Old Man Fitness: Get big. Get lean. Get functional.

by Alex Hollings · October 12, 2017

Getting into shape really isn’t as mysterious as it seems. An entire marketing industry has pushed the idea that you need expert advice and expensive diet plans to drop a few pounds, but the reality of the mechanism is really pretty simple: burn more calories than you take in, and the rounder parts of your body will eventually begin to square off. Admittedly though, if your goals are more complex than simply losing weight, your methodology will have to grow a bit more complex to match.

If you played sports in high school or college, or have worked with a personal trainer at some point in your life, you’ve likely already heard about the difference between working to develop fast twitch muscle fiber versus slow twitch muscle fiber. This simplistic breakdown of muscular training may not be the most biologically accurate depiction of how the process of getting stronger works, but it does serve as a great way to depict the paradoxical nature of functional fitness: the more you work to get better at one thing, the worse you’ll become at some others.

About Alex Hollings

Alex Hollings writes on a breadth of subjects ranging from fitness to foreign policy, all presented through the lens of his experiences as a U.S. Marine, athlete and scholar. A football player, rugby player and fighter, Hollings has spent the better part of his adult life competing in some of the most physically demanding sports on the planet. Hollings possesses a master's degree in communications from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as a bachelor's degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications from Framingham State University.

Also from Alex Hollings

BECAUSE, FACTS DON'T TAKE SIDES

Your Subscription Supports Honest News Efforts

TRY 4 WEEKS FOR $1.99

Join our community. To comment on this article please join/login. Here's a sample of the comments on this post.

Mase
Good article, brother. I'm 47 and during the last 3 years my life changed drastically by getting married, having a house built, making Sergeant at the Sheriff's Office, making Chief in the Navy and having a baby girl. Getting to the gym is almost non-existent (unless I'm on orders) and I made up my mind to have a workout area in my basement. I make sure to run a minimum of once per week (anywhere from 1 mile to 4 miles) and my lunch routine has been hitting the weights at least 3 times per week. Time is scarce, so if I only get one set then I don't fret over it. I try to find another day to get another weight session. I revamped my bench press training and started doing empty 45 pound bar flat and incline alternate days for 40 reps per set. Did that for one month and added 5 pounds. Did that for one month and added 5 pounds, etc, etc. At the end of the month, if I'm not hitting 40 reps, I don't bump up the weight. Next week I'll bump to 125 pounds and I'm getting a great pump and breaking a sweat on the regular. Don't forget that yard-work and housework are part of a good fitness routine too. Stay functional!
Mason
89 5.0 Mustang in mine! Gyms with cars, are the best.
Joni S
Hah Hah.. I'd be "slowshoeing" for sure. Love you too my sweet friend.
Tessa Shmessa
Heheheh, thanks. Snowshoeing... aka slowshoeing 😂 Love you! 😘😘😘
Joni S
Love the photo.