Fitness
6 Fitness Influencers Over 50 Who Deserve a Follow
This story is part of This Is 50+—an in-depth look at guys who are thriving later in life, with tips and tricks on how all of us can future-proof our bodies.
TAKE A SCROLL through your social media feed, and you’ll find no shortage of fitness content. The stars of those exercise routine and form videos are probably a lot of ripe 20-and-30-year-olds, though, in the prime of their physique.
Scroll a little further, and you’ll find another impressive group of fitness influencers over 50 who are keeping up with (and often surpassing) those 30-year-olds. Sure, it’s cool to watch them do wall sits while holding 100 pounds, juggle enormous kettlebells, and even rep out lock jaw push ups with 70 pound (you really have to see this one to believe it). But, best of all, they’re utilizing their platforms to teach others how to do the same—at any age.
Regardless of how old you are, what kind of exercise you enjoy, or where you are in your fitness journey, there’s so much to learn from these inspiring influencers. Here are five of our favorites, along with their advice for performing at your best after 5o.
Colin Daring
COLIN DARING’S JOURNEY began with a simple bench in the basement of his childhood home, where his father taught him how to train. Often, they would go to a local park and do calisthenics, like pull ups—something the 53-year-old senjoys doing to this day.
After traveling to different countries and seeing their traditional forms of training, he started becoming interested in “odd objects,” as he calls them. He began training with a variety of equipment including kettlebells, Atlas stones, sandbags, and mace clubs. Now, he takes to social media to post videos about the use and benefits of these different styles of training (and some more traditional training tips, too).
Daring is aptly named—much of his content includes heavy kettlebell juggles that are not for the faint of heart. Bells weighing upwards of 70 pounds flying behind the back, under the leg, and over the shoulder—all magically sequenced together in a way you have to see to believe. He teaches kettlebell workshops at a few gyms in Brooklyn, and offers online training. Even in his 50s, “training is now embedded in my lifestyle,” he says. He’s only looking to get stronger, too—he sets short term and long term goals for himself that help him stay consistent and motivated.
HIS ADVICE: Find movement you enjoy that keeps you physically and mentally engaged. “Watching TV on the treadmill doesn’t really count,” he says. “Think tennis, volleyball, basketball. Exercises that have the mind and the body engaged at the same time.”
Bill Maeda
HAWAII-NATIVE BILL Maeda, 55, has been a trainer since 1987. Recovering from addiction, and being diagnosed with PTSD and ADHD, training was the only job he was able to hold for many years, he says. “I could hide from the world in my small gym near Waikiki, and fixate on one client at a time.”
In 2012, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. He underwent surgery and chemotherapy that left him “physically plundered and deeply depressed,” he says. That carried all the way through 2019, when his mother passed away, and into 2020, when lockdown began. During quarantine, he randomly decided to take a video of how many push ups he could do in 10 minutes, and posted it to YouTube. He didn’t think twice about it—until “an avalanche” of notifications began to light up his screen.
“Somehow that video took off, and the comments that came in changed my life,” Maeda says. “People from everywhere were saying the kindest and most encouraging things that I had ever heard. Their kindness and support taught me to stop feeling sorry for myself and redirect that energy into serving, teaching, and at the very least entertaining any who grace me with a few moments of their time to watch my videos.”
After that, he dedicated himself to filming his daily workouts. That was more than 4 years ago. Since then, 2 million people have followed him to watch his impressive lifts and less traditional strength feats (that lock-jaw push up we talked about earlier? Yeah, that was him).
HIS ADVICE: Start easy. Like, really easy. “The goal is to get in the habit of training every single day,” and continuing to do so, he says. “The only way to do this is by making the workouts very short and very easy.”
He suggests starting with just 5 minutes on the clock. Pick a handful of exercises you can do and are comfortable with. Work through ranges of motion that are doable. “This is exactly where you want to be. You should also feel certain that they can do the exact same thing tomorrow…and the next day and the next day,” he says.
