This week I had two particularly great interactions with clients. The first one was an 87-year-old client who had been training with us for less than a month. He called me over and said he wanted to show me something. He proceeded to sit down in a chair and then got up without the use of his cane or the arm rests. He said he could not remember the last time he was able to do this.

This client has been following a very basic strength training program three days per week for about 25 minutes each session. All the exercises are very simple and most people are capable of doing them. Unfortunately, most 80-year-olds are not doing them. We are doing a combination of light dumbbell and band exercises combined with other exercises that only require one’s own body weight.

A second client who is 84 years old walked into my facility for the first time. I asked her my usual questions and she said she has never exercised in her life. I asked, “Why now?” She looked surprised and said, “Well, I thought this (exercise) would be good for me.” I told her I was glad she felt that way and that she was 100 per cent correct, but that people her age do not typically just start exercise programs. She said, “Well, I’m not like most people my age.” Clearly!

Most people that choose to exercise do so to lose weight or look better. The reality is that there is a huge portion of the population over the age 70 that just wants to maintain independence, be able to get out of bed easier and worry less about falling.

This over-70 crowd can see tremendous benefits from a well-rounded program that includes the right amount of strength training, cardiovascular exercise and stretching.

While I love to see all kinds of people see results, I particularly love to see someone who’s older get stronger and be more confident in their fitness level. Anyone is capable of improving their strength and overall health and fitness.

The great thing about starting an exercise program later in life (although I don’t suggest waiting) is that you are bound to see drastic improvements quite quickly because your body hasn’t been doing these things for quite some time.

Regardless of your age, experience level or physical limitations, anyone can reap the benefits of being stronger. Just make it a priority in your life and put in some work. I promise you the results you will see will be amazing.