by Emma Kennedy
Certified strength and conditioning coach
Emma is passionate about the importance of strength and cardio training. Her classes improve your technique and knowledge, while providing a strong workout that will help you get the maximum benefit from your chosen sport or activity.
If you’re 50 plus, now is the time to start resistance training. Don’t be put off by the obscure terminology or the feeling that you have to be a certain shape or age to start lifting.
Am I too old to start resistance training?
The culture that has evolved around resistance training can be intimidating. The perception is that it is for people who drink protein shakes with names like “Max Bulk”, wear vest tops and are an average age of 25!
But the gym is not a magical temple in which the young hone their bodies, it’s just a big room filled with heavy objects, and we – the mid-lifers – should enter without fear or embarrassment.
Resistance training is enjoyed by people in their mid-life, either in gyms or online in their own homes. Taking up weight-bearing exercise can be a revelation, making you feel stronger both physically and mentally. It is hugely beneficial and can improve your mature years immeasurably, very quickly and without a huge sacrifice of time.
What you need to know
The hardest step is to start.
You can do this in your own home or in a gym. Building muscle after 50 requires a more intentional approach than in our younger years. It helps to have a training class to follow that has been put together by a qualified instructor, using the latest fact-based techniques. This will mean that you use your time well and so will see great results – and quickly.
Consider online classes such as Stronger Yor For Life. We have a busy timetable of live classes with easy-to-follow instruction, as well as on-demand class recordings, to do in your own time. You can think of Stronger You For Life as your own personal trainer – when you want, where you want.
Tips for doing resistance training classes
- Start small: Begin with two to three sessions per week.
- Make a plan: Commit to doing classes on specific days and at a specific time – ruthlessly stick to this.
- Focus on form: Mastering proper technique is key to avoiding injury and making progress.
- Progress gradually: As you get stronger, gradually increase the intensity by adding more reps, sets, or resistance (weights).
- Stay consistent: Results come with consistency. Set goals that are realistic and stick to them – your future self will thank you!
You might regret not doing strength training, but you won’t regret getting stronger so that you can live long and live well, keeping active and independent for years to come!
“Emma’s classes improve both your technique and knowledge base, while also providing a strong workout to build confidence so that you quickly get toned, strong and lean. And I really enjoy the classes!”