When 77-year-old Jeannie Rice ran a 1:41 half-marathon in April, fitness experts took notice.

Test results showed she’s as fit as a typical 25-year-old, despite having started running only in her 30s. 

This demonstrates what’s possible with consistent effort, innovative training, and understanding some key predictors of health and longevity, even if you never plan to run a marathon.

Three of the most potent indicators of longevity and health span are Grip strength, balance, and VO₂ max. These simple tests provide a snapshot of how well your body is aging, and this information can help you improve.

1. VO₂ Max (Maximal Oxygen Uptake)
Have you heard about VO₂ Max yet?

It’s trendy in athletics and media, but it’s not just for elite athletes.

VO₂ Max tells us how efficiently your body uses oxygen, and it’s one of the strongest predictors of longevity.
The higher your score, the longer and healthier you’re likely to live.

It shows how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise. Dr. Peter Attia (author of “Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity”) and others in the longevity field emphasize that improving your VO₂ max can cut your risk of death by more than 50%. That’s a bigger impact than quitting smoking or lowering blood pressure.

You can get tested at a physical therapist’s office or another medical or research facility. Talk to your doctor for more information. It involves a treadmill or cycle test with oxygen analysis, although there are some DIY versions available, and some smartwatches provide decent estimates.

You can improve with consistent cardio training. Even moderate improvements can add years to your life.

2. Grip Strength
Grip strength is about more than opening jars. It’s a proven predictor of health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, disability, and even mortality. Weaker grip strength is associated with a higher risk of early death, according to research in The Lancet.

To test, use a handheld dynamometer that some gyms and clinics have. Men should weigh more than 28 kg, and women, 18 kg.

What helps? Forearm exercises include farmer’s carries, dead hangs, and dumbbell holds. Grip strength tends to improve quickly with focused effort. Talk to us for more information.

3. Balance
Balance is linked to overall vitality, not just falls. The “sitting-rising test” measures how easily you can sit down on the floor and stand back up without using your hands or knees. A score below 8 (out of 10) has been linked to a higher risk of early death, according to The European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Try the sitting-rising test, or simply time how long you can stand on one foot. Less than 10 seconds might be cause for attention.

You can work on your balance with single-leg exercises, tai chi, and core stability training.

These tests assess your heart-lung fitness, aerobic endurance, strength and vitality, as well as stability and nervous system function.

And what gets measured can get better! See us to learn more about how your fitness can improve and extend your healthspan.

If you’re over 50, stuck in a health rut, and ready to feel like yourself again, our team of functional aging specialists knows precisely what you need to get your health and fitness back on track. 
Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Learn More Here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

There are no “small” wins here.

Every victory counts.

Those are essential examples of incremental progress, and recognizing them is super-important. We can get so lost when we focus strictly on the Big Prize that we get frustrated and want to quit.

• “I’m not losing 25 pounds right away!”
• “I’m still not ready for that hiking trip!”
• “My body fat percentage isn’t budging!”

But lasting success is built one step at a time. Recognizing those steps is a powerful tool for staying motivated, building confidence, and maintaining consistency.

Why Small Wins Matter
Small victories keep us moving forward, and that’s not just us being cheerleaders. They remind us that progress is happening, even when we can’t always see dramatic changes.

Think about these examples:

• The first time you walk up the stairs without stopping.
• Sleeping better after starting a regular exercise routine.
• Lifting your grandchild without worrying about your back.
• Feeling steadier on your feet than you did six months ago.

These might not seem like headline-grabbing accomplishments. But to your long-term health and your can-do spirit, they’re huge.

Research shows that focusing on small achievements boosts motivation and helps individuals maintain healthy habits. In a study published in the Harvard Business Review, researchers found that “small wins” trigger positive emotions and increase engagement, making people more likely to continue working toward their goals.

There’s also science behind how your brain responds to progress. Each time you achieve a goal — even a tiny one — your brain releases dopamine. That’s the feel-good chemical that reinforces positive behavior and keeps you coming back for more.

Over time, this creates a powerful feedback loop. Instead of chasing perfection, you’re fueled by steady improvement. And that’s what builds lasting change.

Seek Progress, Not Perfection

Fitness isn’t a straight line, and you know by now that nothing important comes quickly and easily.

