I used to be that guy in the gym…

No machines.

No “bodybuilding” work.

And if you caught me doing bicep curls? I’d probably tell you I was just warming up for chin-ups.

Back then, I believed that if it didn’t look like a movement you’d see on the trail, it didn’t belong in the gym. And for a long time, that mindset served me well. I built strength. I stayed lean. I kept my workouts tight, focused, and efficient.

But somewhere along the way—somewhere between my elbows starting to ache and my knees needing a little longer to warm up—I realized something…

My body wasn’t 25 anymore. And it wasn’t responding to training the same way it used to.

The Shift No One Talks About Until It Hits Them

Here’s the truth: 25-year-old me would’ve laughed at some of the things I do in the gym today.

Like hopping on a chest press machine. Or yes… even enjoying the occasional set of bicep curls.

But here’s what 25-year-old me didn’t understand:

Machines aren’t evil—they’re tools.

Training for muscle mass isn’t stupid—it’s essential if you want to keep your strength and metabolic health as you age.

And doing some curls? It’s fun. And fun matters, especially when you’re training to live and ride strong—not just to perform like a cyborg.

What Aging Has Taught Me About Strength Training

After more than two decades in the gym, here’s what I’ve come to believe:

   • Your joints matter more than your ego. If a machine lets you train hard without aggravating your elbows or knees, use it. Save the “hardcore” attitude for the trail.

   • Muscle is your best investment. After 40, you’re either building it or losing it—and you want more in the bank when life (or gravity) takes its toll.

   • Training should feel good. There’s nothing wrong with doing an exercise just because you enjoy it. If curls make you feel strong and pumped, why not?

   • The “right” way changes over time. That’s why you need advice from someone who’s lived through the transitions—not just read about them.

Why This Matters For You

If you’re a rider over 40, you’ve probably noticed the shift, too. Things don’t bounce back as fast. Your warm-up feels more like a workout. And you start to question whether what you used to do is still what you should be doing.

That’s where I come in.

I’ve ridden the wave—from full-on functional minimalist to a more balanced, long-game approach. My programs still focus on building functional strength, using simple tools, and keeping your workouts efficient. That part hasn’t changed.

But if you want to layer in some joint-friendly machines…
If you want to add some bodybuilding-style work for muscle retention…
If you want to do some curls just because it makes you feel good…

I say go for it. And if you’re not sure how to work those things in, let me know—I’m happy to help you find a smart, sustainable way to do it.

Because this whole “Riding For A Lifetime” thing? It’s not about sticking to dogma. It’s about adapting. Evolving. And staying strong for decades, not just seasons.

Until next time…

Ride Strong,
James Wilson
MTB Strength Training Systems