I spent some time at a local gym observing the exercises being used to stay in shape. Most of the people in the gym were 25 to 35 years old.
Most, if not all, were doing aerobic exercise. In the limited time I was observing, no one was lifting weights to gain strength. I didn’t see any older people or anyone doing a programmed workout routine.
Visiting an “open gym’ in Oregon, which requires a minimal entrance fee, showed a crowd, with everyone seemingly in their late teens to early twenties. It reminded me of an elementary school recess period, with some tried to exercise with four people provided instructions. I did see one person working out his “mirror muscles’ with a set of dumbbells.
Again, there was nothing resembling a programmed workout routine and it did not appear to be a place that welcomed older or professional people.
Neither of these gyms had a qualified barbell weight training coach on staff who could draw up a workout routine and actually teach folks how to become stronger. Instead they had
routine exercising. Full transparency, I am a barbell weight training coach, and I know that people are looking for a gym that can meet their needs — someone who can show them how to become stronger for the years lying ahead.
A gym for the older set, with individual attention
Most people would consider the gym I operate as a “one-off”. I only work with men and women forty and older. It is a small gym with one squat rack, barbells, weights and a treadmill. Because I only have one squat rack and I’m the only coach I decided some time ago that I would take no more than one trainee at a time, which works well for the trainee and for the coach.
I have no credentials hanging on my wall. I’ve taken no special weight lifting classes. I have no state certifications or special mentions. For the better part of my 81 years I tried
a variety of exercise routines and equipment and found them wanting and useless. About ten years ago I came upon Starting Strength Gyms, a growing and highly regarded fran-
chise that caters to older and professional people. But, in reality, there will never be a Starting Strength Gym in the Toledo area as the criteria for a new gym location is a population base of one million.
Despite the realities of our metro population, I was determined to learn and practice the Starting Strength Method, to become stronger and fit. I began my journey with a fitful start — unlearning bad lifting habits while learning new lifting techniques.
After a time, I have adapted to this new way of training and completedthe Starting Strength Novice training program, advancing to the Intermediate level when I was in my late 70’s.
Serving an older demographic
Reasons why a professional or elderly person might want to train with me, include that I offer training with one of the best training methods, a program designed to work every time.
Your body will have no choice but to tag along and enjoy the fruits of your exercising. As an older person myself, I gave this routine a 50/50 chance of working and, to my delight, it has paid off.
I have nearly ten years of experience in learning, lifting and growing with this program. My gym is well maintained, fully functional and has one-on-one instruction, assuring that every lift is done safely, without distractions. Your allotted time belongs to you alone.
I understand that there are not many people looking for this type of experience and, because of limited space, time and scheduling, I am unable to help any more than 10 students per month, some of whom will undoubtedly continue working with me. There is a fee charged but my only goal is to help you by making you stronger and healthier. If I can do that for you, I will be happy.
I look forward to hearing from those who are interested as well as anyone curious about this body changing program being offered in the Toledo area. No previous experience is necessary. You will start the program where your strength allows.
Contact Bob Baker
Three 5’s Barbell Strength Training email:
gh68bb@gmail.com, 419-277-6581
