How has your health and fitness journey been going lately? 🏃‍♀️

@panzerveps

19 күн бұрын

Since I started training for a triathlon my fitness and overall health has improved a lot. I've been a fit cyclist for a decade, but since all my strength was concentrated in my legs I had plenty of upper body problems. The only negative thing is that my P2W ratio has decreased because of increased upper body muscle mass...

@tomlangleydesign

19 күн бұрын

Dan, what a great attitude you have about this. I love my bike, I don’t race anymore and the social benefits of riding are also a huge help. I think this approach is a great way to attract more viewers, to boot

@matthewcreelman1347

19 күн бұрын

Five years ago, when I was 36, my watch that estimated my VO2 max was 23. About 250 weeks of exercise and weight loss later, at the age of 41 my Garmin estimates my VO2 max to be 58. So I guess that it’s going OK.

@independentcyclist

19 күн бұрын

VO2 Max, is it a Volume of Oxygen the maximum our body can take? That is why we should regulate our oxygen intake.

@kolstefan5

19 күн бұрын

No tv, no processed food, no alcohol and min. 2-3h of riding or similar stuff.

I wish Dan would go back to presenting more vids; he's a really good presenter and I think that gets forgotten now that he mostly just does the GCN show.

@shaun7163

19 күн бұрын

100%, he's so good, relatable, down to earth, easy presenting style, like someone you'd chat to down the pub to see what he's been up to

@andrewmcalister3462

19 күн бұрын

Much as I love Ollie and his science-based approach to things, Dan was the right person to present this video.

@Gixer750pilot

19 күн бұрын

Yep !!! And he’s more relevant and relatable to us middle aged mamils with dad bods more than ever !!!

@newttella1043

19 күн бұрын

I think Dan is a legit journalist.

@Katcycle

19 күн бұрын

Couldn't agree more. More Dan, please. 😃

For the vast majority of us cyclists, this is probably GCN's most important series that they have done. Great work Dan and i'm looking forward to watching your journey.

@rg807

19 күн бұрын

💯

@charlespaynter8987

19 күн бұрын

It’s actually incredibly important for everyone. This is a critical part of the 3 pillars to human health- sleep, diet and exercise. Understanding how each of these affects us is crucial to giving ourselves the best chance to be independent, physically and mentally well long into our natural lifespans.

@jlippin123

19 күн бұрын

The other good vids GCN has put out talk about Zone 2 training and strength training. And I have enjoyed the ultra-distance segments, too. I haven't seen any GCN vids that are all that good regarding a proper diet. All cyclists need to be wary about diet and lifestyle that can lead to metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes, diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and many cancers.

@vesalehtinen4534

19 күн бұрын

Particularly the future episode on strength training 😃

@gcn

17 күн бұрын

Keep those notifications on and you'll see some great content coming your way from Dan 🙌 What would you like us to look into next?

I'm 42 and have always had a sedentary life and poor diet. I was morbidly obese and struggled to even get upstairs. In July 2023, I overhauled my diet and started Zwifting. Since then, I have lost 105lbs. My VO2 max was low. It's now above average, very nearly high. I'm still classed as obese but I have so much more energy and I sleep better. It's never too late to change your life!

@jefflippincott2973

19 күн бұрын

For most of us, yes, it's never to late to change your life. However, say that to a little old lady whose diet and lifestyle caused her to become a frail person with dementia. I think it is too late for her. Ouch! The moral of the story: take control when you still can. There will come a time when it is too late.

@starlitshadows

18 күн бұрын

Wow! Impressive. Keep it going!

@BadHorsie1

17 күн бұрын

Well played

@gcn

17 күн бұрын

Awesome! Nice work 🙌 What tips would you share with someone that is in a similar situation?

@ClaireL-hi5wh

16 күн бұрын

I would advise not to change too much all at once. I did my diet for 6 weeks before I did anything more strenuous than a walk. Start exercise slowly and gently. Zwift was ideal as it meant I could follow a training plan from the comfort of my home and not have to feel awkward in a gym. I followed their training plans and whilst I couldn't always hit a cadence target and definitely didn't have strength to stand and pedal, I did my absolute best for each workout. And I've kept smiling. There's no better feeling that finishing an interval or workout that you thought you couldn't manage 😀

I was genuinely quite saddened (though not really surprised) by reading some of the comments on your last video about this endeavour. I know that you probably have a thick skin and that likely most of these people were only trying to make a good ol’ (crude) joke, but still, it says a lot about today’s world... I am 31 and doing a lot of sport, including cycling and running so one might think this series isn’t for me, but to be honest, that is quite the contrary, I find it fascinating. The reason for this is that what you are doing, and doing it in front of a camera for thousands of people to see, is just super brave. And pretty sure that none of these mockers would have the guts to do anything like that, acknowledging their flaws publicly and trying to simply become a better version of themselves. To be honest, there are parts of these videos, especially the first one, that I just found moving. I wish you all the best Dan, and will be rooting for you for the next coming months and beyond because what you are doing is fantastic and brave and I can’t wait to see the results! Also, if this ends up being a source of encouragement or inspiration for only one person to do something similar to what you’re doing, I think you’d have won plenty already (and I am quite sure that there will be many of these). We can all think of at least one person that is dear to us, but not in a really good shape physically, and that we’d like to hang around with a bit longer, if only they could take a little bit better care of themselves…

@matteodiluce9387

19 күн бұрын

We'll put!

