How FIT did wife get with 6 months training? 

Science confirmed it - neither of us likely to collapse this week 🤣Check the description for details of Surrey HPI where we got the tests done 👍

Next video we'll get to see Nixon's VO2 max 😂

Great video Mark, really informative. I have to say my favourite bit was, "if you haven't got 45 minutes spare in a day, why are you watching RU-vid?" 🤣 Keep up the great work mate

Fantastic work from Jen. In 2.5 years I took my Vo2 max from 32 (poor) to 47 (excellent). Didn't do more than 4 runs a week. Lost a lot of weight too, which clearly helped. I was a complete couch potato when I started. First 5k took me 42 minutes, PB is now Sub 25.

It says a LOT about how far she has come, that she can run faster and faster, way beyond what's remotely comfortable, and NOT panic at her breathing and what it feels like. Her vo2 max has definitely improved, but honestly that mental line where you know you're NOT going to pass out/die/hyperventilate until you black out, is a *really* tough line to cross. She did AMAZINGLY!

Great showing from you and Jen. And for the naysayers, in about a month of putting in the effort, I went from barely doing a mile without calling for an ambulance, to doing a 5K in 38 min to doing a 5K in 32 min. My advice to them is to not hope from improvements, but to work on improving. Believe me, there’s times that even my soul hurts after a run, but I feel s sense of accomplishment, and pride for earning those miles, and knowing that I did what a couple of months ago sounded like i was talking crazy. Once again, thanks Mark, and now Jen for motivating me to get off my flat, NY pizza loving butt, and getting into a healthier lifestyle 💪🏽

6:54 per mile is SUPER fast, to me and I've been running for years. I'm so impressed with Jen and her fitness progress!

I did a fair bit of low heart rate training over the summer, but I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere with it... this has me thinking I should get back to it.

Excellent video as always. I love the motivational message at the end!

Love your video's Mark. Keep them coming. Always learning a lot and you always keep it interesting.

What a transformation by Jen plus fantastic that she has discovered a passion for fitness and training

I love your sense of humor. It makes learning easier.

The RU-vid comment was bang on, right I’m off to do a run.

What a good exploration into how the body can be pushed and measured, then improved upon. And as always thanks for the great humor as always too Mark. Your wife is a fitness phenom. Never stop improving.

Mark, I've been catching up with your back catalogue over the last week or two. Watching your honesty, determination and seeing your results has inspired me to do so much better for myself. Having a chuckle while your at is doesn't do any harm either. Thank you!

Amazingly informative! Thanks mate

Tell Jen great job! Her VO2 Max pace was outstanding.

Awesome video Mark! I learned a lot, thanks!

Once again great video. Thank you for sharing the results, you two are awesome. Just add more Nixon!

Great video both - proving exactly what can be done with focus and passion 🤘 helping to inspire us all

Thanks Mark!

Hi Mark and Jen :) I came accross the channel few weeks ago and got absolutely hooked. I watched dozens of videos and they are very motivating. Love Mark's sense of humour and of course I adore your dogs - I have a dog as well - dogs are awesome! I do relate to Jen a lot as I am also 33 years old and just decided to get in shape. Similarly to Jen I was never overweight and over last years I was exercising time to time but not very regularly and without any plan around it. In the past I used to do long distance running and have collection of finisher medals from 5k up to marathon distance. But there has been years since I last did any proper running - stopped due to injury and never got back :( Now I have my first run behind me, I started to do indoor cycling at the gym and lift weights more regularly. I also paddle on my SUP board time to time, do occasional swim, go on at least 3 dog walks every day and take horse riding lessons so staying as active as I can be :) Thank you for great content and motivation!

I was drinking during the university debt joke... your videos are either going to improve my health or at some point I'm going to choke to death. Top quality video! I never write comments usually but felt compelled to say I think your videos are genuinely great. Such a nice mix of banter, useful information, and inspiring (makes me cringe to say) content. Definitely an above average RU-vidr ;) Congrats to Jen for all the hard work and to you for getting back off the donuts! Looking forwards to the next one.

Its nice to see you both having fun although painful at work. I've recently decided to start training for the hyrox in April (London). I had not heard of it until I viewed your videos, so thank you for that. I now have a training goal rather than just a mirror/beach goal. Keep the videos coming

Found you recently and been having loads of fun watching your videos. The sense of humor and "self-deprecation" are hilarious.

