my wife and I are expecting, we're due in 3 months. I decided to get back into shape as much for them as for myself. Your videos are a constant source of inspiration! I'm really happy to see you training and achieving your goals! Your advice and example helps me to set my own habits. Thank you!

[@xenocide2210]

also I ran my first Parkrun yesterday in 29min 01sek 😉

[@jack.smith2958]

How did you... snap your spine?

[@xenocide2210]

@nicolaicornelis2853 Spring cleaning... I was not exercising for a while at that point and got softer. Had some back issues for some time because of working long hours in front of a computer in less than optimal sitting position. That combined with some minor injuries from years of lifting made it that I was not paying it much mind. I was thinking, "Getting older, things start to hurt." So, getting back to the story, previous summer, my wife and I were growing tomatoes on our balcony. After the winter, we had there couple big, long pots filled with wet soil. They were heavy but "I was once strong that means I'm still strong" my ego told me. My wife was visiting her family so I wanted to suprise her by cleaning them out. I started by taking them outside from the second floor one by one. After most were emptied I got impatient and decided to take out last two at the same time... I must have lost my balance for a second... and that was that.

[@pozzarefds]

@@xenocide2210 hope you see this. I had the same issues and (thank god, odin, whoever) someone pointed me to the '12 minute foundation' video and I read hundreds of comments of people praising the backwork in the free video as fixing their back up brilliantly. The same thing happened to me. Its easy to find, no money, no sign up , just search for 'Foundation Training original 12 minutes w/ Dr. Eric Goodman'. I am not affiliated in anyway. I am bloke from Wiltshire and the Dr I think is from L.A or somewhere.

[@mikecaseyoshea3594]

Yesterday did a workout with my daughter. The high 5 at the end was better than any training PB in the gym with nobody around. I hope we are still high 5ing when I am unable to keep up. You really struck a chord with this one.

[@verenamausd1488]

I can do a 23.10min Parkrun and 6 month ago my 8year old discovered a passion for running. He started around 30mins and we had a lot of fun together. Three weeks ago he ran 23.11, that is the end of family fun 😂.

[@DavidDA99]

@@Dfl87165 only 18:30? pfft..mine paces for Kipchoge and benches 90kg on each hand

[@verenamausd1488]

Yeah, we are more on the average side. Good luck to you and your superhuman offspring.

[@HereThereBackAgain]

​@@DavidDA99Nice Burn! 🔥

[@ftcoolers4091]

Your 8/9 year old is that fast ?

[@edwardburroughs1489]

You hold the books up for him? Kid needs to run, bench and hold books at the same time IMO!@@medsuit1686

[@kris1103]

I use my wife's runs as recovery runs and once a year we do a challenge together. She's no Kipchoge but she loves being able to run with me and doing a mud run or a 10k helps us bond over fitness.

[@thepandaman]

This is where having a tandem is amazing :) My wife and I can cycle, both pushing hard when we feel like it - but still able to hold a conversation and arrive at the destination at the same time!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Jen would love to have a go at this! As the backseat rider 🙄🤣

[@thepandaman]

@@MarkLewisfitness My wife will attest that calls of "She's not pedalling!" gets old, real fast!

[@lindascott-burney5734]

Just love your dry sense of humour . I’m a 65 year old semi fit woman , definitely not a couch potato and I find your videos very motivating .

[@About_Argo]

“The last joke was suppose to be about 55 year old Jen in a bikini but she’s got the other shoe and I’m not stupid” 😂😂😂 my favorite line.

[@Joe_Souza]

Channel is fun with both of you training together. We know you’re a stud Mark. Nice to see Jenna join you and share in the fitness journey.

[@chrisbarnes9488]

Thank you Mark. One of the more genuine and encouraging videos you’ve produced. It’s nice to see your love for Jen adjust your intensity in your training.

[@kylekermgard]

That's awesome to have a wife that's into similar fitness activities. That's rare

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I'm very lucky!

[@hissingoose]

My wife’s big into yoga fitness stuff and me just generic stuff. Works out good though, I’ve incorporated some yoga into my dailies now and it’s been good and she does some dumbbell exercises in her routine.

