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#61: Sixty Years of Strength Lessons | Dan John

November 5, 2026 · 44 min

Show notes

Most of us were taught that getting in shape means more weight, more sweat, and more soreness. Strength coach Dan John has been lifting since 1965, and has coached everyone from first-time lifters to MVP professional athletes. He thinks most of us would do better with less. Michael speaks with Dan about being strong enough, simple tests he uses to check strength, why lifting three days a week is plenty for most people, what to buy for a home gym, and why every workout should end with a walk. They discuss:

(00:00) What he got wrong about fitness at 30
(03:55) Little and often over the long haul
(06:10) How strong is strong enough?
(10:45) What the simple tests reveal
(13:35) Three numbers to check every day
(16:02) Think in movements, not muscles
(18:48) A workout anyone can start
(23:26) How to make exercise a habit
(25:43) Focus on simple health practices
(27:42) 15 minutes a day, state records
(30:34) Downsides of CrossFit and Orangetheory
(32:39) A walk after every workout
(34:58) What to buy for a home gym
(39:12) The highest-return exercises
(41:38) Where to start with his books

Get Dan's books, including Easy Strength Omnibook: https://danjohnuniversity.com/bookstore

Sponsors:
Base44: Get 30% off the Builder plan for your first year at base44.com/TWOPCT.
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Vuori: Get 20% off your first purchase at vuori.com/TWOPCT. Exclusions apply.

Visit Two Percent, the #1 health and wellness Substack newsletter: https://www.twopct.com

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Host: Michael Easter
Executive Producer: Robbie Hiser
Music: The Heater Manager
Graphics: Jackie Philips

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All episodes of Two Percent with Michael Easter

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