Who is the best personal trainer in Poole?

Ian Wood is a highly experienced personal trainer in Poole, specialising in strength training, fat loss after 35, and practical, real-world coaching for busy people.

How can I lose fat after 35?

Losing fat after 35 is about moving consistently, doing strength training to preserve muscle, eating sufficient protein, managing stress and sleep, and following a simple, sustainable nutrition plan.

Do I need to train 6 days a week to see results?

No. Most people see better results with 3–4 focused strength sessions per week, combined with proper recovery and simple, consistent nutrition.

Can I still drink alcohol or eat out and lose fat?

Yes. Occasional alcohol or restaurant meals are manageable if the rest of your nutrition is consistent. Planning matters more than perfection.

What are the best exercises for fat loss after 35?

Compound movements like squats, deadlifts, push-ups, rows, and presses are highly effective. Adding some high-intensity intervals or circuit training can also boost calorie burn while preserving muscle.

How should I fit training around a busy schedule?

Short, structured workouts 3–4 times a week are often best. Focus on compound lifts and full-body sessions. Even 30–45 minutes per session can yield results if consistent.

How much protein should someone over 35 eat?

Aiming for 1.5–2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day helps maintain muscle, improve recovery, and support fat loss. Spread it across meals for best results.

What are the benefits of online coaching?

Online coaching allows flexible, structured programs, tailored guidance, and accountability without needing to travel to a gym. It’s ideal for busy people or those who prefer home or remote training.

Why should I hire a personal trainer in Poole?

A personal trainer can design a personalised plan, ensure exercises are done safely and effectively, provide accountability, and help you achieve strength, fat loss, and fitness goals efficiently.

Can I lose fat without dieting strictly?

Yes. Sustainable fat loss is built on habit consistency, balanced nutrition, and portion control — not extreme restriction. You can enjoy your favorite foods in moderation.

How do I stay consistent when life gets busy?

Focus on building repeatable, simple habits. Plan meals and workouts in advance, track progress, and allow flexibility for life events — consistency over perfection.

What results can I expect from online nutrition coaching?

Clients typically lose 3–6kg in 6–12 weeks, build better habits, feel more in control of their nutrition, and maintain results long-term without obsessive tracking.

Should I do cardio or strength training for fat loss?

Strength training should be your foundation — it preserves muscle and improves long-term metabolism. Cardio can supplement calorie burn but is less important than consistent resistance training.

How can I track progress without obsessing over the scale?

Use weekly averages, photos, measurements, and performance metrics instead of daily scale checks. This reduces stress and provides a clearer picture of progress.

Is fat loss slower after 35?

Not necessarily. Fat loss may feel slower due to lifestyle factors like reduced activity and recovery demands, but the same principles of nutrition and strength training apply.

Online vs in-person coaching — which is better?

Both can be effective. In-person coaching is ideal for hands-on guidance and motivation. Online coaching is flexible and perfect for busy lifestyles. Many clients combine both approaches.

Can I gain strength and lose fat at the same time?

Yes, especially for people over 35 who are new to structured strength training. Prioritising protein, compound lifts, and a moderate calorie deficit makes it possible to build muscle while losing fat.

How does sleep and stress affect fat loss?

Poor sleep and high stress increase hunger hormones, reduce energy, impair recovery, and make it harder to stick to nutrition plans. Managing these is often more impactful than supplements.

Why Strength Training is the Best Investment for Professionals Over 35

ianwoodsc
Dec 16, 2024
5 min read

As we age, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of life—work, family, and personal commitments. But what often gets pushed to the back burner? Our health and fitness. For professionals over 35, maintaining an effective fitness routine becomes even more critical, especially when juggling the demands of a busy life. In this post, we’re going to break down why strength training should be a key component of your fitness routine and how it can significantly benefit your health, performance, and longevity.

Why Strength Training for Over 35s is Essential

Strength training isn’t just about lifting heavy weights or looking good on Instagram—it’s a long-term investment in your health and vitality. As a personal trainer in Poole, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effects strength training has on my clients, especially those over 35 who are looking to stay strong, focused, and healthy. Here’s why:

1. Preserve and Build Muscle Mass

Muscle mass decreases naturally as we age, starting as early as in our 30s. This decline leads to a weaker physique, slower metabolism, and reduced overall performance.
Strength training helps combat this natural muscle loss, helping you maintain and even build muscle mass well into your 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Maintaining muscle mass supports better posture, mobility, and functional strength, which means you’ll feel stronger and more capable in your everyday activities.