Life happens. There will be days when you feel strong, and days when you don’t. That’s normal — and it’s why we encourage you to notice and celebrate every win.

Sometimes the most significant success is simply showing up.

Compare this kind of positive thinking to the opposite. What type of behavior are you encouraging when you’re down on yourself all the time?

“I’m not good enough” is not helpful!

Try, “I’m getting there,” instead.

And remember the principle behind the book “The Gap and the Gain.” When you’re feeling discouraged about how far you have to go, turn around to see where you started and how far you’ve already come.

We’re here to help you recognize the victories you might not even notice yourself. We see your consistency, effort, and kick-butt mindset.

So, let’s keep celebrating you – one win at a time.

If you’re over 50 and feeling behind in your life rather than ahead, our team of functional aging specialists is here to help you reclaim your life! 

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Learn more here: 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.

When Don Bryant, left, began his law enforcement career in 1978, he quickly learned how stressful the job could be. He also noticed that most officers had two main ways of coping.

“They either worked out or they lifted 16-ouncers,” Don says.

He chose powerlifting, and at 68, he’s still at it. This summer, Don returns to international competition at the World Police and Fire Games in Birmingham, Alabama. As a retired corrections officer from Portland, Oregon, he’ll be among a small number of super-fit police and fire professionals competing against thousands from around the world.

Don says he loves the camaraderie, the challenge, and the health benefits.

“Weightlifting is something a lot of older people need to be doing,” he says. “I’m still healthy. I plan on lifting into my 90s.”

‘One Tough Hombre’
Joe Arica, 61, right, is a volunteer firefighter just outside St. Louis, Missouri. Like Don, he’s a veteran of these competitions and has the medals to prove it. Last year, he placed third in his age group in the “Toughest Firefighter Alive” competition in Saudi Arabia.

Joe works in medical equipment sales but trains year-round for the Firefighter Challenge—a demanding event simulating real-life rescue tasks in full gear. That includes running, dragging a 240-pound hose, climbing stairs, and using a sledgehammer to move a steel beam.

“Firefighting is physically demanding,” he says.

A competition website puts it more bluntly: “Joe Arica is a nice guy who gives back to his community. Joe is also one tough hombre.”

Joe’s fitness background includes triathlons, martial arts, and functional strength training. He works with a coach on weightlifting, rowing, sled drags, medicine ball slams, and box jumps.

“I say, ‘Train hard, recover harder,’” he says.

That dedication proved vital in 2021, when Joe was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He had surgery in January and was back to competing by May.

“I firmly believe my conditioning helped my recovery,” he says. “My urologist calls me his textbook patient. It would’ve been a different story if I’d been sitting on the couch.”

The Message: Just Start
Both men are not only elite competitors—they’re outliers in their age group, proving that it’s never too late to prioritize your health.

Their advice to anyone over 50?

“You’re never too old,” Don says. “Don’t be scared of exercise. Be scared of what happens if you don’t. Just walk around the block. Everything helps.”

We couldn’t agree more. You don’t need to train like a firefighter or lift like a powerlifter. But you do need to move. We’re here to help—call us today and let’s get started.

Fitness over 50 knows no boundaries. Let’s get it! 

At Your Personal Best Training Studio, our Functional Aging Specialists will improve your balance, functional strength, and endurance. 

Start now by trying our 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.

Being fit after 50 is pretty simple for most people. There’s no need to overthink it or make it too complicated.

If you break it down to simple daily habits, you find that you can gain SO MANY BENEFITS from health and fitness with a few lifestyle tweaks.

To drive this home, here’s how trainer and gym owner Rosa Coletto put it recently in a short, charming video.

Rosa said:

“The strongest women in their 60s all do these five things:

1. Daily movement
2. Mindset shift
3. Strength training
4. Rest and relaxation
5. Join a community

What are you waiting for?? Let’s get started becoming the strongest version of yourself today!”

Like most really helpful advice, this is simple and true, and not just for women or people of a certain age. So, let’s take a closer look at these five habits.

1. Daily Movement
You don’t have to dedicate yourself to living at the gym! But move your body every single day with intention. Take a walk around the block, stretch in the morning, dance in your kitchen.
Bonus: The CDC says just 30 minutes of walking a day can cut your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.  

