Why strength training is the secret to enjoying what you love longer
Every summer for the past few years, I’ve taken group tennis lessons at our local club in Southampton. And every year, within the first week or two, I’d end up with shin splints… or shoulder pain… or aching forearms.
But this year? Nothing. Not a single complaint.
(Well, maybe a little twitch in my thumb — but that’s it.)
And I know it’s not just luck.
What’s different is that I’ve been consistently strength training at least three times a week over the past year — and it’s paying off. I’ve also kept up with yoga for flexibility (still a work in progress!), and all of it has added up to a noticeable difference in how I feel and move.
It got me thinking:
When we hit midlife and beyond, exercising isn’t about getting six-pack abs or squeezing into a certain size. We do it so we can feel confident and comfortable — and so we can keep doing the things we love and try new things without pain.
Gardening and walking are great — but they aren’t strength training.
If we want to build and keep muscle as we age, we need to progressively challenge our bodies.
That means lifting weights that are a little heavier over time, or increasing our reps or intensity.
Staying at the same five-pound weights or doing the same routine repeatedly? It just isn’t going to cut it.
This is exactly why I keep showing up for my workouts — not for six-pack abs, but to age strong so I can live well now and in the decades ahead.
Worried it’s too late to build muscle or start strength training?
It’s not.
Just look at @trainwithjoan — she started at 69 and is still going strong at 79. Her transformation is incredible, but even more inspiring is how empowered she feels. That’s what I want for you too.
So if you’re not strength training yet, here’s my challenge to you:
Start.
Aim for at least 30 minutes, three times a week. That’s the sweet spot where we see real change.
Here’s to strong, pain-free summers — now and in the future.