2. Support Joint Health

Joint health becomes a major concern as we age, especially if you’re experiencing stiffness, discomfort, or pain in areas like the knees, hips, or back.
Strength training not only strengthens muscles, but also strengthens the tendons and ligaments around your joints. This leads to better joint stability, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall mobility.
Lifting weights in a controlled manner strengthens connective tissues and promotes healthy, functional movement patterns—key for long-term joint health.

3. Boost Your Metabolism

As you age, your metabolism naturally begins to slow down, which means you burn fewer calories at rest.
Strength training can increase your resting metabolic rate (RMR), meaning your body will continue burning calories even when you’re not working out. This is especially helpful for professionals over 35 who want to stay lean and energized without having to constantly focus on strict dieting or excessive cardio.
The more muscle you build, the more calories you burn throughout the day, even when you’re sitting at your desk or sleeping.

4. Improve Mental Toughness and Focus

Strength training is more than just physical—it’s a powerful tool for developing mental resilience and discipline.
Lifting weights requires concentration, commitment, and consistency. By sticking to a strength training program, you’ll develop mental toughness that translates into other areas of life—whether it's managing a challenging project at work, staying on top of family responsibilities, or dealing with stress.
The benefits are two-fold: physical strength builds mental strength, and mental clarity and focus build better training results. Strength training offers a unique opportunity to get sharper both mentally and physically.

5. Enhance Long-Term Longevity and Quality of Life

Strength training isn’t just about looking good—it's about longevity. It helps improve your bone density, heart health, and hormonal balance.
Regular strength training reduces the risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes.
A strong body means a stronger, healthier life, allowing you to enjoy your career, family, and hobbies without feeling weak or tired. This kind of fitness is about long-term health, not just short-term gains.

Common Myths About Strength Training for Over 35s

Despite the numerous benefits of strength training, there are still several myths that might prevent you from starting—or continuing—a weight lifting routine. Here are the top myths and the truth behind them:

Myth 1: “Strength Training is Only for Bodybuilders.”

Truth: Strength training is for anyone who wants to feel stronger, fitter, and more resilient. It’s about building a body that can handle the demands of everyday life—whether that’s carrying groceries, lifting your kids, or performing well at work.

Myth 2: “I’ll Get Too Bulky If I Lift Weights.”

Truth: It’s incredibly difficult for most people, especially women, to gain significant muscle mass without specific, targeted programming. Strength training will help you tone, build muscle, and lose fat—but it won’t turn you into a bodybuilder unless you’re actively pursuing that goal.

Myth 3: “I’m Too Old to Start Strength Training.”

Truth: It’s never too late to start! Whether you’re 35, 45, or 55, starting a strength training program will benefit you. The earlier you start, the better, but it’s never too late to experience improvements in joint health, muscle mass, metabolism, and overall quality of life.

How to Get Started with Strength Training

If you’re a busy professional over 35 and are looking for a way to incorporate strength training into your life, here are a few steps to get started:

Start with Bodyweight ExercisesIf you’re new to strength training, begin with exercises that use your own body weight—think squats, push-ups, lunges, and planks. These exercises are foundational and can be done anywhere.
Gradually Incorporate WeightsOnce you’re comfortable with bodyweight exercises, begin to incorporate dumbbells, barbells, or kettlebells into your routine. Focus on mastering the basics first before progressing to more complex exercises.
Consistency is KeyStrength training works best when done consistently, so try to aim for at least 2-3 sessions per week. Focus on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and presses, which work multiple muscle groups at once.
Don’t Neglect RecoveryRecovery is just as important as training. Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep, eating properly, and taking rest days to allow your muscles to recover and grow stronger.
Seek Professional GuidanceIf you’re unsure where to start or how to progress, consider working with a personal trainer. A coach can help design a program tailored to your needs and guide you through proper technique to prevent injuries.

Final Thoughts

Strength training is one of the best investments you can make in your health and well-being, especially as you move into your 30s and beyond. Whether you're looking to improve joint health, build muscle, increase metabolism, or simply feel more resilient, lifting weights offers unmatched benefits.

So, if you’re a busy professional over 35, don’t wait. Start building your strength today—both physically and mentally—and enjoy the long-term benefits of feeling unbreakable.

Looking for expert guidance to help you get started? If you want a bespoke strength training program tailored to your lifestyle, reach out to me for personalised coaching. Whether you’re in Poole or anywhere else, I can help you unlock your full potential through strength training for over 35s. APPLY HERE to start your journey today!