[@Katastr0phic_Katicorn]

​@attananightshadow I love doing yoga and lifting with my guy. I've started lifting heavier, and he's become more mobile and it's become a very good experience.

[@dc100dc100]

Same thing happened to me, but with a kid. Quickly realized that time together was more important than my race times.

[@gracewhite1601]

I will spend time in cycling, house hobbies with my husband but I do want to run fast so will train alone

[@seanwordingham9892]

I assume you've seen Mark's advice about kids and getting them out on bikes while you run as soon as possible?

[@mick8913]

Excellent video. Being ex military I pushed my Mrs too hard. She did go from couch to 5k in 2 weeks but she hated me and every minute of it. She said anger made her complete it. 😅. I’m trying a heart rate zone approach with her now and have apologised and commended her determination previously.

[@GizelleQuant]

In two weeks?! 🤣 I’m glad she finished it.

[@austinslater4773]

Love the healthy approach that involves helping each other and letting each other do their own thing as well. Another reason this is my favorite tech/fitness channel

[@ToriKlassen1]

You two sound a lot like us. My husband and I trained for a Half Ironman together - he constantly waited for me at the top of hills and ran/swam at my pace when he could have been pushing harder for a better time. He did end up finishing the event a half hour ahead of me, and could have been much faster if he wasn’t more interested in #couplegoals than in his own performance. It was fun training together and brought us closer.

[@gracewhite1601]

He should of ran faster and excelled. You can celebrate after…together

[@gracewhite1601]

Dont blame your relationship of not doing your best. Excel at both

[@ToriKlassen1]

@@gracewhite1601 Thanks for the advice I did not ask for! You do you, boo, and I’ll do me.

[@andrewzach1921]

@@gracewhite1601what would have been the point if that. He trained like he wanted and he ran his race. He is not a professional, they were having fun.

[@williambarnes-carr2322]

@@gracewhite1601 Practicing patience for and support of others ahead of yourself is some of the training most needed throughout the world. Shame on you to tell these people they did something incorrectly.

[@tom-nt7rf]

Just returned from the bath two tunnels run with my wife discussing her run with me. Means a lot after having my 6 months first marathon transformation met with bored yawns🎉 Superb timing on your latest vid! Thank you Mark 👍

[@paulelverstone8677]

This is sound advice. The question 'what is success?' isn't always about the times or the results. It is largely (mostly) about the journey and sticking to it imho. And as a p.s.; the Rocky IV soundtrack never gets old. Never...

[@rachelmayhew2457]

Most of my exercising with other people is with family. We are all different fitness levels, so sometimes one person is on a tempo run while another is on a recovery run. Sometimes one person is biking while another runs. Sometimes we find a track and all 6 of us do something different. The whole thing has turned into the highlights of my weeks!

[@100thiswilldo]

Yup, you're still ticking all the boxes I need for a KZbin person - entertaining, professional and quite relatable. I did a 10 mile organised trail run this morning in a very pretty local estate, it was hard work, I had my trail shoes on so I didn't "ice skate" backwards a mile or so to the start line. My running club mates gave me positive feedback afterwards on how well I did. I enjoy being above average. It was good prep for the great north run on the 10th September (My 2nd ever) but on this occasion I will start further forwards to not prolong my finish time by crawling past people dressed as cats, dogs, bridges, etc.

[@Jaigarful]

It seems like the running theme of Mark Lewis is "I love competition, but I also love the process".

[@MarkLewisfitness]

The process is the longest part, it's got to be a part you love...

[@luisfernandes2522]

​@@MarkLewisfitnessyup , 200% agreed

[@FensFirewood]

Takeaway - communication is key and build one another up, also watch out for flying shoes 😂

[@cgmlcs]

My wife and I have the same issue with cycling. My wife would fall behind on every hill or hard effort that I did. Our solution to this was to get her a peddle assist e-bike, the Specialized Creo to be specific, now she can kick my butt on our rides and I love it because we both get great workouts and we're together.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Great solution!

