I tried Weight Training for 9 months - started age 40 (build muscle, loss fat)

Notes about this video: 1. All of these tips Phil taught me. I know I mention his name a lot, but he has truly changed my health and my life! I have never met anyone like him - he is so knowledgeable on how the body works when it comes to health, supplements, bloodwork, nutrition and exercise. 2. There have been comments about Phil in the past. It surprises me we still live in an age where people are driven by their first thoughts and judgements. This is a typical example of don't judge a book by its cover. Phil may not look like your typical fitness guru or influencers we see online. Instead, Phil is a Strength Coach and has worked with some of the world's best athletes. He now uses his knowledge to help people improve their health. Some of the people he works with have terminal illnesses and he works tirelessly in an attempt to help them regain some quality of life. He is an angel in disguise and is improving many people's lives.

I'm 50 and started weight training and cardio six months ago, training 5-6 days a week. I also cleaned up my diet, quit alcohol and upped my protein intake. I can't even begin to tell you how much of a difference it's made to my health and my head. I feel so strong, my anxiety and brain fog and other horrible menopause symptoms have basically gone, I've lost 15 kilos I've been carrying around for the last five years, and my blood pressure has returned to normal without medication. My energy levels are like they were in my 30s. I can't imagine ever going back to doing nothing now. It's completely changed my life. It's been hard work but I was so, soooo ready for a change.

Anyone else watching this video while slumped on the couch and thinking, "uh, maybe I should get off this couch...."?

Just some simple tips for anyone out there who is learning about this stuff: Anyone who starts weight training and isn't enjoying it is more than likely using too much weight. If you had never run before you wouldn't expect to enjoy a 5 mile run, right off the bat, so go easy on yourself and use light weights. It takes time to get used to it. Also if you are wanting to build strength or general fitness, try 5 repetitions and do 3 to 5 sets of those 5 repetitions. When this starts getting way too easy over the weeks or months, put a 'little' more weight on the bar and continue on with the 5 reps, 3 to 5 sets. Be aware of how your body is reacting to this change and don't be afraid to remove or lower the weight again until you are ready. If you are more focused on building a bit more size of the muscles go between 6 reps to 15 reps and alter the weight used accordingly (lower weight). Do a workout between 2 or 3 times per week, depending on how you recover. Gets lots of sleep and don't be tempted to skimp on good healthy foods to quicken fat loss, as your muscles do need the energy to grow and strengthen. Also, you don't need a gym membership or have to do a thousand different exercises to do all this stuff. Go out and buy a barbell and dumbells with plates (Argos used to do a decent set of Iron ones for a reasonable price) then do it in your spare room or whatever. Do overhead press, bent over rows, dead lifts, curls, push ups and some form of squatting and that's all you need really. If you can get a bar to do pull ups as well, that's even better. My own workout which I've been doing for years takes about 50 minutes to an hour, which I always do before eating dinner and I always enjoy it. Don't skimp on the eggs/meat. Eggs are such a great food for building muscle! If you are a woman you are NOT going to build huge muscles, so don't be worrying about that. Those women who you see who have, are on LOTS of performance enhancing drugs and are not natural.

I actually started getting serious with weight training last year (I’m 39 now) and it seriously saved my life. I was under a lot of stress and going to the gym and lift heavy makes me feel cathartic and stronger (physically which in turn makes me mentally stronger). I hope more people will also recognize the benefits of lifting ❤

The fact that your dad is in his 70's and has decided to start weight lifting is absolutely amazing! I hope I can inspire my father to do the same. Way to go!!! ❤

I'm also about to turn 40, and due to the stress at work, I started to gain extra weight. Now I have an individual nutrition and workout plan from aspect health. And videos like this motivate me even more. Very cool!

I just turned 38. I'm determined to recomp my body and get back in shape by 40!

I LOVE lifting weights. A nutrient dense high protein diet, combined with yoga, weight training, walking fast in the woods and occasional sprints when it's not muddy is helping me age in reverse at almost 51. I love these videos, they're so inspiring and informative. 🏋🏻

In my 9th month of weight training, 45 y/o…and I LOVE IT! The muscle gains and my body recomposition are both astonishing! I have reshaped my body in ways I never thought I could! And the mental benefits…😍 Really happy I started these trainings. Would recommend it to everybody…I keep dragging my friends and family to the gym, 3 of my friends (40+) have started weight training too!! 🎉🎉

I really appreciate you blurring out the people in the background! It's something I really wish more people would do in their videos, so I was so happy to see it!

Wow! The amount of work behind these transformations and the videos you share are seriously impressive and inspiring. And very, very admirable. Thank you for sharing these. You are helping people live better lives.

Dear Laura, you have been my biggest inspiration. I had a major surgery back in 2021, and since then or 2019 I have been watching your videos. That surgery was a ribcage corrective surgery, something out of necessity, because my sternum was causing pressure on my heart and lungs, kind of compressing my organs. You are such a great motivator, your calming and kind nature kept motivating me. You are one big reason I am trying to be a better version of myself, and a motivator to achieve a healthier body, I like to imagine that I can achieve a body that has completley forgotten the surgery. Thank you so much for being you, and thank you for your videos. Please continue, and please never ever delete them! Kisses, from austria

Oh my goodness, the amount of effort, determination, strength of purpose and will-power to stick with it is truly inspirational. In addition there is the additional work-load of creating your video output. I had to sit down and have a cup of tea after watching this (although I was already sitting down when watching it). And very handy tips and information. Cheers Laura.

Hi from the US! For some reason you appeared on my feed! I’m so glad you did! I am baking while listening, but I will def have to go back and see it again and pay close attention! I know I will also have to take notes!! It’s hard to listen and concentrate because your voice is so subtle and calming!! I am quite a bit older than you are, but I too, have begun my weight training life! Thank you!

Thank you for updating the spreadsheet with links! I just started the plan today and feeling really good after! I am looking forward to more of your videos in the new year and I will be putting in my ferocious effort in 2024 💪💪💪💪

Always looked at training as an aesthetic thing, never thought about it as a health thing. In my mid-fifties now and this video has definitely changed my whole outlook on weight training and fitness. Thank you so much!!

Laura, this has been one of the most informative and easy to understand videos on strength training I have ever seen, and I watch loads of them :) Thank you for all the effort you put in spreading the knowledge ❤

Thank you for posting this! I am 43 and recognized the need for strength training and weight loss. I have started but you guidance is welcome! I have watched you since the beginning and am always excited to see what adventure you take us on next. Thank you for your content!❤️

This is one of the most well put together videos advocating for adopting a weightlifting program. You covered all the major points succinctly! Awesome video!