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Training for Your Old Lady Body: A Guide to Building Muscle and Mobility at Any Age
An empowering fitness guide from personal trainer Elizabeth Davies (@thiswomanlifts) designed to help you live a long, strong, healthy life with easy-to-follow strength training workout plans you can perform at home or in the gym, no matter your starting point.
Training for a bikini body? No, thank you. We’re training for dense bones, a healthy heart, good balance, and to maintain physical independence in our senior years. To carry our groceries up a flight of stairs. To play with our children and our grandchildren after them. We’re training for our old lady bodies.
Whether you are starting from scratch or a seasoned pro in the gym, these pages contain everything you need to know to strength train safely and effectively. This essential guide offers practical instruction and powerful motivation to build strength for life,
Sections highlighting pelvic floor health, mobility, and bone densityA training jargon dictionaryModifications for bodyweight exercisesTips on sleep health and protein intake Creating a routine that fits within busy schedulesAnd much more.Filled with expert guidance and 50 illustrations showcasing various exercises, this empowering companion will provide you with the tools and confidence to establish a healthy, consistent fitness practice, enabling you to feel your best and strongest at any age.
A NEW ANGLE ON Did you know “toning” is a marketing term to make building muscle more palatable for women? For decades, exercise has been packaged and sold as a means to an end for speedy physical 30 days to get shredded, 4 weeks to washboard abs, 8 weeks to a “bikini body.” Training for Your Old Lady Body breaks the mold, encouraging readers to train—not to become the smallest version of themselves, but to be able to carry groceries up the stairs independently at 90.
THE GIFT OF The best part about building muscle? It's never too late to start. A comprehensive guide to the benefits of weightlifting, this book offers a true omnibus of how and why it can make life more seamless and enjoyable. It makes the perfect gift for women of all ages and fitness levels.
EXPERT, AUTHORITATIVE Elizabeth Davies, founder of training platform This Woman Lifts, is a Certified Personal Trainer with qualifications in pre- and post-natal fitness. Her training emphasizes helping women build muscle to age strong, regardless of their stage in life—from young mothers to busy professionals to post-menopausal women.
Perfect
Women of all ages looking to build muscle for longevityBeginners in the gym looking for guidance on strength trainingSeasoned fitness enthusiastsFans of fitness and longevity bestsellers like Forever Strong and Outlive
Training for a bikini body? No, thank you. We’re training for dense bones, a healthy heart, good balance, and to maintain physical independence in our senior years. To carry our groceries up a flight of stairs. To play with our children and our grandchildren after them. We’re training for our old lady bodies.
Whether you are starting from scratch or a seasoned pro in the gym, these pages contain everything you need to know to strength train safely and effectively. This essential guide offers practical instruction and powerful motivation to build strength for life,
Sections highlighting pelvic floor health, mobility, and bone densityA training jargon dictionaryModifications for bodyweight exercisesTips on sleep health and protein intake Creating a routine that fits within busy schedulesAnd much more.Filled with expert guidance and 50 illustrations showcasing various exercises, this empowering companion will provide you with the tools and confidence to establish a healthy, consistent fitness practice, enabling you to feel your best and strongest at any age.
A NEW ANGLE ON Did you know “toning” is a marketing term to make building muscle more palatable for women? For decades, exercise has been packaged and sold as a means to an end for speedy physical 30 days to get shredded, 4 weeks to washboard abs, 8 weeks to a “bikini body.” Training for Your Old Lady Body breaks the mold, encouraging readers to train—not to become the smallest version of themselves, but to be able to carry groceries up the stairs independently at 90.
THE GIFT OF The best part about building muscle? It's never too late to start. A comprehensive guide to the benefits of weightlifting, this book offers a true omnibus of how and why it can make life more seamless and enjoyable. It makes the perfect gift for women of all ages and fitness levels.
EXPERT, AUTHORITATIVE Elizabeth Davies, founder of training platform This Woman Lifts, is a Certified Personal Trainer with qualifications in pre- and post-natal fitness. Her training emphasizes helping women build muscle to age strong, regardless of their stage in life—from young mothers to busy professionals to post-menopausal women.
Perfect
Women of all ages looking to build muscle for longevityBeginners in the gym looking for guidance on strength trainingSeasoned fitness enthusiastsFans of fitness and longevity bestsellers like Forever Strong and Outlive
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This wasn’t the book I was expecting. The author is a fitness instructor in her forties who walks us through all the reasons we need to exercise when we’re young to be mobile in our later years and which ways we need to do it. This is weight lifting, high impact exercise to strengthen bones (this is the first time I have read that walking is not enough, or even running — I have always heard that walking strengthens bones well), hip bending and moving in lots of ways. While she says it’s never too late, the book is really geared towards younger women, especially moms.
One of my biggest issues with the book is that it is only written for women without any kind of disability. There is a lot of very scary talk about how awful our older years will be if we don’t do all these kinds of movements and weight training. While I am lucky to not have physical restrictions yet, she has a list of all these things we won’t be able to do if we don’t start doing serious work now, and almost nothing on her list is something my husband (who has had septic polyarthritis since age 2) has ever been able to do in our thirty years of marriage. He has to sit on a stool to do dishes. He has never been able to run or jump. He will not be able to carry around our grandchildren because he’s unsteady on his feet. He’s had multiple surgeries, replacement parts, and fused joints. First of all, I’m glad he didn’t read this book because he would come away feeling like his life is horrible and bound to get worse. Secondly, there is absolutely no talk of how we can strengthen ourselves if we have any kind of disability other than just not being used to it.