[@marceetaylor3873]

Thank you!! I recently started training to do future runs and my husband is just not into it. Its a good reminder to just meet him where he is and enjoy the time we have together.

[@oliverallen5324]

Keeping your life in perspective is important. “That’s not the point” encapsulates the right attitude perfectly.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Great to see a more nuanced approach to fitness with Jenna's input. Keep going Jenna - throw enough shoes, and eventually it will sink in with Mark.

[@andrewzach1921]

It’s always a consideration for me with working out and couple time these days but my wife lets me know when we should have time together and when she is fine on her own. She knows working out helps me with daily stress. I also enjoy spending time with my wife so it’s win win.

[@-Jesse.C]

Dude you are an insanely fantastic and well-spoken Fitness KZbinr. Literally top-tier

[@yootoob1001001]

This concept can extend beyond fitness into other things we do with a partner in life. Great thoughts! Thank you.

[@TakeTheLeepx]

Love it! And this is I think one of the hardest things to achieve as a "sports couple". My wife (34yo) and me (38yo) started our fitness journey over 10 years ago, with Obstacle Running. I was obsessed with being fast and getting good times. But my wife showed that it was important to have a good time haha :). Took a pretty long time for me to "accept" it and just have fun together (I do race solo plenty). Luckily we're about the same height and she can run my average speed, but just can't hold it long enough (yet). But she is waaaayyyy better at long distance stuff. Now we're 3 kids further and she's (finally) getting back on track with (our) sports again. I never really "stopped", and proceeded with many Obstacle Runs (3 times a full Spartan Trifecta Weekend), an Iron Viking (42K), half marathons, OD Triathlon distance :). But I always saw it as keeping the inspiration in our family high (we took our two oldest boys on their first Family Obstacle Runs!). And sort of pioneer which events are fun and eventually fun to do together (will be doing my first Hyrox this November...). And there's no one I rather have with my on an Iron Viking than my wife (eventually haha, she'd be perfect for it). She's currently sort of back at her 10K mark (pre-kids we got to 19K). And ran our 3rd 10K together, but we did split up at the last 3K, so I could run free haha :P. Now aiming for her first Spartan 10K and half marathon next year (also probably the Hyrox) and eventually the full marathon. I do miss being able to train regularly together... them kids man, maybe in 10 years haha. One of our parent goal is also to have our kiddos not being able to keep up with us until we're very very old haha. But my oldest 6yo is already showing great Obstacle Running potential and is fast as hell - so they might be running circles around us before we know it 😁

[@kamilk6807]

good perspective, healthy one. Happy for you

[@jocmarti]

Glad to see there’s someone else out there that loves Rocky almost as much as I do.

[@luisnabais]

I've heard for years people saying to me to workout for myself, but I always prefer to train and run with my wife, even at events. We are doing this for about 10 years and doing these things together it's great fun and brings us closer. We prefer that over being competitive. Whatever makes us happy, right?

[@TimRsn]

I'm always wary of using terms like Compromise and Sacrifice. It's just having a different mindset. There is a 4th way - Be more Dog. Some of the more memorable races have been when I've just run with mates for fun. It does help when everyone is closer in ability as its not a lot of fun feeling you're holding people back or are being held back - but that really depends on many other factors.

[@AMostlyFunctionalJess]

It's a hard set of lessons to learn. I've been helping my best friend with his fitness journey which has it's own set of obstacles as he lives the other side of the Atlantic. We enjoy similar activities but the disparity in our fitness levels is still pretty huge. We've so far only had two 'tests' of our ability to complete a difficult physical task together, one which was very tough but ultimately successful and one which netted some success for him in that he pushed himself through the hardest thing he's ever done in his life, but was an utterly miserable day for me. We're still figuring it out and learning how to set our expectatons. For the next couple of years I think that will just be in the form of scaling things down and building up the activities we do together a lot more slowly so that he can still do things that are challenging for him but that are still a good day out for both of us.

