Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
If you want to help yourself or your loved ones rebuild strength, mobility and independence at any age, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap.
I answer the most common questions I’ve been asked by viewers of our Rebuilding Mum & Dad series: how to start strength training, whether you need a gym or barbell, and how to build muscle safely at home.
Drawing on expert advice from a doctor, physical therapist and strength coaches, I explain how progressive loading works, and the different ways you can get started — from barbell training to dumbbells, bodyweight exercises and minimal-equipment home workouts.
#healthyaging
I share recommended programs and more advice on building strength on my website at www.honest.scot/reuild
About Me
I’m Clare Johnston — a journalist in my 50s on a mission to share the best information and advice on how to age well, look and feel great for longer.
How to squat with @startingstrength youtube.com/watch?v=nhoikoUEI8U
Brilliant books on building strength + healthy aging shopmy.us/shop/collections/1979957
FULL INTERVIEWS
Dr Jonathan Sullivan youtu.be/2QEtVjQmDtw
Chris Reis (my parents' coach) youtu.be/EiVcO8jakAc
Dalyce Radtke youtu.be/AuIrYlEmiWA
Jason Smith interview to be published Feb 1st
🛍️ Shop & Save on My Recommendations
HEALTHY AGING SUPPLEMENTS & TOOLS WE USE → shopmy.us/collections/408665
MY SKINCARE ROUTINE → shopmy.us/collections/243245
WHAT I USE ON MY HAIR → shopmy.us/shop/collections/3595892
MY STYLE PICKS → shopmy.us/TheHonestChannel/my-style
BROWSE MY FULL SKIN, HEALTH & STYLE RECOMMENDATIONS shopmy.us/shop/TheHonestChannel
(I use affiliate links which means I earn a small commission on purchases made through my links but I will ALWAYS be HONEST about it).
✅ Subscribe & Join
Subscribe for new weekly episodes → youtube.com/thehonestchannel
Join The Honest Channel for perks and extra content → youtube.com/channel/UC4qU47VfUwFLDzolJEczYCA/join
📖 Read More
Articles & insights from me → http://www.honest.scot
Sign up for my monthly newsletter → https://mailchi.mp/honest/the-honest-channel-newsletter
I'm an author too! Read my work here shopmy.us/TheHonestChannel/books-i've-written!
🎧 Listen on the go with YouTube Music music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwJwOmOzK8TCgwdxtIqoamTih3Aoi9BTk
Thumbnail image by Chris Watt Photography
Connect with me on social media:
instagram.com/honestclare
tiktok.com/@honestchannel
facebook.com/honestclare
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Overview
01:06 Barbell training
03:12 Dr Jonathan Sullivan's advice
05:46 Squatting with a weighted vest
09:18 Dalyce' Radtke's home exercise tips
11:05 Getting started with no equipment
Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice.
If you want to help yourself or your loved ones rebuild strength, mobility and independence at any age, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap.
I answer the most common questions I’ve been asked by viewers of our Rebuilding Mum & Dad series: how to start strength training, whether you need a gym or barbell, and how to build muscle safely at home.
Drawing on expert advice from a doctor, physical therapist and strength coaches, I explain how progressive loading works, and the different ways you can get started — from barbell training to dumbbells, bodyweight exercises and minimal-equipment home workouts.
#healthyaging
I share recommended programs and more advice on building strength on my website at www.honest.scot/reuild
About Me
I’m Clare Johnston — a journalist in my 50s on a mission to share the best information and advice on how to age well, look and feel great for longer.
How to squat with @startingstrength youtube.com/watch?v=nhoikoUEI8U
Brilliant books on building strength + healthy aging shopmy.us/shop/collections/1979957
FULL INTERVIEWS
Dr Jonathan Sullivan youtu.be/2QEtVjQmDtw
Chris Reis (my parents' coach) youtu.be/EiVcO8jakAc
Dalyce Radtke youtu.be/AuIrYlEmiWA
Jason Smith interview to be published Feb 1st
🛍️ Shop & Save on My Recommendations
HEALTHY AGING SUPPLEMENTS & TOOLS WE USE → shopmy.us/collections/408665
MY SKINCARE ROUTINE → shopmy.us/collections/243245
WHAT I USE ON MY HAIR → shopmy.us/shop/collections/3595892
MY STYLE PICKS → shopmy.us/TheHonestChannel/my-style
BROWSE MY FULL SKIN, HEALTH & STYLE RECOMMENDATIONS shopmy.us/shop/TheHonestChannel
(I use affiliate links which means I earn a small commission on purchases made through my links but I will ALWAYS be HONEST about it).
✅ Subscribe & Join
Subscribe for new weekly episodes → youtube.com/thehonestchannel
Join The Honest Channel for perks and extra content → youtube.com/channel/UC4qU47VfUwFLDzolJEczYCA/join
📖 Read More
Articles & insights from me → http://www.honest.scot
Sign up for my monthly newsletter → https://mailchi.mp/honest/the-honest-channel-newsletter
I'm an author too! Read my work here shopmy.us/TheHonestChannel/books-i've-written!
🎧 Listen on the go with YouTube Music music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwJwOmOzK8TCgwdxtIqoamTih3Aoi9BTk
Thumbnail image by Chris Watt Photography
Connect with me on social media:
instagram.com/honestclare
tiktok.com/@honestchannel
facebook.com/honestclare
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Overview
01:06 Barbell training
03:12 Dr Jonathan Sullivan's advice
05:46 Squatting with a weighted vest
09:18 Dalyce' Radtke's home exercise tips
11:05 Getting started with no equipment
Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice and should not be treated as a substitute for medical advice.
