From Scared to Strong: How to Start Lifting Weights After 55 - Ep 018
Update: 2025-08-13
Description
🎙️ Episode 18: Ever felt like you're just "not a gym person"? This episode will change your mind.
Join Chris as he interviews Betsy Spieler, a physical therapist with over 25 years of experience specialising in older adults. Betsy runs "UBStronger55+" a comprehensive strength training program that's helping people over 55 discover they're already stronger than they think.
In this practical episode, you'll discover:
- Why that "take it easy" advice from healthcare providers is actually holding you back
- The surprising truth about what you're already lifting in daily life (hint: it's heavier than most gym weights!)
- Betsy's 4-part program structure that combines strength, balance, cardio, and fall prevention
- The "80% rule" - why intensity matters more than the exercises you choose
- Simple home tests to track your progress (like the 30-second sit-to-stand test)
- How to overcome "kinesiophobia" - the fear of movement that keeps people weak
- Real success stories: from avoiding basements to confidently traveling internationally
- The surprising truth about what you're already lifting in daily life (hint: it's heavier than most gym weights!)
- Betsy's 4-part program structure that combines strength, balance, cardio, and fall prevention
- The "80% rule" - why intensity matters more than the exercises you choose
- Simple home tests to track your progress (like the 30-second sit-to-stand test)
- How to overcome "kinesiophobia" - the fear of movement that keeps people weak
- Real success stories: from avoiding basements to confidently traveling internationally
Perfect for: Anyone over 55 who wants to start strength training but feels intimidated, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin.
Key Takeaway: You don't need to be a "gym person" to get strong - you just need the right approach and guidance.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Betsy Spiller and Her Program
04:42 Challenges and Barriers in Strength Training for Older Adults
07:48 Building Confidence and Overcoming Intimidation
10:00 Functional Training and Real-Life Applications
14:34 Program Structure and Exercise Techniques
19:46 High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for Older Adults
25:52 The Importance of Cardiovascular and Skeletal Health
29:30 Overcoming Balance Challenges
30:28 Building Confidence with Floor Transfers
31:36 Incorporating Balance Exercises at Home
33:12 Understanding Strength Training Intensity
43:43 The Importance of Group Training
51:26 Monitoring Progress and Setting Goals
57:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Connect with Betsy Spiller:
Website: StayStrongOmaha.com (currently under development, but this is where the world can find Betsy soon!)
Facebook: UBStronger55+
Instagram: Betsy Spieler or UBStronger55+
LinkedIn: Betsy-Spieler
Mentioned Resources:
30-second sit-to-stand test
Four square step test
"Making it Meaningful" video by Dustin Jones (Institute of Clinical Excellence)
Grip strength assessment tools
Four square step test
"Making it Meaningful" video by Dustin Jones (Institute of Clinical Excellence)
Grip strength assessment tools
Ready to start your own strength journey? Download Chris' Free eBook here
Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who thinks they're "too old" to start lifting weights!
For the full show notes page, and for all the resources mentioned in the episode, go to:
https://nevertoooldtolift.com/podcast018/
🔗 Free Strength Training Masterclass: https://nevertoooldtolift.com/masterclass
📘 Free Never Too Old to Lift eBook:
https://nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook
📖 Paperback version of Never Too Old to Lift from Amazon - https://geni.us/ntotlbook
🏋️♀️ See me for an in-person physiotherapy appointment
https://christileyphysiotherapy.com/
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