Exact age when fitness and strength begin to decline

[IroNat]

https://nypost.com/2025/12/21/health/this-is-the-exact-age-when-fitness-and-strength-begin-to-decline-study/

[SF1900]

I have never been bigger or stronger than I am at 44.

[Methyl m1ke]

I have never been bigger or stronger than I am at 44.

Same at 45

[GymnJuice]

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcsm.70134

Physical activity consistently emerges as the most important factor influencing both absolute physical capacity and the rate of age-related decline. Our longitudinal data are consistent with previous studies showing that regular physical activity can attenuate the decline in physical performance [17, 32-37]. Individuals who were physically active in their leisure time at age 16 maintained higher aerobic capacity, muscular endurance and muscle power throughout the observation period. This emphasises the importance of early intervention to establish positive exercise habits in adolescence and early adulthood, as these patterns appear to have long-term benefits for physical function.

Encouragingly, our results show that transitioning from physical inactivity to activity at any age significantly improves performance in all fitness modalities studied. These findings contradict the assumption that early inactivity irreversibly impairs physical performance. Rather, taking up regular physical activity leads to measurable improvements in performance even in later decades of life. This finding is of particular importance for clinical practice, as physical activity is still the only evidence-based intervention to reduce the risk of sarcopenia [2, 38]. Recent large population studies also show that an active lifestyle is beneficial at any age [13, 39, 40].

It would have been interesting if they examined to what degree the age related decline was slowed by daily cardio and weightlifting. I don't think that was a primary goal of their research.

[Irongrip400]

I probably peaked strength wise around 35 but I’m still as big or maybe look a little bigger now body composition wise. Lifting too heavy now would hurt my joints.

[Griffith]

From what I've read most seem to say from about 50-55.

[Brenda Steunbeer]

Strength is one thing, but speed, coordination, recuperation, flexibility are a totally different matter.

For bodybuilding everything seems to decline after age 27 / 28?
Maybe it's the gear use, or just aging, the freshness of skin and muscle after that age just is gone.
Easily visible on photos of Arnold, Zane, and many others.

[Humble Narcissist]

I probably peaked strength wise around 35 but I’m still as big or maybe look a little bigger now body composition wise. Lifting too heavy now would hurt my joints.

35 is about the age all pro athletes that require speed, strength, agility and stamina fall apart.