The Biggest LIE Told to Ages 50+ 

Thanks for watching! If you want to hear my best advice for over-50s who want to gain muscle and strength, you can get access to my exclusive “Ultimate Guide to Building Muscle & Strength Over Age 50” video bonus for FREE here: info.ht-physio.co.uk/video

I can’t tell you how it makes my heart sing to see a young man like you bothering to specialise in helping people over 50. All my over-50 friends who have contributed to society for 30, 40 or 50 years tell me they now either feel invisible in society or an inconvenience when it comes to dealing with professionals and I point them all in your direction. Will also be buying your book. Kudos to you.

One of the worst things I hear being said to older people is 'it's time to slow down and take it easy'. This is really BAD advice! It's so important to stay fit and active as we age. Of course you need to be sensible so as to avoid injury but other than that keep moving. I'm 68 (female) and have been doing weight training for many years. I've noticed I can't bulk up like I used to but I remain very strong. I see so many older women who are so debilitated by their lack of muscle tone and general weakness. So don't listen to anyone who tells you 'to slow down'. Be strong!

I am 70 years old and physical fitness addict...cycling, swimming and light weight training and never heard the muscle/neural pathway/actual strength connection defined so clearly. Thank you.

About a month ago I made a comment on the video titled Fix These Joints For Better Walking, in which I stated my surprise I had little to no dorsiflextion and was waiting to see my regular physician. I did that Friday. My dorsiflextion had improved because I had worked everyday on my ankles from the day I made that comment. Thank-you Will, for the help you give so many of us a we age. I have a long history of problematic inflammation, lost the use of my right arm back for about a week in the 90s, about 6 years ago I had so much in my right knee, it dislocated my kneecap! Anyway my doctor said it looks like I have developed foot drop/peroneal neuropathy in my right foot. I'm having more testing to make sure that its not something else. He said to keep exercising that foot and ankle. I've only recently found your channel, so I'm combing through those earlier videos looking for more exercises. I wish I lived "across the pond" (as they say) so I could make regular appointments. For anyone reading this comment, listen to Will, he can help! 👵😁

I'm 72, four years ago I lost 18 kilos (all I needed to lose), but unfortunately that included muscle mass. A year ago I went carnivore where I deliberately increased my protein intake. Six months ago I started resistant training in earnest, mostly push-ups. When I started, I could only do 5 push-ups at a time but now I can do 70 and I can see the difference in my arms and chest. I don't weigh myself frequently, but did a few weeks ago and was surprised to find that I had gained 4.5 kilos. Surprised because my belt hole had not changed and the reason for that was because I had regained muscle mass. So I know it is possible for a senior to gain muscle mass because I've done it and I can also tell that I am stronger as well and currently weigh what I did over 50 years ago, 77 kilos plus or minus a few (I don't obsess about that).

You always explain so clearly. Thank tou. You've given an old lady hope!

This advice is phenomenal to me. My own physician told me (age 66) that building strength - or muscle for that matter - will never happen. It was depressing to be honest. Thanks to you, Will, nothing is going to hold me back from getting back to better strength! Thank you! Going to purchase your book right now!

I'm 71 and yes you can increase muscle mass after 50. I work out with weights 3 times a week and I've been doing that for 55 years. As for strength - the limitation on strength or rather how much weight I can lift or curl is primarily my joints, not my muscle. I cannot curl the same amount as I used to because my elbows hurt. I try to make up for that be increasing reps, slowing down each rep and combining multiple motions, e.g. curling a dumbell and then continuing to press it over my head in one slow motion.

Keep doing what you are doing! Such clear, informative, motivational videos for us older people! Thank you!

This video is so timely and appreciated. I'm 64 years old. I was ill and inactive for most of 2023. Then, I returned to my desk job in December. Short walks were my only exercise. I finally retired at the end of May 2024 and was shocked at how much muscle mass I had lost. I didn't think I would recover my former strength. I went to see my primary care doctor and asked for a referral. I'm seeing a physical therapist (USA) today to address weakness. I am so relieved that I can talk to him about working to regain strength. Thank you for giving me hope and motivation.

