Training advice for an older lifter

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

My dad recently retired from the fire department after 35 years. He has long enjoyed exercise but this mostly consists of cardio. The closest he gets to strength training is HIIT circuits with dumbbells or kettlebells. I know he would benefit from more conventional strength training but he is apprehensive. His main concern is what he perceives as a high injury risk associated with lifting weights. The only real reference point he has is me who trains and competes in powerlifting. My concern is that he will continue doing high impact movements such as running, or repetitive kettlebell movements and end up with more beat up joints. What advice/ programming should I try to introduce him to? How would you go about addressing the concerns of an older lifter who will be a novice at 56?

Thanks!

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There aren’t really any age-specific programming considerations.

As far as addressing his concerns, if he is asking for your input and open to the conversation then you can provide data on RT injuries. I covered a ton of it here. If he’s not open to talking about it, I probably wouldn’t make it weird by bringing it up.

I also think we should move away from the “beat-up joints” idea. That’s unlikely to be productive in discussing this, if your father is amenable.

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