In this episode, Hugo explains why kettlebells became the foundation of his functional training practice—and why they continue to play a central role in aging strong.

Drawing from two years of consistent practice, he walks through his personal progression with kettlebells: starting light, rebuilding strength after interruptions, and gradually advancing toward heavier loads with patience and discipline. The episode explores kettlebells not as a trend, but as a versatile tool that develops strength, cardiovascular capacity, grip, core stability, and mobility in a time-efficient way.

Hugo reflects on humility in training, the importance of listening to the body—especially the lower back—and why progression matters more than ego. He also discusses different types of kettlebells, common beginner mistakes, self-coaching versus working with a trainer, and why kettlebells are particularly effective for short, sustainable workouts later in life.

This is an honest, experience-based reflection on consistency, adaptation, and building strength that lasts—without chasing size, trends, or unnecessary complexity.

Earlier episodes (1–15) will be republished progressively.

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🎸 Music credits

Intro music courtesy of Shelma & Volkara.

Explore their work on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@shelma_and_volkara

🔗 More resources

Learn more about my work, training philosophy, and publications:

https://hmcsolutions.eu/

📘 Book

Find my book and training journals on Amazon:

https://shorturl.at/kfln9

In this episode, Hugo explains why creatine became part of his training and recovery routine, and why it can be a practical supplement for strength, performance, and healthy aging. Speaking from personal experience, he addresses common misconceptions around creatine and reflects on its role in supporting consistency, energy, and long-term physical resilience.

The conversation focuses on simplicity and informed use rather than trends or hype, offering perspective for those interested in training support without unnecessary complexity.

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Share your thoughts, experiences, or training journey with the community on the official Facebook page:

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🎸 Music credits

Intro music courtesy of Shelma & Volkara.

Explore their work on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@shelma_and_volkara

📘 Book

Find my book and training journals on Amazon:

https://shorturl.at/kfln9

Steel maces look ancient — and that’s exactly the point.

In this episode of Aging Strong with Hugo, I dive into why steel maces (also called macebells or gadas) became one of the most transformative tools in my training journey after 50.

From a random YouTube video that sparked my curiosity, to discovering the biomechanics, history, and real-world carryover of offset and rotational loading, I break down what maces are, why they work, and who they’re for — without hype or gimmicks. We talk shoulder health, grip strength, coordination, posture, and why maces demand humility and patience more than brute strength.

If you’re interested in functional training, longevity, joint health, or simply breaking out of repetitive gym routines, this episode will give you a grounded, experience-based perspective on why maces deserve a place in modern training — especially as we age.

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Share your thoughts, experiences, or training journey with the community on the official Facebook page:

📘 Aging Strong with Hugo

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🎸 Music credits

Intro music courtesy of Shelma & Volkara.

Explore their work on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@shelma_and_volkara

🔗 More resources

Learn more about my work, training philosophy, and publications:

https://hmcsolutions.eu/

📘 Book

Find my book and training journals on Amazon:

https://shorturl.at/kfln9

In this episode of Aging Strong with Hugo, I share how my military experience in Portugal shaped the discipline and structure that still guides my life today — especially my training routine after 50. Discipline isn’t punishment. It’s liberation: a way to reclaim time, health, and identity.

I reflect on serving in the late 1990s, the unexpected long-term impact of military structure, and how those habits show up today in everything from workout consistency to how I organize my gear. I also talk about the reality of losing strength after life transitions, and the value of rebuilding through routine rather than relying on motivation.

If you’re trying to stay consistent with training, build resilience, or create better habits without turning life into misery, this episode offers three practical principles anyone can apply: routine, intentional discomfort, and purpose—with a realistic warning to keep experimentation safe.

🎧 Walk with me—literally and figuratively.

If this episode resonated with you, consider following or subscribing so you don’t miss future conversations.

💬 Join the discussion

Share your thoughts, experiences, or training journey with the community on the official Facebook page:

📘 Aging Strong with Hugo

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574765252006

🎸 Music credits

Intro music courtesy of Shelma & Volkara.

Explore their work on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@shelma_and_volkara

🔗 More resources

Learn more about my work, training philosophy, and publications:

https://hmcsolutions.eu/

📘 Book

Find my book and training journals on Amazon:

https://shorturl.at/kfln9

In Episode 12 of Aging Strong with Hugo, I revisit my military years and explain how the discipline, structure, and “mission mindset” from the Portuguese Army still shape how I train and live today—especially now that I’m 51.

I share how I went from being unfit and carrying extra weight to rebuilding strength through functional training, and how life changes (including moving countries and jobs) forced me to pause training for a while—without losing the mindset. This episode is about consistency without romance: not relying on motivation, but building a routine you can execute even when you’re tired, sore, or busy.

To make it practical, I break it down into three transferable principles anyone can adopt: routine, intentional discomfort, and purpose—plus a clear warning to experiment safely, especially if you train at home or try fasting.

🎧 Walk with me—literally and figuratively.

If this episode resonated with you, consider following or subscribing so you don’t miss future conversations.

💬 Join the discussion

Share your thoughts, experiences, or training journey with the community on the official Facebook page:

📘 Aging Strong with Hugo

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574765252006

🎸 Music credits

Intro music courtesy of Shelma & Volkara.

