Think of strength training, and your mind will often conjure images of young, strong-looking men and women crushing it in the gym. Rarely would you think of older individuals (who’re typically associated with the descriptors "weak" and “frail”) — even if you’re a senior yourself.

You may harbor deep-seated skepticism about strength training as a senior 😬

1. Is it safe? Will you end up breaking something like a hipbone, for instance? Or faint?
2. What’s the point of strength training anyway? Isn’t walking good enough?
3. Wouldn’t strength training further hurt your joints, which are already in a world of pain?

To all that, we say, it’s time to put your skepticism away for a while.

Strength training is one of the best things a senior could do. And we'll show you why in this article. Better still, we'll also detail the important do’s and don’ts, so you safely embark on this exciting, new, gains-filled journey.

Is strength training safe if you’re a senior?

Let’s address the most pressing question in your mind: is strength training safe if you’re a senior? Well, we think the answer should be pretty in-your-face right now.

Regardless of your age or individual characteristics, strength training is the single safest exercise you could engage in (provided you take a few precautions — which we’ll cover in just a bit).

But, of course, it goes beyond safety.

Chilling on your sofa while nursing a hot coffee mug is also safe. So why should you give up that comfort and choose to sweat, grind, and grunt in the gym?

Answer: all its physical and psychological benefits.

Benefits of strength training if you’re a senior

Here are just a few things you could expect from strength training as a senior:

PS: Exercise isn’t bad for your knees. Really.

Do’s and don’ts when strength training as a senior

Excited to start strength training as a senior?

As safe as it may be, there are still a handful of precautions to note:

• Get the all-clear from your doctor: This is super, super important. Especially if you’re on any form of medication at all. Ideally, your doctor should also provide you with exercise guidelines specific to your condition (e.g., avoid doing high-intensity exercises because you’re on X medication).
• Start slow: Regardless of age, they should start slow when beginning a new exercise routine. The same applies to you as a senior starting on strength training. While the recommendation is for you to strength train 3 to 4 times weekly, don't rush into that frequency immediately. Instead, start with 1 or 2 times a week, get used to it, then gradually increase once you feel ready.
• Watch your form: Seniors must watch their form when strength training. Poor form could injure you — taking you out of your workout routine for longer than you’d like. Hiring a personal trainer (at least for a while) may help with this. You should also incorporate mobility work into your program for maximal safety.

See what you should look out for in a personal trainer:

Note: a “senior weight training routine” doesn’t have to look different from a “normal” one

Strength training is beneficial, and you should do it, even if — and especially if — you’re a senior.

Don't worry about "special senior-adapted" exercises, either. In most cases, barring unique conditions, your workout routine will likely be indistinguishable from a younger person who’s also new to strength training.

By the way, the articles below are designed to help you learn how to program your very own workout routine:

Need more help getting started with strength training as a senior?

GymStreak could help. In addition to planning your workout routines, it also allows you to track and log your sessions, keeping you accountable and motivated. Check it out below: