What do you think?
Rate this book
Choosing the StrongPath: Reversing the Downward Spiral of Aging
Choose health. Choose strength. Choose the StrongPath. Choosing the StrongPath is a book about the most insidious health crisis in the world, Sarcopenia, a muscle-wasting and frailty disease. It impacts all of us as we age, unless we proactively prevent it. As a world-renowned investigator and case builder, Fred Bartlit has done this once again with this book. He and coauthor Steven Droullard, along with muscle physiology expert Dr. Marni Boppart, want to share a little known fact with the You don’t have to fall apart as you get older. Through carefully calibrated progressive strength training and supporting nutrition, you can stave off sarcopenia, along with dozens of other age-related illnesses. Using scientific evidence and real-life case studies, Choosing the StrongPath offers a clear path away from a steady decline in the last third of your life and toward a healthier, happier you.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2018
227 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 4, 2018
I consider myself to be in the last decades of my life here on this earth and was very pleased to find this book that addresses what we can do to avoid the 'downward spiral of aging.' By use of this terminology, the author, Fred Bartlit explains, in understandable form, the ability for each and every person in their 40's and well into their 90's to maintain strength to avoid chronic illness, falls, obesity, pain, and Sarcopenia (muscle weakness and loss). I, for one, would like to maintain good health and stamina to be able to enjoy the next 30 years with my family and friends.
The book is very well organized and researched to provide facts and substantiated references throughout. Case study's are included. It also includes an extensive glossary of terms in the back of the book. Bartlett not only addresses resistance training and cardio expertise, but a also talks about diet, comparing natural food intake to use of supplements etc.
I believe anyone can benefit from this book and I highly recommend it. You can't go wrong with this one.
The book is very well organized and researched to provide facts and substantiated references throughout. Case study's are included. It also includes an extensive glossary of terms in the back of the book. Bartlett not only addresses resistance training and cardio expertise, but a also talks about diet, comparing natural food intake to use of supplements etc.
I believe anyone can benefit from this book and I highly recommend it. You can't go wrong with this one.
April 26, 2018
I won this is a goodreads giveaway - thank you! This is a persuasive, brief, and readable book about the most important things we can do for our health, and why we need to work to save muscle mass as we age. Many of us grew up thinking exercise was important for losing weight and preventing heart attacks, but we didn't hear much about the importance of muscle strength. On the contrary, women often shied away from weights because we didn't want to build masculine looking muscles.
My mother is afraid that exercise will hurt, so she doesn't do much. The authors points out that the LACK of activity causes a lot more pain as you get older. So if it hurts a little to climb stairs, that's nothing compared to how your legs will feel after years of NOT climbing stairs. I can attest to this. A year after buying a ranch house (with a first floor laundry room), I found that my knee pain was worse, and my leg muscles were weaker than before. Our knees rely on our leg muscles to work properly.
The book contains a lot of information I've heard before, but with some added details, research studies or explanations that made it worth my time to read. It gave me some nice "AHA" moments. Knowing WHY something is important is really helpful to my motivation.
The authors provide clear examples and summaries of studies that help clarify some of the mixed messages we get in the media, for instance about various kinds of supplements. It helped explain why my pharmacist cautioned us about the calcium supplements.
The women in my family tend to live very long lives. This is a blessing unless you're not strong or healthy enough to enjoy it. Who wants to live the last decade of life in pain? If you don't, then there are some tips in this book that you'll find helpful.
My mother is afraid that exercise will hurt, so she doesn't do much. The authors points out that the LACK of activity causes a lot more pain as you get older. So if it hurts a little to climb stairs, that's nothing compared to how your legs will feel after years of NOT climbing stairs. I can attest to this. A year after buying a ranch house (with a first floor laundry room), I found that my knee pain was worse, and my leg muscles were weaker than before. Our knees rely on our leg muscles to work properly.
