What kind of effects does lifting weights at older ages include?

[Scotty614]

Hi I am 39 years old 164lbs. around 5"4 with a stocky barrel chest type build. Now I'm short and can flat bench about 225 lbs atm and am pretty novice and still learning the ins and outs after a year in the gym. My question is can I compete with the younger types who seem to achieve muscular form and results in shorter period? What kind of drawbacks am I looking at by hitting the weights every day at my age? Can I continue to progress in terms of power and compete with taller more massive lifters or I can never reach certain weights or higher levels in power no matter how hard I train. I am kinda happy but disappointed at the same time that I waited so long to take lifting seriously even though I am progressing nicely atm with good arm definition and form with decent power for only a year or so in the gym. At what age do you have to call it quits to lifting weights due to say muscle weakness due to age and stuff.

Thanks in advance for any of your counsel,
Regards
Scotty...the 39 age conscious wanna be lifter

 

[GFR]

at 39 you can do a great deal still.....but if you are just starting out you have to be realistic, you are too old to be great at any sport at that age.

 

[fufu]

at 39 you can do a great deal still.....but if you are just starting out you have to be realistic, you are too old to be great at any sport at that age.

except billiards! if you consider that a sport. which I don't

 

[Squaggleboggin]

except billiards! if you consider that a sport. which I don't

I used to be really good when I was a few years younger. My dad actually won tournaments when he was nine. Some people are just so amazing at that...

 

[kwajaln]

I didn't start lifting weights until I was 35. (I'll be 37 in January) Granted, I was in very good physical condition, but still had zero experience in the gym. I am definitely in the best shape of my life now and say GO FOR IT! Just be careful and don't hesitate to ask for help/suggestions in the gym. Good luck!

 

[fufu]

I used to be really good when I was a few years younger. My dad actually won tournaments when he was nine. Some people are just so amazing at that...

damn

 

[Squaggleboggin]

Being one who started on the young side of the scale, I suppose I had the same concerns. I just progressed very slowly and learned as much as I possibly could in hopes of not getting hurt. Luckily, it worked and I'm not a lot stronger than I ever was, even after losing about 35 pounds.

 

[MyK]

I used to be really good when I was a few years younger. My dad actually won tournaments when he was nine. Some people are just so amazing at that...

BULLSHIT!

 

[Squaggleboggin]

BULLSHIT!

No, but thank you for the offer.

 

[FenderBender]

I'm 43 and still lifting strong butttt....... my mind/ego still thinks I'm 21.

I constantly have to give myself reality checks, so I don't wind up using a walker. My mind says " do it, enter the comp. " then 6 weeks into heavy training I strain somthing and its over......

Like Foreman said, you can make great personal gains and get into the best shape of your life. Just realize that you are at a great disadvantage to to a 25 year old.

Not to say that you can't mop the floor with someone half your age in some freindly comp. on monday.......but like me you may be limping for a week afterwards

Just set small reachable goals and don't get hurt and discoraged.

 

[Charger]

Good advice Fenderbender! I too am 43 and still going strong when I am not injured that is!
Scotty to answer your questions,

"My question is can I compete with the younger types who seem to achieve muscular form and results in shorter period? "

yes and no. If you use your head and train correctly, you can keep up with alot of the younger lifters, BUT!! not those younger that have there head together. The younger guys recovery much easier than we do and have less battle scars and injuries. Wear and tear is just that, as we get older we do have a price to pay for past glory days.

"Can I continue to progress in terms of power and compete with taller more massive lifters or I can never reach certain weights or higher levels in power no matter how hard I train?"

For one thing, your body comp will aid you in power. As for how far you go? How you train will determine that but you have to realize that you have past your peak years. That being said, don't let that discourage you. I can live with being part of the 300 bench club knowing my chance to make the 400 club are over.

"What kind of drawbacks am I looking at by hitting the weights every day at my age? "

Recovery!! Recovery is key and at an older age, hitting weights everyday is not a good idea. Working each muscle group once a week is best.

Hope that helps!

 

[CowPimp]

Just be careful and don't hesitate to ask for help/suggestions in the gym. Good luck!

I'm not sure about that. They are very few people at my gym that I would ever trust for advice, if any.

I see no point in lifting daily. You never give your body ample time to heal. What is your current routine?

 

[fufu]

I'm not sure about that. They are very few people at my gym that I would ever trust for advice, if any.

I see no point in lifting daily. You never give your body ample time to heal. What is your current routine?

Righto. I feel the same way. Also, what works for one guy may not work for you.

 

[JOHNYORK]

i used to be good at pool lifting fuked up my stroke tho i ran 43 balls at 12 my father ran either 533 or 633 balls he palyed mosconi pool is the thinking mans game wishi could stil lplay

 

[Squaggleboggin]

i used to be good at pool lifting fuked up my stroke tho i ran 43 balls at 12 my father ran either 533 or 633 balls he palyed mosconi pool is the thinking mans game wishi could stil lplay

It won't mess up your stroke if you practice pool everyday. Take a 2 liter bottle (empty hopefully) and put it on its side. Practice your stroke by making the stick go through the opening without touching the side 25 times in a row. Add 1 each day and see if it doesn't improve when you reach 100.

 

[FenderBender]

I'm not sure about that. They are very few people at my gym that I would ever trust for advice, if any.

Ain't that the truth!!!!! and amen!!!!

 

[BritChick]

except billiards! if you consider that a sport. which I don't

And darts!