[@joeychen3946]

That title was clickbait, but I loved the video anyway 😂 I love the message of having some things that you do together and some things you do apart, but always sharing with rach other. And of keeping first things (relationships) first. My husband was less fit that I was when we first started dating but after a few years of marriage we got personal training that helped him build his fitness foundations and now he loves working out. Going to the gym is now couple time and more fun for me than when I used to go alone.

[@Munchieplanet]

Your humour is what makes me follow!! Also it’s slightly useful in my fitness routines… basically what not to do!😂

[@RedC220]

Happy wife, happy life. You've cracked it sunshine. 👍

[@MarkLewisfitness]

You got that right!

[@ahazell733]

Happy spouse, happy house: less gynocentric.

[@west1919]

Happy human, happy pooman. More poo-centric.

[@laloelsalamanca]

Nice message with quite a lot that should be processed although with a simple bottom line. Consistency pays off more that maximum effort and enjoying ourselves and stepping back during certain periods doesn't mean loss of gains either. Keep up the good work, you're a good inspiration.

[@clivebunyard3265]

Brilliant video Mark and surely "The whole is greater than the sum of the parts" with the 2 of you together. I am also guessing your sons are proud of the both of you doing the training and events together

[@kristenpotter7100]

Came because of the Apple Watch/Garmin debate in another video, but subscribed because of this. I definitely have always trained solo but having someone to share those accomplishments with is the best.

[@Stu_2112]

Be thankful. Having a partner that maybe doesnt quite meet your hopes and (high level) expectations is still waaaay better than a partner that you wished you could do ANY sporting event with you 😕 my partner won't even walk a parkrun, nevermind do a race. You're one of the lucky ones.

[@megmikerodriguez6011]

I luv Rocky and your sense of humor! Glad I found your channel...crack on! :D Megan

[@tonmtbcomic9066]

Hi mark I started watching this and I think you’re a lot fitter then when I start watching you and I feel that helps to motivate me to keep going. You may be above average but to me it helps to see what can be done

[@kerrynball2734]

My wife is up to 4 x park runs. And given that she takes 55 minutes for the 5k and is totally stuffed she really does need it. Thanks for putting me onto it. I'd never considered going to one until watching your channel. I do the park run in about 27.5 then go back to walk with her until the end. So that's a good cool down for me and it's working well for us. I hope she sticks at it.

[@WolfGirl930]

I’ve watched a lot of your stuff since following about a year ago. I’ve watching pretty much everything since that date (maybe not so much the tech stuff).I won’t bother explaining my reasons but for me this is the best content you’ve posted. Glad you’ve both found what works 👍🏻

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Wow, thank you!

[@Big2Planker]

You're crushing it, mate. I'm about the same size (height wise), former college basketball player, daily cyclist, 50km+ per day. Working on diet (okay the wine continues to be a challenge) and back to the gym again soon. But that running..., I've been advised (given the years of hardwood on the body) to avoid running altogether. Skiing is the alternative for the winter. When it comes to working out with the Mrs...., well, it' a challenge. Working on getting her a gravel bike (if she can ever make the decision) and then having worked out with her before, the goals are different. So, awesome job committing to work together with Jen. However, and this is friendly advice from "a colonist", don't let her hold you back. Men and women are different, and that's by design. Support her, be there for her, but keep pushing!!! Finally, all the best for both of you on the journey.

[@davidbaker3786]

Another great video Mark. Thank you 👍 Great that you're balancing couple time with Rocky IV and enjoying both. Perfection! Have you ever tried doing training runs together with you in a weighted vest to add the challenging burn but match the pace? Curious to know if that works.

[@colmwhateveryoulike3240]

That's a lovely photo of you both sitting in the boot of the car!

[@Martin_Edmondson]

They both look genuinely really happy. Really nice photo.

[@kostistau]

I love the content regardless, sport is all about having fun, doing it with your significant other is so much more fun than running a new record time once in a while

[@PeteMulv]

When I trained for ultra events, my wife would run with for the marathon distances training runs. I would carry all the food and water we needed for the run, added weight for me. We would have time together and it would keep my pace down to what I would run for an ultra, so good alround.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

There are many times I do the same. I load up with the gear, and Jen just runs. Works perfectly.

