How to get fit: A brief Introduction (for everybody) 

a few years ago my Grandmother started running 5 miles a day...we have no idea where she is now!

I was most impressed by your ability to draw a dead straight line

This mirrors my experience exactly. Never trained in my life. Hate running tarmac, but at 51 found the childish joy in running in the forest, on small uneven tracks. Up and down. Over stones and roots. Started by walking the track for weeks. Like three times a week, 30 minutes. Had that hill experience. Had to recover my breath for a minute. A month and a half later running ever so slowly, but little by little gained strenght, stamina and technique, enough to run up that hill, and run quite fast between trees and over rocks (at least it feels fast when you have to duck for branches and jump over cracks and rocks). Every session 30 minutes at the most, three times a week. Now I’ve had a ”break” since june... (hate those ticks), and its time to take it up again. This time I start at a much better level, and I know that in two months at the most I will run up that hill. I don’t need more than that. Won’t do a marathon but great for those who does. I will always run alone, preferably in the evening with a headlamp. My own space. Cheers from Sweden.

That's what I like about this channel. You never know what you're going to get.

this went from "haha" to "oh shit he's serious" very quickly!

Can't express how much I needed to hear this. Been battling PTSD for almost 3 years and just recovering from Covid on top. 2021 I'm getting my head and body sorted.

Quietly puts down the extra large bag of crisps. I'm usually fairly fit with off-road motorbike racing, cycling and mtbing. But since the end of summer I just haven't been arsed. My motivation levels are directly linked to the weather. Looking forward to the end of winter.

I don't know how universal my experience is, but for what it's worth, my penny's worth: 1) Finding someone to exercise with who is approximately the same fitness (or is willing to slow down until you can catch up) was invaluable. Once we had agreed to a run, we both had to turn up. Letting someone else down was a lot more difficult than letting myself down. Once we had a regular schedule, it is so much easier to stick to, so when those days came along when one of us had commitments we couldn't move, we'd still go for a run, even by ourselves. Plus, the social aspect has helped my mental health stay relatively even as well. 2) Things will hurt. This is normal. However, you must listen to your body. Is that pain the normal knee niggle, or does it feel like I am doing damage? The only way to find out what the normal expected pains and the abnormal worrisome pains is to do what Max suggests, and gently increase the effort, and make a note of how you feel, and what was sore during and afterwards. Keeping a journal or log will also let you see how far you have improved when you look back! (Though I do it the lazy way with a semi-fancy fitness tracker which does a lot of this for me). As another commenter noted, Strava is a handy tool. 3) If you are exercising outdoors, a) check the weather and b) invest in a couple of decent bits of kit if you plan to be outdoors for significant lengths of time. Yes, there are folk out there who are wearing shorts and a vest and running half-marathons, but it is likely that they are fit and healthy enough and know their limitations that they can expect to not freeze to death if there is a shower of sleet when they are miles from home/shelter. I would be doing half the amount of running I currently do if I didn't have a nice pair of gloves, as I get cold hands very easily. In the heat of summer, I had to take water and a snack on the longer runs. Something waterproof (a ziploc sandwich bag served me well for years) to take a mobile phone in is also a sensible precaution. 4) There will be bad days. Days where you feel like everything is 20% harder than it usually feels. It could be a bad night's sleep, not being well enough hydrated, or having eaten something that didn't agree with you (a friend felt like they were having a heart attack, but we pinned it down to the pot noodle that was the only thing they ate that day), or any one of a hundred things. On days like this, do 20% less, or 20% slower. Doing anything at all is a victory on some days. 5) Don't be discouraged by fitter folk around you. Everyone has different capabilities and different goals. I regularly see people jogging past me on their half-marathon jaunts while I toddle along on my 10 km route - but these other folk are dedicated runners whose goal it is is to be the fastest and win, and are willing to put in 15 hours a week in order to do it. I do perhaps 3 hours a week, and that suits me just fine. I'm never going to win any races, and that's just fine, because that's not why I run. Exercise to your own goals, and keep those goals lofty but realistic. Cheers Max, and good luck everyone else on their fitness journeys.

I love your normal person approach to this Max. Seeing fitness principles drawn in chalk on a welding workbench is great!

Thanks Max, advice from an honest man with no self interest.

funny thing is that anytime i think ' cant be bothered as thats too much work ' i think back to your 'rose' video where you made the roses and it was so much work and effort involved it is just inspiring , love your videos

Genuinely never thought I would see you in Lycra...... not that I had thought about it......