Love this series

Best VO2max/Lactate threshold explanation I’ve seen. Well done. 💪🏿💪🏿💪🏿

It’s rare to watch someone talk so much sense, new to the channel, keep up the great work. Love the humour 😂

Wow Mark she looks amazing! Great job guys!

Idk why, but this guy just makes me smile every time.

I like how you address the self doubters. It's hard to love yourself and believe that you too can make a big life change even one that is positive and has no downsides. Keep up your hard work and keep motivating everyone around you!

Fantastic video, Mark! I would love to get these tests to see my own lactate levels while running or rowing indoors 😊

I JUST LOVE YOUR VIDEOS! The blend between entertaining and informative is just *chef's kiss*

She has shown a huge improvement!! Impressive.

Another great video.

Another great video. Laughed more than a few times, very funny.

Freaking GOLD as usual :) Thanks man!

Loving the content.

Loving that you're bringing Jen along with you. I would be interested to know how your lactate threshold test in the lab compares with your lactate threshold test on the Garmin with HR strap

“They (Squarespace) probably want more than that!” 😂😂😂😂 I’d like to think not: great content, well researched, from an honest user of their product giving straight honest opinion, what more would anyone want! Great content as always Mark.

Found your channel from your Apple Watch ultra review but absolutely love your humor and video design. I would never be at your fitness but love to watch your vids. One of top channels I like to see new vids for. Thx.

I found you for the review of Fenix 7XSS review. I bought it because I was preparing for a multiday hike. Eventually got into organised fitness instead of random exercises per day and your videos are now more relatable.

Great channel. Great video.

Thanks Mark. Probably one of your best videos to date. Really informative for those of us finally interested in some scientific efficiency to our training after spending most of our lives thinking “run as hard as you can because that MUST be better”, despite what the infographic on the treadmill has always said. Also, at the risk of writing one of the many, many comments I cringe away into my seat at, I’m tipping my cap to the Mrs’ Total Recall gym gear. 👍🏻

Honest, inspiring and hilarious, as a reborn MAMIL (actually well past middle aged) seeking a youthful healthy existence, I fully appreciate your commentary on your journey. I am more impressed by the fact that your wife has committed to a similar lifestyle that you will both enjoy together for a lot longer than most. I wish you both Health, Wealth, and continued Strength to pursue your dreams and ambitions. Selfishly really, because I find Strength and inspiration from your video blogs. So Thankyou, Well done and keep improving 👏 👍 ✌🐺

Absolutely brilliant account / video mark - as usual highly informative and told with humour in a language I understand …… I’m really considering booking these tests myself, Iv had alook on there website and to my surprise there prices are reasonable oh and thanks for the tip re parking !!

Ooh. The sober and paying attention hit me so hard 😂👌

I love your videos, man; they bring pure joy and laughter. Now, I just need to channel that positive energy to wake up in the morning and go for a walk with a heavy backpack. I know it’s not much, but I need to start somewhere. I’m 47 and the heaviest I have ever been.

Still love that this type of vid tickles the little geek in me (ok the big geek!) Science machine thingy 🤣

Great video Mark and Jen! Out of interest what was Jen’s VO2max before? Would be interesting to see how her improved fitness corresponds to her VO2max change. I tried to look for your previous video but couldn’t find it!

Love the progress. I was taking my heart rate while I was at the gym the other day, got up to 165ish on most stuff. waited until I drop below 160 to get on my next set. don't have a smart watch yet but very interesting I could feel the difference in 160+ and below. I also hit one of my long term goals in weight loss. ankle sprain looks to be fully healed, time to get back on my bike this weekend. going to check out a local gym, just need to get out of the house. hopefully I don't injure anything this weekend.

Jen deserves an ESPN ESPY for best athlete in the Lewis household. Love the science based content.

Once again. Thank you for those dose of comedy. Your punch lines and donut loving always makes me laugh. And keep me motivated

Sadly, I have dropped from a 51 VO2 Max in 2018 to a 40 right now, as per my Garmin watches. I just turned 50 this year, but started back on my fitness journey. Consistent walking and runs have helped shed about 8 pounds since 1 October 2022. I probably have about 8 more to go in order to get into my low 170 pounds (~77kg) for my 5'6" height (~1.68m). My pace is drastically off, too. In 2018, my casual pace was 7:45/mi. Now, I can barely do 9:30/mi. I'll get there, just need to stay focused. Thanks for a great channel. And congrats to your wife for the gains she has made!