The very end has a very few exercises, but the vast majority of the book is telling us why it’s so important to train in all these ways. I really don’t know how many sixty year old women are going to take up weightlifting, rebounding and serious training after reading this. I personally feel like she did make me think I need to do a lot more but I don’t feel confident or prepared, just kind of depressed.
The one thing I did appreciate from the book was the idea that any amount of movement is an investment in our future, just like any amount of money counts even if you can’t put aside the amount of money you want to. I really don’t know if I can take up deadlifting or become a hard core trainer but I will try to do more weight bearing exercises, be sure to try to use my hips, and try to find ways to jump and such with my kids more. And then I’ll try to do a little more and more.
I read a temporary online copy of this book via netgalley.
One of my biggest issues with the book is that it is only written for women without any kind of disability. There is a lot of very scary talk about how awful our older years will be if we don’t do all these kinds of movements and weight training. While I am lucky to not have physical restrictions yet, she has a list of all these things we won’t be able to do if we don’t start doing serious work now, and almost nothing on her list is something my husband (who has had septic polyarthritis since age 2) has ever been able to do in our thirty years of marriage. He has to sit on a stool to do dishes. He has never been able to run or jump. He will not be able to carry around our grandchildren because he’s unsteady on his feet. He’s had multiple surgeries, replacement parts, and fused joints. First of all, I’m glad he didn’t read this book because he would come away feeling like his life is horrible and bound to get worse. Secondly, there is absolutely no talk of how we can strengthen ourselves if we have any kind of disability other than just not being used to it.
The very end has a very few exercises, but the vast majority of the book is telling us why it’s so important to train in all these ways. I really don’t know how many sixty year old women are going to take up weightlifting, rebounding and serious training after reading this. I personally feel like she did make me think I need to do a lot more but I don’t feel confident or prepared, just kind of depressed.
The one thing I did appreciate from the book was the idea that any amount of movement is an investment in our future, just like any amount of money counts even if you can’t put aside the amount of money you want to. I really don’t know if I can take up deadlifting or become a hard core trainer but I will try to do more weight bearing exercises, be sure to try to use my hips, and try to find ways to jump and such with my kids more. And then I’ll try to do a little more and more.
I read a temporary online copy of this book via netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've read three different books in the last two months that mentioned muscle loss after 30 (who needs ghost stories? just tell me about sarcopenia, and I'll have nightmares, apparently), so when I saw this title, it was like it was lit up in lights. The answer to my prayers! Sarcopenia solved! (That's how it works, right?)
I'll be honest, I expected this to be a book on HOW TO train for one's aging body—and I do think it was fair for me to make that assumption. The description really highlights the idea of instruction, talking about modifications, tips, routines, and exercises. Instead, I would consider this more of a book on WHY to do this training or WHAT one needs to know to do this training—which is also great, just not quite what I thought what I was getting into!
If you want a fairly accessible beginner-level reference guide on workout and health-related topics, this would be a great choice. I picked this up after a morning of marathoning content from a well-known YouTube personal trainer, and it felt incredibly refreshing to consume fitness-related content that didn't require me to Google something new every few sentences. (Note: I do consume a lot of personal growth and fitness content in my day-to-day for work, so I may not be the best judge of what's truly beginner-level—but I THINK this is! For reference, it defines terms like "sets" and "reps.")
That being said, I'm not totally sure who the ideal audience for this book is. It almost seems intended to convince readers of the importance of training for one's aging body more than anything else, but that feels a bit odd when we likely wouldn't have picked up the book if we weren't already sold on the topic. It also boasts that it will teach you to build muscle and mobility "at any age," but it really seems aimed more at able-bodied people in their 30s and 40s. I would have expected a book like this to provide more information about exercising with different body types, disabilities, and health conditions.
To me, the most helpful part of the book was the part I had been hoping to find—the sample/suggested exercises. The book does end with workout information (though the section is shorter than I expected), and the format is great, a breakdown of how to create a workout plan with sample exercises one can combine. I'll definitely be trying it out!
Read this if you need motivation to start exercising and need help figuring out your first steps. Maybe skip it if the training part is your priority. But hopefully if this finds its people, they'll love it!
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy! All opinions are, of course, my own.)
I'll be honest, I expected this to be a book on HOW TO train for one's aging body—and I do think it was fair for me to make that assumption. The description really highlights the idea of instruction, talking about modifications, tips, routines, and exercises. Instead, I would consider this more of a book on WHY to do this training or WHAT one needs to know to do this training—which is also great, just not quite what I thought what I was getting into!
If you want a fairly accessible beginner-level reference guide on workout and health-related topics, this would be a great choice. I picked this up after a morning of marathoning content from a well-known YouTube personal trainer, and it felt incredibly refreshing to consume fitness-related content that didn't require me to Google something new every few sentences. (Note: I do consume a lot of personal growth and fitness content in my day-to-day for work, so I may not be the best judge of what's truly beginner-level—but I THINK this is! For reference, it defines terms like "sets" and "reps.")
That being said, I'm not totally sure who the ideal audience for this book is. It almost seems intended to convince readers of the importance of training for one's aging body more than anything else, but that feels a bit odd when we likely wouldn't have picked up the book if we weren't already sold on the topic. It also boasts that it will teach you to build muscle and mobility "at any age," but it really seems aimed more at able-bodied people in their 30s and 40s. I would have expected a book like this to provide more information about exercising with different body types, disabilities, and health conditions.
To me, the most helpful part of the book was the part I had been hoping to find—the sample/suggested exercises. The book does end with workout information (though the section is shorter than I expected), and the format is great, a breakdown of how to create a workout plan with sample exercises one can combine. I'll definitely be trying it out!
Read this if you need motivation to start exercising and need help figuring out your first steps. Maybe skip it if the training part is your priority. But hopefully if this finds its people, they'll love it!
(Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance reader copy! All opinions are, of course, my own.)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have to admit that the title was the reason I picked up this book. I mean come on, “old lady” body”? What makes an old lady body? I mean I’m 46, but my mind feels like I’m 21 while my body definitely says 86. Stupid knees. Is that what makes an old lady body? Or is there an actual cut-off, like “if you’re eligible for AARP you are old”? Well, let’s see….
*Spoilers below*
Chapter One. Oooh ok. The narrator says she’s 18 months post-partum after two babies in two years. This lady ain’t OLD, she’s just tired from newborns and toddlers. Also, I recall the Chris Evans/Victoria Beckham incident—I recall it being discussed on *shocker* TRL on MTV. Yep if you remember TRL, you can call yourself old.
Chapter Two. “With each year you live, you get closer to death.” Ok yeah, that quote made me put my tablet down and go get a glass of red.^ Holy moly lady, you’re giving me heart palpitations. Also, a 121 year maximum lifespan?? That 121-year-old didn’t live in North America, no way. *sips wine* Also, why is “have sex” under the “day dream” section? BOOO. Can’t a 46-year-old woman have sex in real life? *yells for husband to come refill my wine*
Chapter Three. Ok, why is half this chapter dedicated to Woman Guilt? I picked up a women’s body book, not a therapy book. The layout is 100 though, amazing love it. No notes there. I almost gave up on this chapter but then I saw the word “f***” at the top of a page and had to stop to absorb the f***ness. Finally— the author has my attention.
Chapter Four. Skimmed it. Got bored.
Chapter Five. Same. OMG, when do the workouts start?
Chapter Six. Here comes the anatomy lesson for those of you who slept through high school biology.
Chapter Seven. “Pelvic Floor” is the title. Ooooh yes finally, maybe it will help me “down there.” Um… outside of words in a call-out box, nada. Boo, I was looking forward to some good thrusting moves.
Chapter Eight. More biology, but finally some stretching moves!
Chapter Nine. FINALLY SOME WORK OUT MOVES!
Having now spent close to 2.5 hours reading through this book, I am upset that it’s more novel than “helping my old lady body” book. I am sure the author means well, and I genuinely think others may like this. But I am the type who really only wants chapters 8 and 9; chapters 1-7 are just not for me.
^= No, I did not actually drink any wine while reading and reviewing this book. I wish I had, but I am dieting after all.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for letting me review this book. #TrainingforYourOldLadyBody
*Spoilers below*
Chapter One. Oooh ok. The narrator says she’s 18 months post-partum after two babies in two years. This lady ain’t OLD, she’s just tired from newborns and toddlers. Also, I recall the Chris Evans/Victoria Beckham incident—I recall it being discussed on *shocker* TRL on MTV. Yep if you remember TRL, you can call yourself old.
Chapter Two. “With each year you live, you get closer to death.” Ok yeah, that quote made me put my tablet down and go get a glass of red.^ Holy moly lady, you’re giving me heart palpitations. Also, a 121 year maximum lifespan?? That 121-year-old didn’t live in North America, no way. *sips wine* Also, why is “have sex” under the “day dream” section? BOOO. Can’t a 46-year-old woman have sex in real life? *yells for husband to come refill my wine*
Chapter Three. Ok, why is half this chapter dedicated to Woman Guilt? I picked up a women’s body book, not a therapy book. The layout is 100 though, amazing love it. No notes there. I almost gave up on this chapter but then I saw the word “f***” at the top of a page and had to stop to absorb the f***ness. Finally— the author has my attention.
Chapter Four. Skimmed it. Got bored.
Chapter Five. Same. OMG, when do the workouts start?
Chapter Six. Here comes the anatomy lesson for those of you who slept through high school biology.
Chapter Seven. “Pelvic Floor” is the title. Ooooh yes finally, maybe it will help me “down there.” Um… outside of words in a call-out box, nada. Boo, I was looking forward to some good thrusting moves.
Chapter Eight. More biology, but finally some stretching moves!
Chapter Nine. FINALLY SOME WORK OUT MOVES!
Having now spent close to 2.5 hours reading through this book, I am upset that it’s more novel than “helping my old lady body” book. I am sure the author means well, and I genuinely think others may like this. But I am the type who really only wants chapters 8 and 9; chapters 1-7 are just not for me.
^= No, I did not actually drink any wine while reading and reviewing this book. I wish I had, but I am dieting after all.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for letting me review this book. #TrainingforYourOldLadyBody
Read
August 5, 2026Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Training for Your Old Lady Body by Elizabeth Davies is a nonfiction guide to help people start strength training.
Like a lot of people, I've been hearing more and more about protein and strength training and bone density but couldn't say I understand everything that was going on. While I would argue that this book leans more for total beginners, it is still very useful for filling in any gaps when it comes to mobility or exercise. It won't answer everything, but it will help to build a strong knowledge base.
The handful of images to detail different exercises was the thing I found the most useful as I know very little about strength training and do not have easy access to a gym or trainer. I wish there were more examples of exercises where equipment is not necessary, but Elizabeth Davies does offer some alternatives, such as focusing on grip strength and actually carrying things. In many ways this book helped put it into perspective for me how modern life and all its conveniences make it so much easier to become sedentary and to fall back into it, which explains the rise in people who suffer from osteoporosis.
After finishing this, I shared the title with a lot of my friends and coworkers. We're all getting older and many of us are starting to notice that we're not as limber as we used to be, so I strongly suspect this book will be useful for them if they give it a shot. I already tried out a few of the exercises that the book suggested and have noticed new problem areas to work on as well as things I didn’t realize my body could still do. This really could help people rethink what their body is capable of instead of just accepting that they can’t do something because ‘it's been a while.’
