Great to see you joined me Dan! I started this very same journey last year, after a working as an engineer for 40 years. I’ve always been cycling and even did some amateur racing, next to my work as an engineer. I’m 63 years old now and am working on improving my balance and bone density, as those numbers were very bad (77 years old) when I did the test last year October.
Unusually personal video here but this kind of thing will be very helpful to some of your viewers and I'm sure they appreciate your candor as I do. Cheers Dan.
Fingers crossed! It won't be for everyone, but I'm sure there are a few people out there who'll just need a nudge like this to get started and make some changes. It'll motivate me to have people joining in as well, and there's nothing like documenting it to help make sure you keep to the challenge. Dan
@@daniellloyd100is your username a subconscious nod to wanting to live to 100? I am sixty and the father to three young kids (9, 6 & 3) and started a similar journey this year. No Alcohol since Xmas. Exercising. 6kg lost so far. Hardest thing is my sugar addiction and avoiding Ultra Processed Food. A video on those two things would be welcome.
Yes really interesting video thanks. I felt nervous for you during some of those tests! I’m the same age so it’s interesting to see the performance. Funny to hear you like a booze up too! I am similar although I’m trying to stop drinking completely now 🤡 Doing all this stuff on camera must’ve been fairly stressful too. Does go to show that cycling is best for health though. I personally need to improve on sleep though. Great vid.
Excellent idea, your experiment. I am a 74 years old cyclist who never was a high class athlete but never stopped exercising, which helped to overcome the serious hereditary cardiac problems my entire family is suffering. In spite of my healthy life style, I still had four stents placed around my heart since 2015 and fighting off the first signs of diabetes, the other disease that terrorizes my family. I don't compete anymore, did that until age 62 but still maintain somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 km each year. I quit smoking and drinking about 50 years ago and will just follow the advice of my cardiologist: "Don't dare to quit that bicycle..." Good luck with your experiment, it will be worth all the effort.
Wishing you every success Dan from a 59 year old who smoked and drank heavily, ate all the wrong things and never bothered with exercise. Over the years I gave up smoking, moderated my alcohol intake and much to my own surprise became a vegan. It didn’t happen over night but feeling better about myself keeps me going. Took up cycling during lockdown and GCN has been a great source of education and motivation. Hope the support you get from viewers and fans helps you. All the best fella 👍🏼
@@TheSteinbittwhy add lean meats? Current evidence suggests no benefits of meats in the diet, Fish possibly, but not red meats. So I am reading at the moment.
I turn 30 next week, after starting new job last year I relapsed with alcohol bad after 5 years sober. This past year has been a spiral buy I want to start my 30s with a clean slate and directionly good mindset. I'm with you Dan.
It's a struggle isn't it? I'm trying to cut down to 2 days a week having beer, and then hopefully down to 1. Maybe it'd be easier to go cold turkey though. Dan
Goodrays CBD drinks helped me stop weekend boozing. And I enjoy LEFFE non alcoholic beers. Just got sick of it. I’m a decade ahead of you, I drank like a rockstar for 20yrs, loved it, no regrets, but now I was getting into midweek drinking due to work stress. No good! I miss the red wine. But I don’t wanna die young. Good luck
Good on you. Drinking, and quitting, can be a struggle. I was up and down with it for more than two decades, but finally was able to get my shot together and almost completely cut it out a few years ago. Keep up the fight, you got this
Great video and love Dan’s honesty. I’ve struggled this year to do any exercise. I hadn’t been out in my bike this year and had no motivation. I’ve reached 50 and haven’t never felt so unfit. This video motivated me to get on my bike today. I did an hour and feel great for doing it. Thank you Dan…..Fabulous video and GOOD LUCK!!
I'm on this journey with you I'm 60 . Just had a heart transplant 2 yrs back after 20 years of heart failure. On my bike now and a rowing machine to get my fitness back. 💪
As the most eloquent, circumspect and self-deprecating presenter, you've chosen a subject that has the potential to awaken, influence and improve many people's lives! Persevere with the journey, knowing that many others already are or will embark on their own journey. Cheers from Melbourne.
Spot on! I'm 73, and I just completed a 100 Grand Fondo in Florida. Regular resistance training with progressive overload, good diet, good sleep, and lots of Zone 2 Cycling. I know I won't able to ride100 miles when I am 83 but maybe 50 and when I am 93 I hope to be fit enough to get around a bit and take a nice walk, not end up in a rest home bedridden.
"I'm not as fit as I used to be and I feel the need to do something about it". What an empowered statement. Dan, I'm with you and I can't wait to see how you get on. Excited for you to get on track. Thank you for sharing!
I'm also 43 yo. I never was a professional athlete, not even doing amateur competitions, but I was training a lot, mostly rowing and had a good fitness. Then, I almost completely stopped for 7 years and my VO2max felt down to low 50s in 2019, like you. At that point, I decided to make a change and started cycling. 5 years later, I'm in the best shape of my life and my VO2max is around 65, currently. So, as an ex-professional athlete and with all the support you can get from health professionals, I'm sure you can do much better than me. Enjoy this journey to a more healthy life! 👍💪
Bravo Dan. When I was 52 I was diagnosed with Mini core Disorder. Its a muscle condition that makes it hard to move. For 5 years I pissed and moaned about it. I was 235 pounds at 57, could not tie my shoes. Time to change. Started small and worked up. Now, I run Triathlons, workout regularly, changed my lifestyle. Am I a monk? Nope, but I have addressed not feeling like crap. Mine is a story of small changes that have inspired many because now I am 65. Even my doctor has changed his lifestyle. LOL. Good luck Dan and anybody else on thin journey. It's fantastic.
Thank you for posting your interesting comment. Well done by the way! I imagine you must have a good story to tell , and getting that switch to happen in your mind. I need to kick my own ass a bit more I think.
That is a motivating and inspirational story. I don't know if I'll ever undertake a triathlon, but there's a yearly century ride near me called the Horrible Hundred, and that's been my motivation to get back on a bike and gain some fitness
Congratulations Dan, I'm very excited to join your journey. I'll be 70 this month and I started my journey at 65...... Like you said, better late than never. I started by "peddling" knowing full well of my physical state and wasn't about to fool/lie to myself. I'm past the "Toughen up and muscle and pain through it" stage of life. I just wanted to get healthier. That was the only goal. Now 5 years later I'm riding 15 to 20 miles a day. Zone 2 mostly sometimes with some zone three to fours and thresholds. Personal goals alone. I don't ride with other people. I don't compete with other people. I'm just trying to stay healthy and it's working. So more power to you. Gcn has a lot of people like me I know and it's about time. This channel started addressing middle-aged and older people instead of always talking about these young guys pumping out 10,000 watts and trying to race to the top of Mount Everest. Good luck on your adventure and I'll be right there with you watching. Good luck!
Don't underestimate the power of these personal/vulnerable videos as people get fatigued of listicles and strictly informational content. Kudos to Dan for his openness to this experiment to be shared with a large audience. People need to see the potential "dark side" of endurance sport and the things people feel too ashamed to talk about. Looking forward to more of this! ❤
This is exactly what I need. In 2013 I raced Tour Divide. Since then I have moved to a rural community and opened my own bike shop, focused on making that work and lost a lot of fitness. Then October of last year, two weeks before my 60th birthday I had a stroke. I'm working to get my fitness back while keeping the shop open, I can see this series being a major asset. Many thanks!
Best video GCN has ever put out! Dan thank You for being so vulnerable and honest. Because if we’re all vulnerable and honest we all identify with you. I’ll will most certainly be following!
Hi Dan, thanks so much for this - been through a similar journey, I was a cyclist pre-covid but on the heavy side. Almost died with covid which also 'gifted' me pneumonia. Post covid and unable to breathe properly my weight ballooned to 123.4kg (nice number! - will never forget!). after an intervention from the family I bought and electric road e-bike , gave up meat and alcohol and got myself back to 75kg after a year. I firmly believe I was at a fork in the road, one side was an early death and the other side was life. I'm 52 now, and fitter than I have ever been. I still drink and eat meat now having put them back into my diet and lifestyle. looking forward to my first triathlon this year. I have my friends and family to thank for making me realise that I was at a fork in the road and it was up to me to decide my own future. And yes, I was a 40 a day smoker for 30 years!
