Bodybuilding, Strength Training, Health, and Beauty

Sometimes people ask us why Greysteel athletes don't look like bodybuilders. Easy: They're not bodybuilders. The ultra-jacked, ultra-low-fat physique pursued by bodybuilders (with great discipline and effort) has become synonymous with "fitness" in the mind of many. This is a category error, and in this episode Sully tries to lift the confusion. Health and Beauty IS as health and beauty LIVES.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED by Jonathon Sullivan MD, PhD, SSC
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Damian Lang
EXECUTIVE PATRONS: John and Val Rosengren
ELITE PATRON: Dr. Kurt Van Scoik
OLYMPIC PATRONS:
John Slaughter
Jeffrey Barefoot
Dr. Bert Lindsay,
Laura and James Welcher,
Shauna Bourassa,
Fred Barnes MD,
Stephen Gross,
Matthew Gross
CHARTER PATRONS:
Grady,
Emily,
Mark,
Warren
POWER PATRONS:
Rod Hargrave
Peter Gardiner
Bar Reehuis
Rob Schillinger
John Carrigg
Tae Ellin
Bert Lindsay, DC
Sascha Goldsmith
Bar Reehuis
Emily
John and Val Rosengren
Sven M
WELCOME NEW PATRONS!
Charlie Amering
Jacquie Martin
Kathie White
Robert Rohlin
David Williams
Mitch Eaton
RA Merchant
Ferdinand Bruggeman
IMAGES:
Jonathon Sullivan MD, PhD, SSC, PBC
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Noah Hayden, PBC
Lesia McQuade
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c. 2022 Greysteel LLC
Content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Consult your physician for questions about your health, diet and exercise.

[@godizself1]

"Don't waste your pearls on swine. " Athletes of aging, know the truth. Your content is monumental and we hope you're training someone to continue your legacy.

[@Myrmecia]

10:03 "When you make your living fighting disease, health itself is a sort of radiant beauty"

[@reavsie1]

So inspiring. This is what has kept me training for 35 years - so I can keep going in health and strength, and stay independent in my old age. Thank you Sully for the timely reminder of the difference between bodybuilding and strength training, it's easy to get sidetracked from time to time.

[@Houdini_Bob]

I'll be 66 in feb, 5'9" 150, age gracefully??? heck no I'm gonna fight it every step of the way. I love what you said I try to eat well, exercise regularly with weights and cardio. I do have neurofibromatosis with thousands of fibromas over my torso and arms so no cover of Mens Health for me LOL. I am in it for me, to keep me healthy. Thank you Dr Sully.

[@Mike-wc9lg]

Seeing the athletes smiles after accomplishing their lifts is priceless💪♥🤙

[@gregchalfant5682]

Elegantly stated and demonstrated Dr. Sullivan!!! All the best to you and the crew!

[@thomascragg783]

Five weeks since my Aortic Valve open heart surgery and I'm finally back in the gym. Sternum has not fully healed so have to avoid some exercises plus I've lost a lot of muscle mass and really weak. But all in all it was great to be moving some weights again even if they are a lot lighter. Thanks for the training session Shawn Thomas.

[@Venuslovefactor]

Fricken awesome perspectives man. Love it! I'm 65, building strength, some muscle and loving it!!

[@carlzalesski2975]

Strength training is the first step in body building,some people wish to stop at the first step for their own personal reasons.most people in the senior sector don't want to have a body builder body ,just merely a stronger healthier injury resistant body.i at 65 are of the later.until 63 after a severe shoulder injury I was as most people my age,living daily without exercising.since the 6 hr surgery to repair the shoulder as much as possible,which included the permanent loss of the long head bicep I began weight training as PT which grew to strength training to improve injury resistance and overall health .I lost 70 lbs and improved all blood markers.not ripped or jacked but healthy.the real goal of strength training.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

You give me hope. Same age, same injury repaired.

