11/06/2025
I don’t normally post what I do in the gym, but as a trainer I realize that it’s important for people to see that I am capable of the movements I teach.
Here’s what I want you know when you see me doing lifts like this:
I’ve been doing this CONSISTENTLY for 3 days a week for 3 YEARS. Please don’t look at what I’m doing and get discouraged about starting in the gym, or think that you’ll be doing training at this level right from the start. This is an accumulation of skill and strength growth over years, AND with the support of my own trainer!
Which leads me to….comparison is the killer of joy. You can’t compare yourself to anyone you see in the gym or online. Everyone is on their own journey. My 215lb lift is a warm up for some people. This lift is a solid one, given my age, gender, weight and abilities. You need to focus on celebrating your own growth.
You CAN lift AND do endurance sports! There are “seasons” in which you train. I lift year round, even through most of my peak training for triathlon and running. Lifting heavy has NOT made me bulky. It has NOT slowed my running (I hit PRs all this year…).
I am 45 years old. Muscle mass decreases by about 8% per decade after age 45, and with greater losses for women. Maintaining and growing muscle mass is, IMHO, the single most important thing you can do to age well. The health benefits of resistance training as we age are INSANE. (VO2 max, metabolism, bone density, reduced risk of falls/injuries, mental health benefits, brain/neurological health, the list goes on!) You can gain muscle mass and change your quality of life as you age AT ANY TIME. The benefits have been seen in people into their 90s.
RUNNING IS NOT ENOUGH. Yes, it’s beneficial. It does provide *some* strength. Keep the cardio going! Cardio is also important as we age. But you need overall STRENGTH too.
Contact me for a FREE consultation!
