Even though I have never competed ,as I have just started down this wonderful path of lifting/nutrition/gaining lean mass, and that I have started pretty late in the scheme of things compared to others,does there come a point in ones age that this doesn't work because of metabolic age? I hope it doesn't as I don't plan on giving up- I see good changes already.

Gym Dude

An increase in chronological age does not linearly relate to a decrease in metabolism.

So as you get older your metabolism does not have to slow, just becuase.

For most it does as a direct result of a loss of lean mass or msucle.

Muscle regulates metabolism. It helps allow things like insulin to function as they should.

So the answer is yes you can and will continue to make gains. Will they be as quick as those of a 20 year old male whose test is naturally through the roof?? No but you will make gains. The only limit will be how hard you want to work and how consistant you want to be.

Best of luck!

Ray

Good points made by Ray. It can be done! I didn't even begin to compete till I was 39 yrs. old. Now, at (almost) 43..yes.. you have to bust butt to stay lean, eat good/clean almost year round, supplement and train hard and heavy! If you are dedicated, consistent and diligent with your training and nutrition/supplements..you'll master your metabolism and build the physique you desire. Good luck..

amen!!! the fountain of youth... protien powder and dumb bells!!!!

gym dude - Welcome to the board and to your new found passion.

You absolutely can make progress from year to year even if you are first jumping into the fitness lifestyle seriously at an older age. Honestly I feel that I did not really figure out how to do this all correctly until 2 or thee years ago and I have made my best gains and had the most success the past two years while in my mid-40's. Congratulations on your new committment to better health and on your progress. Let us know how we can help you meet your goals. There are many board members here, both men and women in their 30's and 40's who are excellent examples of people who follow a fitness lifestyle and who do very well as competitors.

Yea ha for the over 40 club! Like VA said theres plenty of us on the board. Any help you need, feel free.

what can I say- a BIG thank you to all! my enthusiasm has went wild! protein powder and dumb bells, it dont get no better! stand back and watch-here I go!!!!!!!!

Gym Dude...I started training seriously post-40 and after military retirment. This is my favorite pic at 43 if it shows below. You hafta train smarter and very basic to allow for recovery. Everyone does but you hafta determine your own paradigm or recovery. By way of example, I only do ONE hard set of squats per workout but do them every 3 days (right now) until I at least get my strength back to where I was or close. Works out to 3 squat sets every nine days or so with each going up in reps or weight. This allows for brief workouts and a "do or die" effort since I only get one opportunity per workout. Some folks only do three sets anyway once per week but due to my age and rcovery abilities, it allows for less duration, less cortisol, etc. I see no point in dowing anymore until I can do sets of 10 with 315 very, very deep (in my case). Depends on where you are though. Good luck. By the way, I'll be 47 next birthday

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Admin,

Gary-thanks for the advice and the picture looks really good. Gives me even more enthusiasm to keep on going after it! next bithday I am 48 so I still have hope! thanks.

I've been lifting on and off since I was 10 years old...I'm now 45, so I can tell you that when I was younger I could do whatever I wanted and made good gains. That being said, I now workout with a bunch of other guys and I'm one of the older ones and frankly, us older guys put the younger guys into the ground. Most guys will try one leg workout with me, but not return due to the post-workout pain they experience. Which leads me to the fact that I only discovered Beverly within the past few years and I wish I knew then what I know now as I know I would have made great progress being younger plus having the benefit of Beverly, but let's not dwell on the past...age is only a factor in your rate of progress but not your ultimate progress. "Pain is weakness leaving the body."