[@Bukoe]

Balance is way better last couple years I have been "slowing down" a bit moving a bit away from always having to compete with others.. To my focus is more on having fun and completing events, This shift in my training focus made my wife more interested, and we now try to have a bikeride and a weight session together every week.. I often still go out alone on the Bike, and have a hard session the day before I ride with my wife this way I can relax and enjoy a good recovery ride with my wife. We are also the same age as you are 46 and 48 So body seem to like the more social approach =)

[@TD05SSLegacy]

Training with slower folks can actually help fitness as you are forced to do ACTUAL zone 2 pace. That leaves you fresher for speed work. So many amateur athletes smash it every workout for a variety of reasons. I couldn’t believe how much faster I went on local ‘drop’ rides after noodling around with my spouse on long rides.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Yep - my Z2 stuff was always too fast until I started running with Jenna

[@stevephla]

Those traveling rings at 1:10 look great! I wonder how much ceiling height one needs to set that up in a garage or basement. Thy look to be hung from about 9 feet.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

They are high!

[@stevephla]

@@MarkLewisfitness I’d love to see a progression of how Jen (and you?) got good at them. Many of us struggle just to hang on with one hand. I have installed some from my 10’ rafters.

[@oldsambo]

Good video enjoying life and staying fit is more important than podium finishes.

[@QuackLoud]

All of your joint training points can be applied to a successful marital plan. Great video.

[@petescott8259]

Awesome vid, over the last three years we have been on the exact same journey.

[@24hrsinadaynoexcuses20]

Always a great video the jokes man have me dying.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Then my task here is complete 😂

[@ukpipeline]

Great vid… much more interesting content with the variety from the two of you.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

More to come!

[@Tatterist]

I always say to my wife 'I can run fast anytime I like; this is the only time I can run with you'.

[@DC-lu5qs]

Life is good brother. Having a mate that you can enjoy things together with tops it all.

[@AssignableJack]

I like the thumbnail. It looks like Jen is belting out a rock classic mid race.

[@arnzwon]

LOL at the opening statement 😂

[@emslie19]

Hopefully people can apply this advice to other aspects of their life as well

[@nikolajmadsen5921]

Love these video's cheers for the content ! :)

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Thanks 🙏

[@dw5523]

A healthy relationship with a S/O is an underrated aspect of fitness.

[@simonc111]

0:47 Your view...enough said about why you now work out together 😂

[@danhunneyman2973]

love the less competitive mindset. seems far more sustainable (and enjoyable) long term. I enjoy the outdoors, but have zero compulsion to compete or win anything. To me, climbing the mt or paddling/biking a few hours is the win.

[@spe279]

Sharing a passion saves arguments about how you spend your time

[@DaemonViews]

My gf and I have been training more together. I used to focus mainly on the gym. Since COVID a lot more cardio stuff, which is her thing. We have a funny combo of skills now when we do an OCR (thanks to your videos, Mark). Power related exercises are easy for me at the events. Heavy ball? You mean that? Owkej. In the meantime she is struggling to move it. I mock her a bit and jog off. Bit later she catches me and we do the next obstacle. Something she is good at as well. Not just plain power. We get through together. BUT! I'm huffing and puffing and need to walk a few steps before I run and she is yelling cmon let's run again. Time to run slowpoke. I start to run, unable to say something because I have my breakfast in my mouth again. We go jogging together. She always calls it a recovery run. Grmbl grmbl And we cycle together. ( Where she absolutely destroys me) Very happy couple :)

[@purplemonkeydishwasher5269]

Yep my wife has nooooo interest in fitness or big days in the mountains. My kids enjoy the activities they do, dancing acting and swimming with their friends a short walk and a potter at the climbing wall with me. My wife actively discourages them from the activities Ilike as she isn't fit enough any more. But I accept it. When they're ready (if) they'll come with me. They may end up discovering it without me and doing it with their mates. I'm happy... I'd rather have fun at the things we do together and go smash a hill in the Lakes on my own. Its all about what makes you happy.

