One of the biggest causes of nagging aches and pains as we age is inactivity. The body adapts to whatever we repeatedly do. If we sit more, we become better at sitting. Hips tighten. Thoracic mobility decreases. Ankles stiffen. Shoulders lose movement. The body starts moving less efficiently, and eventually something starts barking at us.

Your bones are more than scaffolding. They serve as anchors for your muscles, protect your organs, support your posture and they even tell a story about how you’ve moved, trained, recovered, and nourished yourself through the years. If you are over 50, you know that strength training and wise nutrition are no longer just optional, they’re foundational to your healthspan.

In this article, we’ll cover 6 foundational strength exercises that serve as pillars of a muscle-healthy routine.