[@angeladavies]

Excellent vd, at 54 I have seriously tried to learn about the real important of the human body is health, muscle, cv, brain. Try slow down the passage to frailty.

[@joethomas909]

Well said doctor.. It's s shame that you had to put across a video to explain something so rudimentary but that's the sad state of some people's intellect. The beauty of your thought and knowledge truly resonates in this video. 👏👏

[@deb7300]

I am currently reading The Barbell Prescription. What a great book. I love the description of the Sick Ageing Phenotype. Its the best description of all those old people I see and what is happening to them. As an 'Athlete of Ageing' I was lucky to find a good coach a few years back and am following a similar program to what you prescribe in your book. I absolutely love those 2 terms Sick Ageing Phenotype and Althete of Ageing...I use them a lot now. 🙂

[@GreySteel]

Wonderful!

[@alessandrariussi4658]

Thank you Dr Sullivan! Here in Italy strength training over 50 is not even considered an option 😔

[@Hossak]

That was a crackerjack of a video, just loved everything about it. So awesome to see a great cross section of your athletes doing their thing and looking just great! If you don't post anything more for this year, I want to wish you, your loved ones and your awesome athletes a Merry Christmas and a happy, strong and healthy New Year!!!!

[@damianlang1855]

As a Greysteel member I say thanks and Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@GreySteel]

Thanks 🙏

[@chrisc1564]

Thankyou for this. I am closing in on 60 and walk every for the mental calmness. Lift weights to keep toned. Have never felt better aftter dropping 26 kg of weight. I had a heart attack at 49. TG down to 0.6 mmol/l from 2.4 HDL up from 1.3 mmol/l to 1.9mmol/l. Just a great way you explained health for longevity.

[@farmerwayne1404]

Perfect splanation! Says Ricky Ricardo to Lucy! Great job, Dr....

[@signmeupruss]

Hi Jonathon Sullivan MD, PhD, SSC, I bought your book, The Barbell Prescription, and Rippetoe's, Starting Strength, a year ago and have worked through them. I started my novice progression in June and am already reaping the benefits. At the end of June I visited Starting Strength Indianapolis for a coaching session with Andrew Lewis, and I have nothing but high praise for his knowledge and professionalism. I live in Lansing, MI and I wanted to visit your Greysteel gym in Farmington, but I couldn't determine any way to contact you aside from your automated scheduling page online. I want to thank you for the work you do. The video testimonials I see featuring 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 somethings attest to the effectiveness of the Starting Strength model as well as its applicability for one's entire lifespan.

[@GreySteel]

Send us an email at greysteel DOT fitness AT gmail DOT com.

[@IdoNOTfearman]

YES!! BRAVO!! Excellent video, so inspiring. My fiance and I do strength training and will continue as long as God gives us life and health. Many don't understand the importance of functional muscle. We try to tell anyone who will listen. This just pumped me up for our next gym day 🏋‍♀️

[@dyderich]

a lot of the people you showcased at the end lift more than I do. Talk about motivation!

[@KilliMilliMeter]

A few weeks away from my 60th and switched my physical Fitness routine to starting strength Novice for 12 weeks (4 weeks each phase). Made me appreciate the big lifts again (squat, deadlift, bench and overhead press).

[@GreySteel]

Keep it up!

[@SteveW67]

“People seem to care less about looking stupid than they use to”…🤣🤣🤣. LMAO spot on great video Sully. Regards and happy Christmas from England. 😎👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@JoelP1961]

I’m a former bodybuilder, I’m way less concerned with that now. I consider myself a power builder nowadays.

[@jonathand9682]

It is still amazing how many other youtube content makers take veiled swipes at Starting Strength and the Barbell Prescription and it is immediately obvious they have not read either book and take their information from people who failed to grasp the ideas in the books.

[@dagoelius]

The lady doing the clean & lunge press @ 11:10 had perfect form. Credit to you and your team Sully.

[@joebelcher4822]

Simply awesome. Thank you.

