478 - Should You Lower Intensity With Age? Why You Get Tendititis, & How To Heal It

In this episode of the Digital Barbell Podcast, Jonathan and Blakely tackle three key topics: whether workout intensity should decrease with age, the causes and treatment of tendinitis, and the often-overlooked benefits of hiring a fitness coach. They argue strongly against lowering intensity as you age, emphasizing that maintaining high effort levels is crucial for continued adaptation and avoiding mental and physical regression. Instead, they recommend adjusting recovery through reduced frequency, fewer sets, or fewer training days—based on objective signs of poor recovery rather than age alone. On tendinitis, they explain its root causes in tendon structure and blood flow limitations, stressing early intervention, load modification, eccentric loading, and tools like blood flow restriction bands and counter-pressure straps. They also highlight that healing can take months, especially for those genetically prone to tendon issues. Finally, they explore the hidden value of coaching: freeing mental energy, boosting motivation, and enabling consistent, effective training by outsourcing program design and decision-making. The hosts advocate for coaching as a strategic investment in long-term fitness success.