I would recommend this to any reader who is hearing about bone density and resistance training online but has no idea where to start
Training for Your Old Lady Body by Elizabeth Davies is a nonfiction guide to help people start strength training.
Like a lot of people, I've been hearing more and more about protein and strength training and bone density but couldn't say I understand everything that was going on. While I would argue that this book leans more for total beginners, it is still very useful for filling in any gaps when it comes to mobility or exercise. It won't answer everything, but it will help to build a strong knowledge base.
The handful of images to detail different exercises was the thing I found the most useful as I know very little about strength training and do not have easy access to a gym or trainer. I wish there were more examples of exercises where equipment is not necessary, but Elizabeth Davies does offer some alternatives, such as focusing on grip strength and actually carrying things. In many ways this book helped put it into perspective for me how modern life and all its conveniences make it so much easier to become sedentary and to fall back into it, which explains the rise in people who suffer from osteoporosis.
After finishing this, I shared the title with a lot of my friends and coworkers. We're all getting older and many of us are starting to notice that we're not as limber as we used to be, so I strongly suspect this book will be useful for them if they give it a shot. I already tried out a few of the exercises that the book suggested and have noticed new problem areas to work on as well as things I didn’t realize my body could still do. This really could help people rethink what their body is capable of instead of just accepting that they can’t do something because ‘it's been a while.’
I would recommend this to any reader who is hearing about bone density and resistance training online but has no idea where to start
October 31, 2026
I've been reading fitness books and magazines since I was a teenager in the 1980s, when I exercised to stay fit for cheerleading and gymnastics. By the 1990s, I was taking cardio classes and using weight machines at the gym, eventually incorporating free weights into my routine in the 2000s. Long before strength training became a popular topic in women's health, I understood how resistance training could transform body composition and improve overall fitness.
I share this background because, as I read Elizabeth Davies' "Training for Your Old Lady Body," I realized that I'm probably not her target audience. Much of the information was familiar to me, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. In fact, I think this book could be an excellent resource for women who have spent years focusing primarily on dieting and cardio, or who are just beginning to appreciate the importance of exercise for healthy aging.
Davies opens with a very personal account of experiencing bladder leakage during an exercise class after having two children in two years. Initially, I wondered whether this would be a book primarily for mothers. Fortunately, her message is much broader. She encourages women to move beyond exercising for appearance and instead focus on building strength, protecting bone health, improving mobility, and maintaining independence as they age.
I was particularly interested in her perspective on the fitness culture of the 1990s and early 2000s. As a Gen Xer, my experience was somewhat different from hers. While women of my generation certainly faced pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, I suspect the celebrity culture, gossip magazines, and relentless scrutiny of young women's bodies during those decades created a particularly challenging environment for millennials. I appreciated seeing how Davies' own relationship with exercise evolved from appearance-focused goals toward a more sustainable philosophy of lifelong health.
The chapters on aging, muscle development, bone health, and mobility offer accessible explanations of why exercise matters, particularly as women approach menopause and beyond. I especially appreciated her discussion of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and the pelvic floor. These are subjects that deserve considerably more attention in conversations about women's health.
Her chapter on mobility was a particular favorite. Having practiced yoga and studied movement for years, I've come to appreciate the importance of maintaining rotational movement, flexibility, and functional strength. Davies does an excellent job explaining the value of thoracic rotation and encouraging us to spend time moving on the floor. I couldn't agree more! Some of my own floor movements might look a little unconventional, but maintaining the ability to move freely is far more important to me than looking my age.
I also appreciated her recognition that modern work demands often interfere with our most basic needs, including adequate sleep, hydration, nutrition, movement, and even bathroom breaks. While she discusses people-pleasing tendencies, I would add that some professions and workplaces make prioritizing personal well-being genuinely difficult. It's not always a matter of learning to say no or managing time more effectively. Nevertheless, her reminders about making our health a priority are worthwhile.
One analogy I particularly liked was her comparison of exercise to a pension plan: what we invest in our bodies today can pay dividends decades from now. It's an effective way to encourage women to think beyond immediate results and consider the long-term benefits of consistent physical activity.
My primary criticism concerns the presentation. Although the book includes some useful charts and illustrations, I would have welcomed more anatomical drawings and visual demonstrations, particularly in chapters explaining muscles, joints, and specific exercises. I read a digital advance copy, so the final edition may offer a different visual experience. I also appreciated Davies' comments about her references and her effort to support the information she presents.
Ultimately, I think "Training for Your Old Lady Body" will be especially valuable to women in their thirties and forties who are beginning to think seriously about their long-term health, particularly those without an extensive background in exercise. It could also be a welcome source of encouragement for women under 50 who once exercised regularly but have allowed life's demands to push fitness aside.
While I'm not particularly fond of the title, I understand what Davies is trying to accomplish. She's encouraging women to stop thinking of exercise solely as a way to change how their bodies look and start appreciating what their bodies can do, both now and in the decades ahead.
Even though much of the material was familiar to me, I found myself appreciating the reminders and Davies' accessible, encouraging approach. In fact, I enjoyed it enough that I plan to purchase a copy. Sometimes we don't need entirely new information; we need a thoughtful reminder of why the things we already know matter.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Chronicle Books, and Elizabeth Davies for providing a digital advance review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
I share this background because, as I read Elizabeth Davies' "Training for Your Old Lady Body," I realized that I'm probably not her target audience. Much of the information was familiar to me, but that doesn't make it any less valuable. In fact, I think this book could be an excellent resource for women who have spent years focusing primarily on dieting and cardio, or who are just beginning to appreciate the importance of exercise for healthy aging.
