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Build Strength After 40: How to Future-Proof Your Body Starting Today with Will Harlow

Tamsen Fadal

55,901 views

If you want to build strength after 40, this episode with Will Harlow is for you.This conversation is for the woman who wants to make sure she is doing the right things for her health today so she can live longer, stronger, and more confidently well into her 80s and beyond. You'll learn the most effective strength training regimen, how to combat muscle loss in perimenopause and menopause, falls prevention techniques, and how to finally heal from chronic injuries like back pain and frozen shoulder.

Physiotherapist and best-selling author of the new book Independence for Life: The Complete Guide to Building Strength and Regaining Mobility Beyond 50, Will Harlow, joins The Tamsen Show to explain why muscle, bone, and joints change with age, what is actually driving those changes, and the specific, evidence-based protocols that reverse them.

Will shares a precise, actionable framework for building strength, preserving mobility, and protecting skeletal health without spending hours in the gym.

Will Harlow and Tamsen discuss:
Why muscle loss and strength loss in women starts at 30, not 50, and what that means for the choices you are making right now
The 3-2-1 method for building strength
The four pillars of independence
Why the pain going away does not mean the problem is fixed
The rule for finally breaking the cycle of recurring injuries in women over 50
Why perimenopause and menopause make women more vulnerable to frozen shoulder (and what to do about it)
How to build balance and prevent falls
The one form of exercise that can transform your health
What a realistic strength training and mobility week looks like

MORE FROM THE TAMSEN SHOW:
If you liked this conversation, check this out The Muscle Episode: Get Stronger, Look Better & Reverse Your Biological Age (https://bit.ly/tts-yt-shannon-will) and How Getting Stronger as You Age Can Change Everything (https://bit.ly/tts-yt-gabrielle-will)

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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
05:47 The Moment One Patient Changed Everything About Aging and Mobility
09:26 What Really Happens to Women’s Bodies Between 40 and 60
12:43 How to Rebuild Strength After 40 in Just 20 Minutes Twice a Week
15:48 The Simple 3-2-1 Strength Training Method for Beginners
17:54 Can Women in Their 70s and 90s Still Build Muscle and Balance?
19:32 Why Recurring Back Pain and Injuries Keep Coming Back
23:51 Frozen Shoulder in Menopause, Causes, Pain Relief, and Recovery
27:39 The 4 Pillars of Healthy Aging, Strength, Mobility, Balance, and Bone Health
33:16 Exercise Snacks, The Easiest Way to Improve Balance and Prevent Falls
38:46 Is Walking Enough Exercise After 50? What Women Need to Know
42:59 The Estrogen Patch Shortage and Why More Women Are Using Hormone Therapy
50:10 Low Testosterone in Women, Symptoms, Libido, Energy, and Treatment Options

Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show.

ABOUT TAMSEN:
Tamsen is a journalist, NYT best-selling author, podcast host, filmmaker and menopause advocate. As host of The Tamsen Show Podcast, she’s become a powerful voice in the conversation about midlife. She is the creator and producer of The (M) Factor and The (M) Factor 2, groundbreaking documentaries calling for change in how we approach women’s health. For more check out: https://www.tamsenfadal.com/

#strengthtraining #willharlow #thetamsenshow

20 Comments

@winterberry-wildlife-video 4 months ago

I've watched a lot of Will's videos and what makes him stand out is his empathy for older adults - his understanding that they are more vulnerable to injury and that recovery takes longer. I've seen 5 different PT's and not one had as much empathy or awareness as Will conveys in his videos. Most of them are young athletes who were probably taught about the physical challenges faced by older adults but they cannot empathize because they have not yet experienced it themselves. It's rare for someone so young to have that capacity like Will does.

@debbiec6216 4 months ago

I follow Will Harlow everyday , he's such a caring person and that makes him special .

@GlobalMenopauseCollective 4 months ago

This is such an important reminder that strength after 40 is not about looking fit; it is about protecting mobility, confidence, bones, balance, and independence for the years ahead.

