3 Mistakes Men Over 40 Make in the Gym (and How to Fix Them)
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3 Mistakes Men Over 40 Make in the Gym (and How to Fix Them)

Walk into any gym and you’ll see it: midlife men wandering from one machine to the next like they’re on a guided tour of Planet Fitness. A few biceps curls here, a random chest press there, and then maybe a bit of cardio if they’re feeling guilty about the weekend’s beers and pizza.

Sound familiar?

The truth is, most men in midlife want results; more strength, more energy, more muscle, and a body they actually feel good about.

But the way they train often works against them. They’re putting in the effort, but not getting the payoff.

That’s because they’re making the same three mistakes I see over and over again.

Let’s break them down.

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Why the Dad Bod Isn't Harmless—And What You Can Do About It
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Why the Dad Bod Isn't Harmless—And What You Can Do About It

When we think about muscle, we often picture movement and physical strength. While it's undeniably crucial for locomotion and performance, muscle plays an equally vital role behind the scenes—boosting metabolism, supporting fat loss, and enhancing overall health. As men navigating midlife, building and preserving lean muscle isn't merely beneficial—it's essential.

Yet most men in midlife aren't training effectively to support their health, boost testosterone, and decrease the risk of obesity and chronic disease. Look around any office and you'll likely see a worrying trend: many men are overweight and undermuscled.

Diet is certainly important, but alone it's insufficient. Cutting calories, intermittent fasting, and skipping meals might seem effective short-term, but these methods can slow your metabolism, often leading to weight regain once regular eating resumes.

There’s a far better solution—one that allows you to eat like a man, boost your metabolism, and lose belly fat sustainably.

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Unlock Muscle Growth in Midlife: The Power of Stepping Loads"
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Unlock Muscle Growth in Midlife: The Power of Stepping Loads"

As men in midlife, building and maintaining muscle becomes crucial not just for looking and feeling good, but also for long-term health and longevity. Muscle mass plays a key role in supporting weight loss, improving metabolic health, and maintaining overall vitality. A powerful yet simple tool for muscle building is the concept of stepping loads—a structured approach to progressively increasing the weight you lift, which forces your muscles to adapt, grow stronger, and support better health outcomes.

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Slow Down, Get Stronger: A Simple Trick for Men in Midlife
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Slow Down, Get Stronger: A Simple Trick for Men in Midlife

As we hit midlife, staying strong and fit can feel like more of a challenge. The body isn’t bouncing back as quickly, and we may start noticing aches and pains we never had before. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to give up on strength or movement quality. One simple trick can help you build muscle, improve your form, and even prevent injury—moving slowly during your workouts.

Sounds too simple, right? But it works. And here’s why.

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Why Zone 2 Cardio is the Secret Weapon for Midlife Men
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Why Zone 2 Cardio is the Secret Weapon for Midlife Men

Let's be honest, Mavericks. Traditional cardio can feel like a chore. Hours spent pounding the pavement or battling the elliptical monotony leave many men questioning its effectiveness.

But what if I told you there's a different type of cardio, one that actually optimises your body for longevity and overall health?

Enter Zone 2 cardio, your secret weapon for a healthier, more vibrant midlife.

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Ditch the Cardio Obsession: Why Strength Training is Your Midlife Must-Do
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Ditch the Cardio Obsession: Why Strength Training is Your Midlife Must-Do

Let's face it, fellas. Midlife hits, and the whole "fitness thing" can feel like a confusing mess.

Cardio or weights?

Long, boring runs or pump sessions at the gym?

Here's the truth: both cardio and strength training have their benefits. But when it comes to building a stronger, healthier YOU in your midlife years, strength training takes the gold.

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Should Men In Midlife do more Cardio?
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Should Men In Midlife do more Cardio?

This is a common question I often get asked by men in midlife who want to stay in shape, avoid chronic disease and have more vitality.

Cardio training should be secondary to strength training. If you're a man in midlife, you should prioritise strength training for long-term health and vitality - I've written about this in the blog Why Building Lean Muscle Mass Is Non-Negotiable For Men Over 40.

Once your strength training is in check, you can add cardio.

Not all cardio is equal, and our chosen type must depend on our goals.

How do you structure your cardio training?

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