Explore their work on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@shelma_and_volkara

🔗 More resources

Learn more about my work, training philosophy, and publications:

https://hmcsolutions.eu/

📘 Book

Find my book and training journals on Amazon:

https://shorturl.at/kfln9

In Episode 11 of Aging Strong with Hugo, I share a real-time check-in after restarting training following a forced break due to relocation and life logistics. This is my third week back, and the focus isn’t hype—it’s observing what actually happens when you return to training patiently and without ego.

I walk through my current routine, how muscle memory shows up sooner than expected, and why I’m deliberately keeping sessions short, structured, and progressive. From kettlebells and battle ropes to cautious mace work, this episode is about rebuilding strength while prioritizing safety, recovery, and long-term consistency.

If you’ve stopped training, feel stuck restarting, or are afraid you’ve “lost everything,” this episode offers a grounded reminder: you’re not starting from zero—and slow progress is still progress.

🎧 Walk with me—literally and figuratively.

If this episode resonated with you, consider following or subscribing so you don’t miss future conversations.

💬 Join the discussion

Share your thoughts, experiences, or training journey with the community on the official Facebook page:

📘 Aging Strong with Hugo

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574765252006

🎸 Music credits

Intro music courtesy of Shelma & Volkara.

Explore their work on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@shelma_and_volkara

🔗 More resources

Learn more about my work, training philosophy, and publications:

https://hmcsolutions.eu/

📘 Book

Find my book and training journals on Amazon:

https://shorturl.at/kfln9

In Episode 10 of Aging Strong with Hugo, I reflect on returning to training after a major relocation and explore a topic most people struggle with: working out when motivation is absent. This episode breaks down why consistency and discipline matter more than motivation, shares real-world training examples, and offers practical strategies to keep moving—even on low-energy days.

In Episode 10 of Aging Strong with Hugo, I reflect on returning to training after a major relocation and explore a topic most people struggle with: working out when motivation is absent. This episode breaks down why consistency and discipline matter more than motivation, shares real-world training examples, and offers practical strategies to keep moving—even on low-energy days.

In this episode of Aging Strong with Hugo, I share an honest check-in after a demanding international relocation that disrupted training, routines, and content creation. I talk about getting back to kettlebells after weeks off, managing regression in strength, and why returning slowly is sometimes the smartest move. Along the way, I reflect on food choices, intermittent fasting, alcohol, smoking, daily movement, and the mental toll of relocation—especially when family and unresolved relationships are left behind. This is a grounded, unfiltered episode about rebuilding routine, accepting setbacks, and continuing forward without pretending everything is fine.

In this episode of Aging Strong with Hugo, I share an honest check-in after a demanding international relocation that disrupted training, routines, and content creation. I talk about getting back to kettlebells after weeks off, managing regression in strength, and why returning slowly is sometimes the smartest move. Along the way, I reflect on food choices, intermittent fasting, alcohol, smoking, daily movement, and the mental toll of relocation—especially when family and unresolved relationships are left behind. This is a grounded, unfiltered episode about rebuilding routine, accepting setbacks, and continuing forward without pretending everything is fine.

In this episode, I step away slightly from training protocols and dive into real life.

After relocating back to Portugal following many years abroad, I reflect on what it feels like to become a foreigner in your own country. Bureaucracy, family dynamics, unstable housing, interrupted training routines, and unexpected emotional weight all collide at once. Add stress, asthma, disrupted habits, and a body that still needs care—and you get a very honest snapshot of midlife transition.

With workouts temporarily on hold, I explain how nutrition awareness, discipline, and self-accountability became my anchors. This episode is about restarting from the middle of life, accepting imperfection, and choosing resilience over excuses—even when motivation is low.

A raw, unscripted reflection on aging, movement, identity, and rebuilding momentum when conditions are far from ideal.

🎧 Walk with me—literally and figuratively.

If this episode resonated with you, consider following or subscribing so you don’t miss future conversations.

💬 Join the discussion

Share your thoughts, experiences, or training journey with the community on the official Facebook page:

📘 Aging Strong with Hugo

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574765252006

🎸 Music credits

Intro music courtesy of Shelma & Volkara.

Explore their work on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@shelma_and_volkara

🔗 More resources

Learn more about my work, training philosophy, and publications:

https://hmcsolutions.eu/

📘 Book

Find my book and training journals on Amazon:

https://shorturl.at/kfln9

In this episode, I move beyond training methods and breathing techniques and dive into the mindset that fuels everything else.

Turning 51 forced me to question the stories society tells us about aging—frailty, decline, irrelevance—and to reject them consciously. Aging is not something I fight against; it’s something I own, redefine, and transform into strength, resilience, and purpose.

Drawing from personal experience, lifestyle changes, unconventional training, and hard decisions—including relocating countries—I explore what it really means to age actively instead of passively. This episode challenges the belief that it’s “too late” after 40 or 50 and reframes aging as adaptability, self-sufficiency, and conscious movement.

This is a reflective, intense conversation about identity, responsibility, discipline, and reclaiming yourself as the main character of your life—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

🎧 Walk with me—literally and figuratively.

If this episode resonated with you, consider following or subscribing so you don’t miss future conversations.

💬 Join the discussion

Share your thoughts, experiences, or training journey with the community on the official Facebook page:

📘 Aging Strong with Hugo

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574765252006

🎸 Music credits

Intro music courtesy of Shelma & Volkara.

Explore their work on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@shelma_and_volkara

🔗 More resources

Learn more about my work, training philosophy, and publications:

https://hmcsolutions.eu/

📘 Book

Find my book and training journals on Amazon:

https://shorturl.at/kfln9