After many years of abusing my body through smoking, excessive eating, alcohol consumption and finally diagnosed as a diabetic I too am improving my fitness and health. Well done Dan for facing up to this and sharing your journey. I’m hoping you can encourage me to other health improvements.
I had to make the adult decision a few years ago that I'm not a professional cyclist, I am actually PAYING to ride my bike. While I race and train and take it seriously, I needed to be able to function in day to day life, even if it meant, gasp, not having 7 percent body fat. I need to do home projects, spread mulch, have a day job that gets in the way, etc. So I started doing strength training, mainly core and balance work, but also weights. I got a bike fit done recently and it turns out, I'm in a much more aggressive, and comfortable position than I was before, and I'm nice and stable. AND, I can spread mulch if needed and not be sore for a week afterwards. Ultimately, I think that taking care of your body as a whole, will make everything better, even your cycling, and who cares if you gain a couple pounds of functional muscle, it's helping you. Great series, I'm looking forward to watching you progress.
That's a really important point, the needs of a pro cyclists are very different to the rest of us 👀 You can still be a very strong rider whilst also holding building general strength and conditioning 👌 Sounds like you've got an amazing balance!
FWIW, most pro cyclists are doing lots of strength training off the bike. It's important for functional strength and resilience in everyday life, but it also makes you faster on the bike. It also has nothing to do with body fat.
Well done, Dan. I'm 53, and while I don't have your particular struggles, I definitely have many of my own. Lifelong chronic depression and anxiety being the most difficult. Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share. I really look forward to the rest of this series. God speed.
I’m 53, and just starting back after four years of not being able to train. I was diagnosed with six growths on my lungs and I’ve now been given the all clear, but sadly due to the prolonged inactivity + prescribed steroids + comfort eating, my body weight has gone up by over 50%, whilst my fitness levels are gone! It’s comforting to hear that even the people we think of as being fit worry like the rest of us mere mortals. Thank you Dan for your honesty about drinking and smoking, your concerns over your health and improving it, for me this series couldn’t have come at a better time! Thank you!
Great work Dan. Brave to share. I am 57 years old. I cycle near 4000 km, row over 1500 km and walk the dog at least 1200 km per year. And I know I can get better. Thanks for the motivation. Need to do better now. Looking forward to seeing more.
Hey Dan! I'm going through a very similar transformation, and there are some things that helped me: 1. Food intake is extremely important, so count your calories/macros. I was able to drop my body fat from 30% to 18% through diet alone. I suspect that your diet might be off if your body fat is hovering around 19%. Considering that you were a pro cyclist, there's no reason why can't get down to 13% or 15% with a healthy diet. 2. If you want leg and grip strength, consider deadlifts or hack squats. They're also very effective at improving your functional mobility, so you won't throw out your back while moving your couch. 3. I suspect you're going to do this already, but track everything on a regular basis. Weight, vo2max, body composition, exercises. You need something to show progress so you stay motivated. The dexa scan you did was extremely effective for my transformation.
@@gcn like I'm really looking forward to the series. Just started cycling at 50 years old (52 now). Joined a cycling club this year and did my first group ride. I have done some gravel races, but really just needed to get in better shape after raising my kids took priority for so long over everything. Love your channel, but this series will really hit home.
Great timing! I just started working with coaches and functional doctors to improve fitness and health, focusing on 1. performance (cycling) 2. vitality (feeling energetic) 3. aesthetics (looking good) 4. longevity Took blood sample, dna test and will do gut test, omega test, metals test... I have already learned a lot, installed new habits. I am with you @Dan on this journey!
Wow, Dan, I found your openness and honesty in this video so powerful and inspirational. Over the full series, I really feel like I, and many others I'm sure, are going to go on a really personal journey with you. I can truly understand your mini-rebellion after finishing your professional cycling career, and in fact, I think I kind of understood it even before you specifically said it, just from what you had described of your lifestyle earlier on. But it was good that you did say it, it shows self-awareness which is very important for making changes. Anyway, I definitely intend to follow this series, and make some more changes myself, so I approach the end of my working life, so I can enjoy my retirement to the max. Go Dan, go - you've got this!
Great new direction for GCN videos. And Dan the perfect man to kick this off. Having taken this route around 10 years ago I will be watching closely to see how things develop. Well done Dan
About 10 days after this video appeared, I've watched it several times and feel compelled to comment. This feels like a particularly honest, soul-baring approach that is clearly resonating with many of us (looking at the number of views). Am really looking forward to see how this plays out. And much respect to Dan for putting all his cards on the table. Not many have the character and guts to be so open. You've gone even higher in my estimation.
Great motivation and words. That is a great video and professional check up. I was in the same boat as a heavy drinker and smoker ...too much party time , and i drifted away from cycling and my outdoor lifestyle. Took me 15 years to chase the bad habits away, i ve done it !!! it was ONE decision and i never looked back. Now, i bought a Emtb for help me to get back where i wanted to be and why i did love to cycle at the first place, Man that is the best decisions i took. I am riding twice a day, 25 kms each time, Off road and some gnarly sections, I came clean with my vices and poisons, but, i am riding again !! My health did improve, i look younger at 53 years old, have more time for things i want to do and spend quality time the things i should do . No more beer o clock or a nicotine/Fat Joint for drift away, My wife is my first fan and she is amazed and pride of that. Keep it up, Sober is the new thing. Cycling must be enjoyed for lifetime.
I too smoked but for over 2 decades! I quit about 4 years ago and got back on my bike about 2 1/2 years ago. I’ve never done any testing but can tell you I’ve lost 60 pounds and have gone up about 3.5 mph average speeds on my rides! I can talk with other people while riding along at around 150 HR and I’m 47 now! Kudos to you!!!
I love this, and your honesty. When I turned 40 I had my kid and my fitness focus became a dad focus. Covid hit and it became so sedentary and I lost so much fitness. Five years later I had gained 70lbs and lost so much fitness and felt so physically terrible snd was losing motivation. Starting with the 30 day challenge in 2023, I launched fitness again, added strength and jiujitsu with cycling July 2023, and have now lost all that weight and am markedly more fit than when my son was born in 2018, I fit in clothes I used to wear when I ran 100 mile races and am stronger overall. Your experience is so common for us older guys and its so cool for you to let us join your journey since this channel was what has motivated so many of us to kick off our own fitness journeys.
Dan! This is incredible! So vulnerable, so honest, so humble! Wow - I already loved GCN so much and this just made me love it that much more! Just shared this with my parents and am so excited to follow you on your journey! Thanks for inspiring so many of us!!
Dan please may I say you are a Warrior - I am 63 very soon and very keen Cyclist still racing cyclocross & MTB.. There is never a sooner time to start training again after having a few years off myself.. Thank You Andy.
I'm 17 and I've been cycling for about a year now. I also started to run and swim a bit when I have the time. I really do think this video is a great example of how determination and desire of self-improvement can really bring a person to become better, physically but also mentally. I look at the comments and i see people from all age commenting about similar experiences or goals. I really hope Dan will reach his goals, as much as I will too. This is the type of video that can turn your life around. Great work 🙌
Dan, huge respect for putting yourself out there on social media. It's not easy at the best of times! Your honesty and vulnerability speaks volumes about your character. Well done! All the best as you tackle this challenge! ❤
@@daniellloyd100 Interesting that you smoked Dan would have never guessed, was it something you dabbled in earlier in life and started back up post cycling career or did you actually start in 2012 in your 30s?
Never smoked, rarely ever drank, never abused drugs, rode my road bike ~8000 miles a year. Got prostate cancer 3 year ago. Shit happens. Nobody gets out of this place alive.
I'm 80. I've abused my body most of my life. I have a prostate cancer. There are two. I have the one I will die with but, lucky me, not of. I'm just heading out on my bike now. 😊
I've been really hard on my body over the last decade, I'm 29 and wanting to make some serious life changes. I truly appreciate content like this and I absolutely cannot wait to see the next episodes. I will be following closely.
