Updated
Updated · Fit and Well · Jun 21
83-Year-Old Trainer Harry King Prescribes 3x12 Strength Routine for Over-65s to Cut Falls
Updated
Updated · Fit and Well · Jun 21

83-Year-Old Trainer Harry King Prescribes 3x12 Strength Routine for Over-65s to Cut Falls

1 articles · Updated · Fit and Well · Jun 21

Summary

  • Harry King, 83, says adults over 65 can reduce falls and injuries with resistance training that preserves muscle mass and slows bone-density loss.
  • His plan starts with a 5- to 10-minute cardio warm-up, followed by 45 to 60 minutes of lifting—five to seven exercises for three sets of 12 reps.
  • King splits upper- and lower-body days and advises a two-day rest before training the same muscle group again to help prevent injury.
  • Despite advanced osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, King still trains four days a week and says older adults can progress much like younger athletes if they increase loads gradually and keep good form.
  • He recommends changing the program every two to three months and urges seniors to consult a doctor or certified trainer before starting.

Insights

If weight training is the 'fountain of youth,' why isn't it a standard prescription in elder care?
As more seniors train like athletes, how will this redefine our cultural expectations of aging?