Aging happens — but feeling old doesn’t have to.
For a long time, getting older was almost treated like a sentence. We accepted that our backs would ache, our energy would dip, and we'd gradually trade muscle for softness. But here’s the thing: losing strength as we age isn’t inevitable — it’s optional.
And the secret weapon to aging well? Strength training.
Now, this isn’t about chasing six-pack abs or trying to lift like you’re 25 again. It’s about keeping your body capable, functional, and strong, you know, so you’re able to carry your groceries, get up off the floor with ease (Yay Turkish Get-Ups!), or hike a hill without your legs turning to jelly. Strength training is the not-so-secret weapon for aging well, and it matters more now than ever before.
The reality is, around age 30, our body’s ability to make muscle starts to slow, a natural process called sarcopenia. Most people don’t notice it at first. Maybe your jeans feel different, or your energy starts to dip. But over time, that slow loss of muscle starts to impact the way you move, how much you can do, and how resilient your body feels.
The good news? This decline isn’t just preventable, it’s reversible!
All you have to do is give your body a reason to keep its muscle.
Lifting weights sends that message loud and clear.
You don’t need to be a gym rat, and you don’t have to deadlift twice your body weight (unless you want to, which, honestly, is also fun).
What helps is being able to create consistent resistance. You’re looking for something that challenges your muscles beyond what they handle day-to-day. That could be dumbbells, kettlebells, bands, or your own bodyweight. Now don’t ostracize me for saying this, but sometimes the form doesn’t matter as much as the habit.
Got it. Lifting weights builds muscle. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that.
BUT it’s not just your muscles that benefit.
Strength training supports bone density, balance, posture, coordination. You know, basically all the stuff that keeps you moving freely and confidently as the years keep coming and they don’t stop coming. It’s also incredibly helpful for managing things like blood sugar, body composition, and even mood.
Unfortunately, progress doesn’t always shout to us from the rooftop. Sometimes, it’s subtle. The scale might stay the same. Your clothes might not fit that differently…..yet. That’s why many people use tools like DEXA scans to track what’s changing under the surface.
Instead of just looking at weight, a DEXA scan gives you a breakdown of lean mass, fat mass, and bone density. Using those numbers, you can actually see if you’re building muscle or maintaining it. It’s a great way to measure what matters, especially if your goals go beyond aesthetics. As the saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”
At the end of the day, while we all want to look better as a result of efforts in the gym, this isn’t just about how you look — it’s about how you live. Lifting weights makes you better at life. Whether that’s picking up your kids or grandkids, feeling confident on a hiking trail, or just not groaning every time you stand up from the couch.
Getting older is inevitable. Getting weaker isn’t. So if you’re looking for a way to stay active, independent, and strong well into your later years, strength training isn’t just a good idea — it’s essential. And the best time to start? Yesterday. So even if it’s with one set, one rep, or one walk into the weight room.
Start where you are, but start. Your future self will thank you for it.
Not sure if your training is paying off? Don’t guess, measure it. A quick DEXA scan can show you exactly how much muscle you’re building (and help you stay on track long-term). Click HERE to find the right package for you
