From the Team

The Fort Blog

Training tips, therapy insights, and wellness wisdom from Drew, Molly, Terri, and the entire Fort team.

Adult over 40 performing strength training exercise with proper form in a well-lit gym setting
Fortitude Training5 min readAugust 31, 2026

How Many Days a Week Should You Strength Train After 40? (Fewer Than You Think)

The honest answer is 2-3 well-designed sessions per week, not 5-6 punishing ones. Recovery is where adaptation happens, especially after 40, and consistency beats heroics every time.

By Drew SifflardRead More
Coach supervising proper form during strength training session with barbell
Fortitude Training5 min readAugust 24, 2026

On a Weight-Loss Medication? Why Strength Training Just Became Non-Negotiable

GLP-1 medications work β€” but they can take 20-50% of your muscle with the fat. Here's why supervised resistance training isn't optional if you want to keep your strength, metabolism, and independence intact.

By Drew SifflardRead More
Older adult performing a dumbbell exercise in a gym setting, focused and confident
Fortitude Training5 min readAugust 17, 2026

Am I Too Old to Start Lifting Weights? What the Research Says About Your 40s and 50s

The single most common fear among late starters β€” answered with the science. Muscle responds to training at every age, and people who start at 45 or 55 often progress faster than they expect because they train smarter.

By Drew SifflardRead More
Older adult performing strength training with dumbbells in a gym setting
Fortitude Training6 min readAugust 10, 2026

Muscle Is Your Retirement Account: Why Strength Is the Best Predictor of How Well You Age

Grip strength outpredicts cholesterol for mortality risk. Muscle mass determines whether you need help getting off the floor at 75. Here's what the research says about strength as a vital sign β€” and what a realistic training week actually builds.

By Drew SifflardRead More
Small group of adults training with kettlebells and barbells in a gym setting with a coach providing individual attention
Fortitude Training5 min readAugust 7, 2026

What Is Semi-Private Personal Training? The Middle Option Nobody Explains

Semi-private isn't a class where everyone does the same workout. It's not one-on-one training split between two people. Here's what it actually is β€” and why it might be the format you didn't know you needed.

By Drew SifflardRead More
A woman in her 50s holds a plank with focused form while a coach offers guidance at a warm, modern fitness studio
Fortitude Training5 min readJuly 7, 2026

Your Core Isn't About Abs. After 40, It's About Everything Else.

About a third of American adults over 40 have a measurable balance problem β€” and most have no idea. Here's why core strength quietly becomes the most important thing you train after 40, and what actually works.

By Drew SifflardRead More
Fortitude Training4 min readMarch 15, 2026

Semi-Private Personal Training: What It Is and Why It Works

Semi-private personal training β€” branded as Thrive at The Fort β€” is one of the fastest-growing formats in fitness. Here's why it works for so many people.

By Drew SifflardRead More
Performance Therapy5 min readMarch 10, 2026

When Should You See a Physical Therapist vs. a Personal Trainer?

Pain during exercise? Not sure if you need PT or training? Dr. Molly Sifflard breaks down how to know which professional you need β€” and why having both under one roof matters.

By Dr. Molly SifflardRead More
FortCycle4 min readMarch 5, 2026

Indoor Cycling for Beginners: What to Expect at Your First Class

Nervous about your first cycling class? Terri Dizillo shares exactly what happens from the moment you walk in β€” so you can show up with confidence.

By Terri DizilloRead More