Episode 10: The Strength You Keep - Strength, Power and Recovery After 40
When most people hear the word strength, they think about what they can lift in the gym. For Rich - now in his 60s, with over 40 years of training behind him - it means something different: being able to do the things you enjoy for the next 10, 20 or 30 years without your body holding you back.
In this short solo episode, Rich keeps it simple: three things every midlife person should be thinking about if they want to stay strong, capable and independent.
In this episode:
Why strength becomes more important as you get older, not less - and the quiet early signs you're losing it: the shopping feels heavier, getting up off the floor takes more effort
Building strength: two to three sessions a week, built on compound movements - push, pull, squat, hinge and twist
Strength vs power: strength is being able to move something, power is moving it quickly - and why that is what catches you when you trip
How to train power without reckless training: med ball throws, low-level jumps, skipping and fast step-ups
Recovery - the biggest change Rich has made to his own training: sleep, nutrition, mobility, and not smashing himself every session
Why constantly tired, constantly sore and constantly carrying niggles is a sign to do less, not more
The line to remember: training is the stimulus - recovery is where the adaptation happens.
None of this is complicated, and you don't need a fancy system. You need to be consistent, progressive and intelligent. The question Rich leaves you with: what do you want your body to be capable of in 10, 20 or 30 years' time?
If you're coming back to training after a long break, or you're managing a health condition, check in with your GP first. We're coaches, not doctors.
If you found this useful, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Over 40 and want help putting it into practice? DM the word METHOD on Instagram @richlevy_performance.
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