Stepping Out of the Grand Canyon & Into Strength Training

Climbing out of the Grand Canyon, Pranjal Karmakar had an a-ha moment.

“I could see other folks who looked older than I was, and they were doing much better,” he recalls. “I knew then it was time to take action when I got home.”

He and his wife, Deepa, love traveling to hike in national parks. But the hiking he was already doing wasn’t enough.

“At some point, you start losing muscle and strength,” he says. “It made sense to do regular strength exercises.”

Which brings up a question we hear all the time:

Is Walking “Good Enough” After 50?

Short answer?

Nope. Sorry — it’s not.

Walkingisa great first step (pun intended). It’s simple, accessible, and effective for:

• Burning calories

• Improving cardiovascular health

• Supporting weight loss (especially for beginners)

A brisk walk — where conversation becomes slightly challenging — can even help improve blood pressure and cholesterol.

But here’s where most people get it wrong…

Where Walking Falls Short

From your 30s onward, you naturally lose 3–5% of muscle mass per decade— and that rate increases after 60.

Walking alone won’t:

• Build or maintain muscle

• Improve strength for daily tasks

• Challenge your balance systems

• Prevent age-related decline

That means everyday activities like:

• Carrying groceries

• Getting up from a chair

• Climbing stairs

• Getting off the floor

…become harder over time unless you train for them.

Walking Is a Start — Strength Is the Upgrade

If you want to stay strong, independent, and capable, it’s time to go beyond walking.

Safe, guided training designed specifically for seniors.

What a Well-Rounded Fitness Plan Looks Like After 50

To truly stay strong and active, your routine should include:

• Walking & cardio→ Aim for 150 minutes per week

• Strength training→ At least 2x per week to build and preserve muscle

• Balance & mobility→ Improve stability, prevent falls, and move confidently

This combination is what keeps you capable, not just active.

Now He’s Really Out There

Pranjal started strength training in 2022.

At first, even pushups were a challenge. Some days, just finishing a workout was enough.

But working in a small group with a coach gave him the structure and support he needed.

Now?

He and his wife are traveling the world.

Last year, they hiked inPatagonia— handling 14-hour days over steep, high-altitude terrain with strength and confidence.

Next up:

• TheDolomites

• Everest Base Camp

“We can do this now,” Pranjal says. “We are there.”

He turns 50 this year.

He’s never been stronger.

The Real Goal: Stay Capable

Walking keeps you moving.

Strength training keeps you capable.

There’s a difference.

If you want to:

• Travel

• Stay independent

• Keep doing what you love

You need more than just steps.

You need strength, balance, and stamina.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t have to stop walking.

You just need to build on it.

From Walking… to Truly Strong

Add strength, balance, and structure to your routine — and unlock what your body is still capable of.

Designed for adults 50+ who want to stay active, strong, and independent.