Hi Dan. Love you guys. I'm 79.33, and cycling is a key part of my longevity program. I'm also an Army vet and PTSD survivor and cycling is my 'stress buster' program. I'll be following along. Thanks for doing this.
Glad to see you're not in a bad spot at all, Dan, despite your best efforts so far 😁 That being said, I'll be 46 this year. I do cycling, a bit of fitness and moderate amounts of yoga, the latter two at home, nothing fancy. My objective is to outlive my mother as I do not want her to have to bury her first born child. Otherwise, I do not seek a long life, I have no children, no partner, no one to depend on in my old age, and no happy memories to sustain my already severely damaged mental well-being. The very best of luck to you! I'll be watching every episode.
Looking forward to following you on your journey Dan, I just turned 67 and I'm in the best shape of my life and I still like the occasional beer and I gave up smoking back in 1990 I found cycling again in 1994 and I've been an amateur racer since. I think strength training is very important I go to the gym about 4 days a week during the winter and I taper off during Race season.Keep up the good work Dan you're going to be just fine.
This video just hit me at the exact perfect moment. I, like Dan, am also 43. I have also slipped in my fitness and health a bit in the recent years and much of that due to falling out of cycling. Just a few days ago I dusted off the bike, ordered a few new necessary replacements, and got on to my old favorite youtube channel to find this video. I'm feeling motivated and confident that I will get back in the saddle and push myself to a more familiar and healthy self. Dan, I'll be cheering you on the whole way and hopefully keeping up. Cheers.
I’m 71 years old and started cycling a dozen years ago. Dan’s life experience and mine have some similarities and our motivation is the same. I particularly appreciate Dan’s honesty regarding his smoking period. I had one of those as well. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
So definitely here for this series. I'm a 42 y/o who's always been serious about bikes, but also struggled with substances, mental and physical health and neuro divergence. Better than I was and always trying to get better. Wish you all the luck in the world on your journey Dan. Ill be tuned in for sure.
Thanks for opening up your life, Dan. This will be my most anticipated series. At 63, I’m joining you on my end, after slacking off over the past 5 years. Life is precious!
This video is great timing. I am about to turn 31. I have been smoke free for 8 years, alcohol free for four, and after starting cycling just over 6 years ago I have never felt fitter. However with a neurodivergent young child and a wife with health complications I am extremely time crunched and I know there are many things I could do better. Especially when it comes to strength, flexibility and balance. I look forward to following your journey Dan, as I look to make my own improvements going forward.
Stay strong fella, giving up what you have is harder than keeping going on the bike , respect! you got a lot of time ahead of you to make a difference to yourself and your family. Keep going......
@@gcn It can be hard at times, as often schedules and plans can be cancelled or amended at short notice, meaning races missed, longer rides cut short etc. My local club's TT series is only 5 races and I had to miss 2 at short notice last year. Social rides are at best once a month. But I often commute to work by bike so I try to make the most of it when I do spend time in the saddle. My son also enjoys riding his "Shotgun Seat" on my MTB and on short rides or local bike park laps, my wife will join in as when she is well and strong, she is able to ride.
Wishing you every success. I'm 59 and started my process at about 50. I lost over 140 pounds in the process and transformed myself. Where the head goes, the body follows. Two recommendations: (1) Strongly recommend the book, "Why We Sleep," by Dr. Matthew Walker or any of his youtube chats. He explains clearly the impact of alcohol on sleep--it's not a sleep aid, it's a highly detrimental sedative. He also explains all the amazing things happening to your body when you got proper sleep. (2) It's not about calories [Ollie is correct, the horror]. It's what you eat, when you eat. Having pints in the evening with mates is nice, but it impacts both your sleep and weight.
Dan, thank you for being so transparent and willing to allow us to follow your journey! I am really looking forward to this series and learning from your experience. Excellent content!
So glad youre doing this Dan and than you so much. This is about more than cycling, its about middle aged men finding a way to live well and flourish in spite of the many challenges many of us face, but darent speak about. Thanks and go for it... David
Kudos to whomever came up with this topic. Really inspiring and timely. And Dan, right on time, what we do or don’t do from age 40-60 is incredibly important for enjoying living (or dying depending on how you look at it) in later years.
This is one of my favorite videos GCN has done. As others have said, very relatable and direct. I'm in the middle of a similar re-think of these things (about a year into it), and I have no doubt I'm going to learn a lot more from this series than I've done on my own. Thank you for this.
Well Dan you helped me loose a bunch of weight and get fit, now you’re going to help me live a little longer or better for the time I have left, thank you.
Going to keep watching this series. At 67 I've tried to stay active (walking, biking, horseback riding,) but it isn't always easy. 2 knee replacements later I'm still doing all those things. You are at the perfect age to make changes and have lasting impacts. Good job Dan!
I'm glad you made that impression to share that you don't need to be a "monk." People think that you're a social media influencer, celebrity, or a local coach that you have to have this perfect perspective of such titles. It's insane. We all have demons to overcome and the standardized concept of who they follow. It's good to mention that you do your best in all aspects of life. Very interesting and very good video. Good luck on your journey to strive for better health. IT NEVER ENDS
Great episode, I'm very much looking forward to the ones to follow. I'm currently 45 and last year started making changes to try and achieve the exact thing you are. Love your honesty, bravo.
Good luck Dan! I'll be right there with you. 35, former bodybuilder, rebelled for the past ~8 years with eating and drinking. Recently got back into the gym and just bought my first road bike to improve my cardio. Let's go! I cycled for work a few years ago and GCN videos like these really are companions to my fitness journey. Thanks to all the presenters, et al at GCN for the content and support over the years!
Since August 2023, I've lost 85+ pounds. I used to be a powerlifter, but now I'm now age-group racing with the USAT, four Ironman next year, and , hopefully, Ultra racing in 2026. It's one day at a time. It's about setting short obtainable goals for gains and losses, and celebrating everyone with rewards. It is having people around you cheering you on and leaving those who try to scuttle your journey behind or keep them at an arm's distance. I'm looking forward to seeing your amazing journey over the next months, Dan! Keep up the great work, and keep on keeping on!
Most real and down to earth video I have seen in a long time. No sugar coating or fluffy music. Real life with real problems and what can be done to help slow down the eternally ticking clock.
I love this content, great stuff GCN. As I age and continue to pedal through life, I increasingly understand that our only real competition is with ourselves. Here's to health, happiness, and the journey on a bicycle! Go on Dan!
Really impressed by your open honesty on your personal health Dan. I'm looking forward to following along and seeing where I can improve. Best wishes for your journey.
Dan, thank you for your vulnerability and for being an excellent example for the rest of us. I’m sure that all of your many fans and supporters who are in their 50s and above are very grateful for this video.
Went to bed last night and I was an 18 year old athlete who competed at a high level on the track and cross country, as well as a decent road racer. Woke up this morning 61 years old, 18 stone and completely out of shape. I have taken steps (no pun intended) to get back in shape and this has inspired me.
Glad to hear it Brendan. I'm currently doing some research for episode 2, which will be out a week tomorrow, and I can tell you that 61 leaves your PLENTY of time to turn things around. You just need to start. Start small, make habit changes, be consistent, and before you know it you'll look and feel completely different. It won't happen overnight, but it WILL happen. Anyway, glad to hear you're coming on this journey with me. Dan
Wow Dan, just Wow! I really appreciate the direct candor and honesty you've shown here and I will for sure be watching all of your episodes on this topic! I have really appreciated the thread of gcn videos deep delving into science: Si's Zone 2 with Inigo San Milan, and Ollies's weight/nutrition pop to mind. Fair play to you for the bravery of taking this front on and being willing to take us along while you go. Phil Cavell's Midlife Cyclist sure got me thinking about these issues and covid interupted many of my patterns, some like sleep, and cycling for the better. Thank you so much for being willing to take this on and share it with us. I'm in my mid 60s and hope to eak out a bit longer a run if I can. I have made some changes too, especially more sleep, better eating, and including regular walks, some stretching and strength training to my HIIT and zone 2 cycling. You and gcn help keep me on track. Thanks!