This is going to a great series. I used to be fit, was a bit manic about. I was fittest late 30s early 40s with circuit, running and martial arts. Then I let it fall away. 18 months ago I was involved in a serious motorcycle accident with my brother, various injuries including head injuries. I turned 60 on Christmas Eve so need to alter stuff. Lead on Maximus 👍

Max. Your comment about your knee and cycling along with your (as usual) practical no nonsense attitude, suddenly reminded me of a book that people who are able to ride might want to check out. ‘Just Ride’ by Grant Petersen. The thing that really struck me from it was about how much the sport of competition cycling ‘infects’ our perception of what bicycles and bicycle riding could/should be and how we can get back to that joyful experience that riding a bike was all about when we were kids. Highly recommend!

I cannot possibly emphasise enough how much I agree with the point in this video about everyone taking personal responsibility for their own health. If it's even vaguely possible to take a positive outcome from this virus I hope it's that people start realising this. Nobody needs to or is expected to become an "athlete", but a general awareness of your own physical condition is vital to a sustainable future for us all. Totally appreciate there are other factors (physical and mental) involved for many making this difficult so no judgement whatsoever from me. The more people like Max with what I assume is a fairly broad demographic across their audience speaking on this topic the better. Or in summary of all this waffle, "good on yer Max" :)

This resonates so much. Five or so years ago I suffered a heart attack at 46, and was placed on the NHS physio rehab program. It was tough, but they were amazing. It was basically free gym membership with awesome personal training! By the time I was signed off, I was fit as a fiddle, beer gut gone, working at it daily. Best I've been in years. Then, I went back to work! And slipped back to the old ways, old weight.....I regret it badly. You have to maintain it. I need to start again! Great video

i'm sure you've all heard the phrase ' learn to walk before you learn to run ' .. so true , take it in stages

Ah Max, I see where this is going. Your next project is a pedal powered Land Rover! All joking aside, thank you for this, I have many medical problems but they are not so serious that I can't follow your advice. This is the first time I have heard somebody with similar health issues explain how to sort yourself out with real honesty and sincerity. Thank you, you HAVE inspired me. Well done!

I have always been active in my job, self employed landscaper/fencer, but the last 3 years or so i have slowed down a bit and the result was i got unfit and a bit over weight, not a lot but enough that i felt uncomfortable, my friend across the road is weight lifting mad, he needed a new roof on his garage where he has his weights, anyway long story short, i helped him with his new roof and gained life long membership to what is now called the muscle shack lol, i never thought i would enjoy throwing weights around but i love it, started last july and already i am back fitter and stronger than i ever was, im coming 52 now and feel i need to keep going at this, great rewards, cheers

I’ve always wanted to be able to draw a perfect straight line freehand but just never thought it was possible. I thought it was something you’re just ‘born with’ if you’re lucky. Thanks for opening my eyes to the fact that it is possible and I CAN do it. If I just plug away and keep at it. Like you say, it has to become part of your lifestyle, not just something you dabble in every other week.😁 (but seriously, great vid Max). 👍

In cycling they say "The first thing you do is learn to suffer, then you learn to pedal, then you get faster" -it sounds slightly defeatist but it's not, just stick at it and the benefit follows, and as you said fitness brings a more positive mental outlook

Hi Max. I first found your channel about 3 years ago, when I was considering an off-grid lifestyle, and weirdly, thanks to the RU-vid algorithm, I've today found your RU-vid channel again. This is a great video for anyone wanting to get fit, and as someone living with depression, I know it will help me.

Max, I'm really grateful to you for making this video. I've flirted with fitness, but like s lot of people have struggled to find the motivation. Seeing a normal dude like you taking it seriously is great motivation and stirred my to get of my arse and get on the case.

Encouraging stuff, I started walking the dog 4 or 5 miles a night at a quick pace but made the mistake of doing that every night. Glad you pointed out the need for recovery. And i recognise the cycle of junk food, alcohol and feeling crap, easy to slide into that and I did, it’s miserable but its quick to get out of it with a bit of effort like you said. I just need to find a way out of the job trap next...hmm.

Yesssss! I stopped mid away through the video and did 5k! Thanks for the motivation and really looking forward to the next chapter.

I echo this exactly. I started trail running again at Christmas and boy that hurt but to get fit its the simplest thing to do as you only need a pair of trainers. He is right, build up slowly so you don't give up because as a non runner at first its incredibly hard.