The book contains a lot of information I've heard before, but with some added details, research studies or explanations that made it worth my time to read. It gave me some nice "AHA" moments. Knowing WHY something is important is really helpful to my motivation.
The authors provide clear examples and summaries of studies that help clarify some of the mixed messages we get in the media, for instance about various kinds of supplements. It helped explain why my pharmacist cautioned us about the calcium supplements.
The women in my family tend to live very long lives. This is a blessing unless you're not strong or healthy enough to enjoy it. Who wants to live the last decade of life in pain? If you don't, then there are some tips in this book that you'll find helpful.
April 23, 2018
This book presents a compelling case for the importance of developing and maintaining muscle and core strength. As a member of the “sandwich” generation I have witnessed first hand how detrimental the loss of muscle strength can be in the elderly. Both of my parents have endured increasing frailty as the years have passed due to this condition. I was convinced that I needed to make more of an effort to begin a weight training program so that I can have a better quality of life now and in my elder years. I do wish that here had been more practical advice about how to do this. Much of the book was devoted to the science and case studies to prove the point which for me was unnecessary. It didn’t take long to convince me, and after a while it felt like overkill and I found myself skipping ahead to get to what for me would have been how I could apply the principles advocated at the beginning of the book. I think that if there were more practical advice and guidance it would have been a more effective work. However if you enjoy books that explore the science and medicine side of things then you will enjoy this well written book.
August 1, 2018
What a wealth of information Choosing the Strong Path: Reversing the Downward Spiral of Aging by Fred Bartlett is! As a 59 year old woman with a number of chronic conditions, I have been fighting for better health for a number of years. This book gave me hope that sell steps do make positive changes in my muscle strength over time. I liked how Bartlit discussed both cardiovascular and resistance training, and I learned a couple of ways to expand my physical therapy exercises. Since I also struggle to eat enough to get my required vitamins, the recommendations for supplements is something I plan to discuss with my doctor using this book and its researched studies to see what else I might add. I would recommend this book for anyone in their mid-fifties and beyond to help take better care of themselves and ownership of their bodies.
September 6, 2018
Taking the science, wisdom, and message of this book to heart can change your life for the better!
The authors convincingly demonstrate, through their own lives and well as through scientifically-documented studies and case studies of various individuals who have chosen the "strong path", that sarcopenia (the lessening of strength and endurance through the wasting away of muscles as one ages) is NOT inevitable.
Sarcopenia can actually be reversed, no matter how young or old, how sedentary or overweight one is when he or she begins and commits to regular strength training. Instead of a downward spiral leading to death as one ages, this book provides both the hope and the tools to enable one to experience and upward spiral to increased health and strength as one ages, leading, instead, to more abundant living and fulfillment in one's later years.
The authors convincingly demonstrate, through their own lives and well as through scientifically-documented studies and case studies of various individuals who have chosen the "strong path", that sarcopenia (the lessening of strength and endurance through the wasting away of muscles as one ages) is NOT inevitable.
Sarcopenia can actually be reversed, no matter how young or old, how sedentary or overweight one is when he or she begins and commits to regular strength training. Instead of a downward spiral leading to death as one ages, this book provides both the hope and the tools to enable one to experience and upward spiral to increased health and strength as one ages, leading, instead, to more abundant living and fulfillment in one's later years.
January 10, 2018
I found this book informative and motivational in equal measure. Before reading a plan of action for improving your strength and reducing muscle and strength decline as we age, this book inspires you with case studies and, importantly, a look at mindset and self-esteem as well as nutrition to support the ultimate goal of a stronger old age. Whilst there are references in abundance it’s clearly written and the science or terminology is not off putting. I enjoyed it and it served as a nice reminder that there’s more to muscle than aesthetics and that we have control over how we experience ‘old age’.. Thank you, Net Galley, for the opportunity to review this book.