@MiddleAgedMike

19 күн бұрын

People are too comfortable hassling people online the way they hassle their friends they have know for years. No way 95% of the people who said some insulting joke online would have said that to his face.

@trabink2

16 күн бұрын

I'm about double your age ... Life throws you curve balls ... It will be different for anyone.... It's how you will deal with it... It's like climbing a mountain, you can't give up before the top or the finish line, yes, till your last day... Be positive, take courage, learn and inspire especially the younger ones, we will all go when our time comes!!! Be an inspiration to your immediate connections is what you can do. Thank you for sharing!!!

@andywithers592

15 күн бұрын

Hear, hear! Well said.

Dan, i think what makes this series so compelling is your candor and full disclosure. We're all human, and you've managed to inject some humanity into these videos in a powerful way.

@gcn

17 күн бұрын

We agree! Dan has been brave to bring us all along for the journey 🙌 We can't wait to share the next step!

This is some of the best content GCN have created. It's interesting, useful and, as someone speeding their way through middle age, extremely relevant to me. Good work Dan and the team.

@gcn

17 күн бұрын

Glad you are enjoying this series! 🙌 We are loving bringing everyone along for the journey 🙌

14:30 a mediocre plan you can stick to is better than a perfect plan that you can't

@StevenBornfeld

19 күн бұрын

That sounds like something a ninja would say!

@brianmessemer2973

17 күн бұрын

That's an Atomic Habits thing. The fact that you do the thing routinely is more importantly than doing it perfectly or even really well. Absolutely.

@ryoukokonpaku1575

17 күн бұрын

@@brianmessemer2973 Yep, here in Japan there's a saying that goes "If dust piles up, it will become a mountain". Definitely build up habits first than doing huge changes, you'd be shock how much volume you'd want to do by slowly increasing your volume than going big immediately.

@brianmessemer2973

16 күн бұрын

@@ryoukokonpaku1575 偶然ですが僕も日本に住んでいた😊

I'm 70, & Garmin tells me because my VO2 max is 46, I have "a fitness age of 20". Getting to 47 is proving tricky, but your Robert Marchand anecdote, gives me hope🫡

@KitagumaIgen

19 күн бұрын

You have 30 years of training to catch him! Hang in there!!!

@jayross2628

19 күн бұрын

That's high! Congrats! I'm almost 73 and striving for low 40s

@jlippin123

19 күн бұрын

Focus your training around getting rid of dysfunctional mitochondria. Figure out what mitophagy is all about. Dr Attia talks about VO2 Max being important. But he also says a person's grip strength is important, too. Think about it. What does VO2 Max and grip strength have in common? If you have them, then you are both healthy and strong. How many people are healthy and strong after the age of 60 or 65? Answer: not many.

@Hoodalump

19 күн бұрын

How good is the VO2max estimation of Garmin though? Mine is 52 at an age of 30, which seems to be bordering on "elite". It doesn't match my other stats though...an FTP of 3 and change W/kg is anything but "elite"

@hasenbein

19 күн бұрын

​@@Hoodalump Garmins vo2max is pretty spot on

The smile on Dans face when he was talking about the Monday runs and said I'm moving. It says it all‼️♥️

This series of videos is single most important and best series GCN ever made.

@matteodiluce9387

19 күн бұрын

Except for the ones with recumbents. ;) But otherwise I agree!

I saw this comment recently, you don’t stop moving because you grew old, you grew old because you stopped moving! It’s been a great motivation for me Thanks Dan for this video series 🤗

@gcn

17 күн бұрын

Words to live by 🙌

I shall be following this series with interest. As a 73 years old grandfather of eight - soon to be nine - grandchildren, I need to keep myself healthy and fit. Over recent years my cycling has taken a back seat and the amount of exercise I take has been minimal. I'm back on the bike and also doing brisk walks and hope to get back into swimming soon. This series has given me the motivation to get moving! Thank you Dan for putting yourself up for scrutiny. The production and editing of this video was excellent - as was Dan's presentation. Full marks to GCN!

I'm a 67 year old woman. I was an NHS Midwife which I loved but I felt it had a negative impact on my health. When I retired at 60 I decided to get myself as fit as possible, so I could enjoy my retirement and try and prevent health issues from arising. I go to 6 exercise classes a week (cardio, strength and flexibility), cycle or walk everywhere. My V02 max is 30 which I'm told is very good for my age and gender. Blood pressure, weight, blood glucose and cholesterol all normal range. I'm not saying it's easy to keep it going but I think it's definitely worth it, physically and mentally I feel great. Good luck with your journey Daniel. Don't be too hard on yourself and remember why you are doing it. It's your future.

Dan Lloyd’s journey to health is the most meaningful and relevant content on GCN for a considerable amount of time. Dan, thanks for sharing what has obviously been a period in your life that has been a struggle and how you are going about turning it around.