Davies opens with a very personal account of experiencing bladder leakage during an exercise class after having two children in two years. Initially, I wondered whether this would be a book primarily for mothers. Fortunately, her message is much broader. She encourages women to move beyond exercising for appearance and instead focus on building strength, protecting bone health, improving mobility, and maintaining independence as they age.
I was particularly interested in her perspective on the fitness culture of the 1990s and early 2000s. As a Gen Xer, my experience was somewhat different from hers. While women of my generation certainly faced pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards, I suspect the celebrity culture, gossip magazines, and relentless scrutiny of young women's bodies during those decades created a particularly challenging environment for millennials. I appreciated seeing how Davies' own relationship with exercise evolved from appearance-focused goals toward a more sustainable philosophy of lifelong health.
The chapters on aging, muscle development, bone health, and mobility offer accessible explanations of why exercise matters, particularly as women approach menopause and beyond. I especially appreciated her discussion of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and the pelvic floor. These are subjects that deserve considerably more attention in conversations about women's health.
Her chapter on mobility was a particular favorite. Having practiced yoga and studied movement for years, I've come to appreciate the importance of maintaining rotational movement, flexibility, and functional strength. Davies does an excellent job explaining the value of thoracic rotation and encouraging us to spend time moving on the floor. I couldn't agree more! Some of my own floor movements might look a little unconventional, but maintaining the ability to move freely is far more important to me than looking my age.
I also appreciated her recognition that modern work demands often interfere with our most basic needs, including adequate sleep, hydration, nutrition, movement, and even bathroom breaks. While she discusses people-pleasing tendencies, I would add that some professions and workplaces make prioritizing personal well-being genuinely difficult. It's not always a matter of learning to say no or managing time more effectively. Nevertheless, her reminders about making our health a priority are worthwhile.
One analogy I particularly liked was her comparison of exercise to a pension plan: what we invest in our bodies today can pay dividends decades from now. It's an effective way to encourage women to think beyond immediate results and consider the long-term benefits of consistent physical activity.
My primary criticism concerns the presentation. Although the book includes some useful charts and illustrations, I would have welcomed more anatomical drawings and visual demonstrations, particularly in chapters explaining muscles, joints, and specific exercises. I read a digital advance copy, so the final edition may offer a different visual experience. I also appreciated Davies' comments about her references and her effort to support the information she presents.
Ultimately, I think "Training for Your Old Lady Body" will be especially valuable to women in their thirties and forties who are beginning to think seriously about their long-term health, particularly those without an extensive background in exercise. It could also be a welcome source of encouragement for women under 50 who once exercised regularly but have allowed life's demands to push fitness aside.
While I'm not particularly fond of the title, I understand what Davies is trying to accomplish. She's encouraging women to stop thinking of exercise solely as a way to change how their bodies look and start appreciating what their bodies can do, both now and in the decades ahead.
Even though much of the material was familiar to me, I found myself appreciating the reminders and Davies' accessible, encouraging approach. In fact, I enjoyed it enough that I plan to purchase a copy. Sometimes we don't need entirely new information; we need a thoughtful reminder of why the things we already know matter.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Chronicle Books, and Elizabeth Davies for providing a digital advance review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love the title and I love Elizabeth Davies’ enthusiasm and positive attitude. This was not the book I was expecting though. The majority of the book is background to why exercise is so important for women, with a level of detail that would be more appropriate for a person who wants to be a personal trainer. Fortunately, there are key takeaways at the end of each section. I am not interested in the detailed science of why I need to exercise. It’s understandable to include this information, for those who might be on the fence about the importance of training, but it was not particularly interesting to me. I was hoping that the book would include more detailed descriptions of workout plans. There are several pages with exercises but I would need a personal trainer standing next to me to make sure I do them properly the first time I attempt them.
Davies is very convincing and I appreciated her mindset and good advice. This book is part memoir, as she shares her own story of how she became a fitness expert. This angle causes a few problems, because she is an able, working mother with children. If you do not fit into this category, you might feel excluded. Her personality shines in the writing, and so does her habit of using profanity, which is really unnecessary and will be off-putting to many.
I was ultimately left feeling disappointed in this book. It was not for me, although I did appreciate her good advice and focus on training for the future. In that, it was very inspirational.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for letting me read this in exchange for an honest opinion.
Davies is very convincing and I appreciated her mindset and good advice. This book is part memoir, as she shares her own story of how she became a fitness expert. This angle causes a few problems, because she is an able, working mother with children. If you do not fit into this category, you might feel excluded. Her personality shines in the writing, and so does her habit of using profanity, which is really unnecessary and will be off-putting to many.
I was ultimately left feeling disappointed in this book. It was not for me, although I did appreciate her good advice and focus on training for the future. In that, it was very inspirational.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for letting me read this in exchange for an honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Training for Your Old Lady Body” caught my eye entirely because of the title. Which, as it turns out is both quite effective and quite misleading. This isn't really a book for old ladies and it isn't really a guide on how to train either. It actually is a book about why you should care about muscle, bone health and physical resilience long before they become topics of urgent interest.
The message itself is excellent. Davies makes a convincing, evidence-based case that future-you will largely inherit whatever present-you can be persuaded to do today. The book covers the major pillars of healthy ageing in a sensible, no-nonsense way and thankfully avoids the usual wellness fads.
My quibble with it is that I wanted much more practical direction. The book does a very good job explaining why strength matters, why balance matters, why mobility matters and why ignoring them is probably unwise. After a while, however, I found myself thinking, "Yes, I knew that before and you have now scared me even more, but now what?" I was hoping for more structured exercise plans, more examples and more concrete ideas for turning good intentions into actual habits. The motivation is there, the science is there, but I wanted a fuller instruction manual.