When you are ready to dedicate more time, add a minute, and then another—slowly build to where you want to be. The short time frame will help build the habit, which is more important than the exercise itself. “That’s what they mean by easy does it.”
Bryan Krahn, C.S.C.S.
BRYAN KRAHN C.S.C.S. HAS been studying, practicing, and writing about exercise science and training for almost 20 years. In fact, he’s written lots of content for Men’s Health, including our muscle-building guide for men over 40.
Krahn, 50, dubs himself a “semi-serious physique-athlete,” meaning he builds and maintains a aesthetic frame, but does not compete in body building competitions. While you might find a picture or two of his impressive six-pack on his Instagram, you’ll find that most of his content is information based. He uses “a base of scientifically supported industry practices but also a litany of techniques that have been shown to work in the real world,” to fuel his training programs and his content.
HIS ADVICE: “Train like you want to show up again tomorrow,” he says. “After 50, longevity and preventing injury becomes the new ‘optimum.’” To do that, he suggests three things. First, never work through pain—find an alternative if any exercise bothers you.
Second, don’t be afraid to use safer alternatives to high-risk lifts. For example: “A barbell overhead press is a great lift if you have the technique and shoulder mechanics for it. But using dumbbells with a neutral grip is easier on the shoulder and just as effective.”
Third, aim for higher reps with lighter weight on most exercises. You’ll still get the muscle building benefit without sacrificing safety. You can find even more of his tips for building muscle after 50 here.
Paul Sklar
PAUL SKLAR, C.S.C.S. IS a Division 1 athlete turned fitness expert. He was a distance runner during his time at Wake Forest University, where he earned his bachelors degree in Exercise and Sports Science. He began competing in duathlons, where he was ranked second nationally, and 25th in the world.
The 52-year-old been a professional trainer since 1993, working with novices and professional athletes alike. He’s taken his expertise to Instagram—where he posts his workouts, mobility exercises, and recovery routines.
HIS ADVICE: “If you want to get lean (and have a strong foundation), make sure you never miss leg day. You get better bang for your buck with a well-rounded program.”
Brad Schoenfeld
SOCIAL MEDIA IS full of misinformation. If you want to make sure you’re getting foolproof, science-backed fitness info, look for no further follow than 61-year-old Brad Schoenfeld, Ph.D., C.S.C.S..
Schoenfeld is a professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Recreation at Lehman College in NYC, and a leading researcher on muscle building and fat loss. He’s also competed as a drug-free body builder for most of his life. A self-coined “fitness myth-buster,” his page is a one-stop shop for real tips and tricks for body composition.
HIS ADVICE: “The aging process tends to impair recovery; you simply cannot recuperate as well at 50 vs when you were 20. Thus, it’s important to be cognizant of how your body responds to training and manage exercise volume and frequency accordingly,” he says.
Cameron Shayne
CAMERON SHAYNE’S INSTAGRAM feed looks a bit different from that of your traditional male fitness influencer. Instead of hulking around big weights, you’ll find the 52-year-old crawling on the floor, demonstrating impressive feats of mobility, and taking down guys half his age in Jiu-Jitsu fights.
In the 90s, Shayne established himself as one of the pioneering voices and teachers of contemporary yoga, martial arts and the movement culture in Los Angeles. In 2001, he designed Budokon Mixed Movement Arts by combining the combat arts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts together with yoga, crawling patterns, mobility, calisthenics, and cognitive studies into a single black belt system. Now, he trains some of the best professional UFC, ADCC, and Bellator fighters in the world. Now, he takes his teachings to social media, where he’s gained quite a following.
HIS ADVICE: “Athletic longevity depends greatly on joint mobility. Focus on the 3 essential qualities of joint health: mobility, flexibility and strength,” he says.
This is just the beginning. See what else guys at 50+ are thinking, doing, and crushing here.