This is so encouraging! And also as a side note, explains how a champion wood cutter who looked like a bean pole could beat all the others with bulging muscles.

I'm disabled I was told don't do a work out I'm still doing it

I am in my 70s and I have been exercising five times a week since my first son was born all those decades ago. My exercise routine is a mixture of strength training with weights, pilates, walking and dancing and I have maintained most of my muscle mass throughout the years. I have strong quads and glutes muscles and pilates keeps my core strong. I recently lost 1 1/2 stones after intermittent fasting and lost some of my glutes muscles which in turn resulted in knee pain in one knee for the first time in my life. This resulted in curtailing my walking activities for a while. Once I understood the link between knee pain and loss of glute muscles, I was determined to restore my glute muscles with mainly strength/weights exercises, and still gaining muscles, and guess what I have regained most of my glute muscles and still gaining muscles and have been walking again lately for up to 50 minutes at a time without pain. I have never bought into the notion that aging has to be synonymous with weakness and this knowledge fuelled my resolve to prevent this for as long as I can, as I learnt from my research a long time ago that loss of muscle tone contributes to weakness in older life. I have never danced to anybody else's tunes about what you can and cannot do as you get older. Don't get me wrong I adopt a sensible approach to my body by listening to when my body says no, and pick up again when it says yes. I could go on. I have subscribed to your channel and frequently watched your videos and follow the exercise. Most recently, I have been watching your exercise videos for people who have osteoporosis as I have decided to increase my bone density throug weight bearing exercises as well as other activites and lifestyle changes/adaptations. I am usually a private person, but I felt compelled to share my experiences in the hope that these might inspire someone else,

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR KNOWLEDGE 😊🙏

I totally agree with you on this. I have seen so many people gain strength even starting in their 60's and 70's.

Wow…I am so encouraged‼️ I didn’t know that muscle mass and strength were not one and the same. I was body-building in the 70s and 80s and then life happened and I abandoned that. I’ve maintained a lot of strength for my age and female gender comparatively but I haven’t optimized it. Now I know I still can. Thank you will‼️

Thank you for this positive message. From a 57 year old. 👍😎

I have so enjoyed your videos,at 92 I needed to hear this

This is so true! At 72, I do free weight videos daily, 3 and 5#. My nephew says my arms are cut. 😊 I started this program in ernest summer of 2019. I do have batwings but not too bad. I don't wear sleeveless clothes. 💪 👍

Great information Will, so nice to hear valid information that helps us improve our health ❤

Thank you from Thailand, 71 yrs old, your explanation is very informative, will order your book.

Eye opening facts that will motivate me to start resistance training. I was under the impression that being over 70 my strength loss was irreversible

I really needed to hear this! Thank you for clarifying this for all of your viewers.

Im 69 and ripped. I didn't go to the gym today. Not because of the big lie but because I'm in NZ, it's sleeting down and icy😅 I'm staying warm and dry and watching educational videos 😅😅😅

Thank you kind sir. Mid 70’s here, striving to stay alive physically and be a helpful person. Several of your videos have been very positive and helpful for me, and most likely many many others. 💝

Your advice is always so valuable to us over 50s!

Yet again a very informative vid, I've taken note of a lot your talks and put them into practice with satisfying results thank you... keep up the good work... 👍

Very interesting video and illuminating. You explained the "missing link" in a clear and concise way. You are super professional, with real knowledge of the issues and challenges we face. Thank you very much Will.

The truth will set you free 😊

Can't possibly tell you how grateful I am to you not only for this video and words, but also for all your videos and channel. I've learned so much from you! I'm in my late 50's and keep active as much as I can, because I know it's crucial for my body and mind. Your advice on what we should and shouldn't do has helped me more than I can tell. Thank you so much, Will!

Thanks so much Will, I never understood this until now. I'm recovering from bilateral below knee skin grafts due to necrotizing fasciatis, lost loads of muscle tissue and had to learn to walk again after 5 weeks in ICU. You have motivated me to get back to those exercises. Very grateful for your videos and I'm going to order your book.

thank you for this, as someone who has always been very lean/skinny with little "muscle mass" but wants to keep strong this video really makes me rethink that old and incorrect LIE.

