Dramatic? Yes. But if you’re like me (a woman of a certain age) chances are you’ve been fed years (if not decades) of messaging that says exercise is all about shrinking your body, making yourself smaller, and avoiding getting too bulky.
Maybe you’ve spent years chasing a mythical target number of ‘calories burned’ or punishing yourself for what you ate.
But what if you found a way to move your body that was empowering and energizing?
That’s where strength training ( for women, especially!) comes in, especially in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. And no, you don’t need to spend hours in the gym or lift heavy barbells to benefit from it!
A simple strength training split called Push/Pull/Legs can help you build muscles and feel strong — all without the burnout or guilt.
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Let’s talk about why strength training is so essential in midlife, what a push/pull/legs routine actually looks like, and how to get started in a way that honors your body, not battles it.
Why Strength Training Is Essential for Women in Midlife
There are a lot of myths out there about exercise for women — especially as we age. But here’s the truth: lifting weights or using resistance isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about longevity, energy, and feeling like yourself again.
Here’s why strength training becomes especially powerful in your 40s, 50s, and 60s:
Mental Health & Confidence
Strength training is strongly linked to reduced anxiety, depression, and body dissatisfaction. There’s something deeply affirming about getting stronger — and watching your body show up for you in a new way.
Muscle Preservation
Starting around age 30, women begin to lose muscle mass naturally (a process called sarcopenia). By midlife, that muscle loss can accelerate — unless we actively maintain it through strength training.
Bone Density
Concerned about osteopenia or osteoporosis? Resistance training is one of the best ways to improve bone strength and reduce your risk of fractures.
Metabolism Support
Strength training can help support your metabolism and energy levels.
Everyday Functionality
Whether it’s lifting groceries, getting off the floor, or just feeling more balanced, strength training improves real-life function. It’s not just about workouts — it’s about living better and feeling stronger!
What Is a Push/Pull/Legs Strength Training Split?
If you’ve ever Googled “how to start strength training,” you might’ve felt overwhelmed by workout jargon. One beginner-friendly and flexible way to train is using the Push/Pull/Legs (PPL) split.
Here’s what that means:
- 1 Push Day: Exercises that target pushing muscles — chest, shoulders, and triceps
- 1 Pull Day: Exercises that target pulling muscles — back and biceps
- 1 Leg Day: Exercises that target the lower body — quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves
Why PPL Works for Midlife Women
- It’s easy to structure your week (3 workouts with rest or light activity days in between)
- It’s customizable — start with bodyweight or resistance bands, and build from there
- It balances the whole body so you don’t overwork certain areas or create imbalances
And the best part? You can do it in 15–30 minutes per session, at home or in the gym.
Beginner-Friendly Movement Examples
Not sure where to start? These beginner variations are joint-friendly and modifiable.
PUSH DAY (Upper Body – Push Movements)
- Wall Push-Ups or Incline Push-Ups (on a bench or countertop)
Targets: Chest, shoulders, triceps - Overhead Press (using dumbbells or resistance bands)
Targets: Shoulders and upper back - Triceps Dips (on a sturdy chair or step)
Targets: Back of the arms
PULL DAY (Upper Body – Pull Movements)
- Bent-Over Rows (with resistance bands or light dumbbells)
Targets: Mid-back and biceps - Bicep Curls
Targets: Front of the arms - Face Pulls (with bands)
Targets: Rear delts and posture muscles
LEG DAY
- Bodyweight Squats or Sit-to-Stand from a chair
Targets: Quads, glutes - Glute Bridges
Targets: Glutes and hamstrings - Step-Ups (onto a stair or low box)
Targets: Balance, legs, and coordination
Optional: Add a core finisher like bird-dog, dead bug, or side planks to any session.
How to Build a Weekly Strength Training Program
Here’s what your week could look like with a PPL routine:
| Day | Workout Type |
|---|---|
| Monday | Push Day |
| Tuesday | Walk, stretch, or rest |
| Wednesday | Pull Day |
| Thursday | Rest or light yoga |
| Friday | Legs Day |
| Saturday | Active rest (hike, swim, gentle movement) |
| Sunday | Rest or mindful movement |
Not every week will go perfectly — and that’s okay. The goal is consistency, not perfection.
Ditching Harmful Messaging Around Strength Training for Women
Let’s be honest — a lot of fitness content out there still reinforces harmful ideas. “Earn your food,” “shred your body,” or “get your summer arms” is the kind of messaging that pushes women to disconnect from their bodies.
You don’t need to change how you look to be worthy of strength. You don’t need to push through pain, restrict your meals, or work out as punishment.
This version of strength training for women is about building trust. It’s about reconnecting with a body you may have spent years criticizing. It’s about reclaiming movement as something that serves you, not a scale.
Ready to Get Started?
Midlife isn’t a time to slow down — it’s a time to shift the way we care for ourselves. Strength training is one of the most powerful, empowering things you can do for your body, your mind, and your sense of self.
And with a simple, doable structure like the push/pull/legs split, it doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
Start small. Stay consistent. And remember: the goal isn’t to change your body — it’s to support it so you can live better, longer!
Be sure to check out this podcast episode: Taking the Scary out of Strength Training