Thanks Max. I lost 20 kgs before covid was a thing , but with lock down and job pressures I soon put it back on, this video has inspired me to try again... Thank u.

This video has really touched me, a lot of what you said has been going round in my head for a while, you've inspired me - it's time I get off my arse and get sorted! Thank you

Max - this was a really inspiring video. It's easy for those who do a triathalon before breakfast to talk about fitness. For the rest of us "mere mortals" it is quite something else. This was a really encouraging video and I can't wait for the follow-up videos on how you got into running and made a success of it!

Your very inspirational Max, your videos have given me momentum to do things I never dreamed I could have done. I went for a short run today. Please keep up the videos, you are my role model.

We had started walking on an evening but every other night for some exercise and for me to help with anxiety with work. But lately it's been really slippery and awful weather and with lock down we're restricted as to where we can go and foot paths have never been so busy around our area but hoping to get out and burn some calories again. Thanks for the info and encouragement.

Haha...you looked like a "buff young thing" diagnosing the landcover engine problems. Brilliant! LOL.

Good wholesome real life advice. Very inspirational. I have not seen you for years. Looks like you are living the dream. 😎👌

This is a really good, useful, nice vide, and I thank you for it! I just realised that about the time you made this, YT unsubscribed me from you - I am extra glad now to have remembered you and decided to finally look up whatever happened to you. Turns out you are thriving (at least, plenty of videos to catch up for me ;) Eating well… is the hardest bit!

So glad you made a strong point about duty of care to ourselves so that we may be less of a burden to society, enabling us to be more help to others. Such an important point that often gets missed. Thank you for putting yourself out there and having the courage to share the knowledge, just as you do with all your other work. More power to you sir!

Great video. This is information that so many people are missing. I'm glad your putting it out to your audience, everyone needs to hear it. With the right approach, fitness is not as hard as you think!

Great video Max. Never thought I'd have seen the day, though I s'pose renovation takes on all forms. I showed your vid to my wife and told her, in 3 months I'll look like that bloke......

Thanks some real truths, I was over 18 stone 3 years ago, decided I need to do something about this. Started going out walking then cycling and not eating snaxs. Got down to nearly 12 stone however over the last year with working from home and being a laze bast$#d got back up to over 15 stone😔 started dieting and exercising at the start of the year. Have been doing the couch to 5k app as i have never done much running so needed some help. What i would say is you don't release how unfit you are until you do something about it. Glad to see you posting about this👍🏻👏

the fact that you want to inspire folk and then put that into action, is why you will succeed Max

A really inspirational video which makes you think. I've always seen exercise as a chore to be endured but your explanation puts things into perspective. Looking forward to the next installments....but keep up the land rover videos also! Mike

Well done Max, thought you were looking a bit more svelte. Did that small laugh at the end imply a machiavellian "I'll get the buggers moving"... ? (Only kidding)

Mate, you are always a great inspiration. I lived in a caravan then blew money when I got it - instead of buying some land (not with that woman now!). I too am working on fitness as the next stage of recovery from middle age and I can't tall you how grateful I am to see someone I admire and respect facing down and defeating the same problems. Thanks Maximus, I will continue my own journey in your shadow. Sincere kindest regards. Dave AKA breaktofreedom

You Max, are a REAL inspiration. Heartfelt thanks

The Haynes manual of fitness, nice one Max 👍

Brilliant Max! Bloody brilliant, well done you. I think I learnt more about how I might begin to get fitter myself than any other source I've watched or read.

Great message to get out to regular people. We can all do a little more, doesn't need to be alot just incremental improvements towards a better and healthier person.

Great video!!!! Really well put, easily explained.💪🏻💪🏻

Superb stuff maximus. This information being in an actual digestible form with a real bloke is something needed. Very motivational.

well, this was totally unexpected, and just what I needed. I can no longer run, or even walk any distance, but, I found I can row... so... I started rowing.. then slipped into depression and stopped. Thanks, for the friendly reminder that fatter and slower is not more fun. Take care Max, looking forward to the following videos.

Very impressive max, also inspiring, thoughtful and helpful (as always)

Interesting stuff Max, will follow your vids. I can't see me running much but I do plan to dust down (again) my bike and get out there again. I find being consistent is the issue, I do it for a few months then back off for whatever reason, probably the weather! Keep up the good work 👍👍👍

You sir are an inspiration. I'm waiting on the following videos. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Never would have guessed this would be your next video! Your'e full of surprises.