March 25, 2018
I won this book from Goodreads. It discusses the fact that everyone will suffer from Sarcopenia eventually, unless we do something to prevent it. The authors suggest that the "something" be resistance training, along with a proper diet. They advance the notion that proper weight training and other exercise will not only ward off sarcopenia (which literally is loss of strength), but is helpful with other maladies of the aging population, such as cardiac problems, diabetes, and even certain cancers. The book reads rather like a textbook, but does remind me that I should be lifting weights. I may, I may!
June 27, 2018
Good advice us all.
I know that working out is important. This book lays out an easy to read approach for all of us, of any age, to get to the gym. It really makes sense that frailty should not be inevitable, that each of us can be Strong throughout our lives. We just have to make strength training a habit throughout our lives. It will get me going to the gym!
I know that working out is important. This book lays out an easy to read approach for all of us, of any age, to get to the gym. It really makes sense that frailty should not be inevitable, that each of us can be Strong throughout our lives. We just have to make strength training a habit throughout our lives. It will get me going to the gym!
physical_to-read_stack
February 9, 2018I received my copy free through Goodreads Giveaways.
June 24, 2018
I received this book as a goodreads giveaway.
All of us have heard about the importance of diet and exercise, and most have accepted, at least in our minds, that we need to stay active in order to stay healthy. Putting that into action is a different story. In our busy lives, we all too often fail to find the time to keep exercising. This informative book attempts to change our attitudes about exercise, and provides considerable supporting information that everyone should have. It challenges the common belief that physical deterioration is inevitable as we age, and gives examples of people who have remained active well into their eighties as proof.
This book isn't about going for a 20 minute walk every day (although they are clear that it's a good thing for all of us to do). It's a challenge to all of us to push ourselves with strength training, no matter what our current regimen, if we even have one, includes. Backed by both anecdotal and scientific evidence, the author presents a clear picture of the need to keep our muscles strong, with emphasis on the multiple effects this has on our long-term abilities and health. He stresses that it is never too early or, just as important, too late to begin a strength training program.
With detailed plans on how to begin, track progress, and support a training program with proper diet (very different than you might believe), plus access to their website for additional support and instructions, readers have everything they need to develop a strength training plan that will help them stay healthy and active will into their senior years.
As someone who is already a senior, and not as strong or active as I could/should be, this plan is one that I am convinced will help me. I highly recommend this book for everyone.
All of us have heard about the importance of diet and exercise, and most have accepted, at least in our minds, that we need to stay active in order to stay healthy. Putting that into action is a different story. In our busy lives, we all too often fail to find the time to keep exercising. This informative book attempts to change our attitudes about exercise, and provides considerable supporting information that everyone should have. It challenges the common belief that physical deterioration is inevitable as we age, and gives examples of people who have remained active well into their eighties as proof.
This book isn't about going for a 20 minute walk every day (although they are clear that it's a good thing for all of us to do). It's a challenge to all of us to push ourselves with strength training, no matter what our current regimen, if we even have one, includes. Backed by both anecdotal and scientific evidence, the author presents a clear picture of the need to keep our muscles strong, with emphasis on the multiple effects this has on our long-term abilities and health. He stresses that it is never too early or, just as important, too late to begin a strength training program.
With detailed plans on how to begin, track progress, and support a training program with proper diet (very different than you might believe), plus access to their website for additional support and instructions, readers have everything they need to develop a strength training plan that will help them stay healthy and active will into their senior years.
As someone who is already a senior, and not as strong or active as I could/should be, this plan is one that I am convinced will help me. I highly recommend this book for everyone.
November 14, 2020
Good information and motivation for making the second half of your life active and well-lived. I am 45 and disabled due to a car accident at 24 years old (1999).
The book challenges the mindset the “we all just get old and feeble, it’s inevitable”. Until a few years ago, that’s what I thought too. I know better now. I’m already motivated and have lost 100 lbs over the past few years with cardio, rowing specifically. But I know I need strength training, the very basics in the book, and StrongPath website resources are a great starting point.