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Fitness
Fitness coach debunks 8 ‘crazy’ exercise myths women still believe: From periods and workouts to weightlifting
Despite growing awareness around fitness and women’s health, several outdated exercise myths continue to persist. From misconceptions about strength training to beliefs surrounding periods, pregnancy and weight loss, many women still receive advice that isn’t backed by science. These myths can not only slow progress but also discourage women from prioritising their health and fitness. (Also read: Can eating too much protein be harmful? Experts explain why excess intake may do more harm than good )
Fitness coach Zoe recently addressed some of the most common misconceptions women continue to hear in a June 12 Instagram post titled, “craziest exercise myths women still hear.” Here’s what she had to say:
1. Periods mean complete bed rest
According to Zoe, menstruation does not mean you need to stop exercising altogether. “No. You can train. Just adjust intensity if needed,” she wrote, explaining that while energy levels may fluctuate during different phases of the menstrual cycle, movement and exercise can still be beneficial.
2. After marriage or kids, fitness is not important
Many women are often made to feel that fitness should take a back seat after major life changes such as marriage or motherhood. Zoe strongly disagrees. “That is exactly when it becomes more important,” she said, highlighting the need to maintain strength, mobility and overall health while navigating increased responsibilities.
3. A C-section means your core is gone forever
Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be challenging, but Zoe says it doesn’t mean women should give up on rebuilding strength. “Wrong. It means you need rebuilding, not giving up,” she wrote, emphasising that gradual rehabilitation and proper training can help restore core function.
4. Walking around the house is enough exercise
While daily movement is important, Zoe points out that it isn’t the same as a structured workout. “No. That is movement, not full training,” she explained, noting that a balanced fitness routine should include strength, mobility and cardiovascular exercises.
5. Sweating more means more fat loss
Many people associate excessive sweating with effective fat burning, but Zoe says that’s a common misunderstanding. “No. It means you are hot,” she wrote. Sweat is the body’s cooling mechanism and does not necessarily reflect the number of calories burned or fat lost.
6. Running will ruin your uterus, boobs or joints
This long-standing myth often discourages women from running or high-impact activities. “No. Poor preparation and weak support is the issue,” Zoe said, stressing the importance of proper training, supportive gear and gradually building endurance.
7. Women should only do yoga, not weights
Strength training is still viewed by some as a male-dominated form of exercise, but Zoe believes women benefit greatly from lifting weights. “Women need strength too,” she wrote, highlighting how resistance training supports muscle mass, bone health, metabolism and overall fitness.
8. Carbs at night make you fat
Carbohydrates often get unfairly blamed for weight gain, especially when eaten in the evening. “No. Overeating does,” Zoe explained, pointing out that overall calorie intake and dietary patterns matter far more than the timing of carbohydrate consumption.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
For Hobart teacher Mary Holton, health means everything.
She started feeling the squeeze from cost-of-living pressures when fuel prices spiked again.
“Going out for just fitness alone was a bit much,”
she said.
Mary Holton says since joining the group, her fitness across the board has improved. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Many Tasmanians are feeling cost-of-living pressures in a very physical way, with locals saying exercise routines are being dropped, health appointments delayed and wellbeing pushed to the bottom of the list as budgets tighten.
Ms Holton relies on multiple physiotherapy sessions each week, but says paid fitness classes simply are not an option.
“That costs … so to actually go to other classes as well, it’s out of my budget really.“
Ollie Mathewson conducts a free workout session. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
National data shows that almost half of Australians already fall short of minimum physical activity guidelines, and rising prices are making even basic care unaffordable for many.
Consultant clinical psychologist academic Kimberley Norris says this is exactly how unhealthy patterns begin.
“We tend to focus on the most stressful thing first … and health is one of those things we don’t think about until things go wrong,”
Professor Norris said.
Kimberley Norris says humans tend to focus on alleviating stress first and foremost, and warns de-prioritising health can become a cycle. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
For Ms Holton, going to a free workout group in her local community was a game-changer.