2. Mindset Shift
You are not “too old” to get stronger. That’s a myth. People in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond are building muscle, gaining energy, and experiencing a remarkable sense of well-being. The strongest people we know believe that aging isn’t a reason to slow down—it’s a reason to train smart.
Bonus: Yale research indicates that a positive mindset about aging can potentially extend life by up to 7.5 years. 

3. Strength Training
This is the real game-changer. Lifting weights helps you maintain muscle, keep your metabolism active, protect your bones, and enhance your balance. Strength training helps reverse age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia.
Bonus: A Harvard review of studies found that adults over 50 who consistently did resistance training increased both muscle mass and strength. It’s never too late to start.

4. Rest and Relaxation
Sleep. Recovery. Downtime. These aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities. Your body needs time to rebuild stronger muscles, support your immune system, and keep you feeling sharp.
Bonus: The National Institutes of Health reported that adults over 50 who sleep fewer than 6 hours a night are at higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. 

5. Join a Community
Here’s the magic. When you work out with people, you’re more likely to stick with it. It’s more fun, it’s more social, and people hold you accountable.
Bonus: The American Osteopathic Association found that individuals who train with others are 70% more likely to persist than those who train alone. 

So, what are you waiting for? 

Come check out how we’re helping people over 50 become the strongest, healthiest versions of themselves. No pressure. Just encouragement, support, and a proven plan that works.

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of! Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

If you wonder why strength training seemed to burst out of nowhere into our everyday awareness about 40 years ago, a new book is here to explain how it didn’t.

“Stronger: The Untold Story of Muscle in Our Lives” presents how humans and society have viewed muscle and strength training, from the ancient Greeks to today’s Hollywood action heroes.

The touchpoints are fascinating, and these are just a few:

• Ancients worried that working out too much would cause your mind to be underdeveloped
• There was a time when Victorian women were praised for their strength
• Soviets developed “periodization,” or increasing intensity of workouts 
• Maria Fiatarone Singh’s famous research shows that high-intensity strength training is effective and safe even for the elderly.

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

It’s a good read, no doubt.

And as Arnold Schwarzenegger praises it, “Even if you’ve never picked up a weight — ‘Stronger’ is for you. But be careful: Something tells me that by the time you finish, you’ll find plenty of reasons to try out resistance training.” 

Author John Irving started lifting as a teen. He’s now 83 and still at it.

“I spend every day on my glutes,” Irving writes. “Do your glutes a favor – read ‘Stronger.’”

If you’re ready to create a personalized plan that’s meaningful enough to stick to, especially when the going gets tough, we’re here to help.

In our 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program, we’ll work together to ensure you’re not just “going through the motions” to hit your goals but living a life that aligns with your values.

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

When Rosemary Robinson Jackson first walked through the gym doors, she sought a nudge in the right direction.

“I was contemplating getting in better condition,” she recalls, adding that a friend had made big strides recently and planted the seed: Why not me?

Before retirement, Rosemary was a medical records manager for a university’s student health services.

The job required structure, responsibility, and a strong work ethic—traits she now channels into her fitness journey. Though she considered herself “fairly fit” when she started, what’s shifted most isn’t her strength or flexibility (though those have improved too)—it’s her motivation.

“I’m more inspired to do other activities in my day,” she says, almost surprised at how this one choice created a ripple effect in her life.

Rosemary’s favorite part of her exercise routine isn’t a piece of equipment or a specific workout. It’s the freedom—the space to be where you are, to show up consistently, and to grow from there.

She has this simple advice for anyone feeling nervous about starting: “Trust your trainer and yourself.”

Then she leans in with a gentle reminder like wisdom: “Faith above fear. Believe you can, and you will. You will change your life for the better.”

If she had to wrap it all up in one word?

“Altering.”

It’s not dramatic or flashy. Real change is rooted in effort, faith, and a decision to show up.

If you’re over 50 and feeling behind in your life rather than ahead, our team of functional aging specialists is here to help you reclaim your life! 

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Learn more here: 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.

If you have any questions, call us at (361-857-5087), and we’ll discuss how we can help you!

What does it mean to have muscle?

When we were kids, we probably thought of athletes and superheroes.