That said - it's an accessible, entertaining, informative read that covers things everybody should probably know but many of us prefer to postpone thinking about until some mysterious future date.
Thank you to Chronicle books, NetGalley and Elizabeth Davies for an advance reading copy of this book.
The message itself is excellent. Davies makes a convincing, evidence-based case that future-you will largely inherit whatever present-you can be persuaded to do today. The book covers the major pillars of healthy ageing in a sensible, no-nonsense way and thankfully avoids the usual wellness fads.
My quibble with it is that I wanted much more practical direction. The book does a very good job explaining why strength matters, why balance matters, why mobility matters and why ignoring them is probably unwise. After a while, however, I found myself thinking, "Yes, I knew that before and you have now scared me even more, but now what?" I was hoping for more structured exercise plans, more examples and more concrete ideas for turning good intentions into actual habits. The motivation is there, the science is there, but I wanted a fuller instruction manual.
That said - it's an accessible, entertaining, informative read that covers things everybody should probably know but many of us prefer to postpone thinking about until some mysterious future date.
Thank you to Chronicle books, NetGalley and Elizabeth Davies for an advance reading copy of this book.
August 30, 2026
“Training for Your Old Lady Body”, by Elizabeth Davies, is a must read for all women no matter what their age, in my opinion. This book isn’t an exercise plan or how to guide. This book reviews the history of fitness and weight training and how women have participated, or not participated. It looks at common theories and often misconceptions on what fitness and weight training should be. It helps the reader understand the pros and cons of various types of movement and how it can impact a woman’s body at various points in her life. It explains different biological aspects of a woman’s body and how it can affect one’s fitness.
This book is written in an engaging and informative style. It shares and defines terms in the fitness and weight training fields in an understandable and simple way. Ms. Davies uses analogies of various scenarios that click with the reader. Complex medical and biological terms become clear and meaningful. The entire book is encouraging and gently motivating to the reader to adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle. The only negative thing about this book is that the title might limit the appeal of it to potential readers! I think that this book is so critical and important that I plan on giving copies of this book to my daughters. Anyone who wants to improve the quality of their lives as well as being more healthy should read this book.
I wish to thank Chronicle Books for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TrainingforYourOldLadyBody
#ChronicleBooks
#NetGalley
#WomensIssues
#Health
#Mind&Body
This book is written in an engaging and informative style. It shares and defines terms in the fitness and weight training fields in an understandable and simple way. Ms. Davies uses analogies of various scenarios that click with the reader. Complex medical and biological terms become clear and meaningful. The entire book is encouraging and gently motivating to the reader to adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle. The only negative thing about this book is that the title might limit the appeal of it to potential readers! I think that this book is so critical and important that I plan on giving copies of this book to my daughters. Anyone who wants to improve the quality of their lives as well as being more healthy should read this book.
I wish to thank Chronicle Books for the complimentary eARC of this book and for selecting me to review it on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
#TrainingforYourOldLadyBody
#ChronicleBooks
#NetGalley
#WomensIssues
#Health
#Mind&Body
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September 9, 2026The title alone made me laugh out loud, and a friend/doctor of mine has been preaching this for years. I felt like it was as close to a sign as I believe in, hahaha! And I liked it!
Davies flips the usual fitness book script entirely. Instead of the standard "shred for summer" messaging, this is about training for the boring, important stuff, bone density, balance, being able to carry your own groceries up the stairs when you're ninety. That reframe alone made this feel different from every other fitness book I've read/skimmed in the past.
The practical structure is what makes it actually usable. The jargon dictionary is a nice touch for anyone who's ever felt lost walking into a weight room, and I appreciated that the modifications are genuinely there for people starting from zero, not just lip service before jumping into advanced stuff. The sections on pelvic floor health and mobility felt like things that don't get talked about enough in mainstream fitness content.
If I have one gripe, it's that some of the lifestyle advice, sleep, protein, building a routine around a busy schedule, covers ground that longevity readers have probably already seen elsewhere. It's solid, just not groundbreaking in the way the framing around muscle and aging is.
Overall this is an empowering, no-nonsense guide that I'd recommend to any woman who wants to feel strong for the long haul instead of chasing a summer body. Refreshing angle, and the illustrations make the exercises easy to actually follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the ARC.
Davies flips the usual fitness book script entirely. Instead of the standard "shred for summer" messaging, this is about training for the boring, important stuff, bone density, balance, being able to carry your own groceries up the stairs when you're ninety. That reframe alone made this feel different from every other fitness book I've read/skimmed in the past.
The practical structure is what makes it actually usable. The jargon dictionary is a nice touch for anyone who's ever felt lost walking into a weight room, and I appreciated that the modifications are genuinely there for people starting from zero, not just lip service before jumping into advanced stuff. The sections on pelvic floor health and mobility felt like things that don't get talked about enough in mainstream fitness content.
If I have one gripe, it's that some of the lifestyle advice, sleep, protein, building a routine around a busy schedule, covers ground that longevity readers have probably already seen elsewhere. It's solid, just not groundbreaking in the way the framing around muscle and aging is.