Aww, Dan, thank you for sharing so honestly. You’ve had career ups & downs that few will experience as an ex pro. Will enjoy making the journey with you buddy ❤
I'm 42 years old, was a "cyclist" in my 20 and 30s and have really fallen off the wagon. Thanks for the inspiration Dan. Thanks for being real and transparent.
I was a smoker but now I’m in my 15 yr a non-smoker and I’m so thankful, I was reborn again, my advice to everyone who smoke is try to stay away from the smokers, and that really what helped me a lot, we are with you Dan, you got this, and you have the best thing in life, Cycling!!!
Loving everything about this whole project, the approach, the tone, the personnal touch translating into generalizable goals, I'm really looking forward to live this journey !
Dan is the man. Been watching since the beginning and I'm older than he is. Dan is real. He's all of us really except he has bravely shown us his journey while we don't have to. Thanks GCN and of course, the class act, "DAN".
Thank you for your candor and showing a vulnerable side Dan. I'll be watching this journey with keen interest for the next 6 months and wish all the luck on your journey.
Dan!!! This is the best. This kind of information and honest vulnerability is exactly the content people need to be seeing. Love your work, GCN is the best!!!
I'm also 43 and going through a similar process. 4 months off the booze and coffee, eating healthy, running and cycling consistently for the first time in 20 years. Feeling great! With two children under 2 I decided it was time for a significant change so that I can be an active and energetic dad for as long as possible.
Such good timing for this video. I have been wanting to make similar changes over the last few months but haven’t had the motivation to really stick with it. Wishing you all the best Dan and, selfishly, hope this inspires me and many others to do similar
This has massively resonated, not least having Dan as the founding presenter be so open and transparent but also aligns perfectly to my mid forties position! It's brought me back to the channel! Thanks so much Dan - and good luck!
Excellent video. I'm 63 years old and had a wake up call 4.5 years ago. I had unstable angina and was rewarded with a stent. I was never a professional athlete but over the years I would workout then quit. It was a wash rinse repeat cycle. After getting my stent, i have been hard core fitness wise and am loving every minute of it. I have even been given the green light to run a marathon by my cardiologist. I told him I'm not that crazy. LOL. I enjoy my bike rides, weight lifting, and my spin bike (aka Crotch Killer). You can do this and I look forward to your upcoming videos.
Candor much appreciated, especially from a much-loved commentator and public face for cycling. 25 years hard riding and a further decade down the road from you Dan, I too am over the hill and have sleep issues, no doubt due to said increased alcohol intake, common with athletes seeking to replace missing endorphins. Subscribed.
As a 61 year old who uses Cycling to stay in shape knowing I need to do more, I am glued to your video series about your mission. Good on you for doing such a deep diving series about this. Thank you Dan
Been a big fan of Dan Lloyds work since GCNs very beginning. He absolutely stands out from all those "UA-cam stars" because of his humility, honesty and authenticity. The new series starts very promisingly. Looking forward to the next episodes. Keep up the great work and BTW a big thumbs up also for Si Richardson. I'm 56 now. Been on a bike all my life. My advice: Set the right priorities. Stay in good shape. Spend a lot of time on the bike. Take care of yourself. Never stop. Take time for yourself (a lot!). Have fun. Success is nice, but beeing satisfied and happy is much more important.
Joining you a month late Dan, and I thank you for making this series. 2 years ago i was very fit. Hip replacement 8 months ago and a heart ablation 1 month ago. Working back with zone 2 cycling and running, strength training, and I’ve joined my wife (a fitness trainer) in heathy eating. We share the same goal and I’ll be cheering both of us on!
This is my golden year and will achieve this milestone in November…I am with you and the rest of the 1k+ comments here on this health and fitness journey. Thank you for making this video and hopefully kickstarting the next best years of my life.
Thank you Dan for doing this series. As a 54 yr old man who also took a 12 break from fitness, I'm looking forward to seeing your journey and learning what I can do.
I will watch and join you Dan. I have always been fit and active, mostly cycling. I have always wondered what it would be like to start getting fit from scratch again (I’m now 60) Thanks to a cycling crash and a grade 4 AC separation 5 months ago…I am now finding out…it’s NOT easy!!!b In 5 months I have gone from a fit, good weight 59 year old to a fat blobby old 60 year old. So I will be following you Dan and everyone else! Good Luck 😁😁
What are you doing to help you stay fit, healthy and active as you get older, and do you have any advice for Dan? 🤔
Great to see you joined me Dan! I started this very same journey last year, after a working as an engineer for 40 years. I’ve always been cycling and even did some amateur racing, next to my work as an engineer. I’m 63 years old now and am working on improving my balance and bone density, as those numbers were very bad (77 years old) when I did the test last year October.
Fit in some strength training, the most important form of exercise as we age. #useitorloseit
Skip alcohol. For good. Never neglect sleep. Cut out the sugar.
@@guussophie3074 As I said in the video, there is no bad time to start, it's just about getting started. How's your journey been going?
@@johnp.m6343 That will definitely be a big part of my weekly routine.
Unusually personal video here but this kind of thing will be very helpful to some of your viewers and I'm sure they appreciate your candor as I do. Cheers Dan.
Fingers crossed! It won't be for everyone, but I'm sure there are a few people out there who'll just need a nudge like this to get started and make some changes. It'll motivate me to have people joining in as well, and there's nothing like documenting it to help make sure you keep to the challenge. Dan
Completely agree, @BennyOcean. What a cool idea. Looking forward to the journey!
@@daniellloyd100is your username a subconscious nod to wanting to live to 100? I am sixty and the father to three young kids (9, 6 & 3) and started a similar journey this year. No Alcohol since Xmas. Exercising. 6kg lost so far. Hardest thing is my sugar addiction and avoiding Ultra Processed Food. A video on those two things would be welcome.
We always try and be honest with our community, it's great to read such amazing comments about Dans journey 🙌
Yes really interesting video thanks. I felt nervous for you during some of those tests! I’m the same age so it’s interesting to see the performance. Funny to hear you like a booze up too! I am similar although I’m trying to stop drinking completely now 🤡 Doing all this stuff on camera must’ve been fairly stressful too. Does go to show that cycling is best for health though. I personally need to improve on sleep though. Great vid.
Excellent idea, your experiment. I am a 74 years old cyclist who never was a high class athlete but never stopped exercising, which helped to overcome the serious hereditary cardiac problems my entire family is suffering. In spite of my healthy life style, I still had four stents placed around my heart since 2015 and fighting off the first signs of diabetes, the other disease that terrorizes my family. I don't compete anymore, did that until age 62 but still maintain somewhere between 12,000 and 15,000 km each year. I quit smoking and drinking about 50 years ago and will just follow the advice of my cardiologist: "Don't dare to quit that bicycle..." Good luck with your experiment, it will be worth all the effort.
@@wobblywheeler6682 Correct. I changed mine 30 years ago...
Wishing you every success Dan from a 59 year old who smoked and drank heavily, ate all the wrong things and never bothered with exercise. Over the years I gave up smoking, moderated my alcohol intake and much to my own surprise became a vegan. It didn’t happen over night but feeling better about myself keeps me going. Took up cycling during lockdown and GCN has been a great source of education and motivation. Hope the support you get from viewers and fans helps you. All the best fella 👍🏼
Going vegan isn't healthy unless you're very very careful with your diet.
Massive respect for the positive changes you made!
You should cut out alcohol completely, and add some lean meats and eggs to your diet for optimal health.
@@TheSteinbitt Dan would certainly feel he was living longer if he cut out alcohol completely! 🙂
@@TheSteinbittwhy add lean meats? Current evidence suggests no benefits of meats in the diet, Fish possibly, but not red meats. So I am reading at the moment.
I turn 30 next week, after starting new job last year I relapsed with alcohol bad after 5 years sober. This past year has been a spiral buy I want to start my 30s with a clean slate and directionly good mindset. I'm with you Dan.