@gcn

17 күн бұрын

Great to hear you are enjoying the videos 🙌 Are there any other topics we should dive into?

For a non-cycling nerd moment, I watched this video kind of as if I was reading a research article. I'm not sure how much of a hand Dan has in writing these videos but whoever does it, kudos. So many authors of research articles never seem to get to their point with this rambling and jumpy narrative style. I really appreciated how this flowed from "what is VO2 max" to how it relates to the everyday person and onwards. Great flow and and it really told a story. On top of that, I'll second so many others comments of how good a presenter Dan is, especially with this subject and to see how obviously invested he is in his own health journey. Very well done!

About ten years ago my wife was undergoing significant surgery and while waiting for her to return to the ward I collapsed on the floor. I woke up in emergency with monitors taped all over me. They decided that I'd fainted and needed to eat then and there and see my doctor the next day. My doctor sent me for a stress test to rule out heart trouble. I was running on a rising and accelerating treadmill and while they were not monitoring VO2 they were continually taking my blood pressure etc. At the end of it the technician said "If I can get results like this when I'm your age I'll be very happy." I've ridden all my life and now at 75 and riding three mornings a week I can feel my capacity dropping. I ride with my eye on heart rate and cadence, holding my heart rate up in the 130s for significant distances. My Dad died of a stoke he had at my age and my brother turned 70 having a triple bypass. So I'm not in any hurry to let the family history catch me napping. The idea of getting a VO2Max test to total exhaustion sounds very daunting.

@stevezodiac491

19 күн бұрын

I am 65, get on zwift or outside on my bike regularly and run at my aerobic threshold of 170 bpm, for an hour and way above that heart rate, when I come across some other stubborn competitor. If you have a history of competitive or regular high intensity cycling, then I don't think that there is much to fear for a very fit older cyclist, doing a VO2 max test. Your body has it's own inhibitor systems to stop you going so hard that you don 't hurt yourself, that is if you aren't on drugs. The danger comes when low or untrained individuals take on far too much, too soon and blow a fuse. The reason I have maintained such a high max heart rate at 187 for my age, I am sure, is because I have pushed myself hard for decades. Use it or lose it, as they say ! It would seem that high intensity exercise and a good lifestyle has paid off for me, on a recent bio bank study carotid artery ultrasound scan, it showed no wall thickening or arthosclerosis, indicating the experts are correct about life long exercise and good living.

@Ashok_Regiment

19 күн бұрын

Modern smartwatches have algorithms that give good estimates of vo2 max. You'll need to exert a bit of effort but you will get some good ballpark value

@walcottav

19 күн бұрын

Well done Dan, I appreciate your candor, effort and this series focus on health for the long term. In our household, knowing there are days when our sixty and seventy-something selves are less than motivated to get the sweat therapy done, it's all about being #fitforlife . Also, way to go Lorraine!

@shanelahousse3344

19 күн бұрын

⁠I was a competitive athlete in football through college and then transitioned to mountain biking in my 20s. I was winning races and didn’t appreciate what incredible shape I was in. Racing was fun. Add in kids and career ambitions and now I’m in my mid 50s now and seeing harder limits on my max HR to 160 vs 185 in my 20s. Time marches on.

@87togabito

19 күн бұрын

Don’t forget strength training too! Your body down the road will thank you for lifting those weights

As an older cyclist, I am seriously enjoying this series and Dan's presentation.

Dan, this is by the far the best and most important series of videos ever to appear on GCN. Motivating those of us who have fallen off the health wagon to get back on it again is vital. But even sharing all the expert advice about why certain things are important no matter what your health is equally important. Thanks for doing this, and I will be looking forward to your future videos.

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

That's what we are here for 🙌 Getting people onto the saddle is super important! Great to hear you are enjoying the video series

This series is shaping up to be some excellent content. As a 53 year old who's been on this journey for 4 years now, I'm all ears!

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

How are you getting on with your fitness journey?

@stuartr6942

16 күн бұрын

@@gcn It's going well so far. I'm a "born again" cyclist, having been into it as a teenager and losing it for 30 years, the pandemic got me back into it. That got me on the road to cardio fitness, and I've built that up from being dead after a 10km ride to doing 120km sportives. I've also witnessed how a loss of muscle mass and bone density has a terrible impact on the elderly and I've sworn to do everything I can to combat it, much like Dan is now! I try to get to the gym on the days I'm not riding. I imagine you'll be covering bone density in future videos in this series, because it's of particular importance to cyclists. I really love this longevity series, I think in the future you'll see it as some of the most impactful content you've made.

I'm 64 and started cycling in 1999 and competing in mountain bike racing shortly after with success at the amateur level. I do only a few big races a year now. My VO2 max is currently 61 with a hematocrit level of 48.7. I have commuted 22 miles round trip by bike since 2007. When I started riding seriously, I was in average shape, and I was drinking way too much. Cycling changed my life. I do push-ups and abdominal exercises twice a week also. I have the fitness to do all that I want, and still can give the young guys all they want on the trails and gravel. Start riding it will change everything for you, body and mind!!

@gcn

3 күн бұрын

thanks for the comment and sharing your experiences!

