Stronger After 50: Essential Strength Training for Longevity

In this powerful roundtable discussion, host Dana Jones is joined by Shelly Cannon, Denise Smith, and Andrea Lepcio to explore how strength training and functional movement can transform aging into an empowering journey. Together, they debunk myths about fitness after 40, share key movements for lifelong mobility (like squats, hip hinges, and floor transfers), and discuss the mindset shifts needed to stay strong, resilient, and pain-free for life. From cancer recovery to Parkinson’s breakthroughs, these stories highlight the power of movement, mindset, and community in building true longevity.

Perfect for anyone who wants to age strong, live empowered, and redefine what’s possible at any age.

Andrea's Bio:

I’m Andrea Lepcio. I use Coach Andrea as my title. But I am the founder of Mighty Fit. Coach Andrea Lepcio is an ACE-certified personal trainer, Yoga Medicine Registered Therapeutic Specialist (RYT-500 and E-RYT 200), Mat Pilates and Tai Chi teacher. She founded Mighty Fit in 2020 to help older people age with strength, ease, balance, and confidence.

https://www.mighty.fit/

https://www.instagram.com/coachandrealepcio/

Shelly's Bio:

Shelly Cannon is an integrative personal trainer who is dedicated to honoring and supporting athletes who transcend insurmountable challenges, channeling their strength not only to overcome personal obstacles but to uplift and inspire others. A lifelong competitive athlete, Shelly has excelled in bodybuilding, powerlifting, and strongman competitions, even while battling metastatic breast cancer. She has certifications from NASM, a Bionetic Specialist certification and a Brain Coach Certification from PosturePro. Her mission is to guide others out of pain and into their greatest strength by restoring balance to their bodies, helping them overcome physical limitations and reclaim their vitality.

https://www.instagram.com/shellycannon/

Denise's bio:

Denise Smith has been a physical therapist for over 20 years and has spent her years obtaining certifications that allow her to treat each patient as an individual with a focus on hands-on manual therapy techniques, functional movement patterns, and advanced treatment of athletes of all levels. She specializes in treating runners with a focus on running technique teaching with the use of video analysis and individualized drills to teach proper movement to help runners run faster, run longer, and run without pain. Denise believes our bodies were made to move and sitting is a disease that will cause long term damage to our bodies.

http://www.smithptplus.com/

http://www.instagram.com/smithptrun/#

Dana’s Links:

⁠⁠https://www.painfreeathletepodcast.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠10 Day Journaling Journey⁠⁠

Podcast Disclaimer:

The Pain-Free Podcast is presented solely for general information, education, and entertainment purposes. Any information presented in this podcast is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional diagnosis. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. As always, users should not disregard or delay obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition that they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.