Overall this is an empowering, no-nonsense guide that I'd recommend to any woman who wants to feel strong for the long haul instead of chasing a summer body. Refreshing angle, and the illustrations make the exercises easy to actually follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Training for your Old Lady Body is an amazing title to grab the attention of women who are seeking an alternative solution to just enduring their way through aging. Elizabeth Davies offers a simple, no-nonsense approach to preparing your body to stay strong and age with the ability to maintain your daily activities of living. There is a good mix of science, input from experts, and just flat-out common sense. The last part of the books provides some actual examples you can use (and modify) to focus on key central areas. I think my favorite part is the sample plans people have submitted and then the real application of how those plans can be tweaked to be more inclusive of all your body’s needs. The idea is to cover all the essential components, not just muscle, or just cardiac, or just stability and mobility. With plenty of humor and encouragement to keep you engaged, any woman can pick up the resource and find some practical tools to help ensure they age purposefully and intentionally while maintaining strength and mobility.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I received a complimentary copy from the author, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
September 13, 2026
There is a lot to love about “Training for Your Old Lady Body.” There are chapters on anatomy, nutrition, the pelvic floor, and myths of strength training. My particular favorite is that strength training and proper fuel for your body makes deposits into your Old Lady Pension. You are working toward your future the same as you do when you are putting money away for retirement.
I also liked the inclusion of science (yes, studies show that it’s never too late to start) and consultation with outside experts. Author Elizabeth Davies also encourages readers to start where they are and not to overdo it. If jumping rope for impact training and landing on both feet at the same time is too difficult, she says, try alternating feet (which I always found more comfortable as a kid). There’s lots of good advice here and nothing that promises a quick fix.
This book is great for women who are looking to learn more about the value of movement, strength training, and proper nutrition for their current and future selves.
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Chronicle Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also liked the inclusion of science (yes, studies show that it’s never too late to start) and consultation with outside experts. Author Elizabeth Davies also encourages readers to start where they are and not to overdo it. If jumping rope for impact training and landing on both feet at the same time is too difficult, she says, try alternating feet (which I always found more comfortable as a kid). There’s lots of good advice here and nothing that promises a quick fix.
This book is great for women who are looking to learn more about the value of movement, strength training, and proper nutrition for their current and future selves.
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Chronicle Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fantastic!
I've been a strength coach since 2011 and recently turned 40, so this book was calling to me.
Elizabeth Davies does a great job of breaking down the how and why of strength training and its importance for women. Strength is not optional, especially as we age!
She also does an excellent job addressing deeply-rooted biases and misinformation that is constantly directed at women. The idea that smallness, weakness, and femininity are all analogous is a poison that has been fed to women for centuries. Davies provides scientific backing and real world wisdom to refute such notions. I appreciate that she acknowledges the toxic hold it has on many people, and that unlearning it may be simple but is not easy.
I enjoyed Davies's style of writing and found it very easy to follow. The movements and programming are much the same as what I have been teaching my clients for 15 years. This book is a great resource for women of all ages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my Advanced Reader Copy.
I've been a strength coach since 2011 and recently turned 40, so this book was calling to me.
Elizabeth Davies does a great job of breaking down the how and why of strength training and its importance for women. Strength is not optional, especially as we age!
She also does an excellent job addressing deeply-rooted biases and misinformation that is constantly directed at women. The idea that smallness, weakness, and femininity are all analogous is a poison that has been fed to women for centuries. Davies provides scientific backing and real world wisdom to refute such notions. I appreciate that she acknowledges the toxic hold it has on many people, and that unlearning it may be simple but is not easy.
I enjoyed Davies's style of writing and found it very easy to follow. The movements and programming are much the same as what I have been teaching my clients for 15 years. This book is a great resource for women of all ages.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my Advanced Reader Copy.
June 6, 2026
Elizabeth’s kind and knowledgeable voice cuts through what’s trending in anti-aging, weight loss, and celebrated body-types to encourage readers to start strength training now for stronger “old lady bodies” later.
Thank you to Chronicle Books for the ARC via NetGalley!
This is a comprehensive guide that ranges from simple hacks to add movement to your day, to understanding the mechanics and vocabulary of different kinds of training, and ultimately, what your body needs to be resilient within the reality of aging.
I appreciate Elizabeth’s attention to the importance of self-worth in this book, from how to advocate for the time you need to exercise, and banking that investment, as well as how to make a mental shift from the all-or-nothing mindset.
The personal story at the beginning really drew me in, and I appreciated how the overall tone of the book felt more like a podcast than a textbook! Perfect title!
Thank you to Chronicle Books for the ARC via NetGalley!
This is a comprehensive guide that ranges from simple hacks to add movement to your day, to understanding the mechanics and vocabulary of different kinds of training, and ultimately, what your body needs to be resilient within the reality of aging.
I appreciate Elizabeth’s attention to the importance of self-worth in this book, from how to advocate for the time you need to exercise, and banking that investment, as well as how to make a mental shift from the all-or-nothing mindset.
The personal story at the beginning really drew me in, and I appreciated how the overall tone of the book felt more like a podcast than a textbook! Perfect title!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an excellent book for learning why older women should continue to train, even if they feel like they have busy lives. It's about health, not just appearance. I found the sections about bone health and the pelvic floor particularly interesting. I'm in my mid-thirties and after having a baby almost 2 years ago, I really need to start prioritizing my own health again. I wouldn't use this book as the sole source of creating a workout plan, but rather a stepping stone into learning why we should train and what kind of training we should be aware of and what is most beneficial. I would use this in conjuncture with either an at-home online workout membership or a gym membership.
Thank you to NetGalley and ChronicleBooks for the eARC. I've already requested my library buy a copy when it comes out so I can read it again.
Thank you to NetGalley and ChronicleBooks for the eARC. I've already requested my library buy a copy when it comes out so I can read it again.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really like the premise of this book. It's a really important message, and i think women should be much better informed about how important exercise is as a lifelong habit that goes far beyond aesthetics. That said, this book could be a lot more concise. I feel like it doesn't bullshit, per se, but I think it could've probably lost 40 pages of the most absolutely basic terminology pages and repeating itself.
