06/08/2026
How to stay lean in your 30s 👇
1. Prioritise strength training.
Now more than ever, strength training is essential. The less muscle you have, the less lean you’ll look and feel. Muscle mass naturally starts to decline as you age, so do everything you can to slow that process. Aim for at least 2–3 strength sessions per week.
2. Take pride in what you put into your body.
In my 20s, it was all about calories and macros. Now, I pay much more attention to food quality. Is it highly processed? Is it going to make me feel better or worse? Will it keep me energised and satisfied? I use the Yuka app, it’s free and a great way to see whether something is actually as healthy as you think.
3. Get your cardio in.
Your body needs it. If you can no longer do the sport you used to enjoy, find another way to stay active. Padel, cycling, jogging, swimming, hiking, or even walking all count. The best form of cardio is the one you’ll stick with consistently.
4. Know your reason for staying in shape.
Having a strong “why” makes the discipline much easier. Do you want to be someone in your 40s, 50s and beyond who can still move well, play sports with friends or your kids, and stay independent? Or do you want to struggle with simple tasks, pick up unnecessary injuries, and feel older than your age? Your future self is being shaped by the choices you make today.
5. Stop winging it, you aren’t a kid in your 20s who gets away with doing whatever yet still sees some progress and recovers from injuries in 5 minutes. Invest in your future self and do things properly.