🚨 The #1 Mistake Guys Over 40 Make in the Gym

PLUS: The Connection Between Low Testosterone And Sleep

Author

Ryan Engel
December 12, 2025

Welcome to your modern fitness daily news report! Every weekday, we break down the trending fitness news, tips, and insider scoops to keep you informed. Each read will be under 3 minutes so that you can stay shredded and thumb through no-nonsense fit-quips. Thanks for reading!

TODAY’S LEVEL UP:

  • Coach’s Corner: The #1 mistake guys over 40 make in the gym

  • Did You Know?: The connection between low testosterone and sleep

  • Question from Our Readers: “How do I keep muscle while losing fat?”

  • Fit Trivia: This 80s action star was also a competitive bodybuilder and a health advocate.

The #1 Mistake Guys Over 40 Make in the Gym

Chasing the numbers on the bar at the expense of form and recovery.

Listen, ego lifting is tempting. You want to prove you’ve still got it.

But here's the hard truth:

Lifting heavy with bad form doesn’t build strength—it builds injuries.

What works better?

  • Focus on controlled reps, not just heavy weights.

  • Dial in tempo—slower reps create more muscle tension and better growth.

  • Use joint-friendly alternatives, such as incline dumbbell presses, instead of barbell benching if you’re feeling banged up.

Your workouts should build you up—not beat you down. Quality over quantity wins after 40.

FROM RYAN’S DESK

Your life rises or falls to the level of your standards. Weak standards lead to weak outcomes. High standards create high performance. Set the bar, then refuse to drop it. Be the guy who holds himself accountable even when nobody’s watching. That’s how success is built.

Did You Know?: The Connection Between Low Testosterone And Sleep

Getting 5–6 hours of sleep a night? That could be wrecking your testosterone levels.

Studies show men who sleep less than 6 hours per night have up to 15% lower T levels than those who get 7–8 hours.

More sleep = more natural testosterone = better fat loss, muscle gain, and energy.

Even one good week of consistent sleep can give your body a noticeable boost. Prioritize it like your workouts.

Question from Our Readers:

“How do I keep muscle while losing fat?”

— Dave, 52, Chicago, IL

This is one of the top goals we hear from men, and it’s very doable when you do 3 things right:

  1. Eat enough protein (1g per pound of goal bodyweight is a solid benchmark).

  2. Strength train with intention, not just cardio or circuits.

  3. Lose weight gradually, too fast, and you’ll drop muscle along with fat.

A smart plan builds a leaner, more defined physique, not just a smaller version of your current one.

Fit Trivia: Which 1980s action star was also a competitive bodybuilder and outspoken health advocate?

Answer: Lou Ferrigno! Best known as The Incredible Hulk, Ferrigno competed against Arnold in Pumping Iron, stayed in great shape into his 60s, and became a symbol of long-term fitness. He also became a fitness trainer for law enforcement and continues to advocate for men’s health today.

Ryan Engel, Intl. Fat Loss Coach

Ryan is a leading fitness coach and one of the most known professionals in the space.

He specializes in Body Recomposition and visual body aesthetics and has reached millions worldwide with his powerful messaging. He brings a unique, non-nonsense, yet sophisticated approach to body change.

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Publisher: Ryan Engel

Editor: Michael Pender

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