Dan, Ollie and Si will always be elite tier presenters for me. Their content is always just a cut above when it comes to thoughtfulness of script, quality of research, and pacing of presentation. Many of their long form content I would count amongst the best videos that GCN have ever produced - particularly Si as of late. Keep up the good work guys.

@nickfitzpatrick5302

19 күн бұрын

Absolutely agree. It happily feels to me that we’re getting more GCN quality content again like it used to be, and less “Does this cake make me ride a climb faster” type of guff.

@oldanslo

18 күн бұрын

Ollie has put out a lot of gibberish.

@CazzaJen

17 күн бұрын

Totally agree! ❤

Started cycling in my 30s. Now in my 50's having done 100,000+ ks on the bike. Have been very happy with how aerobically fit I've been, but recently have realised how important strength is also. So instead of cycling 6 hours a week and only being aerobically fit, I now cycle 3 hours a week, jog 2 hours a week and do about 3 hours a week of strength and mobility. My goal has shifted from being fast on the bike (fun, but not important) to maintaining v02max and strength as I age (life changing). I'm much. much fitter at 50 than I was at 30 and hope I can also say that at 60, 70, and so on. I guess my main point is I changed my goal to make it more relevant/important and haven't looked back.

Dan, you’ve inspired me to get on the road back to fitness. I spent 23yrs in the regular army and a further 9yrs in the reserves. My fitness was unbelievable when I was in. I was in the Household `Division ( The Guards ), so not only was I on ceremonial duties, with trooping the colour etc, I was also an infantryman on operations overseas. When I left I got into a rut of not needing to be as fit. Therefore becoming unfit and putting on weight. Your series has given me the kick up the backside, so thank you mate.

@gcn

17 күн бұрын

Well done Ricardo! Glad you're coming along for the journey with me. Dan

46yrs old and VO2 max of 60 tested at Loughborough Uni puts me in the elite category, pleased with that. My iPhone and Apple Watch report that my cardio fitness is “Below average”, so be very wary of any figure provided without a proper test.

@sergeylyzhin543

18 күн бұрын

so damn true!

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

That's a great point! Having all the tech in the world can be great... but do you think we've put too much emphasis on tech?

I’m 64, sat down drinking a beer and watching this. It’s scared me so much I’m never going to watch another episode of this series. Seriously though, this is the best content I’ve ever seen on GCN. As a very active person in my younger days it’s making me very conscious of the fact that I think about exercising more than doing it. I think you’ve given me the kick up the backside I need. Thanks.

@DanielLloyd1

16 күн бұрын

Glad to hear it Gary! I'm sure you won't regret it. Dan

This is the content I want to see on GCN. Also, Dan, you should do more vids as you used to do. That being said, good luck on your mission to a healthier lifestyle. I started myself more than a year ago by buying a Speedpedelec, now basically riding in zone 2 all the time, and even be faster at work at the same time. In September I dusted of my Specialized Allez Sport 2008, converted it to Di2 myself, because why not, and now going out twice a week attacking the hills of the Flemish Ardennes were I used to play ride as a kid. For what’s worth, my Garmin 830 indicates a Vo2Max of 53 turning 45 next week. Life is good!

Loving these videos waiting to see Mason's zone 2 updates. At 60 yr old, id stopped cycling 25 or so yrs ago busy shooting archery all over the country, realized after COVID how really unfit I was. We started riding again,bought e gravel bikes , changed job now lifting and walking all day,15 to 15 thousand steps a day, joined Mason's 30 for 30 in January. Still a long way to go but feeling much better. Keep up the inspiration stuff it really helps

This series really hit close. I'm 1 year older and started the same journey in 2017 when the kids became old enough to give me a bit of free time. I've never been good at sport although I did a few marathons in my 20s. But after those 7 years, raising my training intensity very progressively and picking up cycling initially for commuting, I now the fitest I've ever been in my life, 10kg slimer than I was on average, a heart at rest in the mid 50s and reaching 200 at max and a VO2max estimated by Garmin at 54. And easily beating my best times on any distance from my youth. If there is any advice to give, injury prevention should be the main priority. It took me 7 years to move from running 2 times a week to 5 times and cycling on the other days. One should listen to his body as it is easy to get hurt and it takes long to heal, sometimes never, at our age. Keep up the good work!

Super excited to watch Dan’s journey! Getting into my 40’s I started thinking about my own mortality and longevity and I’ve been on my own journey returning to fitness over the last few which has been super gratifying. I’ve always maintained health and fitness through exercise; in particular cycling and GCN has played a large role in that. So thanks GCN, and Dan I’m rooting for you!

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

Cycling can be a great way to stay ontop of your fitness 🙌

The three weeks since I bought my new road bike I have been riding it 2 to 4 times a week, and today I did a 35km ride, averaging almost 20km/h. I have been feeling noticeably better as of late, just from exercising a little.

@jefflippincott2973

19 күн бұрын

You would probably get more benefit from a 100k ride going 13 or 14k/h. That's probably what Zone 2 training would be for you.

@pedro_8240

18 күн бұрын

@@jefflippincott2973 I would love to, except that I don't have the time for that, unfortunately. 7~8 hours on top of a bike is no joke.

