Stronger Over 50 Competes for New World Record

Stronger Over 50 has Tampa Bay adults 50 and older hitting the gym instead of slowing down. On Sunday, Nov. 15, the program will bring participants together at Armature Works from 1 to 4 p.m. with one major goal: setting a new world record for the largest senior fitness activity.

Micah Morgan, owner of MMFitness and founder of Stronger Over 50, said more than 469 participants will need to join to beat the current record. Participation will be free, but attendees will need to register ahead of time online.

For many adults over 50, staying active can play an important role in maintaining strength, independence and overall well-being.

Stronger Over 50 offers strength-training classes designed around functional movements and everyday activities.

The program has been operating for about two years and is free to participate in thanks to support from local businesses and community organizations.

Morgan said the goal of the program is to make strength training more accessible to an age group that can benefit from maintaining muscle, balance and mobility.

“We're in Florida, which is one of the biggest retirement states in the country,” Morgan said. “What I have seen over the years was a need for strength training in this demographic. It’s important for them because of how much it helps them stay independent.”

The classes focus primarily on functional training, incorporating different movement patterns that can translate to everyday activities. Participants work on movements including squats, pulls, pushes, presses, hinges and carries, with grip strength also incorporated into the workouts.