Playing for Life with Amy Garza, MD | How to Build Functional Muscle & Improve Your Game

11. How to Build Functional Muscle & Improve Your Game

July 14, 20262 min read
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Are you tired of spinning your wheels in the gym without seeing results, or watching your distance drop on the course despite consistent practice? Building muscle in midlife is the key to reshaping your body, boosting strength, and supporting performance, but it has to be done correctly.

In this episode, I walk you through the practical playbook for building functional muscle in midlife. I cover progressive overload, how to challenge your muscles effectively, the importance of compound lifts, and common mistakes that prevent progress. I also share guidance on protein intake, training frequency, and why working with a qualified coach can accelerate results safely.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to approach strength training with purpose and consistency. You’ll walk away with clear strategies for building muscle safely, improving posture, protecting joints, increasing power on the course, and creating a sustainable program that delivers results over months and years.

Please follow Playing for Life anywhere you listen to podcasts and share with a golfer who needs to hear it! Every follow, rating, review, and share helps the show grow, so more golfers in midlife find it.


What You’ll Learn from this Episode about How to Build Functional Muscle:

  • Why progressive overload is essential for building muscle in midlife.

  • How heavy is “heavy enough” and how to challenge your muscles properly.

  • The importance of compound lifts over isolation movements for functional strength and golf performance.

  • How proper protein intake supports muscle growth and recovery.

  • How frequently you should train for consistent results without overdoing it.

  • Common mistakes midlife adults make that limit progress.

  • Why working with a qualified strength coach can accelerate safe and effective gains.

Watch the Full Episode:

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Full Episode Transcript:

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Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Watch on YouTube

Disclaimer: I'm a doctor, but I'm not YOUR doctor. This is for education purposes only. Nothing in this episode should be construed as personal medical advice. Use it to have a smarter conversation with your own doctor.

Amy Garza, MD

Amy Garza, MD

Amy is a Board-certified in anesthesiology. Certified in Age Management Medicine, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, and Peptide Therapy. Certified life coach. Founder, CEO, and physician at AgeWell, with locations in Austin and Amarillo, Texas. Former Division I collegiate golfer.

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