Strength for all people of all ages

So you're getting older and you're worried about your health. Or you're concerned about your weight. Or you just want to be able to get off your recliner. No matter what brought you here, you're in the right place. 

I have been lifting, and getting older, for most of my life. There was a time when I never thought about how my health will impact how I age, nor what I should do about it. Now I don't really have a choice; my age and my health are intertwined and one influences the other more than I realized. However, no matter what your background, strength training can help with both. While weights won't magically eliminate decades from your life, it will prepare your body and your mind for the difficulties ahead. 

There are several topics here that I will touch on, some from my own experience and some that may relate to you. One easy way to understand what your body, aging, and strength have in common is to think of your daily tasks. As you get older, your body has less energy. Strength makes up for this frustration. "You can think of every bout of strength training as a prudent deposit into a 'Physiological 401K': saving strong muscle, hard bone, and full mobility for your retirement." This quote is taken directly from the book The Barbell Prescription by Jonathan M. Sullivan & Andy Baker. This book helped me understand not only what happens with my body as I grow older but more importantly what I can do about it. Many people may think, "I'm too old for strength training. I'll break my back if I try to lift weights." Nothing could be further from the truth, as long as you're being coached correctly. As Dr. Sullivan explains, "strength training is essential for healthy aging in the modern era." It's not all unicorns and rainbows, however. Here's exactly what to expect from lifting as you age, taken from The Barbell Prescription: "There's a different type of aging available. We're not promising perfect health, or even longevity. Getting strong won't bring back your eyesight, restore your bald spot, shrink your prostate, or smooth your wrinkles. Aging always ends in decline and death....But getting old, even very old, doesn't have to guarantee frailty, loss of independence, weakness, and misery. It is possible, in fact it is essential, to save strong healthy tissue for the years when we'll need it most....Instead of dwindling into an atrophic puddle of sick fat, we can make our ending...strong, vigorous and useful to the last. Time always wins in the end. But we hope to convince that resistance is not futile." 

We're here to help. Join us as we age with strength and dignity.  

There's no doubt that lifting is a sport popular with teens, young adults, and less-than-young adults. With all that enthusiasm to lift heavier weights comes misinformation on the correct techniques and benefits of strength training. 

Here's a few misconceptions about youth and lifting:

Lifting will stunt growth if started too young. 

Yeah, and coffee does too. Also if you eat a seed you will grow a plant in your tummy. Insert more ridiculous theories here. (See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445252/ )

I can just go on YouTube and learn how to lift. 

Sure! It makes sense to believe everything you see on the internet. Especially when there's conflicting information on technique, frequency, etc. Easier way? Follow a program that's tried and true and follows the scientific evidence for form and technique. Even better, having your own personal coach to help you identify issues and teach you on your terms. 

My kids have strength training at school. 

Maybe, or maybe they have a person who lifted for a couple years back in their hay-day and think they know how to teach kids the intricate techniques needed to lift correctly. I personally wouldn't take that chance. 

So what do you do with kids that want to get stronger, build a healthier body, and be better at athletics? Bring them here! Everything we offer is important for all ages.