George Hardy

George spent twenty years as Field Master of the Hunt, charging across the Dartmoor for five or six hours at a time, often twice a week. It was a demanding role that required stamina, balance and a great deal of resilience. For decades, staying active wasn’t something he had to think about — it was simply part of life.

Recently retired from the role, George found himself in a position many active people eventually face. The structure and physical demands that once kept him moving every week had suddenly disappeared.

But George had no intention of slowing down.

His goal was straightforward: stay active, stay capable, and keep moving well for as long as possible.

That decision brought him to Poseidon Performance.

Training for Capability, Not Age

George now trains twice a week as part of a small group of members in their eighties. The sessions are not about chasing numbers or proving anything. Instead, the focus is on maintaining strength, coordination and physical independence.

Each session revolves around the fundamental movement patterns that keep the body functioning well:

  • Squatting

  • Hip hinging

  • Pushing and pulling

  • Balance and controlled movement

These movements may look simple, but they are the foundation of everyday capability. When trained progressively and with proper coaching, they help maintain muscle, joint stability and confidence in movement.

Strength at Any Age

One of the most persistent myths in fitness is that strength training becomes less relevant as we get older. In reality, the opposite is true.

Strength becomes more important with age because it supports the very things that allow people to remain independent — the ability to stand up easily, carry objects, maintain balance and move confidently.

George’s training reflects this philosophy.

Every session focuses on gradual progress. Small increases in load, small improvements in movement quality, and consistent effort over time. The goal is simple: leave each session a little stronger than the last.

The Value of Structure

Perhaps the most important element of George’s training is consistency.

By training twice a week within a small, supportive group, the sessions provide structure and accountability. They also provide something equally valuable: a shared environment where people of a similar age can continue to challenge themselves in a safe and well-coached setting.

This isn’t about slowing down.

It’s about continuing to build strength and capability, even in later decades of life.

Strength for Life

George’s story is a reminder that staying active doesn’t have to mean endless walking or light exercise.

With the right coaching and structure, strength training can remain both accessible and incredibly beneficial well into later life.

At Poseidon Performance, the goal is not to train athletes.

It’s to help real people maintain strength, confidence and independence for as long as possible. George is proving that every week

Nicholas Martin-Jones

Nicholas Martin-Jones is a strength & conditioning coach and sports rehabilitation specialist, and the founder of Poseidon Performance in Dartmouth, Devon. With over two decades of experience in high-performance environments — including elite military units, international athletes, and complex rehabilitation settings — his work focuses on building strength, resilience, and long-term physical capacity.

Nicholas specialises in bridging the gap between rehabilitation, performance, and longevity. His approach is principle-driven rather than method-led, using progressive loading, intent, and adaptation to help clients move beyond maintenance and build bodies capable of meeting real-world demands.

At Poseidon Performance, he works with adults who value intelligent training, evidence-based practice, and outcomes over trends — from return-to-play rehabilitation to strength for life.

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Strength for Life: Why One Dartmouth Estate Agent Trains for Longevity, Not Just Fitness