Short answer: Strength training is one of the best things you can do after 50. It keeps your muscles, balance and everyday strength up as you get older, and it’s never too late to start. Strength Lab LDN coaches over 50s 1-to-1 at Wimbledon Park (SW19) and Battersea Park (SW11), starting with an assessment and a programme set to your joints and goals. Sessions from £74.
Why strength training matters after 50
Muscle and strength drop off gradually with age if you don’t train them. You notice it in small ways first: stairs feel harder, getting up off the floor takes a hand, a heavy bag of shopping feels heavier than it used to.
Strength training reverses a lot of that. Stronger legs make stairs and hills easier, a stronger back and grip make carrying easier, and balance work makes you steadier on your feet.
The NHS recommends strengthening activities on at least 2 days a week for adults, and for over 65s adds balance and flexibility work on at least 2 days a week too.
What a session looks like
Every client starts with an assessment: your health, any joint problems, what you do day to day and what you want to be able to do. Then each session follows a clear shape:
Weights go up gradually and only when your technique is solid. Your coach tracks every session, so you can see the progress in numbers, not just feel it.
The common worries
“I’ve never lifted weights”
Plenty of people start after 50 with no experience at all. You begin with what you can do comfortably and build from there. See personal trainer for beginners in Wimbledon.
“My knees are bad”
Stronger muscles around a sore knee usually help rather than hurt. Our knee rehab programme covers knee pain from arthritis and ageing, and we also coach people after surgery. Read knee replacement rehab in Wimbledon.
“I recover more slowly now”
That’s normal, and the programme allows for it with sensible gaps between hard sessions. More on why in does it take longer to heal as you get older?
“Is it safe for me?”
Every session is coached 1-to-1, and the assessment makes sure the plan fits you. If you have a heart condition or another medical condition, check with your GP before you start.
Where to train in South West London
Wimbledon Park (SW19)
A quiet private studio with 1-to-1 sessions only. Metered parking directly outside, and a 10-minute walk from Wimbledon Park tube and Earlsfield.
Battersea Park (SW11)
189 Battersea Park Rd, SW11 4LB
A larger studio with 1-to-1 sessions and small group classes of up to 9 people, if you’d like training with others.
What it costs
1-to-1 personal training is £80, £78 or £74 per session in packs of 5, 10 or 20, and all prices include VAT. Group classes in Battersea are £30 drop-in.
Most people start with one or two sessions a week. See how often should I do personal training? and our pricing page.
FAQs
Is it safe to start strength training over 50?
For most people, yes, as long as it’s coached and built up gradually. Start with an assessment, and check with your GP first if you have a heart condition or another medical condition.
How often should over 50s do strength training?
At least twice a week. The NHS recommends strengthening activities on at least 2 days a week for adults, and for over 65s it also recommends balance and flexibility work on at least 2 days a week.
Where can I find a personal trainer for over 50s in South West London?
Strength Lab LDN coaches over 50s 1-to-1 at 407 Durnsford Rd, Wimbledon Park, SW19 8EE and 189 Battersea Park Rd, SW11 4LB. Every client starts with an assessment and a programme set to their joints and goals.
Can strength training help with joint pain?
For many people it does, because stronger muscles take load off sore joints. Our knee rehab programme covers knee pain from arthritis and ageing. If you have a diagnosed condition, check with your GP first.
How much does personal training cost for over 50s?
The same as anyone else at Strength Lab LDN: £80, £78 or £74 per 1-to-1 session depending on the pack. Group classes in Battersea are £30 drop-in.
Book your assessment
Tell us what you’d like to be able to do, and we’ll build the plan around it. Three ways to get in touch:
- Phone: 020 3890 6441
- Email: info@strengthlabldn.com
- Online: contact form
More reading: strength and conditioning in London.