lifting and getting older

[red5260]

This question is more for those in their 40's on up. I am now 36. 5 10" 224. Natural so far and still progressing nicely. But I wonder how to proceed as I get stronger and as I get older. I love to go heavy. Seems to build muscle the best (big surprise). However, I have a few degerated discs in my lower back and arthritis beginning under my left patella. Both my chiropractor and Ortho doctor encourage me to keep lifting but say I need to go lighter. Like anyone else, I want to have healthy joints when I'm in my 50's and older. So how can I do this and still be a big guy. My goal is 250 lbs with same or less bf. Does one HAVE to go heavy to be big? Will worn out joints simply be the price I will pay? I am aware there are manipulation techniques like pre-exhaust, supersets of a isolating followed by a compound, pyramids, short rest between sets, etc. and I practice them now and then. But I wonder if using lighter weight will give me what I want in the longrun. Should I change my goals? Just trying to be smart about my future.

 

[oldfella]

This question is more for those in their 40's on up. I am now 36. 5 10" 224. Natural so far and still progressing nicely. But I wonder how to proceed as I get stronger and as I get older. I love to go heavy. Seems to build muscle the best (big surprise). However, I have a few degerated discs in my lower back and arthritis beginning under my left patella. Both my chiropractor and Ortho doctor encourage me to keep lifting but say I need to go lighter. Like anyone else, I want to have healthy joints when I'm in my 50's and older. So how can I do this and still be a big guy. My goal is 250 lbs with same or less bf. Does one HAVE to go heavy to be big? Will worn out joints simply be the price I will pay? I am aware there are manipulation techniques like pre-exhaust, supersets of a isolating followed by a compound, pyramids, short rest between sets, etc. and I practice them now and then. But I wonder if using lighter weight will give me what I want in the longrun. Should I change my goals? Just trying to be smart about my future.

There does come a time when we have to be content with being where we are and looking better rather than try to keep getting big. At 36 it is doable for sure but what price are you willing to pay for this? With these types of limiting injuries your progress will be much slower and probably more painful. Super strict diet and no nonsense training are what you will need to achieve this.

 

[bharris21]

There's no secret training method. There are TONS of different types of training methods. Yes, some involve using heavy weight but many many others do not. Hell, look at Milos' training philosophy, him and the pros he trains aren't doin to shabby with that his methods. I would say the greatest common denomenator of all methods is intensity. Train hard and eat right and you will grow!

 

[Steve123]

I just turned 40 and last year dieted for a show. once I got under about 10% bf or so I was popping glucosomine like candy. My shoulder joint felt like sand paper rubbing together! Now that I'm a relative fat ass again, my joints feel fantastic.

The point is: we are all different at different times and under different conditions. I don't think there is a magic age when you have to start training like Richard Simmons. Personally, I've sustained injuries that limit me. Example, lower back. The compression and torque of rear squats kills me. Did I quit this great movement? not really! I just modified it - I just do front squats now. the moral of the story: when you encounter a limit, get creative.

I'm sure we'll all hit an age where it just gets out of hand but I don't think you're thre at 36 and I'm not even there at 40. Also, heavy is great but constantly training limit strength isn't really the best for hypertrophy if that's your goal and a more moderate rep range will do your joint good.

Just my two cents as an amature athlete of no particular distinction

 

[Dens228]

I turned 45 a couple of weeks ago. Last January I switched to bodybuilding workouts after competing in powerlifting for 15 years. Mainly from just needing a change and no longer having the desire to do max singles. Not pain or injury related, just a mental break.

Having said the useless stuff above, I feel I am still getting bigger, stronger, and in better shape as I continue to train hard. The ONLY difference I've done in my training as I got older is listening to my body and not ignoring it. I don't mean using any excuse to miss a workout because that doesn't happen, but when I am injured I no longer try to work through it to the extent I used to be able to get away with. In return I probably have a higher percentage of productive workouts as I'm not constantly battling one injury or another.

I've learned that missing a workout to recover is not going to make me shrink.

 

[Pekkerwood]

There are certainly ways to grow into your fifties and beyond. Heavy weights always worked best for me as well. But I also did not have knowledge of other lifting regiments that may have involved less stress i.e. heavy weights but only one true "workset".

After having to lay off for a year (I'm 47), I had to come back on light weights on advice of cardiologist. I basically only did weights I could do for twelve or 15 times and no negatives at all. I came back just fine and look as good as I did training with heavy weights. My strength is fine. But I didn't gain any more, I just recovered what I had. I'm actually losing weight now on purpose. I spent most of my adult life at 260+ and have made a decision to spend the rest of it under 225 or so and if that goes well, maybe even 200.

At minimum wage, and with what "supplements" and food cost, I'm basically shedding a good quarter million dollars of muscle.

 

[red5260]

Thanks for the replies to my question. I will consider the ideas given and apply them to my training. In my mind I am still in my twenties. I assume everyone else thinks the same way though.

 

[Dr.xopholis]

I am 43 and in a few weeks I will be 44. I want to second alot of what steve123 said. For me it is right on. When I was a younger man it seemed like I could tell my body what to do. Now it tells me. It's just reality. Everyone is different. I played football when I shouldn't have. To small for the league I was in. Amatuer boxing with guys half my age. Drinking and generally treating myself like crap. Now I am getting some of the dividends from that lifestyle.
However, I still hit the weights hard. Intensity is key for me. I don't trip on whast others around me are doing. I don't worry about who is lifting what. It's just me and my own barriers I have to break thru. I still train heavy but I mix it up. And I never train when I am hurting. I'm not talking sore from the day before. I'm talking about hurt, HURT. Gotta listen to my body and do what it says.