In our 20s, we might have associated muscles with lots of weightlifting in the gym and young men with bulging physiques.

But later in life, we must realize that muscle means more than big biceps.

We need muscle to perform all kinds of tasks—even standing up off the couch requires muscle. It’s that basic to our everyday lives and functions.

Muscle is medicine. Dad’s bods are out, and “strong is the new skinny” is in.

Muscle means life. And we start losing it in our 30s, which can lead to trouble if we don’t do something about it. And that “something” is resistance training – also known as weightlifting or strength training.

Have You Heard of Sarcopenia?
There’s even a medical term for this, losing muscle mass: sarcopenia. The condition is commonly associated with aging, but it is not inevitable. You can prevent it and even reverse it at the gym or fitness studio.

You know the stereotypes about being old and frail.

And you might have noticed that you struggle more to, say, bring in the groceries lately.
Trust us, this is common but preventable and treatable with regular resistance exercise and proper nutrition.

“Sarcopenia can be considered for muscle, which osteoporosis is to bone,” said Dr. John E. Morley, St. Louis University School of Medicine, in the journal Family Practice. 

Dr. Jeremy Walston said in the National Institutes of Health, “Sarcopenia is one of the most important causes of functional decline and loss of independence in older adults.”

If you’re entering midlife or if you’re already more advanced, talk to your doctor about sarcopenia. He should tell you about resistance training to prevent issues linked to sarcopenia, including weakness, increased risk of falling, increased likelihood of fractures, insulin resistance, and obesity.

Being inactive contributes to sarcopenia, which then contributes to inactivity.

Break the Cycle
We’ve all heard the adage, “Use it or lose it,” right? It’s true when it comes to muscles and aging bodies. If you don’t use your muscles, you will lose them. If you use it, you’ll keep it – and all the functional ability and strength that includes.

Doctors have known for decades that exercise can reverse muscle loss caused by sarcopenia. But this knowledge still hasn’t filtered down to our general awareness, where “muscle” still means Arnold Schwarzenegger.

We use resistance bands, body weight, machines, or free weights to increase muscle strength, size, and endurance.

That means you move better, feel better, look better, and sleep better for starters.

IT DOES NOT MEAN you will get huge. Period. Full stop. 

Come see us today so we can discuss strength and muscle, answer your questions, and get you started with a safe, fun, and effective program.

It doesn’t take much to start seeing essential results.

Are you tired of not being able to enjoy your favorite activities anymore? Our team of functional aging specialists will help make them possible again!

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

If you have any questions, call us at (361-857-5087), and we’ll discuss how we can help you!

Did you know that “longevity” is trending?

Yes, books, blogs, shows, and podcasts – everybody’s writing and talking about how people are living longer now and will continue to live even longer soon. So, how can you extend your life with the healthiest practices to ensure autonomy and quality of life?

Well, forget those darn trends (infrared pajamas, anybody?) and focus instead on the proven basics.
“People are looking for the magic pill,” said Dr. Luigi Ferrucci of the National Institute on Aging in the New York Times, “and the magic pill is already here.”

It is! And the number one ingredient is exercise, or even just movement. By staying active – and maintaining strength, endurance, and agility – you’re far, far, FAR less likely to die an early death. Or suffer the indignities of a long, painful one.

Period.

Hard stop.

That means: If you’re already working out with us, keep it up! And if you’re not, then please, please, please start today. We make it easy, safe, and fun, so come see us to get started.
The rest of the proven wonders of healthy aging are similarly predictable – and just as easy to follow.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Prioritize sleep
• Don’t smoke or drink much
• Manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol
• Put time into your relationships

Knowing that the “magic pill” is already here should give us all a positive outlook! Let’s do this.

If you’re over 50 and feeling behind in your life rather than ahead, our team of functional aging specialists is here to help you reclaim your life! 

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Learn more here: 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program.

If you have any questions, call us at (361-857-5087), and we’ll discuss how we can help you!