This was the last type of video I expected from your channel Max, pleasantly surprised :D An important note for weight loss is it's 95% diet and 5% exercise. I'm currently on a carnivore diet for for a mild health issue, it's the best I've ever felt. And it's helped massively with anxiety/depression too.

That was great Max! Enjoyed that. Good, sensible, no nonsense fitness advice.

Max, you have just chimed so deeply into my own thought process. I have gone from being very active but the past 5 years to not so much. After an accident and various metal reinforments in my body, I really let things go. You have really struck a chord with me there. I have been contemplating doing exactly as you have, now I think, I really need to get on with it.

Well done Max ...seems an even more important subject during this difficult time

I had something of your experience. I was in my late 30’s working in a factory not moving a hell of a lot and when I did my knees creeked and were sore! and of course I was overweight. I thought too myself I’m too young to be like this! I’m quite fond of watching the Tour de France etc but never made the leap to actually getting on a bike. Thing was l had a perfectly good bike that I had never been on for about 10-15 years! It was personally making a leap from what I thought I could do too what I could actually achieve. I was a little worried about mixing it with traffic on the roads but I found that the more I did it the more confident I got. Don’t get me wrong the first couple of journeys were hellish! I was absolutely soaked in sweat and totally out of breath. I didn’t have any muscle strength so I just had to plod along as best I could; lungs on fire! It’s just like you said, it’s not easy at first, my muscles were screaming at me! I couldn’t get to sleep for the calf muscle pain! But after a month or two it got a lot better and easier and I found I had some power in my legs to pull away at the lights etc. Quite a joy and revelation! Getting on the bike is now my main way of getting about and if that’s not possible I walk as fast as possible! I’m afraid I haven’t the patience for buses. Just like you said Max it has to be something you enjoy and if possible a regular routine. If you don’t enjoy it you’ll not want to continue.Do whatever you get pleasure from and keep at it! Thanks for the video most inspiring!

Great advice! I didn’t start running until I was in my 40s, then when I got to a reasonable level joined a local running club. This opened up a whole new world of running not just because of the social aspect, but also it introduced me to different types of running... trail, cross country, 5ks, 24hr runs, marathon. Only thing I will reiterate is don’t overdo it, do enough to stay fit, but push too hard too often and you will get injuries. 1 marathon is definitely enough.

Good on ya Maximus! I salute you sir!

This is really creating value on a seriously understandable way. I really appreciate!

I am exactly where you were before you started getting fit! I have quite a few health issues that have made me feel like I can't do anything but I'm now pushing myself a little more everyday. I look forward to more motivation from you max!

I never ran but loved to walk when I was able. I found listening to music while doing so made it better. I would walk 3 miles to work weather permitting every day and sometimes home as well in the summer. The only issue was I love heavy rock/metal and would pound my way along in time to the beat. By the time I got to work I'd be so hyped up if someone looked at me the wrong way I probably would have punched them. 😁

Great video Max! Have done that journey myself, being fit is so much better than the opposite :)

I’m in! I been thinking I need a motivator to get me back on track, thank you Maximus👍

Kudos mate for putting yourself out of your comfort zone and sharing it. Can 100% see that you care max.

Hello Max, An interesting video… and a great story of your journey to fitness… I look forward to hearing more in future episodes. Take care Paul,,

Thanks for the video & look forward to the next

Thanks Max. I think a lot of us middle age men can really relate to this. I know I've got to start doing something like this. Maybe you've just given me the little nudge needed. Always appreciated your videos. Keep up the amazing work. Cheers

This is my sort of fitness video! Sensible practical advice from a workshop! Brilliant stuff, better than any of those fad programs on tv (not that I watch tv). Looking forward to the next one.

Not just fitness advice but GRAPHS too! (I love a good graph, me). Thing is our bodies all react differently to the stresses of running. I have excellent CV fitness through decades of sporty cycling (and a bit of road racing bitd), but after four years of running and nudging 21 mins on a good day with a following wind at parkrun, I still can't run more than twice a week and do more than 10k in total without injury. I do most runs at stupidly low heart rates, and have done all the strength training for hips, glutes and calves (squats, heel raises, mountain climbers, clamshells etc etc - I recommend James Dunne's channel for these), yet my soleus and achilles still go tight after two miles. Even a half marathon seems like an eternity away, but put me on a bike and I'll still happily bang out a 100 miler - although not particularly quickly these days

I've been wanting to loose weight for a while and this video has inspired me the most. Thank you.

