Strong at Every Age: Bryant Johnson on Training Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Why Grandparents Should Never Skip Leg Day
- katherinebernard
- Apr 23, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 24, 2025
By Kathy Bernard | The Grands Club Blog
What does it take to be notorious in your 80s? According to Bryant Johnson, it takes determination, a sense of humor, and yes—plenty of planks. On a recent episode of The Grands Club Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Bryant Johnson, professional trainer, Army reservist, and the man behind Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s legendary fitness regimen.
Bryant is also the author of "The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong... and You Can Too!"—a guide that mixes heart, humor, and strength training into one powerful package. And let me tell you, his passion for helping people—especially grandparents—move better and feel stronger was contagious.
The RBG Standard
Bryant shared the origin story of how he became Justice Ginsburg’s personal trainer—an appointment that turned into a 20+ year professional relationship. What started as a post-cancer rehab session turned into twice-weekly strength training that RBG refused to miss, even when her schedule overflowed with court cases and public commitments.
“She would walk into the gym, lace up her shoes, and say, ‘Let’s do this,’” Bryant recalled. “She was proof that age is not an excuse—it’s a motivator.”
The Power of Movement for Grandparents
We dove into how fitness—especially resistance training—can help grandparents remain vibrant, independent, and active in their grandchildren’s lives. From carrying a toddler to running after a scooter-bound six-year-old, strength is more than a physical trait—it’s a gift of presence.
“You don’t need to be a bodybuilder,” Bryant told us. “You need to be grandchild-strong.”
That means improving balance, flexibility, and core stability. He walked us through a few accessible moves from his book that can be modified for any age or ability—many of which RBG did well into her 80s.
Don’t Skip Leg Day
One topic Bryant was especially passionate about? Leg day.
Leg day refers to a workout specifically focused on exercises that target the lower body—your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves. These muscles are the foundation of your body’s strength and mobility. They power everything from walking and climbing stairs to picking up your grandchild or dancing at a family wedding.
“Strong legs mean independence,” Bryant said. “They help you move confidently and avoid falls. And they’re essential for all the fun things—playing chase, kneeling in a sandbox, or carrying a sleepy little one to bed.”
Squats, lunges, and step-ups may sound simple, but they train critical muscles that support your hips and knees and boost circulation and balance. And yes, they’ll work muscles you never knew you had!
Get Down and Squat
Another favorite piece of advice? “Get down on the floor—that’s where the grandkids are.” Whether it’s building Lego towers, reading a picture book, or being the bottom of a kid-pile, getting down and up again is functional fitness at its best.
Bryant encourages grandparents to practice sitting down and standing up without using their hands—because those little daily movements are what keep us strong, mobile, and able to say “yes” to all the moments that matter.
Fitness Beyond the Gym
Bryant emphasized the importance of staying mentally and emotionally fit. He encouraged listeners to treat their health like a legacy. “Your grandchildren aren’t watching your words—they’re watching your habits,” he said. “Show them what strength looks like in real life.”
His message is one of empowerment: that the choices we make today—not just for our bodies, but for our hearts and minds—shape our influence for generations to come.
A Call to Action
If RBG could do push-ups in her robe, what’s stopping the rest of us?
Bryant left us with a challenge: Start where you are. Build one habit at a time. And if you need a little motivation, remember that your legacy is not just what you leave behind—it’s what you pass along.
Catch the full interview with Bryant Johnson on The Grands Club Podcast and be inspired to get strong at any age.
And don’t forget to check out “The RBG Workout”—it’s not just a routine, it’s a revolution.
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