The Mature thread

[DroppingPlates]

I'm in my 60s and training is not only different, it's also difficult.  But I still train.  The other day I just could not do my normal routine due to not only being physically sore but also mentally tired.  So I just did a couple of sets for each body part for 50 reps each.  Got a pump and got out of the gym.

Izzat the "Weider Instinctive Training Principle"?   

Maybe you should shoot more cc's

[IroNat]

When you get older you get injured a lot.

Even when you don't do anything stupid you get injured.

Small annoying injuries.

[The Scott]

Maybe you should shoot more cc's

 

[Humble Narcissist]

If you have a serious work ethic then yes. I find the drug users start dropping out well before 60. Various reasons. Sometimes it's health, finances or even arrests.  At 60 many many start having health scares like heart concerns, serious joint issues or even an  enlarged prostate. My gym there are a lot of older men. Most train like old men but there are exceptions. On guy is 73 I believe and he still trains really hard with heavy weights. Surely an exception to the rule. He has a youthful speaking voice too.

I find for me at 60 I stopped doing certain movements like the bar bench press and press behind the neck. I don't miss them. I use dumbbells or the standard military press for shoulders. I squatted with a bar for over 40 years. Now I fell better results with the deep range of motion leg press and dumbbell squats performed with a fairly straight back and sinking it. I really think the hardest exercise I have ever done are dumbbell squats. I don't know my name after them and feel close to death. I know guys that use 315lbs with a bar think how can I find dumbbells heavy enough?  Believe me, incredible strong guys would be shot holding two 150lbs dumbbells trying to get 12 reps. I see guys deadlifting the dumbbells thinking they are doing a dumbbell squat. That's not the motion. Get that ass really low as you squat and keep the back fairly vertical holding the dumbbells at your sides.  

I have been a high intensity guy my whole life doing sets to failure and low sets. I've been putting a lot of thought into high set endurance type training. I'm hesitant to make the change because I vainly say I look good for my age and I speculate high intensity is the reason. Then again who knows?  

I respect the hell out of you guys over 60 still training.  I'm mid 40's and the only person I know my age who still lifts regularly.  After age 40 I quit doing really heavy stuff and like you completely eliminated the bench press with a bar and don't miss it either.  All medium weight dumbbell work for usually 12-20 reps but sometimes a little heavier and I enjoy training as much as ever.  I lift at home so I don't have to deal with the weird gym stuff.

[oldtimer1]

I respect the hell out of you guys over 60 still training.  I'm mid 40's and the only person I know my age who still lifts regularly.  After age 40 I quit doing really heavy stuff and like you completely eliminated the bench press with a bar and don't miss it either.  All medium weight dumbbell work for usually 12-20 reps but sometimes a little heavier and I enjoy training as much as ever.  I lift at home so I don't have to deal with the weird gym stuff.

You will start seeing a serious difference of men you know who are around the same age at 55. Guys completely start to fall apart. Even many guys who trained hard when they were younger can't seem to find the work ethic to lift seriously in their middle 50's. If you have the work ethic you will notice the difference. Not talking about the steroid guys who foolish keep playing that game into their aging years.

My hair is almost completely white now. I was at the Michigan-Rutgers football game yesterday the guest of rich guy I know who rented out a private deck. I was standing at the wall of this deck or box what ever you call it and Rutgers scored.  I jumped up. The old guy next to me said, "You blocked my view and I have a bad knee. I'm 60 you know."  I told him, "I'm 60 too.  I'll move over so you can see."

[Humble Narcissist]

Yes, many have serious health problems over 55.

[IroNat]

Lots of men are so beat up from physical injuries they suffered  when younger they are limited in what they can do without pain.  Knee surgeries, hip replacements, etc.

All those sports you did when young like playing football and wrecking your knees come back to haunt you.

For those who did not have injuries the combination of poor eating habits, lack of exercise, drinking, smoking, and years of sitting on their asses adds up.

My advices to those of you in your 30s and 40s is to keep training, eat smart,  Moderation in bad habits like drinking, not smoking.  Get enough sleep.  Avoid sun exposure or use sunscreen.

Avoid activities that will beat you up and cause debilitating injuries.  Skip the weekend warrior sports leagues where you could tear up your knee.  It's not worth it.

[Humble Narcissist]

Agreed.  That's what I've been doing for the last several years.