Training Older People with ZERO Experience

In this video, I train my mom. She has zero experience with a barbell and is currently NOT training. I want to show everyone how to scale the barbell movements when you're teaching someone who can't perform an unassisted, bodyweight squat.
I also teach her how to deadlift and how to press.
Follow me on IG @untamedstrength
Intro Music: bloodeaglewbpa...
Untamed Strength is a Powerlifting/Strongman gym in Sacramento, CA: www.trainuntame...
Untamed Strength Apparel: www.trainuntame...

[@vlastimilmartinek9800]

I somehow expected his mother to have a beard

[@MusicNinja87]

Like Dwarven women. Lol

[@jonnenne]

This is honestly something youtube is sorely missing. This is not media sexy or clickbaity but I found it super interesting. She had pretty good mobility and probably an ideal older person to train honestly.

[@__-yw1hb]

i couldn't agree more. i found myself unsubbing from most YT fitness channels because while there is a lot of good information there is also a lot of overly competitive and ego driven content

[@YouTubeChillZone]

this video is suitable as a "deadlift" totriual

[@eigilpedersen738]

You saying his mom isn't sexy?

[@dogsmumm]

Alan. This is great. I am your mom's age. I have had two hip replacements and shoulder surgeries. Getting ready for hip replacement #3 ☹️ I've been in physical therapy almost continually for over five years. I was weak and in pain all the time. I have arthritis in my hands and chronic shoulder injuries. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I fell down a lot. If I was on the floor I was not strong enough to get back up. I couldn't get out of a chair without using my arms. I was scared of falling and felt old. I couldn't do much around the house. A year ago I started Starting Strength. I started with a 15# bar. Every week I added some weight to the bar. I'm at a year now. I can deadlift almost my body weight. I can bench press (closing in on 90#) and recently started really putting a lot of work into squatting (with a SS coach). I am a hobby farmer. I am now strong enough to do almost any chore around the place. My balance is fine. I have visible muscles. I feel stronger, younger and more fit than I have in decades. Cardio didn't do this. PT didn't do this. Swimming miles didn't do this. Being stronger completely changed my life. Keep it up!

[@jamesgallagher9080]

dogsmumm so amazing to hear the positive progress!!!!!!!! AMAZING FOR YOU!!!!

[@theywantuniquebodies]

dogsmumm good work! That’s awesome :)

[@oksemoerbrad]

This is so nice to hear

[@esellanta]

dogsmumm awesome work! Keep it up spring chicken

[@FPSDALLAS]

Please keep sharing your story.

[@lawtonwacker1456]

Her deadlift technique is better than most of the people at my gym.

[@cruelfish4824]

Her deadlift technique is better than mine and I've been lifting for years.

[@Oh6Torch]

I clicked like before I watched the video. I too trained my 74 year old mom. I started her out with 5 lbs weights on her bench press. I had her do 3 sets for 10 reps. The next session 3 sets for 11 reps. She complained it was too easy. I told her we were conditioning her joints. Next session 3 sets for 12 reps and so on until we hit 3x15. Next session I told her we were bumping up the weight to 7.5 lbs. She was visibly surprised. I told her to relax and that we were returning to 3x10. Then we would add a rep on each session as before. She was delighted but later again complained it was too easy. I reminded her that one day she would have to give me 3x15. Oh, ok... she said. With a lot of work and a positive attitude my 74 year old mom has graduated from dumbbells and is using a barbell bar. She’s added her 1st plate last week. The bench press is only one of many exercises I’ve put her through. She’s also doing dumbbell squats, deadlifts, bent over rows, etc... we keeping an eye on her diet and she walks for 45 minutes to an hour on her non training days. I’m very proud of her. She says she has noticed many positive changes in her life. She says she could not hold a conversation with a friend or family member standing up for more than 5 minutes. She would find herself looking for a chair. One day she noticed it wasn’t a problem anymore. She sleeps better. She no longer experiences any back pain. And, her attitude and general mood is better. Thank you for posting this video Alan.

[@ItsOraa]

I was really hoping momma thrall was gonna do the outro

[@mathjoker]

One of the best videos you've done. KZbin is saturated with videos about the different lifts, eating, cardio etc but few coaching vids with actual clients. I would like to see you do more of these with the same kind of commentary you did here.