Yes Max! 👍 thank you for making this. 👊😎👍

Surprising video 👍🏻 very true though. Maybe it's the year for it, motivation has been a a bit of a low to get out on my mountain bike, go a walk, or even tinker with my defender but recently something has changed..... just a little. I'm walking more and even done a few repairs on the 110 but still to dust of my bike. I'm sure it'll come. Anyway I appreciate the video and wholeheartedly agree with a healthier life style and healthier food going in. I'm looking forward to your next installment. 🙂

Thanks max. I needed this today.

Fit in body fit in mind. It works!

Great stuff. Hurry with video two please. I recently started running to try and get fitter, but I don't really have a clue what I'm doing!

Went through the same thing and I have to say you explain it really well

Great vid Max. Found myself in the same situation last August, locked down and working from home, stressed, overweight, with the ability to make red wine evaporate every night. Decided to do something about it so started eating properly and followed the NHS Couch to 5km programme. Now 3 stone lighter, running 3 times a week and completed a 1/2 marathon just to see if I could 😊 Nice steady progression over 9 weeks and now running 10km working breathing hard and enjoying it. Keep up the variety, apparently it's the spice of life!

Fair play Max,can't wait for next vlog👏👏👏🇮🇪☘

I hope you can inspire me, I have pretty much given up. I have all the problems that you list, but with a touch of hopelessness as well. I really hope you have the touch and it works for me and others like me.

This is bloody fantastic and inspiring.

I started running two years ago and I was horribly out of shape, went too hard at it and suffered some serious achilles tendonitis. I didn't even feel like I overexerted myself, but I had bad shoes several sizes too small as well as poor running form so those probably contributed. But more than anything else I probably underestimated the different between walking and just a light jog. After I got better I started running again and took it even easier. I ran and walked in intervals and ramped it up in very small increments (only something like 10-20 seconds longer running every week). I'm amazed that you ran a marathon, Max. I don't mean to be rude but I never would have imagined you being that fit. Personally I aim to be able to run 5km continuously with no walking but that goal still seems so far off. This video was really inspirational though. It makes me want to go running as soon as all this ice melts away. Looking forward to the next video!

I can’t run now, but have done it before, now I invested in. Concept 2 rowing machine, highly recommend

Great video Max , very inspiring .Stay well and safe

Great video, keep uploading 👊

Thank you Max - you have inspired me

Thanks for your inspirational chat.

Protect the NHS (and yourself), exercise for your physical and mental health.

Awesome. I found data from Strava was helpful in motivating myself to go and do it.

Dear Sir. Congratulations on your goals, also for inspiring others!

Good stuff Max !~ I run a bit, on and off so will be good to lo_ok at it in more detail. 👍

Well done Max. I have had chronic pain for over 50 years now but I walk as much as I can daily & feel better for it. Years ago I could not have done as much as the depression stopped me. It takes motivation to not only start but to keep it up. BUT I still want to see & hear that Russian beast please, so do a quick vid on it even if it's just starting the bloody thing Cheers.

Some superb well expressed wisdom there mate.. thanks. I got a lot of out it.

Honest guidance, thanks. I do run; but no Mo Farrah that's for sure, and beyond middle age. Nothing stupid, I was going to gym a bit, but March put paid to that. Listening carefully to you here I hope to improve a bit. I had "that hill" cracked, but now I have been struggling a bit. I am looking forward to your mini series.

Well said.i must make a start thank you.

Thats something different, and I like it! I must stop blaming the weather and get out there too! My tip use Strava or another app to record your progress - seeing you average pace or distance progress is great motivation too 👍

I couldn't agree more with what you've said here and can't wait for more fitness videos:) Before it got incredibly cold outside, I was just starting to run/jog consistently for the first time in my life(I'm almost 28) and REALLY enjoying it. When it got cold, I started lifting weights and eating more instead. I was ALMOST underweight before, but now I'm a much healthier weight, feel great, I'm stronger, and cannot wait for it to get warm outside again so I can continue jogging.

Maximus, this video is excellent!

In 2019 I started going to the gym, after a number of years not. I sort of enjoyed it. My checkup blood pressure improved. Doctor was happy. Then came 2020. I went to the gym less than ten times the whole year! And all but two of those times was before March. I think maybe you have inspired me to get started again. You made some great points in this video. Practical points, too.