William McMullen

William first joined Strength Happens to help prevent injuries. Today, he’s committed to his workouts because he feels his best when he is strong. Strength Happens enables William to do what he loves; road biking and keeping up with his college-age sons. William makes strength happen for him by continuing to push himself in his workouts at every session. This dedication shows in the numbers; William’s last round of max lift tests have been his highest to date!

1. How long have you been doing the SH program and what value has it brought you? 

I have been at SBT/SH for about 5 years, working out twice a week.  These workouts, which have built up my core muscles, have greatly improved my quality of life.  

When my twin sons were born in 1999, I had just turned 40. For the next 10 – 12 years, I really let myself go physically. I was either working (sitting), spending time with the family or driving kids around for sports (more sitting). I noticed when I hit 52 that I could barely do strenuous yard work for more than an hour without being exhausted and feeling back pain. Blood tests from yearly physicals showed increasing blood pressure, increasing cholesterol and decreasing testosterone. I knew I had to do something, so I started cycling.  It went well for a while, but then one big bike crash, resulting in several fractured bones, halted the cycling.   I realized I needed to build more muscle mass to help prevent future injuries and that’s when I began SH.  It was very difficult at first, but I worked with some great trainers and slowly began to feel stronger.  I now feel much better at 59 then I did at 40.  I can help people move heavy furniture, spend a day doing yard work, and still feel good in the evening. My blood tests now show all values in normal, healthy, range. 

2. What does strength happens mean to you, and how do you apply it to your day to day life? 

I realize that a strong core is the most critical aspect of any sport or physical activity.  It is also important in preventing injuries and in my case, back pain.  I’m more careful when lifting heavy objects to use more of a squat, dead lift approach. I also use the SH warm-up techniques prior to any exercise I do. 

3. What activities do you like to do outside of the gym? 

I like cycling (road bike) and swimming in the ocean in the summer. One day I hope to get back to Windsurfing which I have not done in 20 years.  

4. What’s your favorite healthy “go to” snack?

Bananas and almonds.

5. Top 3 songs on your ideal workout playlist?

Rock songs from the 70’s and 80’s. Don’t really have any favorites.