All the best on this . I wish I’d drank less and given up earlier. There is no downside to not drinking . You can do it!
It's a struggle isn't it? I'm trying to cut down to 2 days a week having beer, and then hopefully down to 1. Maybe it'd be easier to go cold turkey though. Dan
Goodrays CBD drinks helped me stop weekend boozing. And I enjoy LEFFE non alcoholic beers. Just got sick of it. I’m a decade ahead of you, I drank like a rockstar for 20yrs, loved it, no regrets, but now I was getting into midweek drinking due to work stress. No good! I miss the red wine. But I don’t wanna die young. Good luck
Good on you. Drinking, and quitting, can be a struggle. I was up and down with it for more than two decades, but finally was able to get my shot together and almost completely cut it out a few years ago. Keep up the fight, you got this
Best GCN video of the past 12 months. I love how genuine it is. ❤
I agree. Just turned 44 and this video hits home.
Indeed, I unsubscribed, but will keep an eye out for this series.
Great video and love Dan’s honesty. I’ve struggled this year to do any exercise. I hadn’t been out in my bike this year and had no motivation. I’ve reached 50 and haven’t never felt so unfit. This video motivated me to get on my bike today. I did an hour and feel great for doing it. Thank you Dan…..Fabulous video and GOOD LUCK!!
Thanks! We really loved making this one, would you like to see more personal stories shared here on GCN? 💬
@@gcn yes!
I'm on this journey with you I'm 60 . Just had a heart transplant 2 yrs back after 20 years of heart failure. On my bike now and a rowing machine to get my fitness back. 💪
Keep up the good work! We're with you on your road to recovery 💪
This may very well be the most important video series GCN has ever started.
Longevity is so important
Healthy longevity
We hope you enjoy the series! We're super proud of this one 👌
Why?
We only get one shot at life and it goes so quickly, you enjoy it more if you are fit, so, why not?
@@Dan-nh8nuWhy did you ask why?
Didn't even start running until 38. By 43 was in best shape of my entire life. At 51 - still keeping it going. Never too late.
So glad you’re doing this series. At 63 I’m on the same journey, not to live longer, but to live well as I age.
I like this distinction. There are different quality of life implications between “health span” and “life span”.
@@nickroden Agree 100%. Its not the quantity of life, but the quality of life that matters the most.
Fantastic! Good luck, sir. 💙
Well said, proper goal
Why not do both?
As the most eloquent, circumspect and self-deprecating presenter, you've chosen a subject that has the potential to awaken, influence and improve many people's lives! Persevere with the journey, knowing that many others already are or will embark on their own journey.
Cheers from Melbourne.
Spot on! I'm 73, and I just completed a 100 Grand Fondo in Florida. Regular resistance training with progressive overload, good diet, good sleep, and lots of Zone 2 Cycling. I know I won't able to ride100 miles when I am 83 but maybe 50 and when I am 93 I hope to be fit enough to get around a bit and take a nice walk, not end up in a rest home bedridden.
That’s the goal! You mapped out a good set of goals for Dan in 40 then 50 years- for many of us. Keep it up
Excellent morning to action and life outlook!
Brilliant! Thanks for the inspiration. And...keep going!
"I'm not as fit as I used to be and I feel the need to do something about it". What an empowered statement. Dan, I'm with you and I can't wait to see how you get on. Excited for you to get on track. Thank you for sharing!
I like how the channel is evolving as the presenters grow in every way.. for each of them you can follow their evolution and enjoy their current path
grovel
Onwards and upwards 🚀
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I'm also 43 yo. I never was a professional athlete, not even doing amateur competitions, but I was training a lot, mostly rowing and had a good fitness. Then, I almost completely stopped for 7 years and my VO2max felt down to low 50s in 2019, like you.
At that point, I decided to make a change and started cycling. 5 years later, I'm in the best shape of my life and my VO2max is around 65, currently.
So, as an ex-professional athlete and with all the support you can get from health professionals, I'm sure you can do much better than me.
Enjoy this journey to a more healthy life! 👍💪
Bravo Dan. When I was 52 I was diagnosed with Mini core Disorder. Its a muscle condition that makes it hard to move. For 5 years I pissed and moaned about it. I was 235 pounds at 57, could not tie my shoes. Time to change. Started small and worked up. Now, I run Triathlons, workout regularly, changed my lifestyle. Am I a monk? Nope, but I have addressed not feeling like crap. Mine is a story of small changes that have inspired many because now I am 65. Even my doctor has changed his lifestyle. LOL. Good luck Dan and anybody else on thin journey. It's fantastic.
Thank you for posting your interesting comment. Well done by the way! I imagine you must have a good story to tell , and getting that switch to happen in your mind. I need to kick my own ass a bit more I think.
Respect for inspiring your doctor
Brilliant! Good job.
Amazing story, great effort fella.
That is a motivating and inspirational story. I don't know if I'll ever undertake a triathlon, but there's a yearly century ride near me called the Horrible Hundred, and that's been my motivation to get back on a bike and gain some fitness
Congratulations Dan, I'm very excited to join your journey. I'll be 70 this month and I started my journey at 65...... Like you said, better late than never.
I started by "peddling" knowing full well of my physical state and wasn't about to fool/lie to myself. I'm past the "Toughen up and muscle and pain through it" stage of life. I just wanted to get healthier. That was the only goal.
Now 5 years later I'm riding 15 to 20 miles a day. Zone 2 mostly sometimes with some zone three to fours and thresholds.
Personal goals alone. I don't ride with other people. I don't compete with other people. I'm just trying to stay healthy and it's working.
So more power to you. Gcn has a lot of people like me I know and it's about time. This channel started addressing middle-aged and older people instead of always talking about these young guys pumping out 10,000 watts and trying to race to the top of Mount Everest.
Good luck on your adventure and I'll be right there with you watching. Good luck!
Don't underestimate the power of these personal/vulnerable videos as people get fatigued of listicles and strictly informational content. Kudos to Dan for his openness to this experiment to be shared with a large audience. People need to see the potential "dark side" of endurance sport and the things people feel too ashamed to talk about.
Looking forward to more of this! ❤
This is exactly what I need. In 2013 I raced Tour Divide. Since then I have moved to a rural community and opened my own bike shop, focused on making that work and lost a lot of fitness. Then October of last year, two weeks before my 60th birthday I had a stroke. I'm working to get my fitness back while keeping the shop open, I can see this series being a major asset. Many thanks!
Best video GCN has ever put out! Dan thank You for being so vulnerable and honest. Because if we’re all vulnerable and honest we all identify with you. I’ll will most certainly be following!
Thanks for the comment Jim! 🙌We really loves sharing Dan's story
Hi Dan, thanks so much for this - been through a similar journey, I was a cyclist pre-covid but on the heavy side. Almost died with covid which also 'gifted' me pneumonia. Post covid and unable to breathe properly my weight ballooned to 123.4kg (nice number! - will never forget!). after an intervention from the family I bought and electric road e-bike , gave up meat and alcohol and got myself back to 75kg after a year. I firmly believe I was at a fork in the road, one side was an early death and the other side was life. I'm 52 now, and fitter than I have ever been. I still drink and eat meat now having put them back into my diet and lifestyle. looking forward to my first triathlon this year. I have my friends and family to thank for making me realise that I was at a fork in the road and it was up to me to decide my own future. And yes, I was a 40 a day smoker for 30 years!
wow, what a journey and incredible weight loss. Well done!
Down to earth, humane and honest content, thanks and good luck with the journey
That's the goal! 🙌Thanks for commenting!
After many years of abusing my body through smoking, excessive eating, alcohol consumption and finally diagnosed as a diabetic I too am improving my fitness and health. Well done Dan for facing up to this and sharing your journey. I’m hoping you can encourage me to other health improvements.
