If you’re over 50 and starting to feel like your body isn’t keeping up the way it used to, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck.
Meet Sal. He’s a local business owner here in Stamford, CT. A grandfather. A golfer. And now—at age 71—stronger, more energetic, and more active than he was at 55.
But just a few years ago, things looked very different.
It All Started on the Beach
Sal was on a beach vacation at the Jersey Shore with his family when he had what he now calls his “wake-up moment.”
He stood ankle-deep in the water and felt unstable. He couldn’t run after his grandkids like he used to. Sitting in the sand to build sandcastles hurt his back. And to top it off, his golf drives were getting shorter every year.
His shoulders were cranky. His hands were stiff and painful. And the worst part? He knew exactly where this was heading—toward a life that felt limited.
Sal wasn’t ready to slow down. He’d done some boxing years ago, lifted with a buddy for a while. But like many people, he fell out of the routine. Life, work, and time got in the way.
That day, while scrolling through Facebook on the beach, he saw an ad for our Live Long & Strong program. He submitted his info, and I called him back while sitting in the CVS parking lot on High Ridge.
He told me, “If this trend continues, I’m going to be in real trouble soon.”
That was in August 2019.
Fast Forward to Today…
Now? Sal’s completed over 500 strength training sessions at Core Principles Personal Training.
He’s:
- Stronger than he was at 55
- Running his electrical business full-time
- Playing hard with his grandkids again
- Driving the golf ball farther than he has in years
- And enjoying far fewer aches and pains
Life Still Happens—But Sal Keeps Going
Since starting, Sal’s faced illness, family stress, vacations, and even work-related injuries (being an electrician isn’t exactly easy on the body). And let’s not forget COVID.
But he never let those things derail his bigger goal. He adjusted, adapted, and kept showing up.
He even gave us one of our favorite training moments when he shouted mid-session: “Ahhh shit!” Emily, one of our coaches, asked what was wrong. Sal laughed and said, “I just realized I have to do this for the rest of my life.”
We all cracked up—but he was absolutely right.
What People Like Sal Do Differently
Sal isn’t superhuman. He didn’t start with a perfect routine or amazing fitness. But he did do a few key things that made all the difference.
🔴 PHYSICALLY: What They Do to Get Started
- Start Small & Simple – Just 2 short sessions a week to build the habit.
- Focus on Movement Quality Over Intensity – Build confidence before lifting heavy.
- Train at the Right Level – Choose exercises that work for your body.
- Work Around Aches & Pains – Modify movements to be pain-free.
- Stick to Fundamental Movements – Squats, hinges, pushes, pulls, and carries.
- Strengthen the Basics First – Standing from a chair, getting off the floor, carrying groceries.
- Listen to Your Body (But Don’t Let It Stop You) – Soreness isn’t the same as injury.
- Warm Up & Cool Down – Spend 5-10 minutes prepping your body.
- Schedule Workouts Like Appointments – Put them on the calendar.
- Train with Coaches in a Supportive Environment – Don’t go it alone.
- Make It Convenient – Choose a place close to home, like Core Principles in Stamford.
- Strength Train for LIFE, Not Just Fitness – Focus on real-life strength and movement.
🔵 MENTALLY: How They Think Differently
- Focus on What You Can Control – Let go of past injuries or missed years.
- Accept Discomfort at First – It’s normal for new things to feel awkward.
- Reframe Your Fears – “What if I get stronger and stop hurting?”
- Redefine Success – It’s about feeling better, not lifting the most.
- Expect to Feel Awkward – Like any new skill, it takes practice.
- Focus on Strength, Not Weight Loss – Celebrate energy and capability.
- Don’t Compare to Your Younger Self – Improve from where you are now.
- Embrace Progress Over Perfection – One missed workout doesn’t matter.
- Shift Your Identity – “I take care of my body now.”
You Could Be the Next Sal
If you’re local to Stamford and this sounds familiar—aching joints, feeling unsteady, frustrated that your body isn’t keeping up—it’s not too late.
The hardest part is starting. That’s why we created the 21-Day Kickstart program. It’s a no-pressure way to:
- Learn the basics safely
- Get expert guidance
- Build momentum
- And see if strength training is right for you
👉 Ready to feel stronger again? Just click here to schedule a call or email us and say, “Let’s talk.”
We only open a few spots each month, and they fill fast—especially this time of year.
You bring the body. We’ll bring the plan.
P.S. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That kinda sounds like me…” don’t wait. Our next Kickstart group starts soon and has limited spots. Claim yours now before they’re gone.
