Working as a personal trainer in Brighton for the last 25 years, I’ve trained in nearly every independent gym the city has ever had. Some came and went like old training partners you barely remember. Others… I still visit today, and the machines feel like familiar old friends — the kind where just gripping the handles brings back whole phases of my life.

When people think of strength training, they often think of punishing workouts and young athletes pushing themselves to the limit.

The truth is much simpler. Strength training is, and should be for everyone. I’ve been a personal trainer in Brighton now well over 20 years and one things I’ve discovered is the best things you can do for your longevity, mobility and long-term health.

Training to failure means taking a set to the point where you physically can’t complete another rep with good form — not just when it starts to hurt.

For example, during a dumbbell curl, you keep lifting as the rep speed slows down, your arms shake, and finally, no matter how much you grit your teeth or shout, the dumbbells won’t move another millimetre. That’s true muscular failure.

Most women still worry that lifting weights will make them bulky — but the truth couldn’t be further from that. Resistance training is one of the most powerful tools for bone density, metabolic health, and longevity, especially after 30.

1. Training Too Hard, Too Often

Pushing yourself every session might feel productive, but recovery drives progress.

If you’re constantly sore, sleeping badly, or feeling flat in the gym, you’re likely overtraining and under-recovering.

Fix:

Plan deloads every 4–6 weeks, manage intensity, and prioritise sleep.

Most people need 2–3 hard sessions per week — not six.