[@arymniak1]

Strength is longevity Modern body builders seem not to live to long due to the “supplement regimen” they engage in to achieve their goal.

[@babarumraisin4863]

The Barbell Prescription is one of the most informative publications on the subjects of nutrition and exercise!

[@GreySteel]

Glad you think so!

[@andybuckle285]

What a great message. Inspiring, as ever, Dr. Sully

[@s55b]

Out of all your videos I’ve seen, I enjoyed watching this one the most. Great job.

[@gregorymccoy6797]

Bravo! That's an inspiring video; the montage at the end is full of people not just persisting but actually living. I find that wonderful. I've known people in their 40s who've donned the mantle of "done with it all". Strength training keeps you in the game and the activity itself is therapeutic (and social if you belong to agym) aside from the actual results.

[@beskeptic]

Beautiful video Dr Sullivan!

[@genegodbold830]

The ending montage is really nifty!

[@petergeneva]

They are all stars, but that Oly lift at 11:02 made me cry: so elegant ❤.

[@jamiestubbs3227]

Excellent spoken words. Your book and the videos inspired me 4-5 months ago. I have incorporated the strength workouts, progression with my weight, 3-4 days weekly. I keep a log tracking my weight increases and PRs. I am 63, good health, and preparing myself for years to come. My past years of exercise and bodybuilding were for then. It did aid my next step to Strength training through your Barbell Prescription. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

[@ammovette]

I truly needed to hear this!

[@GruntProof]

Absolutely

[@samuelgaver7757]

I really like the statement that Aging is an extreme sport..

[@barbellgardener]

I'm 57 years young and barbell it 4 times a week. Love your content!

[@maxxxmodelz4061]

Excellent! Very inspirational.

[@joagin9438]

Keep up the Great work!!! I love this site - thank you!!

[@attyjim1]

Doc, this is most outstanding! It’s 0640 on the east coast and I’ve already done my hour on the bike and packed my gym bag for after work. So inspiring! TYVM.

[@GreySteel]

Nice work!

[@cyrilgcoombsiii]

this is awesome; the channel I didn’t know I needed!

[@tx.tactical3165]

Thank you for posting.

[@susansilver853]

Inspirational! Awe-inspiring! Amazing! Thank you for this video and the wonderful work you and your team do.

[@ahmadalanazy5551]

That was great, thank you 👍

[@GreySteel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@fredmerzrs3007]

Great video coach! Thanks! Merry Christmas!

[@loosegoose2466]

Great video. Awesome crew. God bless you all.

[@loopghost]

Hell yeah! Awesome motivation and wisdom.

[@MegaKerberos]

I loved the video and the informed opinion! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@shaunabourassa2862]

"Health and Beauty is as health and beauty lives " ❤

[@TXLM2007]

Thank you very much for the great video.

[@markcreighton3733]

Hey Jonathon, I like you. You've won another subscriber today. I'm a 63yo male from Sydney, Australia and keep fit with swimming daily.

[@NOXPLOADXBX]

Please tell me that there's a gym like this in SE CT. I need to find one. Great inspirational video. I am now a fan.

[@GreySteel]

Not that I know of

[@williamdennis1256]

Thumbs up, Doc

[@ForTehNguyen]

started off with bodybuilding but the dieting portion did not look fun at all. Went to do powerbuilding (mix of bodybuilding and powerlifting) and having a lot of fun and feeling strong

[@brettperkins4643]

Guess what!!! Very well put and I have that book

[@brettperkins4643]

Also, I like being stronger than 90% of the people I work with

[@davidmathew7712]

Nothing but Respect

[@keithgreig7136]

Well said!

[@SLouiss]

Fun channel. Good information. It’s good to be strong at any age.

[@studiomapleguy]

Beautiful story!

[@danielgjb]

My opinion is the type of training you promote is for health reasons. Body builder and heavy weight lifters do not do so for health reasons. Professional body builders take steroids and consume huge amounts of calories to make their gains. Powerlifters also consume huge amounts of calories and push their body's to dangerous unhealthy levels. Most people just want to be healthy and your type of training will help them in that goal.

