{"id":380,"date":"2026-10-01T22:42:43","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T22:42:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/01\/sally-gunnell-60-shares-the-5-easy-dumbbell-exercises-women-need-to-stay-fit-and-strong-as-we-age\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T22:42:43","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T22:42:43","slug":"sally-gunnell-60-shares-the-5-easy-dumbbell-exercises-women-need-to-stay-fit-and-strong-as-we-age","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/01\/sally-gunnell-60-shares-the-5-easy-dumbbell-exercises-women-need-to-stay-fit-and-strong-as-we-age\/","title":{"rendered":"Sally Gunnell, 60, shares the 5 easy dumbbell exercises women need to stay &#8216;fit and strong as we age&#8217;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div data-journey-body=\"standard-article\">\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"5\" class=\"body-dropcap css-1p9gfsb emevuu60\">If anyone can show you how to build strength from home, it\u2019s Olympic legend Sally Gunnell. The former track-and-field athlete now coaches women in midlife to get fit and strong for life, and she does so with one guiding principle: keeping it simple.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"10\" class=\"css-1tfgmyw emevuu60\">She\u2019s a keen advocate that you don\u2019t need an expensive gym membership, lots of equipment, or hours of time; a pair of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.womenshealthmag.com\/uk\/fitness\/g33455565\/best-dumbbells\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.womenshealthmag.com\/uk\/fitness\/g33455565\/best-dumbbells\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"dumbbells\" data-node-id=\"10.1\" class=\"body-link css-1e57p3n emevuu60\">dumbbells<\/a>, four-five exercises and 20-30 minutes is enough. Not convinced? Gunnell is living proof that it works, sharing that she sticks to \u20183 quality strength training sessions each week\u2019, all from home, and using just a set of dumbbells which she increases in weight gradually over time to \u2018challenge her muscles\u2019.<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"14\" class=\"css-1tfgmyw emevuu60\">Her 566k Instagram followers can attest that the approach works, too. As one commented, &#8216;I love your exercises. Nothing complicated, I can do them at home so no expensive gym fees, and they don\u2019t take long so fit in to a busy day!&#8217;<\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"19\" class=\"css-1tfgmyw emevuu60\">Her session below is the \u2018perfect workout to stay fit and strong as we age\u2019, she says on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DcwOialNA58\/?hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DcwOialNA58\/?hl=en\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Instagram\" data-node-id=\"19.1\" class=\"body-link css-1e57p3n emevuu60\">Instagram<\/a>. Here\u2019s exactly how to do it with proper form, and demos from Gunnell. <\/p>\n<section data-node-id=\"21\" data-lazy-id=\"P0-14\">\n<h2 title=\"Sally Gunnell\u2019s 15-minute full-body dumbbell-only workout\" id=\"sally-gunnells-15-minute-full-body-dumbbell-only-workout\" data-anchor-id=\"sally-gunnells-15-minute-full-body-dumbbell-only-workout\" class=\"body-h2 css-nj6w62 emt9r7s3\">Sally Gunnell\u2019s 15-minute full-body dumbbell-only workout<\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"25\" class=\"body-tip css-54u7g1 emevuu60\"><strong data-node-id=\"25.0\">How to do it: <\/strong>Perform the five exercises for prescribed reps below, resting as long as you need between moves. Repeat for 3 rounds, resting as you need to between each round.<\/p>\n<section data-node-id=\"27\" data-lazy-id=\"P0-16\">\n<h2 title=\"How to do the moves \" id=\"how-to-do-the-moves\" data-anchor-id=\"how-to-do-the-moves\" class=\"body-h2 css-nj6w62 emt9r7s3\">How to do the moves <\/h2>\n<\/section>\n<h2 data-node-id=\"28\" class=\"body-h4 css-7depun emevuu60\">Goblet squats<\/h2>\n<div data-embed=\"loop\" data-lazy-id=\"P0-17\" data-node-id=\"29\" class=\"embed\">\n<div class=\"css-18nbawg e10ilk1i0\">\n<div class=\"align-center size-medium embed e10ilk1i1 css-1e3dj7m e2pre2a5\">\n<div class=\"__resp-container css-1obz3vz eksj1ta0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.hearstapps.com\/loop\/goblet-squat-6abcdf7a09424.mp4\/poster.jpg\" alt=\"Image no longer available\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Instagram @sallygunnell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul data-node-id=\"30\" class=\"css-fhm74e emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"30.0\">Hold a dumbbell at your chest. Sit your hips back and bend your knees to lower into a squat, then drive through your feet to stand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-node-id=\"31\" class=\"body-h4 