This is inspiring, I think I have to do something similar. On my weekly interval run, I am trying to run as fast as I can for 300m, that means about 06:30m/km. At this speed, my heartrate shoots up to sometimes even beyond 170. This chart at 17:27 blows my mind. We really train in our very own frame of reference at all time.

I always enjoy your videos Mark, but I especially liked your advice in the last few minutes. And yes, this robbed me of 20 minutes, but it was worth it because I am more MOTIVATED. Thanks mate.

I don't even watch your videos for the fantastic advice anymore, and fantastic it is. I am here now purely for you giving your wife grief about driving/exercising/university life.

Brilliant👌👍

Great content

Great info, would like to find somewhere like that near to me. I like your idea of a regular 6 month check-up.

I think the results for both of you are really impressive and the improvement in your wife's fitness in six months is not to be scoffed at. I ran a 10k race on Saturday and averaged 5.24 per minute. I'd love to get to 5.00 per kilometre. My watch gives me an estimated VO2 max of 41. Fine for my age. Both of yours are excellent 👌. Well done 👍

Good work guys

Thanks for pointing out lactate levels & heart rate zones!

Another great video. For me, the best thing in all this, is that Jen has joined you Mark in your fitness quest. For a moment there, I felt like I’d done alright having watched these tests. My first marathon aged fifty, included in the build up. 5k-19.55 10k-42.00 half marathon-91 minutes. Marathon-3.37.00. Also, having seen your previous tests, I was inspired, as I often am. I found a local college that does these tests. Then reality hit me. I’m 65 these days, and the thought of pushing that hard, despite feeling reasonably fit, scared me into not going ahead with it through fear of killing myself😏 Oh the joys of living in the death zone! Actually, my feeling is that I can be fitter this time next year than I currently am, just because of my recent history. I still feel that Jen has so much more to come, particularly in endurance events. I can’t wait to see her first marathon. Best wishes to you both….

You were almost going quite quick. 😅 Can totally relate to that on so many levels

I love this series - at the same time, I would love to hear in Jen's own words what her experience is - where does she experience improvements? What advice would she give herself? What is her motivation for all of this? Looking forward to more in this series! Work, Jen!

I used to be the fit one in my marriage, but last year my wife discovered Orange Theory, and now she is the fit one. To be clear, I am still fit, I just can't keep up with her. At 50, she is unstoppable. It's awesome.

Nice content, thank you. Just a note that 6'6" and 102 kgs is not your usual runner. That VO2Max rig was .. well .. a whole lotta shakin' goin' on! I'm only 6' and 78 kgs and I'm almost always the biggest runner at my parkrun by a long shot. Seems like everyone else is about 5'6" and 50 kgs.

U r an inspiration for all men. A grandfather and a young wife

Ha ha love the Flerfer dig, as an ex spacecraft controller at the ESA I have been suffering these fools for a few years.

Jenn crushed this!

What an awesome series. It's so great how you bring it back to the results being possible for anyone.

Interesting content thanks. According to my Polar device my VO2 max is Elite, whereas Garmin grudgingly says “Above average”. This has inspired me to find out which is closer to being correct. ParkRuns are an awesome gauge of changes in fitness (well for runners anyway) - look forward to Jen’s sub-25 which looks very reachable.

Another entertaining and informative review. Love the channel and the jokes. Being of comparable age, fitness level and interests, this is on my short list to watch every week. It would be interesting to know how well your watch estimates compare to the lab results. Would also be interested in how much the tests cost. I found an outfit locally (here in the states) charging $250 for a basic test.

A well done video

Thank you very interesting and technology advanced, excellent having the parkrun as a basic, as many of us can use our parkrun numbers. 🤣🤣🤣

GREAT VID !!! GO ALL IN! Get the DEXA Scan NOW!

This is good stuff! Not sure what I am waiting for as a sloth 35 year old male. You give me hope but it’s only me who can get out there. Appreciate you.

