+34Ballymena-born Glenn Wilkinson has spent over three decades immersed in the fitness industry, and at 55, he shows no signs of slowing down. With a background in bodybuilding, CrossFit, and strength coaching, Wilkinson has built a reputation for his no-nonsense approach to fitness and his commitment to helping people achieve their goals, regardless of age.
At 55, Glenn Wilkinson has spent more than 35 years immersed in the fitness industry, building a career that has taken him from world champion natural bodybuilding and CrossFit to coaching elite athletes and working with Larne FC during its historic European campaign.
The Ballymena man has also built a social following of more than 400,000, using his platform to champion longevity, smart training and his belief that age should never be a barrier to success. We caught up with Glenn at WellFest Belfast to talk about his fitness journey, staying strong as you get older and the lessons he has learned along the way. WellFest has come to Northern Ireland for the first time.
Glenn Wilkinson on Longevity Fitness
As someone born and raised there, what does it mean to be part of this Belfast event? You've built a career around the belief that age is no barrier to success. At 55, what does longevity fitness mean to you now? Longevity for me means age doesn't prevent me from taking on any challenge; it just means being a little smarter and even a bit more creative in the process.
A lot of people want to get stronger or fitter as they get older, but worry they've left it too late. What would you say to someone who feels they're "too old" to start? I would say it is never too late to start, but again, use sense: things do start to slow down, injuries can become more prevalent, but take baby steps, build good foundations and select an achievable goal which requires a degree of work.
You've worked across bodybuilding, CrossFit, football and strength coaching. What are the core training principles that matter at every age and fitness level? It is all about the one per cent - doing the small things other people don't see - the routine, day in day out, week in week out, month in month out, and year in year out. It's a lifestyle that creates success over time.
Recovery and Nutrition for Midlife
What are the biggest mistakes people make when they're trying to improve their fitness, especially in midlife and beyond? Adequate recovery is vital. Nutrition, hydration, sleep and stress - all the things that happen outside of performance are just as important. Strength training is often spoken about as one of the most important things we can do for long-term health.
Why do you think it matters so much for longevity? It encourages the correct amount of stress on the skeletal system. I always say muscle is the currency of longevity - it increases bone density, makes our bodies more resilient, and increases the risk of injury. Your social following has grown hugely through practical fitness advice.
What do you think people are really looking for when it comes to health and fitness content now? Scalable exercises that anyone can do, delivered with kindness and humility, without judgement or self-praise. WellFest is about more than workouts; it brings together fitness, wellness, talks, community and family-friendly spaces. What do you think people took away from your session?
Advice for WellFest Beginners
I hope people left inspired, encouraged, and empowered to start their own health and wellness journey.and WellFest can be the catalyst for thousands of people to start. For anyone heading to WellFest next year who might feel nervous about joining a class or trying something new, what advice would you give them? in my experience, a little nerves are quite good; I still get nervous after 36 years in the business. It means you care.
People who will encourage you, champion you, build you up, and you get one chance in this life - just go for it! What does a strong, healthy life look like to you now, and has that definition changed over the years? A strong, healthy life looks like facing the day without fear or anxiety. Being robust enough to take on any physical challenge that may come my way, without age being the limiting factor.
Whether it be running to catch the bus, climbing the stairs to the highest floor, or competing in your first Hyrox. My age doesn't define my capabilities.
Glenn Wilkinson Longevity Fitness Age Is No Barrier Wellfest Belfast
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