2 min readARE YOU FOLLOWING the old playbook for staying strong as you age? It goes like this: Hit the weights four times a week. Increase the challenge every two months. Repeat until you can’t.
The problem? While you’re laser-focused on lifting heavier to build classic strength, you’re silently losing four other equally important areas of strength, which comprise your strengthspan. You're training for one sliver, when you need the entire spectrum.
Here’s the new gameplan: Men's Health's Maximum Strengthspan Program, your 4-days-a-week, under-60-minutes-a-workout plan to build max muscle now and keep it for life.
About The Program
After decades of testing the latest strength research at Men’s Health, we’ve uncovered the most overlooked variable in aging strong. It's not about one type of strength. It's about five. Train them all and you can unlock more muscle, strength, and all-around fitness now and keep it for the rest of your life. They are:
- Absolute Strength: Your key to hitting higher and higher numbers in the gym.
- Explosive Strength: Jump, run, and hustle up and down stairs with bounce.
- Functional Strength: Play with your kids, haul groceries, and crush yardwork—all with ease.
- Aerobic Strength: Never get winded. Not on high-volume sets or a walk with the dog.
- Aesthetic Strength: Thick forearms, powerful glutes, a superheroic chest. They make you look good—support overall strength, too.
How It Works
In just four workouts a week, you’ll increase your entire strengthspan. It’s a plan you can commit to now and in the long haul.
Train One Strength. Boost Five.
Each type of strength feeds another strength. More aerobic strength equals more reps you can do without getting winded. Better explosive strength means more ultra-quick muscle contractions that prime your muscles to stay aesthetic for decades on end.
Build Muscle Now and Keep It For Life.
Instead of dedicating your workouts to just one pillar of strength, you’ll hit multiple every session in under 60 minutes. With mobility moves baked right in, you'll decrease your risk of getting sidelined. That means steady, constant progress you can maintain for years.
Longevity Meets Major Muscle.
Unlock muscle growth like never before while also improving key longevity markers—without adding another session to your weekly split. From cardiovascular health to mobility, you’ll feel fitter than ever and look it, too.
What's In The Program
Our 8-week workout and nutrition program puts this game-changing principle into action.
Learn the essential strategies you need to build a workout plan that’’ll keep you fit for life
Build maximum muscle and strength at any age and keep it with this 4-days-a-week plan
Get the daily nutrition guidelines you need for both muscle now and health in the long term
Ensure you never get sidelined by aches and pains by avoiding the mistakes most guys make
Hear real strategies for aging strong from experts Andy Speer, Dr. Pat Davidson, and Ebenezer Samuel
FAQs
Strengthspan Experts
Dr. Pat Davidson, Ph.D
Davidson, Ph.D., is a bodybuilder and former college professor who constantly dives into the latest muscle research. He relies on a science-based approach to fitness and training, leveraging the latest research to build cutting-edge workout programs.
Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S
Samuel is MH’s fitness director, and a veteran trainer who’s worked with several pro athletes and also trained police officers and firemen. He regularly helps his clients get results even during busy seasons when training time is tight.
Andy Speer, C.S.C.S
Andy Speer, C.S.C.S., is a Peloton Instructor who teaches strength, bootcamp and running classes. He blends technique-first coaching with creative programming to make his classes fun and effective. He's also a former gymnast and collegiate pole vaulter. Years before joining Peloton, he created MH's Anarchy Abs program. He thinks holistically about fitness, helping thousands of people each week improve their strength, cardio, mobility and enjoy training.
Dezi Abeyta, R.D
Abeyta is an Arizona-based dietician who works with pro athletes and average guys. He helps you dial in muscle-building nutrition – while still enjoying every single meal you eat
What Else Is Included
TO ACCESS THE entire Maximum Strengthspan program, you’ll need a Men’s Health MVP Premium membership, which includes every tool you need to make this year your fittest yet.
- TRAINING PLANS: Target key muscles with our library of training plans, including workouts like Max Muscle At 50 and Shred Your Dad Bod.
- 450+ STREAMING WORKOUTS: Access hundreds of streaming video workouts on our fitness app.
- 70+ NEW ARTICLES WEEKLY: Unlock all stories, as well as cutting-edge reviews and in-depth breakdowns of new workout principles at menshealth.com.
- PRINT MAGAZINE: Get every print issue delivered straight to your mailbox.
- MUSCLE NEWSLETTER: Receive a weekly members-only newsletter with deep insights from MH's fitness experts.
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