If you’re in your 40 or 50+ and trying to get stronger, leaner, or healthier—but feel like it’s an uphill battle—you’re not alone. Most of the people I work with have been misled by outdated science, clickbait headlines, or “fitfluencers” who don’t live in the real world.
Let me cut through the noise.
I’m Aaron Shaw—Healthspan coach, occupational therapist, and founder of Healthspan PhysioCoaching—and here’s the truth that no one tells you:
You don’t need more discipline.
You don’t need to go all in.
You definitely need to lift weights.
Let’s break down the three biggest fitness lies I see smart, high-performing adults make every day—and what actually works.
Lie #1: “You just need more willpower.”
You don’t fail at workouts because you’re lazy.
You fail because you’re relying on motivation instead of a system. (Learn more about motivation here)
Think about brushing your teeth. You don’t need to hype yourself up. You don’t search for #dentalinspo on Instagram. You just do it—because it’s built into your daily routine. That’s what success in health after 40 looks like: structure, not sprints.
🧠 Design your life to make movement automatic.
📋 Write down your ideal day (realistic, not fantasy).
🧩 Build habits that fit your actual schedule—not someone else’s.
Discipline is fleeting. Systems are sustainable.
Lie #2: “You have to go all in to see results.”
You do not need to train like you’re 25 again.
You do not need to live in the gym.
You do not need to quit your job and start eating grilled chicken six times a day.
What you need is consistency over intensity.
📈 Three strength workouts per week—done well—will outperform six scattered sessions every time.
⏱ Even 20-minute workouts, repeated week after week, can reshape your body and your life. (Check this program for details)
🚫 Don’t fall into the trap of “all or nothing.” It’s the #1 reason people give up.
Lie #3: “Cardio is king. Weights will hurt you.”
The real risk is not lifting weights.
After 40, you’re losing muscle every year—unless you fight back. The only proven way to reverse age-related muscle loss is through resistance training. Period.
And no, going for a walk or doing yoga isn’t resistance training.
Strength training means pushing, pulling, or lifting something that’s challenging—for you.
💪 Strength training improves bone density, insulin sensitivity, cognition, and energy.
🧠 It even lowers your risk of all-cause mortality, heart disease, and cancer.
📉 Not doing it? That’s the real danger.
“If you say you’d do anything for your family—but you’re not taking care of your health—you’re not doing everything for your family.”
Want to Get Started? Here’s How ⬇️
I created a free HealthSpan Kickstarter Guide designed for busy adults just like you.
- 3 weeks of workouts (bodyweight + bands)
- 10 healthy dinner ideas
- 5 simple snack recipes
- And a full plan to help you build the habits that last
No gimmicks. Just a clear path to feeling stronger, healthier, and more energized.
👉 Download the Free Guide Here
Or connect with me here on LinkedIn if you’re ready for something more personalized.
You Don’t Need to Grind Harder. You Need to Train Smarter.
Your next chapter can be your strongest yet.
Start by designing your perfect day, build in the habits that support your goals, and commit to just 2–3 strength workouts per week. Then keep showing up.
I promise—it adds up.
Go!