[@kimbrotheridge5353]

mathjoker agreed

[@dennismcfarland7817]

Superb video ! Very much agree with mathjoker that seeing actual sessions with brand new older clients is waaay more informative and motivating , especially for older ( I'm 72 ) people, than watching the very young and very fit demonstrate perfect form. The issue for the not so young and not so fit is " yeah, that's marvelous. but how do I get there ?" Thank you so very much Mr. Thrall ( and Mom )- I very much hope this is the first in a series !

[@OliverStahl]

Please tell your mom that she did a great job raising you, Alan. I was hoping you'd make your mom say the "train untamed" at the end though.

[@LeoSkyro]

FROM "I've fallen, and I cant get uuuup" TO _Grandma dropping PR's like it's cooking recipes._

[@tigolebittie]

This makes me so damn happy seeing Alan train his mom which makes him happy, what a good day

[@kirktitgen6395]

I can almost hear him say "DO NOT TOUCH THE BARBELL"!!!

[@filipskrobisz]

Hello everyone I have a microphone in my beard...

[@John-iw1nn]

Rippetoe says she needs to gain about 100 pounds.

[@unclegrim]

Alan has got his mom gomad, confirmed

[@Arbfor]

he also says you can't train your loved ones

[@TheMorganBrothers]

She should try gomad

[@strongainz5086]

Modern refined milk, especially a gallon a day ins't a healthy thing to do for most people

[@Cin9999]

Stron Gainz Dairy products never were healthy ...its milk from another species Some of us can tolerate it but its never health promoting Unrefined milk got refined because it is even more dangerous and causes infections and parasites

[@miguelvillafan7619]

I'm probably gonna watch this video another 10 times. Awesome cues, clear instructions, patience with the client 👌🏼

[@jomercerlmt5727]

I started lifting as a rank novice with a Starting Strength Coach a year ago when I was 59--my PRs this week are squat 175 lbs, press 90 lbs, bench 125 lbs, deadlift 235 lbs. Just do it, people--you're never too old to get stronger or to benefit greatly from being stronger!!

[@filippovincenti]

Amazing!!! Congratulations

[@bassemb]

18:40 This is the most methodical and easy to understand breakdown of a deadlift I ever heard, awesome

[@nikkijones9713]

Alan your mum is delightful, I'm very interested in training older folks so I would love to see more videos like this

[@waltherwagner9711]

age, experience and generation. They realy know what effort and concentration means.

[@InfiniteAthletics]

You guys need to do more videos together!

[@MatiasStrengthCoach]

I couldn't stop looking at that mic wrapped around your beard

[@halfman58]

Well done. You are a good son :) looking after your mom.

[@jimwalker7569]

Alan thrall is a like a strong Marshall from how I met your mother

[@silvajoao142]

exactly

[@omarcarino99]

I have pointed multiple people to this channel for the excellent content and once again I was not disappointed. Great video Alan!

[@a.t5716]

Yeah , I'm wondering why Mom waited ,,, I'd be exercising with you everyday ,,, I started the 5x5 last October, , after watching you and Brian ,,, I'm addicted to the squats and weights ! I'm toned up 90% ... I'll be 60 in May ... please keep us posted of her progress ,,, I do hope she sees all the benefits I did ,,, I feel and look wonderful !

[@borkasiamese4617]

A. T -- what's your progress in numbers with that 5x5 by now?

[@a.t5716]

Well,, I've Lost 15 Pounds , also eating healthy ... I've Lost Inches all around ... and Toned a Lot That I Thought Amazing .. after 2 months I started noticing .... I've Lost 5 Inches in belly ,,, 4 in hips ,,, and an inch in calves,, arms and thighs .... I could send you a pic ,,, after I feel more comfortable with some wrinkles ... most of the wrinkles from my old age are toned and looking good now... little more to go ... I'm thinking another 2-3 months .... But ,, As I said .. I Love the Routine and will do It as long as I'm able ... I'm just adding a couple more exercises to it ... like thrusts and such ... I Love All Your Videos .... Keep Up the Great Work.... I do Hope Mom Gets a ' Before ' And After Pic ... I forgot to take a before pic.... Thank You !