I turned 60 this year. In my 20's and 30's I always went to the gym. I had a fair amount of muscle and loved to work out (I did no cardio). In my 40's I let myself get out of shape and developed some of the bad habits that Dan described. When I turned 50 I decided to get back in shape and one of the things I started to do was cycling. That's when I found the GCN training rides that Dan, Sy and Matt were putting out (I wish they were still available). I started using the indoor trainer and performed three of those rides per week. I lost 50 pounds while also getting a lot of my strength back lifting weights. I feel so much better at 60 then I did in my 40's. I'll be following your journey back to fitness and I'm following you on Strava.

Dan, please do more vids! You're not only a Rockstar but also very well spoken and for me, the reason I started watching GCN!

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

What vids would you like to see Dan doing?

@deployeddan

16 күн бұрын

@@gcn as Dan gets older so do we. I think he’s a great candidate for topics concerning aging riders and how physical and physiology needs change over time. Real world topics like aging, worn joints and pains I think are great discussion points.

I shall be 75 in Novermber and started road biking at 65. It powers my spirit and my day. When I am not riding, I walk, usually at least 8km at one outing and often much more. My point is that your excellent videos on the VMax theme offer insight, a metric of progress/decline as well as encouragement. Great presentational skills, Dan.

@gcn

3 күн бұрын

thanks for the comment and keep up the great work!

At age 51 im at 54VO2 Max. Feels pretty good when I beat the teens I coach.

Looking forward to these videos. Had a prostatectomy in January to get rid of cancer. I’m only 54. My interest in further refining my lifestyle has greatly increased. My longevity has been threatened now I need to do everything I can to live longer.

Well done, Dan. You're on the right track. It's great you are inspiring so many others. I am a 66 year old woman with a VO2 max of 46. I cycle, jog and lift weights 5-6 days a week. I would to go into very old age in a healthy state.

Hi Dan, it wasn't a concious attempt to get fit but last year's 30 in 30 got me started again (thanks GCN) and I managed to keep it up through most of the year. My resting heart rate (age 71) is about 44. I shall follow this series with great interest (I'm planning on the century).

I'm currently reading Outlive, a book by Peter Attia. I know that some people are not keenly interested in living longer than others, but he makes an important point: by working to extend our lifespans, we extend the time we are HEALTHY. This should interest all of us (or most of us anyway). I've started putting in more effort into gaining strength, as I've already lost some due to my age.

This is excellent Dan. Congratulations on your tough accomplishments. You are hugely inspiring to all of us who have let things slide. I'm 66, female and began feeling weaker and weaker every year because I stopped riding and going to the gym 8 years ago. Thank you so much for getting me moving. I've given up 2 pints a day and lying on the couch with potato chips in my hair. I started riding consistently again. I'm slow but feeling a bit stronger. I sleep deeply and I'm much happier. VO2 max testing in 2 weeks. Keep up the great work.

@daniellloyd100

19 күн бұрын

That's fantastic, well done Susan. My biggest recommendation would be to add strength and resistance exercises into your weekly routine. Again, I'm 'preaching' from a point of only having just started myself, but everything I've read and listened to suggests that staying strong and maintaining muscle mass is the top priority as we age. Especially if you already have a long background in cardio training. All the best with it Susan. Dan

@matteodiluce9387

19 күн бұрын

Well done you! Keep going!

@SeattleMarko

19 күн бұрын

Where some may see slow, I see get up and go! 🎉👍💪❤

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing with us Susan! It can be so hard to get back into fitness, good luck in your journey!

@susanwright7921

16 күн бұрын

@@gcn ❤

I recently had a VO2 max test at the altitude centre in London. I’m 59 and scored 49. In the top 7% for my age. It was encouraging as I had no idea of my true fitness prior to the test. It gives me a bench mark for my next test , planned in about 3 months time. Great video and best of luck on your back to fitness journey.

I adopted a simple motto a few years back - “Consistently Good, Not Periodically Great”. That’s lead me to do something active 5-6 days a week whether ride, run, hike - I’m not too precious about it.

When people say they are going to the gym regularly it reminds me of a friend who goes to the gym once a year to renew his membership. Note: The word "regularly" doesn't mean "frequently".

Dan, this video is possibly the most inspiring I've seen for ages. Well put together. I'll be following you through your plan, but have my own going atm. BTW, I'm 66, so don't forget, when you're talking about getting older, that old folk watch GCN as well 😄

55 years old and have begun more regular/serious MTB riding for the first time in 30+ years. Even won an "old guy/beginner" race! VO2 max was in the low 70's way back when I raced Pro-Am on the road. Would be interested in what it is now, but don't really want to suffer through the test! Keep up the good work, Dan!

Your honesty is not wasted on us. Thank you for sharing and best wishes on your journey.

This series of videos has to be the best I have seen on gcn, which is saying a lot. There is so much useful and actionable advice, which when presented with the candid discussion on Dan’s life is incredibly compelling. Can’t wait for the next video!

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

We hope everyone can take something from these videos 🙌 Thanks for supporting Eric!

This is proving to be the most useful series on GCN. It offers informative and life altering information that will transform riding more than any bolt on carbon fibre part. I have a great deal of respect for Dan for using his experience as the basis for this series.