@neilmiller4611 4 months ago

I'm a 72-yr-old male. I've been watching Will's YouTube videos for 3 years. I love his approach because it helps me prevent future problems before they happen. He's like having headlights on my health and fitness. All of my exercises came from his videos. It feels like I'm getting stronger as I age, not weaker. He comes across as a genuine person who cares so I tend to trust him.

@debbiec6216 4 months ago (edited)

I said it one time, I'll say it again, this young man deserves 100 million Subscribers & Viewers!
I always recommend family and friends to Will Harlow to watch his videos and buy his books.
It pays to be honest and help others, and you will receive rewards. 7:53 - 8: 25 This section on Video so true.
As long as, I been watching Will Harlow videos , made me realize, he truly cares for the elderly and how much he wanted them to be healthy too.
And be able to get back to normal as soon as possible. He wasn't going to give up!!! Bless him !!

@AbCd-zu7nr 4 months ago

Less than ten mins in and I want to give this young man a hug! As a failed NHS user in pain!

@constitutioncat 4 months ago

i know it’s gonna be a good day when 2 people i follow on you tube get together. thank you both!!

@annegousha9484 4 months ago

This young man is amazing in so many ways. I have been a follower and subscriber to his Channel for years. He always offers solid insight, advice and guidance. His compassion and knowledge is so inspiring and appreciated. I cannot say enough positive things about him. He is a real star!

@yvettebennett6170 4 months ago

Will has changed my life and how I approach my fitness.
I am 57 and I have been working on the 4 pillars for a few years now. When I need help, I watch Will, which means I watch will on the daily. 😂

@listerutube 4 months ago

I have also been following Will for over a year or two. He is a solid honest performer. He deserves any success he receives.

@nanjohnston 4 months ago

Will and his YouTube channel lead me to our local gym for help with muscle loss, bone health and strength. His gentle nature is very encouraging. So enjoyed this interview. Thank you for sharing.

@lr1974 4 months ago (edited)

I've been following Will Harlow for a while on YouTube. He is not only clearly good at his hands-on work, but he's an excellent teacher to laypeople about how we can use his expertise to enhance our own lives. These two skills together are rare and part of why he's so popular. Also, I really respect his encyclopedic knowledge of all the latest research in his field.

@wadisanaa 4 months ago

he always speaks in a clear language

@lotusflower4175 4 months ago

The 4 pillars of independence: 1. Mobility - how well you can move your joints.
2. Strength - muscle strength against resistance. Muscles are your longevity organ. More muscles = longer life
3. Balance - prevent falls and maintain confidence without wch leads to isolation.
4. Skeletal health - bones and joints.

The 4 legs of a table. Lose 1 the table becomes wobbly at best. Lose 2 and the whole table falls down.

@LynnFronk 2 months ago

Will Harlow...how compassionate you are! Thank you for being caring, encouraging and motivating to all of us over 60! It is so easy to feel dismissed with each passing year. You are a true blessing!!!!

@ottersmama 4 months ago

Will is so knowledgeable and sincere! He is a true gem!💎 Thankful for his service!!!!!

@colleen4029 4 months ago (edited)

I watched my mostly sedentary mother in law go through hell with increasing orthopedic injuries until she finally had to have a hip replacement at 82. Fortunately she got some good care and has recovered well. But she has to be reminded to walk and keep up with her exercises because when you are used to being sedentary at home and not being exercise minded, it’s easy to slip back into old habits. I think my generation (early 60s) has a better appreciation of how exercise can keep us going. Will is one of my go-to people on YouTube. Even made hubby watch a video or two.

@shirleydilleshaw5289 4 months ago

Will has helped me so much. He’s a true hero for seniors. Great interview!

@lewellynbyrd1669 2 months ago

Thank you for having Will on. I have found him recently and find him a good resource along with my ongoing strength training, physical therapy, and cardio to maintain mobility w/MS.