I had to make the adult decision a few years ago that I'm not a professional cyclist, I am actually PAYING to ride my bike. While I race and train and take it seriously, I needed to be able to function in day to day life, even if it meant, gasp, not having 7 percent body fat. I need to do home projects, spread mulch, have a day job that gets in the way, etc. So I started doing strength training, mainly core and balance work, but also weights. I got a bike fit done recently and it turns out, I'm in a much more aggressive, and comfortable position than I was before, and I'm nice and stable. AND, I can spread mulch if needed and not be sore for a week afterwards. Ultimately, I think that taking care of your body as a whole, will make everything better, even your cycling, and who cares if you gain a couple pounds of functional muscle, it's helping you. Great series, I'm looking forward to watching you progress.
Enjoyed your comment , Thank you.
I’ll just point out you could gain 30 pounds of muscle and still be 7% body fat. Being sub 10 generally causes a number of issues though.
That's a really important point, the needs of a pro cyclists are very different to the rest of us 👀 You can still be a very strong rider whilst also holding building general strength and conditioning 👌 Sounds like you've got an amazing balance!
FWIW, most pro cyclists are doing lots of strength training off the bike. It's important for functional strength and resilience in everyday life, but it also makes you faster on the bike. It also has nothing to do with body fat.
Quitting smoking is tough as bawls. I've seen many a friends struggle and those that have, their lives have gotten 100% better. Good on you man.
Well done, Dan. I'm 53, and while I don't have your particular struggles, I definitely have many of my own. Lifelong chronic depression and anxiety being the most difficult. Thank you for your honesty and willingness to share. I really look forward to the rest of this series. God speed.
Thanks for being so open here. Hang in there. You never know who you'll inspire. 💙
Thanks for sharing! We hope that with Dan sharing his journey it will help you with yours 🙌
I’m 53, and just starting back after four years of not being able to train.
I was diagnosed with six growths on my lungs and I’ve now been given the all clear, but sadly due to the prolonged inactivity + prescribed steroids + comfort eating, my body weight has gone up by over 50%, whilst my fitness levels are gone!
It’s comforting to hear that even the people we think of as being fit worry like the rest of us mere mortals.
Thank you Dan for your honesty about drinking and smoking, your concerns over your health and improving it, for me this series couldn’t have come at a better time!
Thank you!
hi Colin, thanks for the comment! And we are so pleased you have been given the all clear. We hope this series can help you 👍
Great work Dan. Brave to share. I am 57 years old. I cycle near 4000 km, row over 1500 km and walk the dog at least 1200 km per year. And I know I can get better. Thanks for the motivation. Need to do better now. Looking forward to seeing more.
I reckon you're doing OK❤
As a 60yo. also > Please enjoy It & stay Happy !!
What on earth are you taking about? You’re clearly a very active person and well above average. Give yourself a break man!
@@chrisjames1924 Either bragging or addiction to exercise xd
@@julienparis3512 He probably won gold at the dog walking Olympics.
Hey Dan! I'm going through a very similar transformation, and there are some things that helped me:
1. Food intake is extremely important, so count your calories/macros. I was able to drop my body fat from 30% to 18% through diet alone. I suspect that your diet might be off if your body fat is hovering around 19%. Considering that you were a pro cyclist, there's no reason why can't get down to 13% or 15% with a healthy diet.
2. If you want leg and grip strength, consider deadlifts or hack squats. They're also very effective at improving your functional mobility, so you won't throw out your back while moving your couch.
3. I suspect you're going to do this already, but track everything on a regular basis. Weight, vo2max, body composition, exercises. You need something to show progress so you stay motivated. The dexa scan you did was extremely effective for my transformation.
I’m only 3 minutes in, but I can tell you that this is one of the best videos I’ve ever seen on GCN. THANK YOU!!!
Awesome! How did you feel at the end of the video?
@@gcn like I'm really looking forward to the series. Just started cycling at 50 years old (52 now). Joined a cycling club this year and did my first group ride. I have done some gravel races, but really just needed to get in better shape after raising my kids took priority for so long over everything. Love your channel, but this series will really hit home.
Great timing!
I just started working with coaches and functional doctors to improve fitness and health,
focusing on
1. performance (cycling)
2. vitality (feeling energetic)
3. aesthetics (looking good)
4. longevity
Took blood sample, dna test and will do gut test, omega test, metals test...
I have already learned a lot, installed new habits.
I am with you @Dan on this journey!
Glad to hear it Hans. Those initial tests sound interesting. Dan
That's one of my favorite episodes of GCN. I love all the presenters of GCN so I m super happy for Dan that he's taking control of his health.
He'll smash this challenge for sure!
Wow, Dan, I found your openness and honesty in this video so powerful and inspirational. Over the full series, I really feel like I, and many others I'm sure, are going to go on a really personal journey with you. I can truly understand your mini-rebellion after finishing your professional cycling career, and in fact, I think I kind of understood it even before you specifically said it, just from what you had described of your lifestyle earlier on. But it was good that you did say it, it shows self-awareness which is very important for making changes.
Anyway, I definitely intend to follow this series, and make some more changes myself, so I approach the end of my working life, so I can enjoy my retirement to the max.
Go Dan, go - you've got this!
Great new direction for GCN videos. And Dan the perfect man to kick this off. Having taken this route around 10 years ago I will be watching closely to see how things develop. Well done Dan
How did it go for you? Any tips for Dan?
About 10 days after this video appeared, I've watched it several times and feel compelled to comment. This feels like a particularly honest, soul-baring approach that is clearly resonating with many of us (looking at the number of views). Am really looking forward to see how this plays out. And much respect to Dan for putting all his cards on the table. Not many have the character and guts to be so open. You've gone even higher in my estimation.
Great motivation and words. That is a great video and professional check up.
I was in the same boat as a heavy drinker and smoker ...too much party time , and i drifted away from cycling and my outdoor lifestyle.
Took me 15 years to chase the bad habits away, i ve done it !!! it was ONE decision and i never looked back.
Now, i bought a Emtb for help me to get back where i wanted to be and why i did love to cycle at the first place, Man that is the best decisions i took.
I am riding twice a day, 25 kms each time, Off road and some gnarly sections, I came clean with my vices and poisons, but, i am riding again !!
My health did improve, i look younger at 53 years old, have more time for things i want to do and spend quality time the things i should do .
No more beer o clock or a nicotine/Fat Joint for drift away, My wife is my first fan and she is amazed and pride of that.
Keep it up, Sober is the new thing. Cycling must be enjoyed for lifetime.
I too smoked but for over 2 decades! I quit about 4 years ago and got back on my bike about 2 1/2 years ago. I’ve never done any testing but can tell you I’ve lost 60 pounds and have gone up about 3.5 mph average speeds on my rides! I can talk with other people while riding along at around 150 HR and I’m 47 now! Kudos to you!!!
I love this, and your honesty. When I turned 40 I had my kid and my fitness focus became a dad focus. Covid hit and it became so sedentary and I lost so much fitness. Five years later I had gained 70lbs and lost so much fitness and felt so physically terrible snd was losing motivation.
Starting with the 30 day challenge in 2023, I launched fitness again, added strength and jiujitsu with cycling July 2023, and have now lost all that weight and am markedly more fit than when my son was born in 2018, I fit in clothes I used to wear when I ran 100 mile races and am stronger overall. Your experience is so common for us older guys and its so cool for you to let us join your journey since this channel was what has motivated so many of us to kick off our own fitness journeys.
So great to hear that we've been part of your journey 🙌 We hope this video series will motivate you to keep pushing, sounds like you're smashing it!
Dan! This is incredible! So vulnerable, so honest, so humble! Wow - I already loved GCN so much and this just made me love it that much more! Just shared this with my parents and am so excited to follow you on your journey! Thanks for inspiring so many of us!!
Dan please may I say you are a Warrior - I am 63 very soon and very keen Cyclist still racing cyclocross & MTB.. There is never a sooner time to start training again after having a few years off myself.. Thank You Andy.
We all take time off, that's part of it 🙌Great to hear you're still staying fit an healthy!
I'm 17 and I've been cycling for about a year now. I also started to run and swim a bit when I have the time. I really do think this video is a great example of how determination and desire of self-improvement can really bring a person to become better, physically but also mentally. I look at the comments and i see people from all age commenting about similar experiences or goals. I really hope Dan will reach his goals, as much as I will too. This is the type of video that can turn your life around. Great work 🙌
Appreciate your comment Felix! At 17 and with such an insight, I hope you inspire all youth around you!!