I'm in the same age bracket and have come to the realization that I'm in a downward spiral if I do not change. The timing of this mini-series is a gift. Thank you for the motivation. I will be following this like a hawk.

Really enjoying your presentation. I'm a 60 yr old physiotherapist and avid cyclist. Love Peter attic. Love that you are showing us how to do these things and why we should look into our ways to prolong lifespan. Keep it going!!

Probably only a general ballpark guide. But just using a VO2max cycling calculator where you input your best recent 6min power(340w in Jan) , and your weight(68kg) mine came up at 61ml/kg per minute at age 50. But in saying that my power really tanks after 10mins where it didn't even 5yrs ago. What I could do for 26mins then, I can now only do for ~9mins. I'm lucky because I have a very physical job so am moving all the time. The downside is I can't handle too many decent cycle training sessions a week or I get overtraining symptoms. Another thing is its hard for me to eat enough with my big calorie expenditure and vegan diet full of fibre and not much junk food. I had a race coming up a few months ago, so I increased my training volume and accidentally dropped 2kgs! I just forgot to eat more to compensate as my body didn't increase hunger signals. When you're already lean (similar physique to Dan) one can't really afford to lose more! As its going to be muscle which I don't have a lot of. None of this lose weight and maintain power! As both went down. However been gong to physio rehabbing a recent shoulder injury I did at work, and have been going to the gym which has been really enjoyable. And much needed as work and cycling is only specific to certain muscle groups so isn't very balanced. Basically I'm only strong in certain directions. So work to do!

Good for you, Dan. I'm honestly inspired.

Healthspan over lifespan always. Peter attia sums this up so beautifully.

Inspiring to the max Dan. Just turn 60 and your series is perfectly on point. Soon to be a retired firefighter, there is signs that my body is letting go. I had my fair share of injuries in my sports and my work. I picked up cycling since that activity doesn't hurt me. Long, active and healthy life, those words hit hard here.

My VO2 MAX is recorded on my Garmin watch. Now I know it is not accurate but does give me a base line of which way it is going. Currently it says I am at 45 . I love doing Triathlon. I am 65 years old and age is against me. I do what I can and train fairly hard. 16 hours a week. I use it as a stress relief. Nothing like a long swim or a long bike with intervals and that glorious long run to put my mind in another space. It never gets easy and I always start off with my mind saying "are you nuts?". Yes, YES i am! and loving it.

76 and in superb shape, top 2%, cycling regularly and weight lifting, have been tested a lot through my local University

Good work Dan. As a former resident of Bath I was a bit distracted by the background at times but really good vid!

"Live healthy, die healthy" (my slogan)... How to have a longer, healthy, enjoyable life by taking care of our bodies (stay hopeful and not die miserably)... You're demonstrating the way and inspiring many by sharing your honest journey!!! Congratulations! Keep it up, thank you!

I'm enjoying following along with this series. It's quite relatable. I'm curious how your lab calculated VO2 max compares with the number given by your fitness watch?

This series of videos is some of the best content out there because it is relatable and well produced.

Nice GCN, nice. I challenged this thesis that VO2 Max was a predictor of lifespan and fitness. I provided a link and my post was deleted. Nice, really nice, GCN.

I just had a birthday, am in my late 50s ($H!T I'm almost 60!) and my VO2 Max (predicted) is 45. I'm a Polar HRM user for 30 years and swear by their HRMs, it's been a game changer for me. Especially since I received a lung injury while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. I can no longer run sub 7 min/miles, more like 10 min/mi pace, but can complete marathons and group pace rides at 20+mph for 30+ miles. It's taken me YEARS to get to this level.

I'm in my early 40's. I've been on a similar journey to be healthier for the past 5 years. I'd say it's a lifestyle now. Something that bothers me, though, is how many people in my life don't take care of themselves. They might even complain about being overweight, but they don't want to put effort in. I've discovered that being healthy sometimes puts you on an island.

You have many great videos in this channel but for me, this series is the absolute best. Full of explanations, inspiration and recommendations.

This is some of the best content you guys have ever done. Period. Thank you for doing this and the best of luck to Dan on his journey back to fitness.

I've recently watched a short clip of an old grandfather doing cross training, lifting kettle bells consistently, it was a preparation for Christmas when he lifts his grand daughter to place the star on the Christmas tree. This series is giving me that vibes, it's not enough just to grow old, it's about growing old comfortably and still do meaningful things. Great series, Dan.

Great news Dan. Quitting all the bad habits. I reacently dropped my alcohol consuming to almost zero max 2 units per week like a glass of wine during diner.

One of the best video series GCN has done in a long time, and Dan’s candor throughout is quite welcome. Looking forward to hearing more about his methods for improving the various metrics. People forgot how good of a presenter Dan is!

Nice one Dan! And thanks for this video series, it's fantastic. Looking forward to future episodes!

