The Outdoor Muscle Show: On the Move (Episode 3) – How to Not Get Old

There’s a story about country singer Toby Keith and his conversation with actor and director Clint Eastwood that’s stuck with me for years. It’s shaped how I approach endurance sports—and honestly, it’s a big part of how I live my life.

Clint Eastwood, then 89 years old, was hosting a celebrity charity golf event. Toby Keith was impressed by how vibrant and active Clint still was. At an age when most people have slowed down, Clint was still acting, directing, and producing award-winning films.

Toby asked him the question everyone wanted to know: “What’s your secret?”

Clint’s answer was simple: “Every day, I go out and I don’t let the old man in.”

That response resonated so much with Toby that he wrote one of his most famous songs about it (Don’t Let the Old Man In).

Aging is inevitable. But getting old—that’s a choice.

My Wake-Up Call

About eight years ago, I was training hard. I was preparing for a marathon, lifting heavy, and had just started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. One morning, during a warm-up deadlift, I threw my back out. I couldn’t walk without help and had to miss work.

When I returned, friends and family teased me about “getting old” and needing to slow down—at the ripe old age of 30. Sure, I had overdone it, but the problem wasn’t age. It was poor training balance.

That experience made me notice how quickly people “let the old man in.” At the first ache, injury, or creak, they accept the idea that they’re old.

Learning from Clint’s Role Models

Clint’s perspective wasn’t accidental. Early in his career, he trained with Jack LaLanne, the original fitness influencer. Jack refused to believe age should limit activity. He hosted daily workout shows, he did stunts like swimming while pulling tugboats with his teeth, and stayed active into his 90s. His philosophy? Age isn’t a thing—get up and move every day.

Clint adopted that approach as a young man and carried it through his entire life.

Choosing Youth, No Matter Your Age

In my life, I’ve never stopped hearing comments about slowing down. But I’m still running marathons, training for an Ironman, lifting weights, and staying active. Injuries happen, but they’re part of training—not proof that I’m “too old.”

Yes, the body ages. But letting that define you is a decision. The real secret to staying young is to keep moving—physically and mentally. For me, endurance sports are the tool. They require me to get outdoors, challenge myself, and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

I believe everyone should have two goals at all times: one physical and one mental. Pursue both, and you’ll stay sharper, stronger, and more fulfilled.

Why Power Training Matters as You Age

A follower once messaged me saying he avoided power training because of his age. The truth is, power declines even faster than strength as we get older, so training it becomes more important—not less.

You don’t need to learn complex lifts like power cleans to work on power. You can add box squats, medicine ball throws, plyometric jumps, or explosive push-ups to your routine. Combining strength and power training is one of the best ways to fight age-related decline.

How to Not Get Old Final Takeaway

Aging will happen. Getting old is optional. You can choose to keep your body and mind engaged, challenge yourself with new goals, and avoid letting “the old man” in.

If you’re ready to take that approach—whether through endurance events, strength training, or outdoor challenges—I’d be happy to help you create a plan. Check out my pre-written training programs or my custom coaching options to find the right fit for you.

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