08/09/2026
But I’m active……
I hear this often, especially from new clients inquiring about training: “I’m already active.”
I also hear it from people who aren’t considering strength training because they believe their active lifestyle is all they need.
So, hear me out—I am not knocking an active lifestyle! Being active is far better than being sedentary. But “active” is a very large word with only a few letters, and being active does not always mean you are building or maintaining strength.
Mowing the yard, working in the flowerbeds, cleaning the house, walking a couple of days a week, climbing stairs at work to check gauges, and even playing the lovely game of pickleball are all great forms of movement. They are good for your body and your mind.
But these are everyday activities that we do—until one day, we can’t.
That is where I believe there is some misunderstanding: being active alone does not necessarily keep us strong.
We need strength to remain independent, and muscle is the key to building that strength. Muscle isn’t only important when we get older—we need it when we’re young, too!
To maintain and improve strength, we must challenge our muscles beyond what they are required to do during everyday activities. Walking does not challenge the muscles in the same way strength training does.
Now, I did not say walking isn’t good for you! I walk often, and I love it. Walking two to three miles a day, five to seven days a week, can be extremely beneficial. I encourage all my people to walk—but walking alone is not a strength-building program.