Wow...Dan's admissions are quite compelling. I'm with you Dan!
Dan, huge respect for putting yourself out there on social media. It's not easy at the best of times!
Your honesty and vulnerability speaks volumes about your character. Well done! All the best as you tackle this challenge! ❤
Great timing for me Dan. I’m 53 and in
Fantastic! Welcome along Steve. I think even 6 months are going to make some huge changes. Dan
@@daniellloyd100 Interesting that you smoked Dan would have never guessed, was it something you dabbled in earlier in life and started back up post cycling career or did you actually start in 2012 in your 30s?
Join the crew Steve! 🙌
@@gcn dusting down the Ribble
Never smoked, rarely ever drank, never abused drugs, rode my road bike ~8000 miles a year. Got prostate cancer 3 year ago. Shit happens. Nobody gets out of this place alive.
❤
Cause of prostate, could that be linked to 8000 miles ?
No, that just caused sore butt cheeks.
@@eddiegardner8232 my dad got that and didn't even ride lol
I'm 80. I've abused my body most of my life. I have a prostate cancer. There are two. I have the one I will die with but, lucky me, not of.
I'm just heading out on my bike now. 😊
I've been really hard on my body over the last decade, I'm 29 and wanting to make some serious life changes. I truly appreciate content like this and I absolutely cannot wait to see the next episodes. I will be following closely.
You've still got loads of time to change things up, no better way of doing this than on the bike 🙌
Hi Dan. Love you guys. I'm 79.33, and cycling is a key part of my longevity program. I'm also an Army vet and PTSD survivor and cycling is my 'stress buster' program. I'll be following along. Thanks for doing this.
Glad to see you're not in a bad spot at all, Dan, despite your best efforts so far 😁
That being said, I'll be 46 this year. I do cycling, a bit of fitness and moderate amounts of yoga, the latter two at home, nothing fancy. My objective is to outlive my mother as I do not want her to have to bury her first born child. Otherwise, I do not seek a long life, I have no children, no partner, no one to depend on in my old age, and no happy memories to sustain my already severely damaged mental well-being.
The very best of luck to you! I'll be watching every episode.
First time in a while I’ve heard someone lay themselves bare for others to judge. Respect mate.
Looking forward to following you on your journey Dan, I just turned 67 and I'm in the best shape of my life and I still like the occasional beer and I gave up smoking back in 1990 I found cycling again in 1994 and I've been an amateur racer since. I think strength training is very important I go to the gym about 4 days a week during the winter and I taper off during Race season.Keep up the good work Dan you're going to be just fine.
This video just hit me at the exact perfect moment. I, like Dan, am also 43. I have also slipped in my fitness and health a bit in the recent years and much of that due to falling out of cycling. Just a few days ago I dusted off the bike, ordered a few new necessary replacements, and got on to my old favorite youtube channel to find this video. I'm feeling motivated and confident that I will get back in the saddle and push myself to a more familiar and healthy self. Dan, I'll be cheering you on the whole way and hopefully keeping up. Cheers.
I’m 71 years old and started cycling a dozen years ago. Dan’s life experience and mine have some similarities and our motivation is the same. I particularly appreciate Dan’s honesty regarding his smoking period. I had one of those as well. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
Watch this space! Thanks for sharing this comment with us
So definitely here for this series. I'm a 42 y/o who's always been serious about bikes, but also struggled with substances, mental and physical health and neuro divergence. Better than I was and always trying to get better. Wish you all the luck in the world on your journey Dan. Ill be tuned in for sure.
Thanks Dan and crew....I appreciate you being so open . I will be interested to see your progress , and hear how you feel . Thanks for being .
Thanks for watching ! We hope you'll be following along with Dan 🙌
Thanks for opening up your life, Dan. This will be my most anticipated series. At 63, I’m joining you on my end, after slacking off over the past 5 years. Life is precious!
This video is great timing. I am about to turn 31. I have been smoke free for 8 years, alcohol free for four, and after starting cycling just over 6 years ago I have never felt fitter. However with a neurodivergent young child and a wife with health complications I am extremely time crunched and I know there are many things I could do better. Especially when it comes to strength, flexibility and balance. I look forward to following your journey Dan, as I look to make my own improvements going forward.
Stay strong fella, giving up what you have is harder than keeping going on the bike , respect! you got a lot of time ahead of you to make a difference to yourself and your family. Keep going......
It's great to hear that you are finding time for the bike. Do you find the balance between cycling and family hard? 🤔
@@gcn It can be hard at times, as often schedules and plans can be cancelled or amended at short notice, meaning races missed, longer rides cut short etc. My local club's TT series is only 5 races and I had to miss 2 at short notice last year. Social rides are at best once a month. But I often commute to work by bike so I try to make the most of it when I do spend time in the saddle. My son also enjoys riding his "Shotgun Seat" on my MTB and on short rides or local bike park laps, my wife will join in as when she is well and strong, she is able to ride.
Wishing you every success. I'm 59 and started my process at about 50. I lost over 140 pounds in the process and transformed myself. Where the head goes, the body follows. Two recommendations: (1) Strongly recommend the book, "Why We Sleep," by Dr. Matthew Walker or any of his youtube chats. He explains clearly the impact of alcohol on sleep--it's not a sleep aid, it's a highly detrimental sedative. He also explains all the amazing things happening to your body when you got proper sleep. (2) It's not about calories [Ollie is correct, the horror]. It's what you eat, when you eat. Having pints in the evening with mates is nice, but it impacts both your sleep and weight.
Dan, thank you for being so transparent and willing to allow us to follow your journey! I am really looking forward to this series and learning from your experience. Excellent content!
Thanks Rick! We love this one 🙌
This is fantastic. Will follow the entire journey. Thank you for being open Dan. From Dan in Los Angeles.
So glad youre doing this Dan and than you so much. This is about more than cycling, its about middle aged men finding a way to live well and flourish in spite of the many challenges many of us face, but darent speak about. Thanks and go for it... David
Kudos to whomever came up with this topic. Really inspiring and timely. And Dan, right on time, what we do or don’t do from age 40-60 is incredibly important for enjoying living (or dying depending on how you look at it) in later years.
part 2 is coming this weekend 👍
This is one of my favorite videos GCN has done. As others have said, very relatable and direct. I'm in the middle of a similar re-think of these things (about a year into it), and I have no doubt I'm going to learn a lot more from this series than I've done on my own. Thank you for this.
You'll enjoy this series we're sure 🙌 Thanks for sharing with us, it's not an easy thing to change up your life style but it can be so beneficial 🙌
Well Dan you helped me loose a bunch of weight and get fit, now you’re going to help me live a little longer or better for the time I have left, thank you.
Really looking forward to seeing this journey. Smash it mate
You joining in?!
@@daniellloyd100 I actually really should. My health has taken a huge hit in the last 4 years
@@JonCannings Let's do it then. Will come and find you on Monday.
What does joining in involve?
Well done to Dan for taking on this quest and for revealing such personal information. Dan's the Man
Much respect Dan for your honesty and openness.
Going to keep watching this series. At 67 I've tried to stay active (walking, biking, horseback riding,) but it isn't always easy. 2 knee replacements later I'm still doing all those things. You are at the perfect age to make changes and have lasting impacts. Good job Dan!
I'm glad you made that impression to share that you don't need to be a "monk." People think that you're a social media influencer, celebrity, or a local coach that you have to have this perfect perspective of such titles. It's insane. We all have demons to overcome and the standardized concept of who they follow. It's good to mention that you do your best in all aspects of life. Very interesting and very good video. Good luck on your journey to strive for better health. IT NEVER ENDS
The Monk method just isn't sustainable, we want to enjoy our lives🙌 It's all about moderation! Great to hear you enjoyed the video!
@@gcnWhat most people see as pleasure, monks see as bondage and suffering. They're right, IMHO.
Great episode, I'm very much looking forward to the ones to follow. I'm currently 45 and last year started making changes to try and achieve the exact thing you are. Love your honesty, bravo.
