How Strength Training Still Fuels My Life at 40

Author's Note: "If you missed my story about how I started strength training at 15, read it here."

Since my early high school days, a lot has changed.

I went to college and grad school, became a physical therapist, had three kids, and built a career helping others move better.

Through every stage—pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and now midlife—strength training has been my constant.

During my pregnancies, I worked all the way to my due dates without major aches or pains.

Postpartum, I recovered quickly and avoided orthopedic issues despite hauling kids and gear. Being strong carried me through it all.

Then, three years ago, I returned to competitive volleyball.

Sure, I felt some soreness and had to tweak my training plan, but because of strength training, my body could handle the cutting, sprinting, and jumping.

Even when I experienced some unusual low back pain, I leaned on the same principles I teach my clients: adjust, strengthen, and keep moving. Adding trunk stability drills like dead bugs got me back to pain-free play.

Strength training isn’t just about sports. It’s about life. From lifting 50-pound Costco boxes to hauling mulch in the yard to chasing my kids, I don’t think twice—I know my body can handle it. That’s the power of training.

And it’s not just me. I’ve worked with thousands of clients and noticed that most injuries happen when demands exceed what the body is strong enough to handle. A solid strength program reduces those risks.

That’s true whether you’re a competitive athlete, a busy parent, or navigating peri- and post-menopause.

The truth is, strength training doesn’t have to be complicated. Aim for a well-rounded plan:

• Steady-state cardio a few days a week (it doesn’t have to be running).

• Strength training with progressively heavier loads-if you can do 30 reps, you're not going to get stronger or build lean muscle.

• Sprint intervals or HIIT for conditioning-not every day, just once a week is enough.

• Warm-ups and cool-downs every workout, not starving myself, and prioritizing good sleep.

  
  

Do these consistently, and you’ll be amazed at what your body can do—at any age.

ARE YOU READY TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME?

If you’re ready to feel stronger, avoid injury, and keep doing the things you love, start strength training today.

Not sure where to begin?

Restore Thrive can help you build a strength training plan that works for your life. Just click the button at the top right of this page and you can talk to one of our movement experts and start your journey to moving, feeling, and being stronger and healthier.