I often get this question, where and how to restart after a break. This is what I do and what has worked for me, year after year.
Walking first, every day, before anything else. It's so simple and it works, the easiest thing most people can do.
Back in the gym for heavy compound lifts, twice a week to start. I'm getting the strength foundation back under me, not chasing the pump. This is not just good for me, I'm speaking in general terms. Resistance training is a must in midlife.
Food gets dialled in again. I always start with protein, I weigh my food, I track. Otherwise I'm just guessing.
If you need help with any of this, this is how I work:
✔️ In person
✔️ Outdoor sessions if you want to train in a group and accountability
✔️ Online coaching if you're doing it solo
✔️ The 8-week programme if you want the whole thing structured for you from day one
Message me and I'll help you figure out which one fits
DZ Personal Training
Strength focused personal trainer
Body transformations
Woking, Surrey
Officially kicking off my own 8-week lean physique run, starting properly next week.
Cardio's going up gradually, food's getting looked at properly, and there's a photoshoot booked at the end of it to keep me committed.
If you fancy doing your own version of this, there is still time to join. Who's in.
I train because looking good feels good. There, I said it.
Yes, health matters. But if "I want to look good" is your reason for walking into the gym today, that's a good enough reason on its own. No shame in it.
Look good, feel good. Simple as that.
Could have made this list a lot longer. But you get the message.
None of this happens from cardio or eating less. It comes from lifting heavy, eating enough to fuel it, and giving your body time to change.
That's the whole approach behind the 8 week programme. Message me if you want in.
Lower body edition.
I've been training with weights for 9 years now. Left a career in computer programming for this. Competed as a natural bodybuilder. None of that happened quickly, and it definitely didn't happen from doing a bit of cardio and cutting carbs.
Progressive overload is non-negotiable for building muscle. You have to lift more than you did last time, and you have to prioritise the compound lifts over anything else.
For lower body I think about it in planes of movement, not just "leg day."
Knee dominant: squats, lunges, step ups.
Hip dominant: deadlifts, RDLs, hip thrusts.
Isolation: leg curls for hamstrings, abductors.
Here's what's in this post:
→ Conventional Deadlift
→ Barbell Front Squat
→ Romanian Deadlift
→ Bulgarian Split Squat
→ Box Step Ups (Dumbbells, Smith machine)
→ Front Foot Elevated Lunge
→ Barbell Hip Thrust
→ Lying Leg Curl
→ Cable abductor machine
This isn't just about how it looks. In midlife, heavy compound lifting is one of the best things you can do for bone density and joint longevity, not just muscle. Lifting heavy protects you long after the physique goals stop.
Save this list. If you want the actual programming behind it, message me.
31/07/2026
July mostly spent away 🇭🇷😎
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