[@JourneyOfStrength]

Power lifters I know take more steroids than bodybuilders to deal with the unnatural nervous system stress of certain training methods.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Yep concrete on what's more important and long term benefits 🏋️

[@martystrasinger3801]

Loved the video montage, but something about it aggravated my allergies ‘cause my eyes started to water. 65 yo and while I’d like to claim I don’t care a rodents rectum about aesthetics I am rather pleased with the nice V taper of my back I see when recording my lifts for my coach. Of course that goes away real quick when I turn sideways to the camera and see that dad gut hanging out!

[@redditreader5509]

That 200kg deadlift at the end was very impressive!😮

[@luisabrego1032]

12:40 I can clearly hear you saying: see? It's in your mind! 😁 remind me of the first time my wife did a deadlift. She had that same expression on her face, and I said the same thing haha

[@jimnahirniak4816]

I love this stuff!

[@FelixstoweFoamForge]

Great stuff.

[@roberteckert9699]

Well stated!

[@Harry_16710]

So much great thought going into this humorous and entertaining video; thanks for reminding us of why we do what we’re doing.💪

[@GreySteel]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stevefarmer3671]

I would love to see a CGI movie about that guy on the couch ! lol

[@Shevock]

Good stuff.

[@martystrasinger3801]

“Worthy of an entire book” If only someone would write such a book! ….Oh wait….

[@boossersgarage3239]

after 50, that was easy, I need after 65, it's getting a lot harder to train without getting hurt.

[@GregGlaeser-j4u]

I’ve always admired the likes of Steve Reeves, Reg Park, and John Grimmick!

[@robertthompson5501]

Well said. Following Barbell Prescription. Getting strong. Too old to be pretty but she loves ❤️ me still. 🙏🏋👹

[@RonSwansonIsMyGod]

Yeah, I was really into bodybuilding when I was young. Boy, what a waste of time that was... The one good thing that came out of it is my interest in weightlifting for health. I tossed bodybuilding in the bin where it belongs. Hey, as Bruce Lee said: absorb what is useful.

[@-Stop-it]

I wonder what he means by “get strong first”. There isn’t a line between weak and strong, it’s a continuum. No matter how strong you are, you can always be stronger.

[@jackburton4892]

Maybe he meant, "foundational core strength through your posterior chain BEFORE we just start body sculpting individual muscles to look pretty". That's how I took it.

[@frobosh]

Goddamn, I should watch that every day!

[@bertcloutier8718]

Touching comments

[@jasonpedwaydon9430]

As a former hypertrophy guy I used to say stupid stuff like, I don't care how much I lift I only care about how much I look like I can lift. I've trained one time at Greysteel with Noah.

[@otr-mtbandfitness]

Last ride of the day

[@leoniane2050]

I train according M.Rippetoe book and I m muscular

[@arymniak1]

Read the book, you’ll either get it or you won’t.

[@Cormac-jd2kx]

9:39 😂

[@motherearth6064]

Bodybuilding can be extreme & unhealthy. Love the comment about baboons 👍😂

[@sunnygirl9691]

I agree with most of what you’re saying. However, you are disregarding the impact of excess weight and inflammation in the body. This is completely counterproductive to creating a healthy, capable, & aging person.

[@GreySteel]

No, we haven't disregarded that. Read out book and the peer-reviewed evidence cited therein, that strength training and increased muscle mass decrease visceral fat and systemic inflammation. These benefits obtain even in the absence of the unnaturally low body fat displayed by physique athletes.

[@powskier]

One lie that you just said was that bodybuilders focus on single joint movements, not compound movements. That's ridiculous.They focus entirely on the big compound movements during the off season. It's the only way to get big They do single joint movements like curls, flies, etc just to improve the size or shape of muscles for upcoming contests..

