Embarking on a journey towards a more fulfilling lifestyle requires a blend of intention, action, and reflection. By adopting small yet significant changes, you can enhance your physical health, mental well-being, and emotional vibrancy. This guide, courtesy of Strong and Fit Over 50, provides you with practical strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into your daily routine, empowering you to live your life with more joy, balance, and purpose. Ignite Passion Through Learning Stimulate your intellect and passion by diving into new areas of interest through online courses. The flexibility ..read more

In today’s fast-paced world, taking the time to focus on self-care and fitness can sometimes feel like a luxury we can’t afford. However, the importance of maintaining personal well-being cannot be overstated. It is crucial not only for our physical health but for our mental and emotional balance as well. This Strong and Fit Over 50 guide shared below aims to provide valuable insights into how one can integrate effective self-care and fitness routines into their daily life from the comfort of their home. By creating a personalized wellness journey, individuals can foster resilience, enhance th ..read more

This is an excerpt from the new book I’m writing called Stronger Next Year. Hope to provide you some very informative information on health, fitness, and aging. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Introduction Hello, my name is Darvis Simms and I’m an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer with over 28 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. I’m also a competitive Masters Powerlifter and I hold a World Record in the deadlift at 529 pounds at the age of 62. I started competing in powerlifting in my late 50s and found that my body really responded to heavy weigh ..read more

While most of my blogs are about the benefits of exercise and healthy eating. Here is a very informative article by Mark Stibich, PhD , published by verywellmind.com about the benefits that positive thinking has on aging. I know that a positive attitude has benefited me tremendously throughout my life. There are many benefits of positive thinking, including stress reduction, improved immunity, and a lower risk for heart disease. But did you know that keeping a positive outlook can help you live longer, too? Here’s what research says about optimism and aging, and what you can do ..read more

November 7th 2021 I competed in my first International Powerlifting competition. I was fortunate enough to set a New World Record with a 529 lb deadlift at the age of 62. I say this not to brag but to show you that you can be strong and fit at any age. I’m an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer and I specialize in fitness over the age of 50. In my 28 years of experience in the health and fitness industry I’ve seen the demographics of my clients get older as I have aged. The most common misconception people have as they age is a belief in the rapid deterioration of their str ..read more

I’ve had my Born Tough duffle bag for a few weeks now and I am very pleased with its’ size and quality of construction. I’m a competitive powerlifter, so I carry a lot of heavy bulky items with me to the gym and they all fit nicely in this bag without looking like the zippers are going to pop. I’ve had gym bags in the past that look good but we not nearly as heavily constructed as this Born Tough duffle bag. I’m also impressed with the number and size of the additional storage pockets this duffle bag has. I can store my keys and other valuable items in this bag and feel secure that they are go ..read more

A steady blood sugar level is not only important for your health, it’s also a critical component in your effort to lose weight. While your body breaks down all digestible carbohydrates into blood sugar, some are converted into blood sugar faster than others. Thus, some carbohydrates cause a spike in your blood sugar level causing you to feel hungry faster and to crave more sugary foods. Other carbohydrates are converted into blood sugar more slowly, leveling out your blood sugar and resulting in less hunger and food cravings. For this reason, the Glycemic Ind ..read more

I want you to realize the importance of developing and maintaining muscle mass as you age.  Many of the degenerative conditions once thought to be a result of growing old can be directly associated with inactivity and the loss of muscle mass.  Below is a very informative excerpt on this subject by Dr. Donald K. Layman, one of the most respected experts on nutrition and human metabolism of our day. Muscle size and strength are usually associated with body builders and athletes, but the latest research is proving that healthy muscles are critical for adult health. Average life expectan ..read more

Getting healthier, losing weight, feeling better, and getting fit is not complicated. It’s about the daily choices you make. Choice is a powerful thing. You can choose daily habits that promote a healthy lifestyle or not. That choice is completely yours. Many of the aliments associated with aging are the results of many years of making poor lifestyle choices. I’m a 61 years old personal trainer, and National Powerlifting Champion, and I hear people half my age complain of the aliments of aging.  I can honestly tell you, I’m as strong and as fit as I was in my twenties, and you can be too ..read more

Research is now revealing what life-long weight lifters have always known, and that is maintaining your muscle mass is key to staying healthy and strong as you age. The importance of muscle mass, strength, and metabolic function in the performance of exercise, as well as the activities of daily living has never been questioned. However, the role your muscles play in whole-body protein metabolism is less recognized. Your muscle plays a central role in your whole-body protein metabolism by serving as the principle reservoir for amino acids to maintain protein synthesis (growth and regeneration ..read more