Yes that's true, I am 77 weighs 90 lbs but I feel more energetic with your exercises especially those that makes your calves stronger

I have scoliosis. Iv'e been in and out of physical therapy for at least a year . My problem is that I can't bring myself to practice the exercises at home and there's no one to help ! So, I've just gotten worse .

Thank you ! Will Harlow !!!

This makes sense. I injured my back and didn't loose muscle but can't do half of what I used to do. I recently found your channel and started doing as much as I could and the pain takes longer to build up and I am gradually able to do more every day. Now I know that I am retraining my neural net. Do TENS devices help or hinder? I use one on a stiff arm and it seems to help.

I wanted to use free weights 😫 and this is great 👍🏽 news.

You are a fabulous teacher, Will💯 Is there an association between neural connections and muscle memory, or are they separate processes?

That’s so interesting. I must look at your book again.

Very informative video. Provides hope for people above 50 in maintaining health. Thank you will. I follow Will's videos since about a year. They are really helpful.

Thanks Will im 75 years old do some excercise 3 times a week following your vidios in one week your Book will arive all the way to Bali. Gained some muscle without gaining weight as well walking twice a day w.my 5 dogs

Keep up the great work. Your videos are the best!!

Hi hun nice to see you again! That is such a fact with your strength,and muscle most people think when you reach over 50 you lose everything in your body,but I do all your videos and follow you as well they are have great help to me and I trust all your contents and advice, thanks for sharing hun!

Greetings Will. I'm a new guy to your channel here. Im a 66 year old guy . Who recently got back in the gym . I have a few obstacles like OSA and some shoulder pains in the shoulders but I work through them . I've watched many videos on shoulder fixing type rehab exercises with resistance bands and very light dumbbells and such . I recently saw your video with that small band shoulder exercise? And started to add that into my daily routines. So in about a month? I will let you ya know the progress of that in addition to my weight training at the gym. This video was particularly a good one for me as I would like to get some but not overwhelming muscle mass or size but in addition to the muscle building I want overall good strength and balance . Both I feel are super important. I don't want to falling in 5 or 10 years from now . I'd rather have some muscle and good cardio along with strength and balance . Anyway thanks for your great videos . I will continue to watch your videos and gain more brain muscle to work with the physical muscle.

I am an over 60’s powerlifter competing at international level. I found this very informative and encouraging, thank you. Keep doing what you are doing.

The truth is out!! .thanks

Informative and motivating, as always. Thank you, Will!

Fantastic and inspiring information! Thanks Will for all the great info!

As someone who went from never exercising to slowly building a consistent exercise regime , now at the age of 51 , I have not built a lot of muscle but I feel stronger than ever more agile and mobile too .

Keep reminding us over 50s about this. It does us all a power of good and motivation to keep going. This advice really lifted me up today. Just forwarded this video to my husband who has just been diagnosed with Parkinson's. This advice has come just at the right time. Thanks Will you are a godsend.

Will, another awesome video! Great job explaining the difference between muscle mass and strength! I am looking forward to reading your book as I will be going to Barnes & Noble to see if they have it available.

Thanks Will. That is very encouraging.

I appreciate this channel So much, and recommend it to others

Have you done a video on functional resistance training for seniors ? Do gym type exercises like bench press, rowing and squatting with weights translate well into real life or should I be concentrating on different types of training as I enter my senior years ? Are machines better than free weights. Are calisthenics better for seniors ? Does weight training wear out my joints over time more than high rep calisthenics ?

I look forward to your videos, I'm getting results ,much less pain ,,,thank you will ,

Brilliant information

Could you share how to relieve and strengthen rotator cuffs? thank you

This is such an important topic! Thank you so much. I would love to get the body I had in my 20's but know it isn't possible at age 75. I am hitting the gym twice a week doing resistance exercises, but it is slow going since there is a very fine line between building muscle and injury. And you never know you have injured yourself until the next day! So, it is a slow process not to end up in pain and making progress.

Thank you for this content.