Six months in a hospital bed caused my muscles to wither away. I’ve never regained that muscle in the past 20 years, and I got fat. Male, at 5’10 I was 120 lb in the hospital at my thinnest, ballooned up to 270 by 2008, lived at that weight until 2015 now I’m back down to a runner’s sort of lean at 160 lbs.
I had become frustrated seeing all the complicated exercise programs for so many young, fit, and genetically gifted people all over the Internet. I then realized I need to start at the most basic level - like an 85 year old granny who’s never lifted more than a can of soup her entire life. Once I started researching “strength training for seniors” I finally found information I can apply and begin to use.
I don’t need to worry about buying special equipment, I just need to get started with the basics using my own body weight. This book gave me a good starting point, simple exercises, and basic progress tracking knowledge & tools to take the next step in my health journey to build muscle. It will be real work, but only takes a few minutes a few times per week. I’ll share my simple goal with you - in the next 6 months my goal is to do one full pull-up! That’s it, so simple, but I need to work at it to get there.
The book challenges the mindset the “we all just get old and feeble, it’s inevitable”. Until a few years ago, that’s what I thought too. I know better now. I’m already motivated and have lost 100 lbs over the past few years with cardio, rowing specifically. But I know I need strength training, the very basics in the book, and StrongPath website resources are a great starting point.
Six months in a hospital bed caused my muscles to wither away. I’ve never regained that muscle in the past 20 years, and I got fat. Male, at 5’10 I was 120 lb in the hospital at my thinnest, ballooned up to 270 by 2008, lived at that weight until 2015 now I’m back down to a runner’s sort of lean at 160 lbs.
I had become frustrated seeing all the complicated exercise programs for so many young, fit, and genetically gifted people all over the Internet. I then realized I need to start at the most basic level - like an 85 year old granny who’s never lifted more than a can of soup her entire life. Once I started researching “strength training for seniors” I finally found information I can apply and begin to use.
I don’t need to worry about buying special equipment, I just need to get started with the basics using my own body weight. This book gave me a good starting point, simple exercises, and basic progress tracking knowledge & tools to take the next step in my health journey to build muscle. It will be real work, but only takes a few minutes a few times per week. I’ll share my simple goal with you - in the next 6 months my goal is to do one full pull-up! That’s it, so simple, but I need to work at it to get there.
April 22, 2018
Choosing the Strong Path is such an important book;it should be required reading for anyone interested in living a healthy, independent life as they age. The scourge of Sarcopenia is very, very real in our culture: most people, including doctors, believe that weakness and infirmity is just a natural part of aging. This book shows a different way, the strong path, to follow into robust old age. Exercise is the key. Not just a brisk walk everyday, but whole body strength training. I have no doubt that this book will help many people; (it certainly woke me up to why I was getting weaker, but after it presents it's well-researched & ground breaking medical information,it gets bogged down in a paen to the importance of going to the gym. Exercise machines & trainers are very cool, but realistically,not everyone is financially or physically able to go to the gym 3X per week. Instead of pages & pages on the wonders of the local gym, people looking to improve their physical strength would profit more from learning more about strengthening exercises one can do at home. The local gym can still be the gold standard of strength training, but the achievements people can make on their own should be given more emphasis.
May 13, 2019
So joining the over 40 crowd has given me a new perspective on how to take better care of myself. Basically I found out the hard way I no longer recover like I used to. I decided to read this book to give me some tips on how to take the bull by the horns and get some of my strength back. I found the analysis of better aging through strength fascinating. And they obviously research the book well, plenty of notes and sources listed.
The stories on the transformations of some people who used this training method were inspiring.
The stories on the transformations of some people who used this training method were inspiring.
April 22, 2018
I immediately started a strength training routine. It's great to know that I can stay strong as I grow older mainly by strength exercises. The 100 year old man that does 100 pushups a day was motivating! I decided not to give in to the pain and automatically say that's too heavy or I can't do that because I learned the more you don't use those muscles that bother you the more they will deteriorate. This is a must read for anyone who wants to live life to the ,stay strong and active!!
