We’re excited to share that Kevin Snodgrass was recently featured as an expert in a new article from Eat This, Not That!:
“If You Can Do This Many Squats After 50, Your Leg Strength Is Elite.”
In the piece, Kevin explains why squats are one of the most important movements for healthy aging and long-term independence. As he notes in the article, lower-body strength naturally declines with age—but smart, well-progressed strength training can slow or even reverse that trend.
“Lower-body strength naturally declines with age due to changes in muscle tissue, mobility, and coordination,” explains Kevin. “The good news: squats, when done with proper form and appropriate load, can help slow or even reverse this decline.”
Why squats matter so much after 50
In the article, Kevin highlights three big reasons squats are such a powerful exercise for people over 50:
- They mimic real-life movement.
Every time you get up from a chair, out of a car, off the couch, or up from the floor, you’re essentially performing a squat. Stronger squats mean greater ease and independence in daily life. - They work all the key lower-body muscles.
Squats engage the quads, hamstrings, glutes, hips, core, and lower legs, building strength that carries over into walking, stairs, balance, and recreational activities. - They support joint health when done correctly.
Proper squat progressions can improve ankle mobility, knee tracking, hip alignment, and core stability—helping reduce pain and lower the risk of falls and injuries.
What “elite” leg strength looks like
Kevin also shares two simple benchmarks that indicate exceptional lower-body strength:
- The 30-second sit-to-stand test
Using a standard-height chair, count how many times you can sit down and stand up in 30 seconds:- 20+ repetitions = very high score
- 26+ repetitions = elite performance
- Barbell back squat standards (for regular gym-goers)
- Women: Squatting your own body weight ≈ extremely strong
- Men: Squatting 125% of your body weight ≈ extremely strong
- Elite lifters: 150–200% of body weight (usually after years of training)
Hitting either of these benchmarks is a strong sign of excellent strength, mobility, balance, and neuromuscular control.
Bringing evidence-based strength training to our community
We’re proud to see Kevin recognized for the same evidence-based, practical approach to fitness that he brings to our clients every day. Features like this underscore our commitment to:
- Helping adults 50+ build and maintain functional strength
- Reducing fall risk and preserving independence
- Making safe, effective strength training accessible at every fitness level
You can read the full article on Eat This, Not That! here:
If You Can Do This Many Squats After 50, Your Leg Strength Is Elite.
If you’re interested in improving your lower-body strength, balance, and confidence—no matter your starting point—Try Team Vivo for free to experience our programs & to see how Kevin and our team can help.