He Started Strength Training at 85. This Is What Happened

<p>In this episode, I&#39;m joined by Mick Wadge, the 88-year-old weightlifting grandad who has taken TikTok by storm, and his coach, Ross Starkie.</p><p><br></p><p>Mick spent years caring for his wife Margaret, who had rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. When she died, he found himself at a loss, and carrying far more weight than he wanted to. So he took an old broom handle, hung two milk bottles full of water on it, and started training on his patio.</p><p><br></p><p>When he turned 85, his grandson booked him four sessions with Ross, a strength and conditioning coach who works with professional athletes. Three years on, Mick has deadlifted 100kg, come off his metformin, had a letter from Arnold Schwarzenegger and lifted on national television.</p><p><br></p><p>We talk about why so many people, health and fitness professionals included, are frightened of older people lifting weights, and why Ross thinks doing nothing is the bigger risk. Ross explains how he coached Mick up from an empty bar with nothing more complicated than adding a little weight over time, and why the things Mick already did every day were a squat, a hinge and a deadlift by another name.</p><p><br></p><p>We also talk about getting up off the floor, a skill that can matter far more than any personal best, and the technique Ross taught Mick that local firefighters have since asked to share.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode:</p><p>Caring for a partner, and putting your own health last</p><p>Starting with a broom handle and two milk bottles</p><p>Why a council gym can be a great place to start</p><p>What structured coaching adds as you get older</p><p>Why coaches are nervous of training older clients</p><p>Angina, prediabetes, and why Ross says keep the coffee and cake</p><p>Getting up off the floor, and why it matters</p><p>Arnold Schwarzenegger, This Morning, and saying no to Britain&#39;s Got Talent</p><p>What to look for in a gym and a coach</p><p>Why it is never too late to start</p><p><br></p><p>As Ross puts it: it&#39;s scarier not to do anything at all.</p><p><br></p><p>Follow Mick on TikTok: @old.man.mick2</p><p><br></p><p>If you enjoyed this, listen back to my conversation with Christine Hobson, who ran her first marathon in her 60s: &quot;At 50 She Was Struggling. At 73, She&#39;s Fitter Than Ever&quot;: https://pod.link/1762298788/episode/ZTkyNGE1YTYtZDM3ZC00NzY5LWI0ZTMtNWU3NDlmZDU4ZmRk</p>