Training, Marketing, and Aging Well: Lessons from Veteran Coach Andrew Coates
Wed Dec 24 2025
In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft sits down with veteran strength coach and fitness industry educator Andrew Coates for a wide-ranging conversation about aging, strength training, and building a sustainable fitness business.
Andrew shares practical insights on training adults over 50, why community and human connection matter more than ever, and how gym owners can grow without burning out or chasing online fame. From bone health and fall prevention to marketing through relationships and word-of-mouth, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom for coaches, trainers, and anyone who wants to age well and stay strong.
Whether you’re a fitness professional serving older adults or someone navigating midlife yourself, this is an honest, thoughtful conversation you won’t want to miss.
⏱️ Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Social media connections vs real relationships
02:00 – Why reaching out still matters
03:00 – Outsourcing, energy management, and aging
05:00 – Productivity guilt and reclaiming downtime
07:00 – Training adults 50+ and market opportunity
09:00 – Word-of-mouth growth and client experience
11:00 – Community, culture, and human connection
13:00 – Strength training, bone health, and aging
15:00 – Speed, power, balance, and fall prevention
18:00 – Sponsor: Prime Fit Content
19:00 – Marketing without burnout
21:00 – Lessons from RP Strength and media
23:00 – Why local gyms shouldn’t chase online fame
25:00 – Becoming “Five-Mile Famous”
27:00 – Using a local podcast to grow a gym
29:00 – Why people crave real connection again
31:00 – Aging, mindset, and identity
34:00 – Longevity lessons from active older adults
36:00 – What won’t change in fitness and business
38:00 – Where to find Andrew Coates
👤 Guest Information
Andrew Coates
Andrew Coates is a veteran strength coach, writer, speaker, and host of the Lift Free and Diet Hard Podcast. With decades of experience training clients of all ages, Andrew is known for his practical, evidence-based approach to strength, longevity, and coaching older adults.
Connect with Andrew:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewcoatesfitness
Podcast: Lift Free and Diet Hard🎧 Sponsor
Prime Fit Content
Prime Fit Content helps fitness professionals attract, educate, and retain clients over 50 through simple, effective content marketing.
🔗 Learn more: https://primefitcontent.com
🎤 Host
Jay Croft
Jay Croft is the host of The Optimal Aging Podcast and founder of Prime Fit Content. His mission is to help fitness professionals better serve adults over 50 while promoting strength, independence, and healthy aging.
📬 Contact: jay@primefitcontent.com
👍 Calls to Action
Subscribe to The Optimal Aging PodcastShare this episode with a coach or gym owner who works with adults 50+Visit https://primefitcontent.com
to learn more
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In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft sits down with veteran strength coach and fitness industry educator Andrew Coates for a wide-ranging conversation about aging, strength training, and building a sustainable fitness business. Andrew shares practical insights on training adults over 50, why community and human connection matter more than ever, and how gym owners can grow without burning out or chasing online fame. From bone health and fall prevention to marketing through relationships and word-of-mouth, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom for coaches, trainers, and anyone who wants to age well and stay strong. Whether you’re a fitness professional serving older adults or someone navigating midlife yourself, this is an honest, thoughtful conversation you won’t want to miss. ⏱️ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Social media connections vs real relationships 02:00 – Why reaching out still matters 03:00 – Outsourcing, energy management, and aging 05:00 – Productivity guilt and reclaiming downtime 07:00 – Training adults 50+ and market opportunity 09:00 – Word-of-mouth growth and client experience 11:00 – Community, culture, and human connection 13:00 – Strength training, bone health, and aging 15:00 – Speed, power, balance, and fall prevention 18:00 – Sponsor: Prime Fit Content 19:00 – Marketing without burnout 21:00 – Lessons from RP Strength and media 23:00 – Why local gyms shouldn’t chase online fame 25:00 – Becoming “Five-Mile Famous” 27:00 – Using a local podcast to grow a gym 29:00 – Why people crave real connection again 31:00 – Aging, mindset, and identity 34:00 – Longevity lessons from active older adults 36:00 – What won’t change in fitness and business 38:00 – Where to find Andrew Coates 👤 Guest Information Andrew Coates Andrew Coates is a veteran strength coach, writer, speaker, and host of the Lift Free and Diet Hard Podcast. With decades of experience training clients of all ages, Andrew is known for his practical, evidence-based approach to strength, longevity, and coaching older adults. Connect with Andrew: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewcoatesfitness Podcast: Lift Free and Diet Hard🎧 Sponsor Prime Fit Content Prime Fit Content helps fitness professionals attract, educate, and retain clients over 50 through simple, effective content marketing. 🔗 Learn more: https://primefitcontent.com 🎤 Host Jay Croft Jay Croft is the host of The Optimal Aging Podcast and founder of Prime Fit Content. His mission is to help fitness professionals better serve adults over 50 while promoting strength, independence, and healthy aging. 📬 Contact: jay@primefitcontent.com 👍 Calls to Action Subscribe to The Optimal Aging PodcastShare this episode with a coach or gym owner who works with adults 50+Visit https://primefitcontent.com to learn more