[@sirhenrystalwart8303]

Can confirm. Dating somebody who was a 5.10 rock climbing was a massive setback to my performance and goals. Would not recommend.

[@fearthesmeag]

Spotted Jen this morning (100k Thames Ultra) at the start, without you Mark? Sadly I had a DNS due to injury for my 50k, however my mrs continued without me.

[@FLIK510]

@mark lewis - any plans to make your merch available outside of the UK in the future?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Cardio Dolphin 🐬 will be coming to the whole world, one day! 😃

[@FLIK510]

@@MarkLewisfitness I plan to buy 7

[@georgeharrold2986]

When going out on runs together, have you considered wearing a weighted vest? That way - even when you're running slower to match Jen's pace - it might still be as physically demanding as your normal pace. I'd just be curious to know your thoughts. 🙂

[@BleachedAnubis]

"stronger, faster, more british"

[@hummerchine]

Really fantastic video!

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Thank you 🙏

[@brianinwards1987]

So glad the Duck Pond is back ......next Labrador puppy sandwiches (if you dont understand sign up for Patreon)

[@RaphaelaEdelbauer]

Rowing on the water in a 2x is the way to go for different levels o fitness.

[@wazeroonie6084]

In 20 years time Jen will probably be classed as your carer Mark🤣

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Well, I hope she pushes my chair faster than she runs otherwise it will take us ages to get anywhere 😂

[@Stevenc1984]

8:35 Equally old partner? I'm surprised you didn't get the other shoe!

[@awabaskri1875]

I think he was meant to pronounce odd. Or maybe we'll never know what he said 🤔

[@iTribe-xn9qe]

I would love to lose my competitiveness if only my wife would join me working out. Glad you guys figured it out.

[@edladd212]

43s in and I’ve learned that Jenna has better rowing form than Mark. All the internets amateur rowing coaches are going to have a field day with this!

[@joannemarkov]

Watch 55 year-old Jen start doing Bikini competitions just to prove you wrong.

[@mastbikes]

thank you, this for me is an eye opener, and you gave me some great advice during this video, and some helpfull motivation thank you :)

[@SeeLizGo]

Oh to have that partner to have this kind of fun with!! Bikes are life and fast is funner.

[@valdius85]

I envy you so much. I only did a quick workout few times with my wife. Now I don't even talk with her about exercising. It is a huge part of my life that it done completely solo.

[@EdmundKerr]

Love your work

[@Inspire196]

Are you having another go at the Thames Path this year?

[@MarkLewisfitness]

I'm running it with Jen.

[@Inspire196]

Good luck to both of you! I’m doing the 50k so may well see you! @@MarkLewisfitness

[@MinerH2O]

Spot on big Man 💪🏻

[@ryanarnold4790]

Anytime Jens in a vid I click lol.

[@MarkLewisfitness]

😃👍

[@myrealretirementadventures]

So easy to confuse fitness wellbeing … no point being super fit and your not having a balanced and ‘happy’ life …. Great advice.

[@nathanielsnyder1323]

You're a patient husband mark! I don't know if my type A personality. Would let me detrain myself so I could run and bike with my wife regularly

[@531c]

Blimey, think yourself lucky. Im under pressure to walk the dog with my wife which i do, 'cos im nice. Slightly better than watching the box. On a positive note, my 17 year old daughter runs with me(62). So effortless for her. Spin the plates Mark, save the marriage😂

[@orangepotato2112]

You two seem great :D

[@effyzhang1281]

I comprised my training schedule so my husband can tag along. And he got sick after just one week......

[@LocationEarthExplorer]

dam u got any tips I post vids like you but never get views ❤

[@MarkLewisfitness]

Tell a story, every video. I don't make fitness content - I make stories.

[@wimseffelaar8950]

I think it’s great! I wished my wife had the same interest in running so we could run together

[@vraisairs9201]

This is so sweet

[@west1919]

1:03 No JENeralizations to be found

[@robertsilver1296]

You do you