I have some news. I just passed my NASM personal trainer certification.

At 52 (ok two days before my birthday but still technically 52 lol).

If you told me even a couple years ago that I'd be adding CPT after my name, I would have laughed. For over 30 years my focus has been on nutrition, wellness, and the mindset side of healthy living. Training was something I did for myself, not something I thought I'd ever coach.

Two things changed my mind.

First, competing in a bodybuilding competition last year showed me how much depth there is to proper programming. The nutrition side I had down. But the training side, progressive overload, periodization, how exercise needs change as we age, had so much more to it than I expected.

Second, it kept coming up with coaching clients and readers. People would ask me about training and I could give general guidance, but I wanted to be able to give specific, evidence-based answers. Not "here's a random workout" but "here's why this approach makes sense for your body, your age, and your goals."

So I went and got the credential.

Here's what I want you to take away from this, whether you ever work with a trainer or not:

Muscle is not optional after 40. Strength training protects your metabolism, your bones, your hormones, and your ability to stay independent as you age. It's not about aesthetics. It's about resilience.

Most people are not training hard enough. The science on progressive overload is clear: your muscles need to be challenged beyond what they're used to. Walking is wonderful. But it's not strength training.

You don't need to spend hours in the gym. Just two sessions per week, 30-45 minutes of focused resistance training, is enough to see real results. Consistency and progressive challenge beat volume every time. I have a free two day a week plan for you right here. It says for women since that's a popular search, but it works for anyone!

Now that I'm certified, I can offer training guidance alongside the nutrition and wellness coaching I already do. If that's something you'd be interested in, just hit reply and let me know. I'm figuring out what this looks like and your input helps.

More to come on this.

Cheering you on,

Cheryl McColgan, Founder

P.S. Have you tried my protein calculator yet? It takes 30 seconds and gives you a personalized daily range. Try it here.​