“Came down and absolutely loved it. It’s really nice to have a group and it just keeps growing,” she said.
Finding a free exercise group has drastically improved her health, as noted by her GP, and she is part of a growing trend.
Free exercise classes become a lifeline
At a community exercise class in South Arm, south-east of Hobart, the mood is upbeat, with laughter, movement, and a sense of relief.
Participation has more than doubled in the past year, with more than 100 Tasmanians now involved.
Trainer Ollie Mathewson said the surge was unmistakable.
“It’s free of charge for everybody … and over the last 12 months I’ve noticed a lot more people starting to come along,”
he said.
Ollie Mathewson says attendance at his classes has almost doubled over the past year. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Across greater Hobart, free and low-cost alternatives are multiplying and include walking groups, community-run circuits, and morning and afternoon fitness meet-ups.
Tasmanians are increasingly organising their own solutions.
Mr Mathewson said connections drive outcomes.
“A lot of people talk about weight and strength, which are obviously insanely important, having other people there to push you single every week makes it a hundred times easier.“
Professor Norris said one’s health can be prioritised for free.
“What we know about health is, it’s more about sustainable wellbeing, it’s about quality of life,” she said.
“So rather than focusing on how much you can deadlift, how far you can run, it’s about how your life has improved and how close your life is to the way you want to live it.”
She said free options were vital because once people stop moving, it becomes harder to start again.
“If we develop routines in which health is not a priority, then we almost get stuck in this cycle of health always being last.“
Health appointments being delayed or dropped
For some Tasmanians, the financial pressure is forcing even tougher choices.
Amy Dakin says she can’t even think about getting a gym membership with all the other costs of living on her mind. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Amy Dakin, who lives with a compromised immune system, often has no choice but to delay essential care.
“My health needs to be prioritised, but your bills come first, really,” she said.
Jordyn Rowbottom says she’s not the only one changing her hobbies to save on costs. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
Jordyn Rowbottom has seen the same pattern around her.
“People are being forced to cut what they can access,”
she said.
Professor Norris warns that these short-term decisions can create long-term harm, not just for individuals, but for the broader health system.
She said the combination of financial pressure and reduced physical activity would create a public health challenge.
Trainers adapting to shrinking budgets
Personal trainer Nickola Orr works with clients across different income levels, ages and needs.
She said affordability now shapes almost every program she designs.
“You want to make sure they can get as much help as they can within their price range,”
she said.
Nickola Orr is concerned about access to fitness and health services in the face of rising cost pressures. (ABC News: Jake Grant)
With the median individual spend on fitness in Tasmania sitting at almost $600 last year, Ms Orr said the warning signs were already visible.
“We’re going to see more results of long-term neglect; higher injuries, more need for mental health assistance. It’s going to snowball.”
Her concerns echo Professor Norris’s academic findings that once healthy routines break down, the consequences ripple for years.
“The changes are very small … while they add up over time, there is no immediate impact,”
Ms Orr said.
Calls for more free and low-cost options
Mr Mathewson hopes the success of free community classes will inspire governments and private operators to expand accessible fitness programs.
“More free options would be a great thing. There are a few now, but there should be more,” he said.
The Tasmanian government has said it will release its 20-year preventive health strategy this month, titled The Health Revolution.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the strategy “will address the broader social, economic, and environmental factors that influence health and wellbeing”.
“Specific issues about access to health services and programs are being considered through the Access to Health Services project, a Commonwealth-State partnership.
“The Health Revolution will complement that project by addressing the root causes of poor health and the underlying conditions to make it easier for Tasmanians to live well.“
If you’ve been faithfully logging your 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, you’re getting the recommended weekly about of cardio. But a new study1 suggests that for women in midlife, that standard benchmark may not be moving the needle on cardiovascular fitness as much as we’ve assumed. Here’s what you need to know.
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