The Never Too Old to Lift Podcast

About The Never Too Old to Lift Podcast

Do you feel like you're just "not a gym person"? You're not alone. Many adults over 50 believe that strength training isn't for someone like them - that they've left it too late, or that lifting weights is only for the young and already-fit. Never Too Old to Lift exists to change that belief. Hosted by Chris Tiley, a physiotherapist with 15+ years of experience, this podcast shows you that strength training is not only possible at any age, it's essential for maintaining independence, confidence, and quality of life as you get older. Each week, Chris shares practical, safe guidance on building strength specifically designed for older adults. You'll learn how to adapt exercises around your limitations, start safely from scratch, and build a sustainable strength training routine that works for your body and your life. Whether you're worried about injury, overwhelmed by conflicting fitness advice, or simply don't know where to start, this podcast will help you take that first step. You'll discover: - How to start strength training safely, even if you've never lifted weights before - Exercise adaptations for common conditions like arthritis, back pain, and joint issues - Real stories from people over 50 who overcame their fears and got stronger - Practical advice from expert guests, including physiotherapists, nutritionists, and strength coaches - Simple progressions that help you build confidence while building strength Strength training isn't just about building muscle; it's about staying independent, playing with your grandchildren, maintaining your garden, and living life on your terms. You're never too old to get stronger. New episodes every Wednesday.

Publisher

Chris Tiley

Category

education · health & fitness · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Apr 2025

Latest episode

10 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

54 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Jun 2026

   The Three Principles Behind Every Good Training Program

   Ever finished a program and had no idea what to do next? Or followed a plan without really understanding why it was built the way it was? You're not alone. A lot of people are great at following programs but feel completely lost the moment the plan runs out, or when something needs to change. And the reason is almost always the same: nobody ever explained the principles behind the program in the first place. In this episode, Chris breaks down the three core principles that underpin every well-designed strength training program: Progressive overload: Why the body adapts to whatever you give it, and why that means you have to keep increasing the demands over time. It's not about more weight for the sake of it. It's about staying slightly ahead of what your body has already figured out. Variation: Why doing the same exercises indefinitely will eventually stop working, and how to change things strategically without losing the consistency that builds strength in the first place. Periodisation: Why well-designed programs move through different phases and rep ranges intentionally, and why that's actually protective for your joints as well as effective for your progress. This is part one of a two-part series. Next week, Chris takes these three principles and shows you exactly how to apply them in practice, including what to do when a program ends, how to know when it's time to change things, and what the next phase of your training should look like. Whether you're someone who's just finished their first program and isn't sure where to go next, or you've been training for a while and feel like your progress has stalled, this episode gives you the framework to start making decisions with confidence. This episode references Episode 2: How to Build Muscle Strength: https://nevertoooldtolift.com/podcast002 (https://nevertoooldtolift.com/podcast002) Shownotes: For the full show notes page, go to: https://nevertoooldtolift.com/podcast054/ (https://nevertoooldtolift.com/podcast054/) 📧 Questions? chris@nevertoooldtolift.com (mailto:chris@nevertoooldtolift.com) 📖 Free eBook: https://nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook (https://nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook) 💪 Stronger for Life course: https://nevertoooldtolift.com/course (https://nevertoooldtolift.com/course)

2. 

   27 May 2026

   Are Deadlifts Bad for Your Back? - Ep 53

   "I do go to the gym, but I don't do deadlifts, I know they're bad for my back." Chris hears this in the clinic regularly, and in this episode, he wants to challenge it. The fear around deadlifts is completely understandable, but the belief that they're dangerous might actually be leaving your back more vulnerable, not less. In this episode, Chris covers: Why the fear around deadlifts is so common, and where it usually comes from Why pain after a deadlift doesn't necessarily mean you've caused damage The concept of load tolerance, and why it changes everything Why avoiding the movement might be creating a bigger risk down the line How to introduce deadlifts safely, step by step, even if you've had a bad experience in the past When to seek professional guidance before getting started Whether you've been avoiding deadlifts for years or you're just nervous about starting, this episode will give you a clearer, more confident picture of what the evidence actually says. Links and resources: Free strength training guide: nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook Show notes: nevertoooldtolift.com/podcast053

3. 

   13 May 2026

   The Movement Pension: Why Menopausal Women Must Strength Train: Episode 52

   Episode 52: Most women in menopause are told to walk, swim, and do Pilates. But that advice is quietly costing them their bones, their joints, and their independence. In this episode, I'm joined by Sam Palmer, a former nurse turned menopause fitness coach, who has spent years helping women over 55 navigate the physical changes that menopause brings, and why the standard fitness advice simply isn't enough. We cover: Why oestrogen is your body's WD-40, and what happens to your joints when it disappears Sarcopenia: the silent muscle loss nobody warns you about Why swimming and cycling won't protect your bones (and what will) The "movement pension" mindset: Why 30 minutes of strength training today buys your freedom later How to start strength training even when something already hurts Menopause in the workplace, what employers get wrong and what women need "Please don't wait for nothing to hurt to start." Sam Palmer Whether you're in perimenopause, post-menopause, or supporting someone who is, this episode is essential listening. Connect with Sam Palmer: Website: https://www.midlifemakeover.co.uk/middle-age-health-and-fitness (https://www.midlifemakeover.co.uk/middle-age-health-and-fitness) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sampalmermidlifemakeover/ (https://www.instagram.com/sampalmermidlifemakeover/) Facebook / Community: https://www.facebook.com/samsmidlifemakeover (https://www.facebook.com/samsmidlifemakeover) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/midlifemakeover/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/midlifemakeover/) How you can get started with your strength training journey: Free Masterclass - Strength Training as an Older Adult - https://nevertoooldtolift.com/strength-training-masterclass/ (https://nevertoooldtolift.com/strength-training-masterclass/) Free Never Too Old to Lift eBook - https://nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook (https://nevertoooldtolift.com/ebook) Paperback version of Never Too Old to Lift from Amazon - https://geni.us/ntotlbook (https://geni.us/ntotlbook) Stronger for Life Course, Coaching, and Community - https://nevertoooldtolift.com/course (https://nevertoooldtolift.com/course) In-person physiotherapy appointment - https://christileyphysiotherapy.com/ (https://christileyphysiotherapy.com/) Got a question for a future Q&A? Email me at: chris@nevertoooldtolift.com (mailto:chris@nevertoooldtolift.com) Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered personalised medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new exercise programme, particularly if you have an existing health condition or injury.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

197,123

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.3 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 68 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

88

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

32

Contact The Never Too Old to Lift Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Shows with a similar audience

• 

  Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

• 

  The Dr Louise Newson Podcast

• 

  The Mel Robbins Podcast

• 

  Everyday Wellness

• 

  ZOE Science & Nutrition

• 

  HOT For Your Health