- by Lauren Dean
- 2 minute read
Can You Build Strength After 40?
Can you build strength after 40?
Absolutely!
While it is true that we do lose muscle mass as we age, but this only happens if you’re not doing anything about it.
With regular training ANYONE can become incredibly strong at any age. With continued training through later years, they will be able to hold much of that strength very late into life. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If you don’t use it, you will lose it.” This is 100% TRUE! Also true, you won’t improve it if you do nothing about it.
Sedentary individuals already have decreased muscle mass and muscle mass continues to decrease with little to no training. Similarly, an active person who stops training will lose muscle quickly and become weaker as years pass.
The flip side is amazing!
Inactive people who start working out at any age, will gain muscle and become stronger—often quite quickly at first.
With continued training, they’ll gradually gain more strength and retain their capabilities later in life as inactive people around them lose their independence.
We’ve seen people well over 70 gain strength and dramatically improve function, so if you’re over 40, it’s definitely not too late to start!
3 Secrets to Strength Training After 40
Here are three tips for gaining strength after 40:
1. You have to be consistent.
Building strength is about momentum. If you train 2-4 times a week and do the right stuff (see below), you’ll get stronger. But you workout for a month then take a month off, you’ll lose all your progress.
2. You have to do the right things the right way at the right times.
Strength training is a balance of stress and recovery. Done wrong, it can lead to doing too much too soon or not enough to increase muscle mass. Similarly, doing the same things over and over will blunt the effect. You need variety and something called “progressive overload” to ensure continued progress. And let’s not forget doing the movements properly and safely. But don’t stress about all this—our professional coaches take care of everything for you!
3. Nutrition is paramount.
You can’t drive a vehicle without fuel. Similarly, your body won’t become stronger without the right food. Protein is paramount to build muscle as are vitamins and minerals. Carbs and fats figure into the equation as well. Again, we’re experts and we can tell you how to optimize your nutrition so you get strong!
Let’s Start Lifting Together!
Remember, It’s never too late to start working out.
The best part of all: People who start working out usually notice changes in strength fast. As the body “wakes up” and connects the brain to the muscles that are already there, most people see increases in strength very quickly.
With continued training and great nutrition, even more changes take place. Clothes start to fit differently, movement becomes easier and more fun, and muscle mass starts increasing. Don’t worry about “getting bulky”, that just doesn’t happen. Muscle gain will happen gradually and you’ll look “fit” and “toned” rather than “bulky.”
We’d love to help you accomplish your goals. We specialize in building strength over 40, and we’ll tell you exactly how we can help you do it in a free consultation.
You came here to find out if you can get stronger after 40. Now that you know that you can, you just have to start training.
Don’t waste another day— book a consultation with us today and let’s get started!