The Better Man Podcast

149: How To Keep Your Favorite Hobbies Even As You Age (Member Interview: John A)

The Better Man Podcast

Show Notes

Most men have to gradually give up their favorite physical activities as they age. Especially when your hobbies are physically demanding - like skiing, hiking, and backpacking.

Today's guest, John, faced this soul-sucking reality a few years ago after getting both of his knees replaced. He had been active his whole life before suffering from orthopedic problems that required surgery.

But you know what?

After his surgeries, which happened when he was 72 years old, John realized that he didn't have to be a victim to his body's stiffness and pain. That's what inspired him to come to the Wellness Weekend in January 2025 (about 18 months after his second knee replacement surgery).

During the Wellness Weekend, he improved his technique in yoga poses. Then, after the Wellness Weekend, he became more consistent with yoga than he had been in the previous 6 years.

The result?

He hiked a mountain that ascended and descended 800 feet. He realized that not only could he ski again, but his balance improved so much that he actually became a better skier. And he recently drove 500 miles (or about 10 hours) in a single trip without getting stiff afterwards.

And he's 74 years old!

John's chockfull of wisdom for being consistent, building your body back up after major surgeries, and keeping your favorite physical activities well into your 70s.

Here's what John and I discuss in today's show:

Why starting small acclimates your body to working out and makes it easier to stay consistent and grow

A few simple things John does to stay consistent with his fitness in retirement

How you can eliminate your aches, pains, and stiffness in your 70s (and beyond)

And more, including these highlights:

How John bounced back from his health problems that derailed his favorite physical activities for 7 years… and what you can do to enjoy your favorite physical activities in your 70s (2:22)

Why attending an in-person Man Flow Yoga event helped John conquer his orthopedic problems (3:21)

What John did after having both knees replaced in 2023 to eliminate his post-surgery stiffness (13:03)

The simple "Exercise Log" secret that can help you stay consistent for decades (13:49)

Why a dedicated yoga room in your house removes your excuses for avoiding your next yoga session (15:18)

Does your body get stiff as a board after 10+ hour driving trips? Here's the most effective way to bulletproof your body from stiffness (20:38)

The biggest threat to your fitness goals that most men completely ignore (30:13)

Listen now!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

1. Man Flow Yoga Events: John attended the MFY Wellness Weekend in January 2025, about 18 months after his second knee replacement surgery. He credits this event for being the reason he's been able to keep his favorite physical activities well into his 70s. On February 28, I'm hosting a Saturday Workshop in Denver, CO that can help you accomplish the same feats John did. Get your ticket here: https://shop.manflowyoga.com/collections/in-person-events/products/mfy-workshop-denver-february-2026-02-28

2. Man Flow Yoga - John's been a Member since 2019. Now it's your turn… Start your 7-day free trial here: https://shrtlnk.co/kP8M7

More from The Better Man Podcast

Oct 23, 2026

Nothing is a better one-two punch for burning fat, building muscle, and building a pain-free and injury-free lifestyle if you're over 40 than by combining strength training with yoga.

Oct 16, 2026

Coach Patrick, trained therapist and our mental and emotional health coach at Man Flow Yoga, and I recently hosted a Be The Better You Retreat.

Oct 9, 2026

Do you ever feel like you're just wandering through life without a purpose … or like you're in the midst of a mid-life crisis?

Oct 2, 2026

Bobby B. (Man Flow Yoga Member and today's guest) went his first 40 years without exercising.

Sep 25, 2026

If you were born in the 80s, then you might be at a higher risk for gut dysfunction than the average person.

See all episodes →