April 6, 2018
People are living longer, but are they living better? Sarcopenia is a loss of skeletal muscle mass and a loss of strength. Inactivity causes muscles to lose strength. Sarcopenia can be prevented by weight training. The book includes history and case studies.
I received this book from Goodreads giveaways.
I received this book from Goodreads giveaways.
May 20, 2018
Interesting read
I found this to be an interesting read. It gave me a whole new way to look at combating aging. The book tells you that retaining and increasing muscle mass as you age is extremely important. It gives you a few basic things to consider. But most importantly, it tells you to get started and get some help so that you can enjoy the years that you have left.
I found this to be an interesting read. It gave me a whole new way to look at combating aging. The book tells you that retaining and increasing muscle mass as you age is extremely important. It gives you a few basic things to consider. But most importantly, it tells you to get started and get some help so that you can enjoy the years that you have left.
August 18, 2020
Life changing
Not only does our lifestyle in the United States encourage less physical activity due to conveniences for adults but children as well. Physical education or basic gym class is no longer provided in most public schools. At my age I can identify with many of the case studies in the book. Very motivating! Thank you for raising awareness!
Not only does our lifestyle in the United States encourage less physical activity due to conveniences for adults but children as well. Physical education or basic gym class is no longer provided in most public schools. At my age I can identify with many of the case studies in the book. Very motivating! Thank you for raising awareness!
April 30, 2018
I was delighted to receive a copy in a GoodReads giveaway. Choosing the StrongPath makes a strong argument for the value of weight training to maintain your health as you get older. The case studies provide useful real life examples of the value of exercise and strength training in particular.
August 2, 2020
Great for foundation. Return to Activity
When an 80 year old man can kick your butt in the gym .... listen to what he has to say. Good references on the right and wrong ways to get back into or start a strength training lifestyle and extend the good years of you life
When an 80 year old man can kick your butt in the gym .... listen to what he has to say. Good references on the right and wrong ways to get back into or start a strength training lifestyle and extend the good years of you life
November 3, 2020
Book is good, but Fred is at his best in the YouTube videos where his passion and dedication to resistance training is obvious to everyone. I thought Fred was in his mid - seventies and was amazed to discover he was 86 years old. Quite a guy and quite an inspiration.
February 21, 2018
This book was very informative and great interest
April 22, 2018
Great job convincing those of us over 50 the benefits of strength training. Would have given 5 stars if author didn't resort to "scared straight" tactics at times.
May 4, 2018
I’ve been a personal trainer since 1996, but I learned so much from this book. Excellent read for anyone interested in aging well.
December 18, 2023
This book had a lot of good advise and information about what sarcopenia is and how to help deter it. Very motivational. However, he kept referring his readers to his website' https://www.strongpath.com/ for resources, tracking forms, examples of exercises, proper form, case studies, etc. But when I went to the website, all I saw was "Grow Revenue And Improve Outcomes", "Use Our Return On Investment Calculator To Determine How Much Your Organization Can Earn When You Take The Strong Path", "With StrongPath, your practice or hospital can bill for and collect reimbursement when your patients participate in our remote care programs".
So, it appears that this started out as a well intended program for elderly adults to take charge of their health and well being, but then, like everything else medical, it turned into a profit making venture. So, he convinces me that I need to begin strength training immediately, but then leaves me hanging not knowing were to start.
Fortunately, his is not the first book I've read on the aging body, and certainly not the first to write of the vital importance of strength training (for everyone), so I already found an app that you can download on your phone for free. Not all of us have access to gyms and can afford personal trainers. Not all of us want to wait until it's medically necessary so we can bill it to our insurance.
So, it appears that this started out as a well intended program for elderly adults to take charge of their health and well being, but then, like everything else medical, it turned into a profit making venture. So, he convinces me that I need to begin strength training immediately, but then leaves me hanging not knowing were to start.
