Strength · Muscle · Longevity · Life — after 40
The iron doesn't care how old you are.
Training, nutrition, and recovery for lifters in their forties and beyond. No hacks, no hype — just what works when there's mileage on the frame and no time to waste.
What we cover
Five plates. One bar. A stronger second half.
VO₂ max, bone density, and grip — train today for the decade after next.
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VO2 Max After 40: The Number That Predicts Your Next 30 Years
VO2 max is the single best predictor of how long you'll live — and most lifters let it quietly collapse while chasing PRs. Here's what it measures, why it matters more than your bench, and how to train it without becoming a runner.
Hip Hook Review: The Tool That Got Me Back Under the Bar
Years of SI joint pain, one tool, and the book that comes with it. My honest Hip Hook review: what it did, who it's for, and whether it's worth the money.
Reps in Reserve (RIR): The Lifting Skill That Matters More After 40
Reps in reserve is the number of clean reps you had left when you racked the bar. Learn to read it honestly and you can train hard without grinding yourself down.
Why 1,200 mg Ibuprofen Helps Lifters 40+ but Harms Young Muscle Growth
How ibuprofen dose and timing affect muscle growth for lifters 40+. Safe guidance on occasional use and when to consult a doctor.
Who's behind the iron
Not a guru. A lifter with mileage.
IronAtForty is written by people who train — coaches and lifelong lifters on the far side of forty who've torn things, rebuilt them, and kept showing up.
Every article is sourced and every program is field-tested. Nothing here is trying to sell you youth. We're teaching you strength — the kind that compounds.
The programming I follow
I write my own training in Center Mass Strength. 14 days free if you want to try the app.