Thanks Lee. Dan
Good luck Dan! I'll be right there with you. 35, former bodybuilder, rebelled for the past ~8 years with eating and drinking. Recently got back into the gym and just bought my first road bike to improve my cardio. Let's go!
I cycled for work a few years ago and GCN videos like these really are companions to my fitness journey. Thanks to all the presenters, et al at GCN for the content and support over the years!
Wow, I appreciate your honesty Dan! To put yourself out there so publicly is admirable and I shall endeavour to follow along as best I can.
Since August 2023, I've lost 85+ pounds. I used to be a powerlifter, but now I'm now age-group racing with the USAT, four Ironman next year, and , hopefully, Ultra racing in 2026. It's one day at a time. It's about setting short obtainable goals for gains and losses, and celebrating everyone with rewards. It is having people around you cheering you on and leaving those who try to scuttle your journey behind or keep them at an arm's distance. I'm looking forward to seeing your amazing journey over the next months, Dan! Keep up the great work, and keep on keeping on!
Most real and down to earth video I have seen in a long time. No sugar coating or fluffy music. Real life with real problems and what can be done to help slow down the eternally ticking clock.
I love this content, great stuff GCN. As I age and continue to pedal through life, I increasingly understand that our only real competition is with ourselves. Here's to health, happiness, and the journey on a bicycle! Go on Dan!
The competition within is all that matters 🙌 Great to hear that you are keeping active! How often are you currently riding?
@@gcn. I aim for around 5 times a week. One long, one smash and some recovery sprinkled in between.
Really impressed by your open honesty on your personal health Dan. I'm looking forward to following along and seeing where I can improve. Best wishes for your journey.
Everything in moderation....I have always liked Dan,so I will follow this...😊
All things in moderation…including moderation 😉
Only unhealthy people who want to hear good things about their bad habits say “ everything in moderation”
Dan, thank you for your vulnerability and for being an excellent example for the rest of us. I’m sure that all of your many fans and supporters who are in their 50s and above are very grateful for this video.
Great series, looking forward to the rest. Bravo.
Went to bed last night and I was an 18 year old athlete who competed at a high level on the track and cross country, as well as a decent road racer. Woke up this morning 61 years old, 18 stone and completely out of shape. I have taken steps (no pun intended) to get back in shape and this has inspired me.
Glad to hear it Brendan. I'm currently doing some research for episode 2, which will be out a week tomorrow, and I can tell you that 61 leaves your PLENTY of time to turn things around. You just need to start. Start small, make habit changes, be consistent, and before you know it you'll look and feel completely different. It won't happen overnight, but it WILL happen. Anyway, glad to hear you're coming on this journey with me. Dan
Wow Dan, just Wow! I really appreciate the direct candor and honesty you've shown here and I will for sure be watching all of your episodes on this topic! I have really appreciated the thread of gcn videos deep delving into science: Si's Zone 2 with Inigo San Milan, and Ollies's weight/nutrition pop to mind. Fair play to you for the bravery of taking this front on and being willing to take us along while you go. Phil Cavell's Midlife Cyclist sure got me thinking about these issues and covid interupted many of my patterns, some like sleep, and cycling for the better. Thank you so much for being willing to take this on and share it with us. I'm in my mid 60s and hope to eak out a bit longer a run if I can. I have made some changes too, especially more sleep, better eating, and including regular walks, some stretching and strength training to my HIIT and zone 2 cycling. You and gcn help keep me on track. Thanks!
You smoked after you quit racing. Why?
Aww, Dan, thank you for sharing so honestly. You’ve had career ups & downs that few will experience as an ex pro. Will enjoy making the journey with you buddy ❤
I'm 42 years old, was a "cyclist" in my 20 and 30s and have really fallen off the wagon. Thanks for the inspiration Dan. Thanks for being real and transparent.
I was a smoker but now I’m in my 15 yr a non-smoker and I’m so thankful, I was reborn again, my advice to everyone who smoke is try to stay away from the smokers, and that really what helped me a lot, we are with you Dan, you got this, and you have the best thing in life, Cycling!!!
Loving everything about this whole project, the approach, the tone, the personnal touch translating into generalizable goals, I'm really looking forward to live this journey !
Dan is the man. Been watching since the beginning and I'm older than he is. Dan is real. He's all of us really except he has bravely shown us his journey while we don't have to. Thanks GCN and of course, the class act, "DAN".
Thank you for your candor and showing a vulnerable side Dan. I'll be watching this journey with keen interest for the next 6 months and wish all the luck on your journey.
We can't wait to take you on this journey 🙌
Dan!!! This is the best. This kind of information and honest vulnerability is exactly the content people need to be seeing. Love your work, GCN is the best!!!
I'm also 43 and going through a similar process. 4 months off the booze and coffee, eating healthy, running and cycling consistently for the first time in 20 years. Feeling great! With two children under 2 I decided it was time for a significant change so that I can be an active and energetic dad for as long as possible.
Such good timing for this video. I have been wanting to make similar changes over the last few months but haven’t had the motivation to really stick with it. Wishing you all the best Dan and, selfishly, hope this inspires me and many others to do similar
We make these videos to inspire 🙌 We hope this will boost your fitness too!
This has massively resonated, not least having Dan as the founding presenter be so open and transparent but also aligns perfectly to my mid forties position! It's brought me back to the channel! Thanks so much Dan - and good luck!
Excellent video. I'm 63 years old and had a wake up call 4.5 years ago. I had unstable angina and was rewarded with a stent. I was never a professional athlete but over the years I would workout then quit. It was a wash rinse repeat cycle. After getting my stent, i have been hard core fitness wise and am loving every minute of it. I have even been given the green light to run a marathon by my cardiologist. I told him I'm not that crazy. LOL. I enjoy my bike rides, weight lifting, and my spin bike (aka Crotch Killer). You can do this and I look forward to your upcoming videos.
Candor much appreciated, especially from a much-loved commentator and public face for cycling. 25 years hard riding and a further decade down the road from you Dan, I too am over the hill and have sleep issues, no doubt due to said increased alcohol intake, common with athletes seeking to replace missing endorphins. Subscribed.
As a 61 year old who uses Cycling to stay in shape knowing I need to do more, I am glued to your video series about your mission. Good on you for doing such a deep diving series about this. Thank you Dan
Been a big fan of Dan Lloyds work since GCNs very beginning. He absolutely stands out from all those "UA-cam stars" because of his humility, honesty and authenticity.
The new series starts very promisingly. Looking forward to the next episodes.
Keep up the great work and BTW a big thumbs up also for Si Richardson.
I'm 56 now. Been on a bike all my life. My advice: Set the right priorities. Stay in good shape. Spend a lot of time on the bike. Take care of yourself. Never stop. Take time for yourself (a lot!). Have fun.
Success is nice, but beeing satisfied and happy is much more important.
Joining you a month late Dan, and I thank you for making this series. 2 years ago i was very fit. Hip replacement 8 months ago and a heart ablation 1 month ago. Working back with zone 2 cycling and running, strength training, and I’ve joined my wife (a fitness trainer) in heathy eating. We share the same goal and I’ll be cheering both of us on!
This is my golden year and will achieve this milestone in November…I am with you and the rest of the 1k+ comments here on this health and fitness journey. Thank you for making this video and hopefully kickstarting the next best years of my life.
Thank you Dan for doing this series. As a 54 yr old man who also took a 12 break from fitness, I'm looking forward to seeing your journey and learning what I can do.
Grip strength is just an easy proxy for general strength. Resistance training is key for length and quality of life.
I will watch and join you Dan. I have always been fit and active, mostly cycling. I have always wondered what it would be like to start getting fit from scratch again (I’m now 60) Thanks to a cycling crash and a grade 4 AC separation 5 months ago…I am now finding out…it’s NOT easy!!!b In 5 months I have gone from a fit, good weight 59 year old to a fat blobby old 60 year old. So I will be following you Dan and everyone else! Good Luck 😁😁
You can get it back Graham. I firmly believe that. Just don't be dispondant when you start back up and aren't where you were