[@fitiwthw]

I'll share this video with the young adults in my gym who can't perform a barbell squat

[@Duad]

7:30 dude in the back practicing for the weekend lmao

[@Masevah]

I know it's been three years, but this comment made me choke on my beer. Nice catch brother

[@ModifiedBeautyBabe]

My mom is 58 and she is one of those other kind of old people that are strong and conditioned. She and I are big fans of yours. She just started her second career as a personal trainer for older novice clients to help them stay safe and mobile as their body ages. I think this will be such a good video for her to watch. Thanks for always producing such informative and original content, Alan.

[@abejaamarilla4961]

Allan thanks a lot!! I started because of my son..he encourage me all times, and I’m following you too. I’m 55

[@jpkaneshida242]

Alan, your mommy's the cutest thing ever. Keeping her strong is such a great act of love!

[@bronsonmintun5871]

This type of video is amazing and inspiring. As a relatively new personal trainer, I find it hard to explain things in words that are so familiar to me, so videos like this are the type of content that really helps me out. Keep it coming Alan!

[@petrocksgarage]

I was half expecting your mom to do the "Train Untamed" sign off at the end of the video. That would have been awesome!

[@GabrieleSantoro-01]

1:03 Alan coaching Rippetoe

[@johnmoore3569]

Great video on how barbell training is suitable for most people. My sister is going through breast cancer treatment, terrified of coming out the other side putting on 2-3 stone with the steroids during chemotherapy treatment. I have her training with me in my shed gym. She is in a great place and you wouldn't know she was having treatment unless she removed the hat. What is most important is she is maintaining her mental health while training. She can see small but noticeable results in her ability to move in areas she would've traditionally struggled with. Appreciate the effort in sharing your knowledge. Cheers John

[@sloanbrian245]

This is awesome, I've heard a lot about how well the starting strength community coaches older/injured lifters, but this is the 1st time I've seen it in action.

[@iandozier83]

Alan... I've followed you for a long time. Thanks for everything.. please please make this a regular thing. I would love to see mom's progess

[@Tautv1ST]

very nice footage! it will be extremely nice to see their progressios over time..

[@martinstrength8532]

This is great, am going to start my wife out this way and gradually build up. Thank you for the detailed instruction.

[@brandonhogsten4826]

I don't generally comment on videos but this was fun to watch. Ive been lifting for a couple of months now and am a younger person so most of the information does not apply but some of the cues were good to see and I really enjoyed how happy you seemed working with your mom. You generally don't smile that much so that was cool.

[@liftlabperformance]

Alan, bringing your mom to your show is awesome. Go mom!

[@TheJohncoyle]

Thanks for this Alan. It’s very inspiring; and I especially love the tip about the incremental route to the overhead press, with which I struggle. I now feel confident to tackle it, and I know that I will be able to do it without any assistance within the next couple of months. You are a star.

[@masterphilip1313]

I could tell how Alan was happy when his mom did the exercise correct and he was seeing the progress. I know that exact feeling of happiness with my mom when I explain her some exercises and she nails em

[@abraxis20]

I was 54 when I started powerlifting specific training and even though I had been going to the gym 3 times per week since my mid-twenties, I still struggled with squats and particularly deadlifts (which I'd never done). Even though my core was pretty strong from a year or so of callisthenics/Barstars type training, my back, which I had injured several times over the years, was piss-weak. Consequently, even though i started very light and was running a 5x5 program, i still managed to hurt my back , which sent me back a good few months. What worked for me during rehab, and what i'd recommend to any older person starting to squat and deadlift, is to spend some time first strengthening the lower back, glutes and hamstrings.

[@Killahertz893]

thanks for making this video, I have a pretty comprehensive home gym set up and ive been trying to figure out how to train my mom. She has a hip replacement, thoracic kyphosis and some shoulder immobility. She recently fell down after a hip replacement repair, and I realize that strength training is a must have to keep her on her two feet, keep her balanced, and keep her out of a wheelchair.

[@williamohora]

I literally never "like and subscribe" but not even halfway through this video he had me sold

[@immortal5sky]

This is awesome. You and your mother are both great.

[@Aeklypsis]

I'm not entirely sure, but there may be a microphone in your beard.

[@donha475]

Your mom seems lovely. Your whole family seem like good down to earth people. Nice video

[@derekmorris1160]

I'm glad you posted something like this. I've been wanting to get into personal training to help some of the people in my community, and I think giving older people hope that they too can get into shape is a great thing!

[@seanheggie2138]

This is the wholesome content I need in 2020

[@machristopheruy8684]

Thank you, you are a real trainer, practical, best video made for us old guys! Cheers!

