Strength Training 101: The Real Way to Build Muscle After 50 - Ep 002

Strength Training 101: The Real Way to Build Muscle After 50 - Ep 002

The Never Too Old to Lift Podcast · 2025-04-29

🎙️ Episode 2 – In this informative episode of The Never Too Old to Lift Podcast, host Chris breaks down the fundamentals of muscle strength training specifically for older adults. He addresses common misconceptions and outlines simple yet effective strategies to ensure your strength training efforts yield meaningful results for better health and a more active lifestyle.Chris clearly explains what muscle strength truly is—the ability for a muscle to produce peak force in a short contraction—and why many beginners waste time with ineffective approaches. He emphasizes the critical concept of training to fatigue, explaining that those last challenging repetitions are where real strength gains happen, which is essential for maintaining independence and vitality as we age.Key points covered in this episode:- The difference between strength training and endurance training for older adults - Why training to fatigue (or near failure) is essential for building functional strength How to determine your ideal repetition ranges based on your health goals - The importance of progressive overloading by gradually increasing weights at your own pace - Why consistency with the same exercises for at least 12 weeks matters for physical adaptation - The value of documenting your workouts to track progress and stay motivatedWhether you're an older adult completely new to strength training or looking to improve your approach for better health outcomes, this episode provides practical advice to help you train smarter and maintain an active, independent lifestyle for years to come.For the full show notes page, go to:https://nevertoooldtolift.com/podcast002/🔗 Free Strength Training Masterclass: nevertoooldtolift.com/masterclass📘 £1  Never Too Old to Lift eBook - https://nevertoooldtolift.store/products/never-too-old-to-lift-ebook📖 Paperback version of Never Too Old to Lift from Amazon - https://geni.us/ntotlbook🏋️‍♀️ See me for an in-person physiotherapy appointmenthttps://christileyphysiotherapy.com/📧 Got a question for a future Q&A? Drop it in the comments or email me at: [email protected]✅ Don’t forget to subscribe to stay updated with new episodes!

The Never Too Old to Lift Podcast

Have you heard that strength training is something you should consider doing as you get older?  That is great to know, but you are probably left feeling overwhelmed with no idea how or where to start.

The Never Too Old to Lift Podcast will help you start your very own strength training journey. As a physiotherapist, I recognise that taking that first step is often the hardest part. I'll give theory and insights in how to get started with strength training as an older adult. I interview experts in related fields, such as nutritionists, menopause experts, etc. 

Then you'll hear the inspiring stories of others who found the joy of resistance training later on in life. They share the challenges they faced getting started, how they overcame them, and the benefits (both in and out of the gym) that they've noticed as a result of building their muscle strength.

The loss of muscle strength as we age (a process called sarcopenia) has been associated with increased symptoms of arthritis, menopause, respiratory disease, cardiac disease, dementia, diabetes, and increased risk of falls.  Incorporating strength training into your weekly routine can help counter these and improve bone density and muscle mass. Not only that, you'll have the strength to enjoy the long and active retirement that you've been looking forward to for so long.

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