css-7depun emevuu60\">Seated shoulder press <\/h2>\n<div data-embed=\"loop\" data-lazy-id=\"P0-18\" data-node-id=\"32\" class=\"embed\">\n<div class=\"css-18nbawg e10ilk1i0\">\n<div class=\"align-center size-medium embed e10ilk1i1 css-1e3dj7m e2pre2a5\">\n<div class=\"__resp-container css-1obz3vz eksj1ta0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.hearstapps.com\/loop\/seated-shoulder-press-6abcdf4a9c634.mp4\/poster.jpg\" alt=\"Image no longer available\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Instagram @sallygunnell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul data-node-id=\"33\" class=\"css-fhm74e emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"33.0\">Sit tall with a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder height. Press both weights overhead, then lower with control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-node-id=\"34\" class=\"body-h4 css-7depun emevuu60\">Romanian deadlift <\/h2>\n<div data-embed=\"loop\" data-lazy-id=\"P0-19\" data-node-id=\"35\" class=\"embed\">\n<div class=\"css-18nbawg e10ilk1i0\">\n<div class=\"align-center size-medium embed e10ilk1i1 css-1e3dj7m e2pre2a5\">\n<div class=\"__resp-container css-1obz3vz eksj1ta0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.hearstapps.com\/loop\/rdl-6abcdf58af0be.mp4\/poster.jpg\" alt=\"Image no longer available\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Instagram @sallygunnell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul data-node-id=\"36\" class=\"css-fhm74e emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"36.0\">Hold two dumbbells in front of your thighs. Hinge at your hips, keeping your back flat and knees softly bent, then squeeze your glutes to stand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-node-id=\"37\" class=\"body-h4 css-7depun emevuu60\">Renegade row<\/h2>\n<div data-embed=\"loop\" data-lazy-id=\"P0-20\" data-node-id=\"38\" class=\"embed\">\n<div class=\"css-18nbawg e10ilk1i0\">\n<div class=\"align-center size-medium embed e10ilk1i1 css-1e3dj7m e2pre2a5\">\n<div class=\"__resp-container css-1obz3vz eksj1ta0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.hearstapps.com\/loop\/renegade-row-6abcdf650484d.mp4\/poster.jpg\" alt=\"Image no longer available\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Instagram @sallygunnell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul data-node-id=\"39\" class=\"css-fhm74e emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"39.0\">Start in a high plank with a dumbbell in each hand. Brace your core and row one dumbbell towards your ribs, then lower and repeat on the other side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-node-id=\"40\" class=\"body-h4 css-7depun emevuu60\">Single-arm march<\/h2>\n<div data-embed=\"loop\" data-lazy-id=\"P0-21\" data-node-id=\"41\" class=\"embed\">\n<div class=\"css-18nbawg e10ilk1i0\">\n<div class=\"align-center size-medium embed e10ilk1i1 css-1e3dj7m e2pre2a5\">\n<div class=\"__resp-container css-1obz3vz eksj1ta0\"><img src=\"https:\/\/media.hearstapps.com\/loop\/single-arm-march-6abcdf6ce319d.mp4\/poster.jpg\" alt=\"Image no longer available\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Instagram @sallygunnell<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ul data-node-id=\"42\" class=\"css-fhm74e emevuu60\">\n<li data-node-id=\"42.0\">Hold one dumbbell at your side and stand tall. Keeping your core braced, march in place, lifting one knee at a time while resisting the pull of the weight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-node-id=\"44\" class=\"css-18pb4rg emevuu60\"\/>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"48\" class=\"css-1tfgmyw emevuu60\"><strong data-node-id=\"48.0\">Want to train like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.womenshealthmag.com\/uk\/health\/a73784309\/liz-earle-womens-health\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/www.womenshealthmag.com\/uk\/health\/a73784309\/liz-earle-womens-health\/\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"Liz Earle\" data-node-id=\"48.0.1\" class=\"body-link css-1e57p3n emevuu60\">Liz Earle<\/a><\/strong><strong data-node-id=\"48.1\">? Liz\u2019s PT, Michael Garry, has created a 4-week training plan exclusively for members of the WH COLLECTIVE. It\u2019s designed to remove one of the biggest barriers to fitness: time. You\u2019ll train for just 35 minutes three times a week \u2013 Liz\u2019s exact strategy to build muscle, boost metabolism and support long-term health. Tap the link below to unlock 14 free days of training and start Liz\u2019s plan today.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-journey-content=\"true\" data-node-id=\"54\" class=\"css-1tfgmyw emevuu60\"><a href=\"https:\/\/link.womenshealthmag.co.uk\/join\/signup-womens-health-lizearle-titlesite\" target=\"_blank\" data-vars-ga-outbound-link=\"https:\/\/link.womenshealthmag.co.uk\/join\/signup-womens-health-lizearle-titlesite\" data-vars-ga-call-to-action=\"GET THE PLAN\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-vars-ga-ux-element=\"Hyperlink\" data-node-id=\"54.0\" class=\"body-btn-link css-c29gpt emevuu60\"><strong data-node-id=\"54.0.0\">GET THE PLAN<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div data-embed=\"body-image\" data-lazy-id=\"57e4950:55\" data-node-id=\"55\" id=\"979e8130-8761-48ba-b8d4-819670a7a010\" class=\"embed css-gsdhhp e1yri45i0\">\n<div size=\"medium\" data-embed=\"body-image\" class=\"align-center size-medium embed css-y6m8k e1fodxfw4\">\n<div class=\"css-1k29q50 e1fodxfw3\"><img draggable=\"true\" alt=\"woman holding a medicine ball, featured in women's health magazine.\" title=\"woman holding a medicine ball, featured in women's health magazine.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2727\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" style=\"color:transparent;width:100%;height:auto;\" sizes=\"auto, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/cd2cfb5c-b82c-4a8f-b915-988c9606889f.jpg?resize=640:* 640w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/cd2cfb5c-b82c-4a8f-b915-988c9606889f.jpg?resize=768:* 980w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/cd2cfb5c-b82c-4a8f-b915-988c9606889f.jpg?resize=980:* 1120w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/cd2cfb5c-b82c-4a8f-b915-988c9606889f.jpg?resize=980:* 1400w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/cd2cfb5c-b82c-4a8f-b915-988c9606889f.jpg?resize=980:* 1800w, https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/cd2cfb5c-b82c-4a8f-b915-988c9606889f.jpg?resize=980:* 2000w\" src=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/cd2cfb5c-b82c-4a8f-b915-988c9606889f.jpg?resize=980:*\" class=\"css-0 e1ddfba50\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-journey-blur=\"partial\" data-ad-exclude=\"true\" data-fp-ignore=\"true\" class=\"css-19m4yzp e1jy25xv0\">\n<div class=\"css-sfzxfp ev8dhu59\"><span class=\"css-3mrz81 ev8dhu51\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/rover\/profile_photos\/3c8d88e6-1a98-41e9-804d-2de8b0b9d75a_1741783208.file?fill=1:1&amp;resize=120:*\" alt=\"Headshot of Bridie Wilkins\" title=\"Headshot of Bridie Wilkins\" width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"css-o0wq4v ev8dhu53\"\/><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"css-1dsojn8 ev8dhu55\">\n<div class=\"css-1y37fga ev8dhu54\">\n<p>As Women\u2019s Health UK\u2019s fitness director and a qualified Pilates and yoga instructor, Bridie Wilkins has been passionately reporting on exercise, health and nutrition since the start of her decade-long career in journalism.<\/p>\n<p>After earning a first-class degree in journalism and NCTJ accreditation, she secured her first role at Look Magazine, where she launched the magazine\u2019s health and fitness column, Look Fit, before going on to become Health and Fitness writer at HELLO!<\/p>\n<p>Since, she has written for Stylist, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle, The Metro, Runner\u2019s World and Red. Today, she oversees all fitness content across <a href=\"http:\/\/womenshealthmag.com.uk\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"http:\/\/womenshealthmag.com.uk\/\">Women&#8217;s Health online and in <\/a>print, spearheading leading cross-platform franchises, such as \u2018Fit At Any Age\u2019, which showcases the women proving that age is no barrier to exercise.<\/p>\n<p>She has also represented the brand on BBC Radio London, plus various podcasts and Substacks \u2013 all with the aim to encourage more women to exercise and show them how. Outside of work, find her trying the latest Pilates studio, testing her VO2 max for fun (TY, Oura), or posting workouts on Instagram. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If anyone can show you how to build strength from home, it\u2019s Olympic legend Sally Gunnell. The former track-and-field athlete now coaches women in midlife to get fit and strong for life, and she does so with one guiding principle: keeping it simple. She\u2019s a keen advocate that you don\u2019t need an expensive gym membership, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":381,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-workout"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=380"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/380\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=380"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=380"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/modernfitnessguide.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=380"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}