Thick, bone-in pork chops are as packed with protein as boneless skinless chicken breasts, and so flavorful on their own they need little extra fuss to turn into a tasty dinner. Here they’re the centerpiece of a one-skillet meal that includes colorful spring vegetables bound in a light gravy and paired with brown rice to crank up the fiber, then freshened with a shower of herbs. Serves 2. – Susan Puckett

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil, plus more, as needed
• 2 (6-ounce) bone-in center cut pork chops
• Kosher salt 
• 1 ½ cups diagonally sliced carrots, about ¼ inch thick
• ¾ cup thinly sliced shallots
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted chicken stock or broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup frozen peas (no need to thaw)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut in small pieces
• 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Brown rice for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt on both sides. 
2. Add the chops to the skillet and cook until well-browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to a plate. 
3. Add the carrots and shallots to the skillet and cook, stirring often, adding a little more oil if needed, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the flour to coat the vegetables and cook, stirring, 30 more seconds.
4. Add the stock and mustard to the skillet, bring to a boil, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the carrots are tender. 
5. Reduce the heat to medium low. Remove the lid and stir in the peas and butter. 
6. Nestle the chops in the vegetable mixture, Cover with the lid and cook until the pork is cooked through (145 degrees on a meat thermometer), 2 or 3 minutes.
7. Remove from the heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve over brown rice.

Susan Puckett is an Atlanta-based food writer and cookbook author.

If you’re ready to create a personalized plan that’s meaningful enough to stick to, especially when the going gets tough, we’re here to help.

In our 21-Day Longevity and Strength Program, we’ll work together to ensure you’re not just “going through the motions” to hit your goals but living a life that aligns with your values.

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

Do you enjoy travel?

Maybe you’ve been looking forward to this time of life to see more of the world?

An educational travel organization for mature adults is gearing up for a big summer. Whether you connect with Road Scholar or go on your own or with others, the 50-year-old group is promoting a multitude of great travel ideas for active individuals with a spirit of adventure.

We love the wording and tone of its new Age Adventurously Report, which focuses on topics like stretching your travel muscles, regaining confidence, and how to make aging your most excellent adventure.

“It’s waking up every day believing that there are still new things to discover and experience,” Ruth Riggs, 70, told the group for its report. “And it means… not putting anything off that you want to do.”

The group surveyed people aged 50 to 98. Two-thirds were Baby Boomers, and about three-quarters were women. The non-scientific survey found that 94% of over-50 respondents said that being curious and optimistic about life contributes to health, happiness, and well-being.

“Those who travel more are happier and healthier,” the report says. It helps them stay mentally and socially engaged, as well as physically active.

Today, people over 50 are more adventurous than ever before – including Gen X-ers over 50, Baby Boomers, and some in the Silent Generation that came before.

They still want to try new things and see new parts of the world.

The survey found that women in the Baby Boomer generation have more independence than previous generations. They have more time to travel, and they’re still healthy enough to do it.

As great as travel is, we love that Road Scholar ranks this as the No. 1 most popular aspect of aging adventurously:

Staying physically active and healthy — with 82% of respondents putting it at the top, ahead of traveling to new places and continuing to learn and grow.

Respondents also said they’re finding adventure by learning to garden, playing pickleball, traveling without a spouse, getting a tattoo, and starting a business. They’re learning to ballroom dance, ride motorcycles, SCUBA diving … all sorts of fun, new activities that require physical fitness and a glimmer of fun.

The group is promoting Age Adventurously Day on June 8 and encouraging everyone to plan to do something outside their comfort zone for fun.

It fits beautifully with our philosophy that fit people over 50 maintain their independence and quality of life, with options to take on anything they choose. 

As Kim Francis, 67, told Road Scholar, “I don’t have to run a marathon, but I want to run around the yard with my grandkids. I don’t need to stand on my head, but I want to stand in line at Disneyland. I won’t climb Mount Everest, but I want to climb the stairs.”

We are here for all that and more – to help give you the strength, endurance, and agility to live life on your own terms.

Are you tired of not being able to enjoy your favorite activities anymore? Our team of functional aging specialists will help make them possible again!

We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively- because our life isn’t over as we age; in many ways, it’s just beginning!

Interested in changing your life for the better? 

Join our 21-Day Strength and Balance program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!

Sign up here: https://go.ypbtrainingstudio.com/21-day-longevity-and-strength-program.

If you have any questions, call us at (361-857-5087), and we’ll discuss how we can help you!