I really liked how often it cited studies and what it said, but it felt like a bit of a slog to get all the way through it (maybe I just read too much fiction tbh) -- but it's SO useful I wish it was a textbook in high school health/science classes, or something. I don't regret reading it.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked how often it cited studies and what it said, but it felt like a bit of a slog to get all the way through it (maybe I just read too much fiction tbh) -- but it's SO useful I wish it was a textbook in high school health/science classes, or something. I don't regret reading it.
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 22, 2026
If you follow the author on Instagram (@thiswomanlifts) then you'll appreciate this book. It's a great starting point for anyone new to strength training or a useful reality check for those who are already active. Rather than championing one form of exercise as the be-all, end-all solution, the author highlights different forms of exercise and their benefits, with an emphasis on adding strength training to one's movement routine. The final chapter puts everything together and includes sample strength training exercises. It was a great read and a good resource for integrating strength training into my current exercise regimen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book will help give you a good foundation of knowledge about your body as you age, especially after you have children. The author is a personal trainer and explains body parts, needs, and limits based on her training and knowledge.
I felt this was more of a self-help book than a guide for exercise. I was hoping it would be more directive (exercise, pictures, routines, etc.), but it was more background and science based text. I don't think that knowledge was bad, it just wasn't what I personally wanted.
***NetGalley ARC Review***
I felt this was more of a self-help book than a guide for exercise. I was hoping it would be more directive (exercise, pictures, routines, etc.), but it was more background and science based text. I don't think that knowledge was bad, it just wasn't what I personally wanted.
***NetGalley ARC Review***
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoy reading about ways to improve my health, and have been seeing more and more about strength training being critical for healthy aging, especially for women. When I had the opportunity to read Training for Your Old Lady Body by Elizabeth Davies, I was intrigued by the concept and hoped to learn specific training tips and exercises. I was not disappointed.
In the book, Davies provides a great rationale for why women need to pay attention to training for strength and mobility in their younger years and also the idea that it is never too late to start. She gives information about how the hormonal shifts that occur with aging impact muscle and bone and specific actions that will help prevent issues of bone and muscle loss that occur naturally with aging.
For me, information is motivation, and I finished the book with a plan of action. Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the digital ARC of Training for Your Old Lady Body: A Guide to Building Muscle and Mobility at Any Age by Elizabeth Davies. The opinions in this review are my own.
In the book, Davies provides a great rationale for why women need to pay attention to training for strength and mobility in their younger years and also the idea that it is never too late to start. She gives information about how the hormonal shifts that occur with aging impact muscle and bone and specific actions that will help prevent issues of bone and muscle loss that occur naturally with aging.
For me, information is motivation, and I finished the book with a plan of action. Thank you to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the digital ARC of Training for Your Old Lady Body: A Guide to Building Muscle and Mobility at Any Age by Elizabeth Davies. The opinions in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I laughed so hard when I saw the title of this book. And then I realized it was written for me, a woman in her mid-50s, who hasn't done strength training since high school. It's an excellent reminder that strength training is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do as you get older and older and gave all the information you need to get started and keep going! Includes info on diet, creating a routine, modifications, etc.
This book will kick you in the butt and get you going! Thanks to Chronicle Books via Netgalley for the ARC!
This book will kick you in the butt and get you going! Thanks to Chronicle Books via Netgalley for the ARC!
November 5, 2026
Wow, this book is excellent. I love the author's attitude, and she packs in a lot of information on muscles, bones, and women's health without it getting overwhelming. I guess you could create a training program for yourself with the information given, but I wish there was a more straightforwardly laid out plan (she'd gotta leave something to help her sell her program, I get it). And maybe a bit more on nutrition, although that isn't the author's specialty.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really love the premise of this book. Society at large is too obsessed with youth culture and having the perfect, smallest, most toned body. It's easy to lose sight of the fact that working out can help you out over the long-term and preserve your mobility, improve the quality of your older years.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a good practical guide and I like the friendly tone. Getting in shape when I'm older means something different and I wanted a practical guide that would help me make and achieve realistic goals. There are helpful detailed examples and explanations.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this
October 19, 2026
This book was informative on why I should exercise before my old lady body gets here. And for those of us already in our old lady body, it assures us all is not lost! Although she mentions a few ways to exercise at your house, using soup cans for weights, etc, I would have liked more exercise examples for those of us who are not gym rats.
September 17, 2026
F bombs & other course language detract from content
Totally unnecessary F & S bombs cheapen & diminish otherwise fine content. Why do author & editors think it adds something to leave that in? Sounds in spots like just spouting vulgar streams of consciousness.
Totally unnecessary F & S bombs cheapen & diminish otherwise fine content. Why do author & editors think it adds something to leave that in? Sounds in spots like just spouting vulgar streams of consciousness.
September 22, 2026
3.5 stars.
This book was an interesting one. I found some of the exercises too much of a challenge but the rest of the advice was very helpful and easy to follow. I wish it had modifications on the exercises for older people or people with physical disabilities.
This book was an interesting one. I found some of the exercises too much of a challenge but the rest of the advice was very helpful and easy to follow. I wish it had modifications on the exercises for older people or people with physical disabilities.
September 24, 2026
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and I really appreciated it! In my early 30’s and this is exactly what I needed to motivate myself to move more. If you’re thinking about it, just get the book!
August 1, 2026
Training for Your Old Lady Body was inspiring, informative, and made a daunting task feel doable— and hopeful, like a good investment.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
September 26, 2026
Nothing groundbreaking but may be useful if you really don’t know anything about bone health
October 20, 2026
Less about how to train and more about why to train. The text is accessible but not very useful, and seems kind of targeted at women in their mid-thirties with children. A wash for me.
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