As a long term amateur cyclist and coach I’ve had an understanding of VO2 max but I’d never related it to simply being able to function better day to day as we age - the example of climbing stairs in the video is an excellent method to get the information across. Excellent informative and educational video. Well done Dan and the GCN team

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

V02 is s tricky concept for many people to get their heads around, we hope our video will clear things up 🙌

30 year old male, 210 lbs, 6'1". Vo2 Max was tested yesterday at 44.6. I have for years done roughly 3-4 hours a week, mostly zone 2, but also some higher intensity sessions. Going to increase that, particularly the vigorous and interval sessions.

This is good work, Dan.I thought I might share my recovery experience to help you and others. My journey back to health was sparked by similar experience though I was already 60 at the time. I was a skydiving instructor until I had the unfortunate experience of a midair collision in freefall that ended that portion of my career. After 6 months of recovery, I decided to go back to back to cycling as my injury was neck (C4) related. and this was because obviously there would be less jolting than in running to agrevate the repair. That was in 2016. I am now 68 and am both pleased and relieved to say that I have improved my health considerably to the point where I can compete in Grand Masters local cycling events with satisfying results. I wish you all the best on your journey it will be your best reward.

Really important to understand what is needed for a long HEALTHY life…thanks

This definitely resonates. I used to be so fit 4 to 5 years ago, gained over covid and now i am lazy af.... I am starting to think I am being bombarded with these kinds of videos for a reasom 😅

Two years ago i started doing spin class 5 days a week (with a Sunday Group ride whenever I could) , love it so much I became an instructor a year later, 6 months after that I have now incorporated strengthen training Monday and Fridays, no regrets, planning for my first century ride this summer

Thank you Dan and GCN for doing this series. It's a nice bit of extra motivation in my own journey toward getting fitter.

A truly brilliant two episodes. I likely the honesty and simplicity. I have been running for about 20 years (I’m 63) with no really purpose just 5k runs as many times a week as I could manage. Almost always zone 2 because I came across Phil Maffetone via Rich Roll about 10 years ago. Attia is brilliant on many things but takes s@£&E on diet for reasons I struggle to understand. I recently started a training plan generated by my Garmin for a 33 km trail race in the alps where I live. Having a purpose/target makes such a difference. Thank you for these videos. My VO2 Max on my Garmin is 47 and I’m going to do a proper test in June and will post results here. Good luck

@daniellloyd100

19 күн бұрын

47 at the age of 63 is fantastic! Let me know what the lab test results show. I understand some of the wearables give quite an accurate measurement. Dan

@3Unique

16 күн бұрын

@@daniellloyd100 Thank you Dan. Really nice of you to reply. From watching KZread the wearables are accurate enough but I'm interested in the data. One of my main reasons for wanting to do a VO2 Max test is I can’t get a handle on my zones. Based on Phil Maffetone my max HR should be 157 but I can get to 174 relatively easily (i.e. running on the flat). Running up a hill and/or at altitude and I can reach 182/3 (though doing that frequently is probably not good for me). Anyway will definitely report back. My one tip would be to set yourself a goal of an event or race. Putting that trail run into my Garmin and then following the training plan created by Garmin has transformed my attitude to training. It is not quite the same as having a personal trainer turn up at your front door every day (which I can't afford) but it is very motivational. If I don't do a workout I can almost feel my watch chastising me!

i am about 2 years in to the same journey you are on, building muscle for my older self's benefit. 49yo, gained about 15-20 lbs of muscle and still gaining. I have a weekly gym routine with cycling days in between. Up to about 40 miles uninterrupted cycling journey on the weekend, with neighborhood sprints on some of the weekdays. All together has been great for mental health, and physically the best shape i've ever been in possibly. Don't forget to let yourself heal when the body is telling you it needs time off.

When I was running and fairly fit my VO2max was around 65. I long to get back to that level of fitness but injuries keep getting in the way, perhaps I need to put more muscle on in the gym too Dan 💪🏻

Episode 2 definitely did NOT disappoint! You've given me fresh motivation after a poor week - and definitely, I think like you, I just need to MOVE more. Although I must admit, that's going to be hard, it being Giro d'Italia time - how can I prise myself from the sofa when that's on?!!!!

Another great and even more inspiring video GCN and Dan! You've maxed the volume on this one

Keep at it Dan, I realised in my mid-30’s that I was growing sideways at a rapid rate. Took up cycling, now in my early 60’s VO2 max is about 40 … got me motivated to get it tested.

@gcn

16 күн бұрын

We love to hear this 🙌 Keep pushing! Have you got an end goal or are you hope to just live more healthy?

The first video definitely gave me the kick I needed, and got me started on the return to fitness plan I had been contemplating for a while. Nice one Dan. Progress for me 3 weeks in, lost 20lbs, increased VO2 Max (Garmin estimate) up to 44. Strength and speed returning in running and cycling, resting HR down to 40bpm, and feeling good about myself again. A ways to go yet, but I am long for the journey. 51yr old male, currently 223lbs.

55 nearly 56...3 knee arthroscopies. Currently training for my last big physical fundraising challenge for charity. Supported by University of Worcester School of Sport and Exercise Science...did two treadmill FatMax / VO2 max sessions. (They aren't pleasant, but worth it!) Really inspired and motivated by your commitment Dan. Great video.

