Jun 27, 2023

Behavior Changes Can Lead to 8 Years Younger in 8 Months

This article discusses the results of a blood panel test that showed a person was 8 years younger in 8 months after making two major behavior changes: reducing alcohol consumption 90% and starting running 6x per week.

HEALTH EXERCISE HEALTH_CARE

Sahil Bloom

Exploring my curiosity and sharing what I learn along the way. Gave up a grand slam on ESPN in 2012 and still waiting for it to land.

Member of Business & Startups

I recently made two major behavior changes:

1. Reduced alcohol consumption 90%
2. Started running 6x per week

I got blood panels before and after.

The tests had a feature that compares your results-based “Inner Age” to your actual age.

Result: 8 years younger in 8 months 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DCP3WzvRJ1
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 27, 2023
A few details:

I was probably having ~1 drink per day before.

My lifestyle was otherwise very healthy:

• 4-5x lifts per week
• 10,000+ steps
• Regular cold plunge + sauna

The running was a new addition:

• 6x per week
• 4 easy runs
• 1 track speed run
• 1 tempo run
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 27, 2023
I have no idea how accurate the “Inner Age” feature is, but it’s still striking to see the improvement in the blood test results.

The running has also brought an unexpected new joy into my life.

Incredible feeling being able to actually improve at something physically again.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 27, 2023
I’m a big believer in the value of having a “Side Quest” at all times.

Something you’re driving towards that isn’t connected to your other professional goals.

My current Side Quest: Run a sub 3-hour marathon within 6 months of starting to run.

Very difficult, but achievable.
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 27, 2023
For those who have asked about changes in body composition, here’s a before and after.

DEXA scan 11.6% on left and 10.2% on right.

Not a *major* difference.

Consuming about 500 more calories per day (3250 vs. 2750) given the increased physical activity from running. pic.twitter.com/MZhi73FHCS
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 27, 2023
In case it wasn’t clear…

I have nothing to sell you here.

This isn’t an ad (hence why I didn’t name the company where I did the test) and I don’t have a cookbook or fitness course for you to buy.

Simply sharing things I find interesting or valuable on my journey.

🙏🏽
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 27, 2023
Current example weekly routine:

Running:

Easy runs (6-8 miles at 130-150 heart rate) on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday

Track speed workout Tuesday

Longer run with tempo work (10+ miles) on Sunday

Lifting:

2x lower, 2x upper, 1x fun (arms/core)
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 27, 2023
I share a lot of the details of my training, nutrition, and daily life over on Instagram in my stories.

If you’re interested in that kind of stuff, you can find me over there.

DMs are slightly less flooded as well, so I try to reply to all (good faith) messages!
— Sahil Bloom (@SahilBloom) June 27, 2023