[@ItsAlreadyRendered]

I have clients who are 60+ with no prior experience lifting and they have experienced no pain since they started working with me. And that is because I have them doing the squat, deadlift, overhead press and bentover row. However, like you show I scale it to their current strength and abilities.

[@tjhoo4758]

99 years old. Went from squating barbell one day to 225 the next. Thx Alan!

[@stankyhobo2000]

Inspirational what a mad lad

[@landi2244]

Wow happy 99

[@Handeee805]

146 years here, went from squatting without anything to 615 for reps!

[@scottmoyer3854]

Dem Gandalf gainzzz

[@joemelo16]

Such a helpful video. As an Exercise Science student who works mostly with athletes at times it can be difficult thinking of ways to work barbell movements into a program for someone who is older/untrained. Keep up the good work man

[@Ryan-cy1ts]

Today my Dad(60) asked me to help him build some strength. Remembered this upload and had to come back and watch. Thanks Alan!

[@cranki6316]

Awesome! Alan Thrall, you are the man. I love the patience you guys show with older clients. Starting Strength is the best.

[@rexbear9756]

My parents go to a "senior" exercise class and it is really just some physical therapy stuff, it has a purpose but no one every gets better. The seniors need what you demonstrated more than any other group because it means the difference between living at home or falling and having to go to assisted living home. I hope this will ketch on.

[@Find_Your_Fit]

Alan, thanks so much! I’ve been looking for something like this! Love watching your videos. Keep it up.

[@johangradin2057]

You are from now on the only "KZbin coach" I will watch. This content is awesome!

[@TheDave000]

I think your mum's a natural. It took me ages to get my head (or back?) around having a straight back when deadlifting. She got it straight away!

[@undergroundindy]

This is great! I'd love to see more videos training people with little or no experience like this. Seeing you teaching in this mode will help me to be able to understand how to think and problem solve training others!

[@JonathanLalrempuia]

That mic clip placement is just 💡

[@cherriercheung]

Thank you so much!!! My mom is reaching that age where she starts to need some assistance walking downstairs. I've always been encouraging her to do some simply squats on the chair but I don't know how to coach her. This is exactly what I need. THank you!!

[@james.bracken]

Mama Thrall is too cool man! This is great stuff. I'm gonna send it to my mom.

[@RawFitChris]

Alan I wish you and your mom many decades more. I've been training my mom since she was 54 and I was 32 . Now I am 60. She's still doing barbell squats, trap bar deadlifts and overhead presses with substantial weights in perfect form (I won't let her do anything less lol).

[@AllensActiveProductions95]

I love how much Alan’s channel has grown, he’s gonna be at 500k in no time

[@manueltroche2405]

You are a good son. God Bless you and your mother. 👍🏋️‍♀️❤

[@sunzaolive]

Many thanks Alan. I am preparing myself to train my mum and dad. They are both 65 and have decent genetics, I gurantee that haha, but we're never as active as me when they were younger. I realized the importance of strength especially to older folks, many thanks for bringing mum in to help! You are a very good man!

[@BroFitARG]

I don't know why I skipped over this one, I love every one of your vids man. Super useful. Thx a lot Alan.

[@bernardofonseca2353]

Thanks, man, my mom has some trouble with her back for a while now (couple years), I do powerlifting and I've been realy trying to get her to move with me without intimidanting her, and your video helped me a lot to get some starting point for her. Also, thanks for the great job in this chanel, I still have a lot to learn, but I wouldn't lift as much as I do without your teachings. Keep the good work, bro, If I visit the US someday, I'll definitily stop by Sacramento.

[@mpa3588]

This content is golden, Alan. Please do more of these whenever you can. Much love.

[@joshtysk2103]

Great video - I was really hoping you could get your Mom to say the 'train untaaaammmmeeeddd'

[@InfestedHawK]

That was amazing. Respect for your mom, a lot of older people wouldn't have the courage to go to even try barbell lifts, especially while being filmed. Cheers!

[@Cerdelimo]

Alan you're the best! I wish you the best both for your coaching and competitive career! Greetings from one of your fan in Italy! 🇮🇹 Hail to thee! 👊🏻

[@quintonmorris11]

"Hey everyone, I have a microphone in my beard." XD XD XD

[@herculesinwyoming]

Go mom! She’s such a good student!

