

Skip to main content

Why you should start lifting weights now

Can you start lifting weights if you’ve been out of the gym for a while? Absolutely.

Does age matter when it comes to lifting weights and building muscle? Absolutely not.

You might be wondering whether starting a resistance training programme in your later years would be a good idea or not... we’re here to share reasons why it could be perfect for you and some top tips to help you get started.

Slow down the ageing process (yes, really)

Resistance training or moving your body through its normal range of motion against a force like a weight is a natural way to promote testosterone and human growth hormone (HGH) release in the body. Keeping these hormones plentiful will dramatically slow down the effects of ageing.

Reduce fat, increase mobility

Because your muscle mass declines with age (from the age of 25 in fact), the rate at which you burn calories decreases as well. Plus, lower levels of testosterone in men and falling oestrogen levels in post-menopausal women can cause your weight to balloon.

But... good news! Weight training is the most effective way to reduce body fat – fact.

Plus, lifting weights helps to build strength and maintain mobility. Losing strength and a reduced capability for a full range of motion movement accelerates ageing (don’t we know it?!) so it’s best to address this now.

Keep your heart healthy

Building muscle through weight training improves cardiovascular health, plus gaining muscle mass after the age of 50 promotes effective fat burning even when you’re resting – even better!

Feel better in your skin

Keeping active in later life and building muscle will ultimately leave you feeling better on the inside and out, plus you’ll be able to keep up with the kids... or even the grandkids!

Top Tips to get lifting

  1. Your strength and mobility may be feeling reduced, you could be living with an injury and your balance may be compromised – in short, make sure you take it slow when you start lifting weights.
  2. You’ll have to work yourself back into a full range of motions and you might have to address any mobility issues with some extra stretching sessions alongside the weights.
  3. Make sure you seek advice from an instructor to keep yourself safe while lifting weights, as injuries can be hard to recover from and they ruin your momentum... Take it slow.
  4. Focus on basic movements and start with body weight exercises such as squats to get you started, and always listen to your body. Pain is not a good thing so don’t force it.