Question for older getbiggers

[IroNat]

This is true.  If anything it is going to increase the inflammation and tendonitis if you have that.

Best thing to do is just get a notebook and start a log when you in the gym of each exercise that hurts/where it hurts/which ones don't.  And use the process of elimination to plan a routine around the ones that are pain free. 

Good advices.

[YngiweRhoads]

So I’m 44 years old and in relatively good shape. For the last two and a half years I’ve been lifting “heavy” to try and build back some of my muscle/build of up to my mid to late thirties. I had an incident with my back in 2018 that set me back, and then Covid really changed my work out dynamic. I’m not as strong as I was at 35 but I’m stronger than I was 5 years ago even though I’ve somewhat plateaued. My muscles feel strong but my joints are hurting when I do heavy bench and heavy squats. Again, not huge weight but certainly more than I was doing post injury. My question is, do you older guys have routines that allow you to keep the muscle mass and lift lighter weights? I’m worried I might injure myself if I continue lifting for bulk, but would like to keep what I have as I feel I can hold onto it for another few years at least. Thanks in advance.

I'm carrying the most muscle I've ever had at 57 and natty. Started getting shoulder and hip pain from lifting (relatively) heavy. Do a lot of pre-exhaust now and more sets and reps at a lighter weight. Works great for me.

[MAXX]

As long as there is no nagging/crippling tendonitis you should be good. Don't ignore it like me.

I blew my patellar tendon of the kneecap 5 months ago.... But rehab has been working out well and am back squatting a plate a side now. Will not give up untill Im back squatting 315 for atg reps. Plan is to keep adding 5 kg every week on the squatbar.

[BayGBM]

stop lifting heavy, just do a pump workout and take some test, you will look and feel much better and you wont hurt yourself

Agreed.  Size and strength is a young man’s game. As you get older you will have other priorities such as longevity, mobility, and overall health.  Worrying about phlebitis (deep vein thrombosis) or plotting your first hip replacement is not something you want in your future.

[BigRo]

[falco]

Use higher reps, maybe less sets depending on your recovery genetics. Enough weight to give you stimuli, keeping injuries away.
The biggest challenge is going to be the "heavy lifting" mindset. We all have been there.

[BigRo]

Use higher reps, maybe less sets depending on your recovery genetics. Enough weight to give you stimuli, keeping injuries away.
The biggest challenge is going to be the "heavy lifting" mindset. We all have been there.

As long as due care is taken, proper warm ups, no ego lifting etc why not try to maintain as good a level of strength as one can whether natural or on trt if one enjoys heavy lifting why give it up due to all these fears.

[Grape Ape]

Agreed.  Size and strength is a young man’s game. As you get older you will have other priorities such as longevity, mobility, and overall health.  Worrying about phlebitis (deep vein thrombosis) or plotting your first hip replacement is not something you want in your future.

Size may be, strength is not.

Yes, mobility and overall health is important, but you can still train heavy forever if you're smart about it.

EDIT: Just saw what Ro said above - agree.

[falco]

As long as due care is taken, proper warm ups, no ego lifting etc why not try to maintain as good a level of strength as one can whether natural or on trt if one enjoys heavy lifting why give it up due to all these fears.

Speaking from my own experience. Even when young, everytime i pushed my limits, injury happened. Now at 48, i am not better at that, and i am getting enough results with moderate loads. A more mature approach.

[dj181]

I did squats to parallel or slightly less

Got 90 pounds for 6 and that was near failure 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[GymnJuice]

This is true.  If anything it is going to increase the inflammation and tendonitis if you have that.

Best thing to do is just get a notebook and start a log when you in the gym of each exercise that hurts/where it hurts/which ones don't.  And use the process of elimination to plan a routine around the ones that are pain free.

This.

[BigRo]

I did squats to parallel or slightly less

Got 90 pounds for 6 and that was near failure 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

What the hell my girlfriend is stronger than that.