Jonathan & Elise: Losing Weight & Building Strength After 50
“We’re investing now in the next 15–20 years,” Jonathan says. “We don’t have grandkids yet, but when we do, I want to be able to run around with them. That’s what this is all about—being able to live the life we want for as long as possible.”
A Shared Start Toward Better Health
Learning how to lose weight and build strength after 50 first brought Jonathan and Elise to Pledge To Fitness®. Already active with regular workouts and long walks, they still felt something was missing.
Jonathan wanted to drop 10–15 pounds and build lasting strength. “I’d been consistent, but I was stale,” he says. Their old gym offered repetitive routines and little support, leaving him searching for a better foundation.
Elise joined a month later, encouraged by Jonathan’s progress. She quickly found that the variety, personalized attention, and results made all the difference. “Now, I think I like it more than he does,” she says with a smile.
Why They Looked for Something New
“I just Googled and found them,” Jonathan recalls. At first, the name Pledge To Fitness® made him think of a diet center, but the mix of personalized training, nutrition support, and body scans caught his attention. After an assessment with founder Andrés Loperena, he was convinced: “It wasn’t just about losing weight—it was a complete plan that worked together.”
Elise joined soon after. Without a weight loss goal, she still noticed quick gains in strength, mobility, and confidence.
Couples Personal Training: Personalized Workouts in a Shared Session
Training side by side three mornings a week keeps them motivated, and each workout is tailored to their individual needs. “If Elise is doing a modified split squat for her hip, I’m lifting heavier,” Jonathan explains.
For Elise, the personalization makes all the difference: “All three trainers are super knowledgeable. When I had shoulder and hip issues, they adjusted my workouts so I could keep training safely.”
Nutrition Coaching: How to Lose Weight and Keep It Off
Jonathan quickly realized that nutrition was the missing link. “They taught me you can’t outwork a bad diet,” he says. Instead of cutting everything, trainers guided him to make small, sustainable changes:
Increase protein intake
Reduce sugar
Adjust calories to create a manageable deficit
“Eggs for breakfast instead of cereal—simple swaps like that made all the difference,” he explains. Over time, these adjustments became habits, and healthy eating felt natural.
“It’s so helpful to work with trainers at Pledge who really understand the body,” says Elise. “They adjust my exercises when needed, always ask how my shoulder or hip is doing, and keep a close eye on my form. That mix of their guidance—and me staying consistent with my PT exercises at home—has made all the difference.”
Measurable Results After 50
Jonathan’s Body Recomposition
He achieved remarkable body recomposition—losing nearly 24 pounds, cutting body fat by more than five percentage points, and shedding 16 pounds of fat mass, all while maintaining or even adding muscle.
| Body Composition | |||
| Name | Baseline 2/2025 | Current 8/2026 | Change |
| Body Fat Percent % | 27.92 | 22.82 | -5.1 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 205.8 | 182 | –23.8 |
| Fat Mass (lbs.) | 57.5 | 41.5 | -16 |
These results reflect Jonathan’s consistency over two years as well as the effectiveness of a comprehensive training and wellness program.
Elise’s Strength Progress
She doubled her strength in major lifts, improved mobility, and reduced pain. What started with limitations due to hip and shoulder issues has now become a story of resilience and confidence.
| Strength Progress | |||
| Exercise for 15 reps | Baseline 2/2025 | Current 8/2026 | Change |
| Dumbbell Bench Press | 30 lb | 60 lb | +30 lb |
| Goblet Squat | Unable due to lower back pain | 30 lb | +15 lb & improved form |
Tips on How to Lose Weight and Build Strength After 50
Jonathan and Elise believe that anyone can learn how to lose weight and build strength after 50 with the right guidance. Jonathan and Elise believe that anyone can learn how to lose weight and build strength after 50 with the right guidance. Their top advice is:
- Jonathan: “Be disciplined and patient. Sustainable results take time.”
- Elise: “Find trainers who can adapt to your needs. You can get stronger even with limitations.”
- Both: “Be consistent. And if you can, train with someone—it makes the process more fun and keeps you accountable.”
Building a Stronger Future Together
Pledge To Fitness® isn’t just a gym for Jonathan and Elise—it’s where they built strength, improved health, and supported each other’s goals. Together, they prove that fitness is more than a number on the scale—it’s about living strong, confident, and active for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is body recomposition?
Body recomposition refers to the process of reducing fat mass while maintaining or increasing muscle mass. Unlike traditional weight loss, which focuses only on the scale, recomposition shows real changes in body shape, strength, and overall health. Jonathan’s results—losing fat while building muscle—are a clear example of body recomposition.
What is a Fit3D Body Scan?
A Fit3D Body Scan is a high-tech tool that measures your body composition and posture in just 40 seconds. It provides a 3D image of your body along with precise metrics such as fat mass, lean mass, circumference measurements, and posture analysis. At Pledge To Fitness®, it’s used to track progress over time and give clients measurable, visual results beyond the scale.
How long does it take to see results from strength training after 50?
Everyone is different, but with consistent training, many people start noticing improvements in energy, strength, and endurance within weeks. Visible results such as fat loss or muscle gain may take a few months. Jonathan, for example, saw measurable improvements on his Fit3D scans within the first 90 days.
Is it safe to start strength training in your 50s?
Yes—with proper guidance. Resistance training after 50 is one of the most effective ways to protect bone health, preserve muscle, improve balance, and support long-term wellness. At Pledge To Fitness®, programs are personalized to each client’s fitness level, needs, and any injuries or conditions.