Another excellent video, Jen has done really brilliant in her training, big respect 🫡 your maintaining a brilliant level of fitness even on the donuts 😂. It shows how well you can keep a level of fitness by keeping a regular routine going.keep your videos coming, so motivational. Sorry quick question? I see your wearing the iwatch constantly, is it better than the garmin? As a fenix 7 owner but big apple fan boy myself

Another wonderful video Mark! I chuckled when I remembered asking you a question about Rocky on a previous video and noted in your VO2 max test you had burning heart playing [though not very loudly] whilst I didn't pick up anything when Jen did hers. I could be wrong on that. But just wanted to add that music is one intangible that I certainly think contributes massively to performance. Even if it's just eking out a few seconds more or a few metres more at the finish or when you're feeling the burn. I only do indoor cycling now (300+ FTP) and mostly now at my gym but have done loads of kettlebells, TRX, circuits etc classes in my journey from fat to not and consider myself to be very much above average. But if the music is crap or quiet in all honesty I may as well stop the class and walk out. I view music every bit as important as diet and technique at certain points... It's an often overlooked contributory factor and whilst the setup at Surrey University is impressive it did look a little dull given the lack of atmosphere. Maybe they'd argue it's a serious business but I cannot help wondering if you might have reached the 21km pace if it'd been a little less like a lab than a gym?

u2 are ment for each other. Great laughs and jabs for life. Keep it up. I don't think i'll suffer ones of those. But it's way easier than a beast race.

It is interesting how their chart calls what at club level is a "steady" intensity a "tempo" intensity as tempo and threshold have always been synonymous at our club.

Very inspiring, great videos. There are plenty of great books such as the Oxygen Advantage that certainly help with breathing exercises and workouts; but I would recommend starting with Bikram yoga. The interval yoga routine starts with long breaths in a moving posture meant to stretch and strengthen the intercostals and finishes with several quick ballistic abdominal breaths. Many of the spine bending postures also make breathing a challenge. My breath holds for swimming improved dramatically practising Bikram Yoga. There are plenty of Bikram videos on youtube. A Bikram studio class with 103 Fahrenheit also adds to the breath work.

Okay. So this is the 5th video I've watched in a row. You make me laugh and you're an incredibly great speaker...and If I may offer a anecdotal experience of mine...I began forefoot striking quite a few years ago. It sucks on the calves but it's much easier on the lungs. Not to mention much less chance for injury. Imagine low level jumping jacks or running on your wooden floors with socks...you would slide from one forefoot to the other and not bounce. It was easy for me to overdue the technique and my calves would kill for days. All the best!

Jen! Be proud of your hard won gains!

I'm really excited, I'm going to be starting a job in a couple weeks with a gym at the facility. I'm hoping to take full advantage of that.

Hi Mark, have you compared the VO2 Max to that calculated on your Garmin? Would be good to see how well it correlates.

Really interesting

Seems like Jen has some good mental resilience. You say 'if she carries on like this' but the truth is we all hit plateaus. Keep working on that mental side. It's really important to have balance.

Impressive improvement there! I watch your videos with my 12 year daughter. She calls you ' funny dude'. We live in Guildford... and she said ' I've walked where Funny Dude has graced his presence'. Who's the Daddy? Not me. Serious note... 12 year old did her 1st triathlon after watching your vids and Jennas improvements here have reminded her training effort pays off. Thank you.

I wanna do one of these

You both are great genetic athletes!!!!!

Buddy. Not only are your posts informative ... they are HILARIOUS.

An interesting question perhaps coming from another guy with asthma: Do you regularly breath through your mouth even when you're not exercising? A couple of years ago I found this book with the not so inspiring name "Close your mouth" by an author called Patrick McKeown. That was actually the start of a huge change for me, my asthma improved drastically over a couple of weeks by just keeping my mouth closed as a routine (plus a couple of small exercises). That helped me getting started with running and I've since read another book by him called "The Oxygen Advantage" and it helped me a lot to improve my day to day performance. Perhaps wont work for you since you're already in such good shape, but it made such huge drastic change to my asthma that I tend to tell everyone who has it too to read it. :D

And, hey, a smile after the threshhold test and no middle finger after the VO2max test. 🤷‍♂ That's also an improvement in attitude. 😍😆

Last Friday I spoke to my GP about heart results, he told me I have a problem with my left ventricle, this Monday and Tuesday went to see two cardiologists, and found out the GP misunderstood an ecg which was essentially a false positive proven by and ultrasound. So I'm alive, but for a while there I thought I had a damaged ventricle and on my way to heart failure.

That 4:17/km pace is very impressive from a 6 month previous 30 minute 5K runner 👍

Nice video. I'd love to see how the results compare to your Garmin (or other) values/zones.

She's going to be kicking your butt before long. She is looking good and strong.

Jen is born again hard!! Would love to know what your Apple Watch ultra Vo2 max numbers are and how they compare to the actual test.