[@iloqin]

My dad and mom need to watch this, keep doing more!

[@rolfupdale7938]

Outstanding! Hoping to introduce a resilience class for older athletes for the parents and grandparents at my box in the new year - just the approach and intensity I had in mind.

[@DavidVanNorman]

Super endearing to see you teach your Mom! What a great idea for a video

[@marcink.9256]

I watched till the end to see his mom say "train untamed!". What a letdown. In all seriousness, this is one of those videos that shows how Alan is just a good dude.

[@_SilentPrayer_]

your mom was pretty generous at the end there. if i asked my mom the same question she would have said. oh shit LIGHTWEIGHT.

[@awakenyourmind1520]

You're a good man Alan and I'd be honored to shake your hand. It's very had for me to be impressed with a person but youre generally a great and knowledgeable guy. I wish you the best of luck. You should be the guy with 5 million subs.

[@iandavies7991]

Alan you are an insanely good coach

[@enzolescure5833]

This is amazing. I love this video, from the purpose to the patience of the trainer

[@thohangst]

That's a good overhead press, good mobility.

[@PROJECTHULK1]

You are a great trainer Alan.

[@zutinic]

Dear Alan, I am watching your channel for almost 3 months and I am amazed with your knowledge and successful explanations! This is your the best video!!!

[@Asphesteros]

This is a very important video - here’s what I said in my share to FB “This is a great video. Too much fitness content tries to look impressive or is aimed at people already at a high level, giving the impression there’s an entry level that is far beyond what’s possible or safe to attempt if you’re not already there. This misimpression is especially true for resistance training, which is paradoxically the most vital for people in the most need of recovering and maintaining the physical strength necessary for a happy healthy life. This shows how it’s not true that you need some minimum strength or mobility or lack of fragility to even attempt strength training, and how to approach it safely no matter where you’re starting from.” I know a lot of people starting down that slide to unnecessary decrepitude, I hope this open some eyes

[@suzukisteve4261]

Very cool man, I will be helping my mother in the near future with barbell training and this was an awesome video with a ton good information and ideas. Not to get feely feely but watching your reactions was awesome..you could see the pride in your face. Keep it up!

[@AllieEm1]

This is great! I love this video and I’m a strong believer in having older people doing resistance training!

[@rodrigo6908]

I wanted to convince my grandparents for a while to train with weights, so they can improve their health, and now i know how to help them. Thanks for the video alan!

[@FuriosoBC]

Alan! Thanks for finally getting a lavalier mic - the sound is much, much better! That's also the most creative way of wearing one that I've seen, lol.

[@brandonschnurr3778]

As a new trainer this video is great, more helpful than anything ive read in books or online

[@MikeBarbarossa]

Weight training's anti-frailness benefit for older folk is the best health advantage of any for the sport

[@suelawson7273]

What a great video! Can there be more like this, especially of Mum's progress? Love this channel.

[@ArminBlazevic]

Perfect timing! I finally convinced my mom to let me train her and we start in a few weeks. :)

[@Nina-jc3be]

Your mom is so sweet! ❤❤❤

[@michaeldoromal9924]

This is adorable. It's like my Mom and I, but without the beard and without the gym.

[@kashdevingle]

Man.. what you are doing is great job, inspiring. I remember teaching my mom to deadlift. Made her sumo deadlift a bucket of water, that was only thing available at that moment.

[@ryder6070]

Thanks Alan, this is just what I needed. Im training 4 clients over 60 at the moment. Niiiice! P.S. I was at the strongman seminar you hosted last year, awesome time. Buzz cut white dude, not a big boy. Thanks for the hospitality

[@ferrjerr]

Awesome video as a kid with a mom in her 80's who is working out but not getting "strong" this was inspiring. Thanks. Would love to hear the backstory about the beard mic.

[@adamuntz1130]

I am trying to get a program started at the VA where I get some vets in the gym that are struggling with ptsd, substance abuse, health issues, and a number of different things. Trying to do this because I was addicted to heroin, homeless, fucked up in the head from ptsd 11 months ago! Now I am the strongest I have ever been and have not so much as have a beer even. I do not think I would still be clean if it was not for God giving me this love for this kind of training! Good tips on here for how I will help other vets who have had hip replacement, shoulder surgeries, and are in hori le physical condition get started doing this and hopefully save their lives and improve their quality of life.