Fortunately, his is not the first book I've read on the aging body, and certainly not the first to write of the vital importance of strength training (for everyone), so I already found an app that you can download on your phone for free. Not all of us have access to gyms and can afford personal trainers. Not all of us want to wait until it's medically necessary so we can bill it to our insurance.
December 13, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I am at the age where I am starting to worry about losing strength as I age. It hasn't happened yet, but I see my mother-in-law struggle to do even minor things. She won't do anything strenuous, because it causes her pain, and I have been trying to get her to understand that slowly becoming more active will, in the long run, help get rid of her pain. Instead she is just growing weaker. Maybe I should give her this book.
The authors provided some good information, and the research into the benefits of working out was interesting. I also liked the case studies. I do wish there was a bit more about the recommended workouts included in the text. Instead, readers were referred to the StrongPath website. That's fine, and I may check it out, but the book did feel infomercial-like at times with all the references to their program.
It did inspire me to add more strengh training to my regime (which is mostly walking and hiking).
I am at the age where I am starting to worry about losing strength as I age. It hasn't happened yet, but I see my mother-in-law struggle to do even minor things. She won't do anything strenuous, because it causes her pain, and I have been trying to get her to understand that slowly becoming more active will, in the long run, help get rid of her pain. Instead she is just growing weaker. Maybe I should give her this book.
The authors provided some good information, and the research into the benefits of working out was interesting. I also liked the case studies. I do wish there was a bit more about the recommended workouts included in the text. Instead, readers were referred to the StrongPath website. That's fine, and I may check it out, but the book did feel infomercial-like at times with all the references to their program.
It did inspire me to add more strengh training to my regime (which is mostly walking and hiking).
August 11, 2018
I enjoyed this book, but ...
I came to the book already understanding the problem facing aging folks. I was looking for a detailed description of the program, but had to read through many chapters of “the case for” Strongpath. I would have liked to see those arguments reduced to about 30% of what is there. Too much repetition in my opinion.
Once I did get to the actual exercise structure, I was pleased by what I saw. But there could be a lot more there. I have not yet been to the website. So it may very well be covered in more detail.
I am convinced that the cost of the US healthcare bill could be slashed if more people were on board with Strongpath.
I came to the book already understanding the problem facing aging folks. I was looking for a detailed description of the program, but had to read through many chapters of “the case for” Strongpath. I would have liked to see those arguments reduced to about 30% of what is there. Too much repetition in my opinion.
Once I did get to the actual exercise structure, I was pleased by what I saw. But there could be a lot more there. I have not yet been to the website. So it may very well be covered in more detail.
I am convinced that the cost of the US healthcare bill could be slashed if more people were on board with Strongpath.
July 11, 2018
I did find the first 25% or so to be very repetitive. With some good editing I feel it could keep the readers interest better and move the pace along more smoothly.
When it got to the case studies it held my interest better. Overall it still gave the impression of someone trying to sell me a timeshare.
The book makes valid points and advises some practical actions. The idea is interesting but the overall presentation left me wanting.
However, I will be checking out the website to learn more.
When it got to the case studies it held my interest better. Overall it still gave the impression of someone trying to sell me a timeshare.
The book makes valid points and advises some practical actions. The idea is interesting but the overall presentation left me wanting.
However, I will be checking out the website to learn more.
May 30, 2018
If you already have a healthy lifestyle, you will feel vindicated but won't learn much more than you already know, aside from the scientific terms. If you don't, this should light a fire under you. I won a Kindle edition from a Goodreads giveaway.
November 17, 2025
I am a geriatrician and I am working to start a longevity practice. I enjoyed reading this book although it reemphasized what I do already in my lifestyle as well as what I encourage for my patients.
March 21, 2018
Nothing I didn’t already know, but inspiring nonetheless
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews