Getting leaner doesn’t mean you need to beat yourself up in the gym. When I first started coaching, I thought barbell squats and deadlifts were non-negotiable. I plugged them in almost every client’s workout. But in over 17 years of coaching I’ve learned that while they’re incredible lifts, they’re not required to get strong, build muscle, or drop body fat—especially if you’re over 40. I didn’t remove them from the toolbox. Not every client responds poorly and some goals require training in these lifts. But, more often than not, I choose different exercises. Before we go on, don’t mistake…