Just to congratulate you, Dan ..I also go into alcohol and tobacco fases, not heavy on either one, but I can relate. Currently training for an triathlon so that gives me the reason not to drink or smoke. A goal in the future has always helped me , just saying.. Very inspirational and I opener regarding VO2 max. Thank you !

Thanks again for putting yourself out there, Dan. LeMond is famously quoted as saying that it never gets easier, you just go faster. However, as you pointed out, at some point you stop going faster and just slow down the inevitable decline.

I'm loving Dan's journey, I was a keen cyclist until I had a very unexpected heart attack on 5th Feb at the age of 49. I'm now on my own journey to recovery actually went out on bike today exactly 90 days after attack. Following Dan's journey is a huge help and motivator, keep it up GCN ❤

Started a similar journey to this at the beginning of the year. From competing in cycling to triathlon in my 20s family life had left me heavier and unfitter than ever in my 30s. After a few failed attempts in the past 2 years where I set unrealistic goals I’ve taken a similar approach to you Dan. Not worrying about how much I am doing or worrying about what I’ve not done. Just focusing on small changes I can keep to consistently and not trying to compare myself to anyone else. So far so good.

Great video, Dan, and very inspiring. I'm 73 and over the last few years have decreased my cycling time due to several factors. You've inspired me to get back into it more frequently and I'm currently riding about 3 times a week. I'll follow your journey with interest and wish you the best.

Love this series, actively looking forward to new vids.

Well done Dan. The quitting smoking/nicotine replacement is a tough journey on its own. I quit smoking some 10 years ago or so, and i probably wouldnt have managed it if i hadnt gotten into cycling. It was the goals i set myself to get faster that helped me to quit massively (plus the fact it wasn't a particularly good look standing at the side of the road, dressed in lycra, with my road bike, and a tab hanging out my mouth 😂). Since then ive been into cycling, quit and started long distance running and then started cycling again last july after a 5 year gap. Im now pushing an ftp of around 306 (maybe a fraction higher since my last rmp test) from around 270, and am breaking some of my pb's from 10 rears ago on strava, and am creeping closer to others. Im almost 53 and feel like im definitley getting fitter.

YES! YOU QUOTED PETER ATTIA! I’m sure you’ve know about him for many a year but I did mention in comments on one of Ollie’s videos months back. Brilliant series Dan.

This is a fantastic series. I appreciate Dan’s honesty and candor. I wish him all the best. Also, having Bath as a backdrop is pretty nice. May GCN could get the Bath/Somerset Tourism council to help sponsor.

Love the video great to see Dan changing things and he has always been a brilliant presenter. Keep it going I am looking forward to seeing you progress.

Thank you so much doing a video on this topic. It really is a subject almost no one outside the sports community knows which is so messed up because as you said, it is something everyone should be aware of and pay close attention to. And thank you for not just discussing this subject but doing it in a way that is very simple for others to understand and in a very nonjudgmental and respectful way. I loved the statement “it isn’t just about living a long life but about living a long productive life”! This is something I try to emphasize myself when talking to others about retirement. Especially those a few decades from it and are focused on money over health now so their retirement years will be “exciting”. All the money in the world will not help you enjoy retirement if your health won’t allow it.

I am 67 years old, and am part-way through a cycling program designed to get me in peak physical condition to race my bike for up-to 150km and will be in about 8 weeks time. The whole program is 16 weeks long and is dependent on my age, current physical condition, and how many days per week I can dedicate to training on my bike. Most of the rides are between 1 and 4 hours long and are in my power zone 2, but some are interval based and are as tough as they come. I have increased my VO2Max from 37 to 45/6 over the last 8 weeks of consistent training which I am really proud of. I should add that I come from a track-and field athletics background where I was an elite class middle and long distance runner. However it is a long time since I did any serious running and the impact aspect of running does not favour my knees which is why I took up road cycling. As a youth I used to love racing my bike, but joining a cycling club was just too expensive so I played rugby and ran on the track.

At 57 I’ve been a cyclist most of my life. Since 2004 a consistent cyclist, runner and triathlete and still so much to learn. This series is excellent and so relevant. I recommend having a read/listen of the The Midlife Cyclist by Phil Cavell

This video is so good it even made me click the "like" button, which I hardly ever do!

Well done Dan love GCN and your particular self deprecating style ! I'm 62 part-time cyclist, swimmer, park runner , but not very good at anything, however I have a secret weapon, I bought a Concept 2 rower about 15 years ago and its in my garage, it is the best item of indoor sports equipment ever, when I feel a bit fat or unfit I'm back on it, people say its boring just like me so its the most ideal exercise! it can't be beaten. BTW I am going to to do a VO2 max test, as soon as I can persuade my daughter to let e do one in the lab, at the University she works at. I'll let you know how it goes. currently my Garmin says 41 excellent, and I did estimate one on the rower a few weeks ago 38.25 I didn't push it to much and in about 4kg overweight cheers Dan !

Dan, thank you. My challenge to you is to develop a strength exercise regime that doesn't need a gym - I simply don't do gyms for lots of reasons. I'm told it is possible. This is the best thing I've seen on GCN for years - I'm a keen cyclist in my 60s and am just getting back into exercise after three years of health problems that have prevented me exercising.