[@Cormac-jd2kx]

The new generation has ditched deadlift and squats They use machines 90% And you never see them doing military press either. Bench press very little. It’s mostly incline bench with dumbbells. Time under tension > heavy low reps Basically

[@powskier]

@@Cormac-jd2kx But you are talking about urban fucktards that live in a city and go to a commercial gym. But if you live away from that shit, a barbell, a rack, and a bench is all you got....maybea little bit of homemade equipment.

[@gcruishank9663]

It's hilarious that people think that doing heavy squats, deads, or any of the compound lifts to get strong will make you look like a bodybuilder. No clue what it takes to look like one of these bodybuilders and why they look like they do during competition. 🤦‍♂

[@molotulo8808]

Most bodybuilders do steroids...fake? Natural may not look plastic, but real instead. Great video.

[@Bomber6215]

Sorry Doc, I buy the strength thing for sure. However, you seem to think that everyone who is looking for aesthetics wants to be a professional bodybuilder. You barely give credit to anyone who has the goal of hypertrophy along with strength. I agree that strength is very important especially as we age. But that doesn't mean that higher reps done properly don't build strength as well as aesthetics. I've been lifting weights for over 50 years and have more that adequate strength and also feel I look good and am very functional. So, I guess your channel is not for me. I respect your prescriptions for proper form and agree you are a great starting point for newbys, just not me. Suggestion, try doing higher reps once in a while and you might even look better :)

[@GreySteel]

We have answered all of this at length in the book and in other videos, informed by an extensive clinical practice working with populations, not anecdotes. And we knew people would react like this. Normally, I would just say thanks for watching and good luck. But since you decided to get personal and rude and couldn't pass up a subtle swipe at my physical appearance, which bothers me only to the degree that it underscores that at least one view wasn't QUITE smart enough to take the point, let me just make you aware that your sister and your girlfriend both think I look great naked. Now. Piss off.

[@Bomber6215]

@@GreySteel I don't think I was rude at all, Mr. Sensitive! Your wife thinks otherwise :) Piss off? What a loser. If you can't take the heat get off You Tube.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

Ageism totally on display.

[@Bomber6215]

😂@@radicalcartoons2766

[@mikeysaint4368]

Strength training and being healthy aren't necessarily the same thing. The strongest people who workout with barbells and lift impressive weights are often not physically fit. It's all very well lifting heavy weights, but if you have a protruding, flabby belly and are overweight or obese you're not healthy. I'd advise mixing up weight training with cardio, shedding excess weight and being on a sustainable healthy diet over lifting some heavy barbells a couple of times a week. The great majority of people who are pursuing "building their bodies" aren't the bodybuilders you show in this video, they're disciplined, eat properly and take care of their whole bodies. Showing photographs of competition bodybuilders is rather disingenuous, as I would be if I displayed pictures of the most obese power lifters and used them as examples of barbell trainers. Personally, I'd say it's not much good if you can lift some impressive weight but are unable to run a mile without collapsing.

[@GreySteel]

There are more strawmen in this post than a half-dozen counties of Kansas cornfields. NOBODY said strength training was the same as health, nobody said bodybuilding could not be healthy (in fact, we explicitly said it could be), and nobody said it was acceptable to be obese or deconditioned. What we DID say is that bulging muscles and 6% bodyfat aren't the same thing as being healthy, either. Health is a manifold and complex metric, and we have made the case in multiple books, articles, videos, and peer-reviewed scientific publications that it can profoundly affect senior health and function. You might want to investigate our materials in depth before you hold forth on these matters.

[@denariusshekels]

Don’t be a schnook, it’s not how you feel ,it’s how you look.

[@nitrometh42]

U want me to read BUK....priceless........And here lies a problem with todays culture. Reading is a basic skill.

[@GreySteel]

Not for everybody, apparently.

[@Cormac-jd2kx]

12:38 🥹 That made my day. Thanks so much! ❤

[@samuelgaver7757]

I really like the statement that Aging is an extreme sport..