Why ‘Stronger’ Reminds Us That It’s Never Too Late to Build Muscle and Change Your Life

‘Stronger’ — What a Fascinating History Book Can Teach Us About the Power of Muscle

If it feels like strength training exploded onto the health scene in the last few decades, you’re not alone. Many people assume resistance training is a relatively new fitness trend, fueled by bodybuilding icons and modern gym culture.

But the truth is far more interesting—and a new book called Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives shows us just how deeply rooted muscle, strength, and the pursuit of physical power are in human history.

From ancient Greece to modern medicine, from Victorian women praised for their strength to research proving seniors can safely lift weights, Stronger is a fascinating read that challenges the way we think about exercise, aging, and the human body.

Muscle Through the Ages: Surprising Highlights from ‘Stronger’

Here are just a few compelling lessons from author Michael Joseph Gross:

• The Greeks Feared Overtraining the Body Could Weaken the Mind
  Ancient philosophers debated whether too much physical training might compromise intellectual development. It’s ironic, considering what we now know—that exercise actually improves cognitive function!

• Victorian Women Were Once Celebrated for Their Strength
  Before frailty became fashionable in the early 1900s, many women in the Victorian era were recognized for being strong and athletic.

• Soviet Athletes Developed “Periodization”
  The idea of increasing workout intensity over time to peak at the right moment? That came from the Soviets. It’s still a cornerstone of strength programming today.

• Dr. Maria Fiatarone Singh Revolutionized Senior Fitness
  Her groundbreaking studies proved that high-intensity strength training was not only safe for the elderly—it was highly effective. It challenged everything the medical community thought it knew about aging bodies.

“Even into oldest age… every person has some power to change how time changes the body.”
— Michael Joseph Gross, Stronger

Muscle Is Medicine—At Every Age

It’s a timely message for our culture, especially for those of us over 50 who often hear things like:

• “Just accept slowing down.”

• “You’re too old to start working out.”

• “Take it easy—you’ve earned it.”

But the science (and stories like the ones in Stronger) say otherwise.

You’re never too old to build strength.
You’re never too old to feel better.
You’re never too old to change your life.

What Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Irving Say About It

Even legendary bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger had high praise for the book:

“Even if you’ve never picked up a weight — Stronger is for you.
But be careful: By the time you finish, you’ll find plenty of reasons to try out resistance training.”

And if you need more proof that strength has no age limit, look at acclaimed author John Irving, who wrote the foreword. At 83 years old, he still strength trains consistently and jokes:

“I spend every day on my glutes… Do your glutes a favor — read Stronger.”

Why This Book Matters for You

At Get You In Shape, we believe in equipping people over 40 with the tools, coaching, and accountability to build a healthier, stronger, more energized life. Reading Stronger helps affirm what we teach every day:

• Muscle matters—for independence, quality of life, and longevity

• Exercise is good for your brain as well as your body

• You can improve at any age with the right support

Whether you’re new to fitness or coming back after time away, Stronger offers encouragement, perspective, and proof that your future is still in your hands.

Next Steps: Learn. Lift. Live Fully.

You don’t need to become a bodybuilder.
You don’t need to spend hours in the gym.
You just need to start.

Pick up a copy of Stronger if you’re looking for inspiration rooted in history, science, and humanity. Then come see us. We’ll help you take the next step toward living a stronger, more active life—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Because no matter your age… your strength story is still being written.

Our Fit Over 50 is the perfect plan for anyone looking for a step by step plan and the support needed to get started.