Thank you. The mind is powerful

Just take a look at top cyclists, thin as rakes but fantastic strength and stamina.

I hope to see the Expanded Edition of your book soon!

Will yet again you are so so encouraging and you keep me going Big thank you because of your exercise I am so improving day by day Thank you🎉

This explanation was excellent! I learned a lot. Am currently doing physical therapy for a fall. You exercises have been above and beyond even what I learned from the therapist I am going to. Thank you so much!

Good stuff, thank you.

I didn't start losing muscle until I was after mid 50s I changed my game and it's not too bad

This was very encouraging. Thank you, Will!

I have several injuries from car wrecks and I am so mad because I had to stop because of my injury.😢

Thank you !

I am starting out in a new career called Exercise Therapy Specialist. It is the next step after being seen by a Dr.and physio. I am able to help people continue their journey so that they can return to Functional living and pain free.

I noticed a huge difference when I really focus on the body part I'm working...

Surely joint health is also important. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I prefer yoga because I have weak joints, but I’ve just had a total hip replacement and my surgeon says I need to be careful with certain moves, but couldn’t tell me what they were.

Thank you, great information!

I have always exercised and started doing Krav Maga in my late 60s. I gained sufficient skill, speed and strength to pass 2 gradings. At 74 I still do ( amongst other things) weights 3 to 4 times a week and have managed to maintain sufficient strength to use reasonable loads of weights. I don’t load the weights in the way I did but when I choose to up the weights my body responds to cope.

Not being muscley but slender and still strong was always called 'wirey'. Which kind of describes the neural pathway connections.

Great physio,get his book too!.My back is getting better.

It took a cancer diagnosis to up my exercise game. Started doing band strengthening and more intense aerobics with heart rate zone training. And continued to do yoga thrice weekly. This is the most fit I have been in a long time (age 69).

Good points. I've never had much muscle mass - tall and slim naturally. I've always been very flexible but definitely not Simone Biles. But I have always walked a lot and do exercises to strengthen the muscles. This is working. I'll be 77 next month.

I see a card with "wedding bells" written on it. I wonder if he got married or is getting married soon. If it is the case, congratulations to Will on his wedding. Wishing you all the happiness in the world ❤💍💒❤🔔❤

I had never realised that the brain has so much to do with gaining strength. Thanks Will!

Thank you, Will ! Just ordered your book.

I do body weight exercises and isometrics whenever I have a free minute. I also started combining stretching with doing isometric at the same time. Do isometrics help with the neurological connection to my muscles? Thanks for the great video advice

Congratulations on your marriage Wil 🎉

Hi I am from India and I am 58 years old. I was affected by polio when I was 3 years old. Was able to walk with a limp. But for the past few years I have been struggling to walk. I hold my leg with my hand and able to walk only for a small distance. Is there any way I can improve my walking capacity?

Thank you, I have hope now for my T.Rex arms.

You have given us very good advice as usual. However, I think it will be good if you also show us an exercise to boost the neuro connections.

Thanks will I am having my MRI 2nd week of August 2024 So hopefully I will see the consultant afterwards I have started going to the swimming pool Once again thank you Will God bless you ❤❤

I've been a competitive powerlifter for 13 years and can attest to the strength of the lower weight classes. I have a friend who has very thin calves and he can deadlift over 600 pounds!

Thanh you very much😊

He is so sweet! 😊

As always, very interesting. But surely "correlations TOGETHER" (my emphasis) is tautology?

Try using the other hand is what I do! Or put a rubber band round for a better grip and less pain. ❤

It seems that your book is not available in India. By when will it be available?

What about supplements? To improve muscle mass and strength.

Valuable information!

Very interesting video, a lesson to us all.

Should Seniors take a multivitamin once a day as well as vitamin B complex just wondering .

I must confess I am a bit disappointened now. I hoped to learn how you can fix this. I had shoulder inflammations some 12 years ago and a few years later chemo through the same arm and I never regained strenghth, although the doctor says there are still muscles. I've tried a lot but nothing works.

I have been told that you can´t lose weight and gain muscle at the same time if you´re a female after menopause. Is it true? And if it is not, how to achieve both of these goals?