Response to SDMan's New Member Post

[xcelbeyond]

Just wanted to say that I'm new here and looking forward to learning more about a sport I've enjoyed for many years, but I've never taken myself seriously enough to get beyond average - except for once about 12 years ago when I had gotten in shape and entered a competition. I'm 48 years old and decided this year that I had better do this for myself, or I won't get another chance. While my friends think I'm nuts for bodybuilding at "my age", I decided I really don't need their support anyway. What they understand about bodybuilding and what drives me to do this is nil and I'm guessing most of you know what that is like.

At the moment, I'm 6'2 205 pounds and about 20% fat. Not great, but I've put on about 12 pounds of muscle since June. My goal is to enter the NPC Excaliber in December of '06. I'm using the HST program for training, which I'm pretty happy with and don't see a reason to change that at this point. My diet however is a different matter and my main focus right now. Once I get this tightened up, I'll see how far I can go before seriously considering more advanced methods, which I'm sure will come in due time.

I think I've found all of the bodybuilding forums there are on the Internet, but this one seems to have the elements I think are important, in particular a high-quality roster of members. I have always been a fan of the sport, and am impressed with the quality of the physiques I see here. Hope I can get there myself.

I didn't want to respond in the New Members thread, so I started this.

I know you have been here a little bit and asking good questions.

Definition of Average: Cream of the Crap, and Crap of the Cream. Who wants to be average

1) You're never too old begin anything (such as bodybuilding)
2) You're always too young when you give up on something

Most people don't support things that they don't do or understand - such as bodybuilding. Now everyone is into making money (for survival, if nothiing else) and if you were to get FANATICAL about making money, most people wouldn't think it odd. But once you begin to have success making money, there will be HATERS, just as you begin to have success with bodybuilding.

Unfortunately, people are more like crabs, esp when people congregate in groups! Catch and put ONE crab in a basket and he will try 'n escape (climb out) - you need to put a lid on the basket. Catch another crab and put it in the same basket and you can now leave the lid off. When one crab tries to climb out, the other will pull it back down.

Don't be afraid to climb outta the basket SD. Most people that will not take the initiative to get ahead or xcel in something, and will try and drag you back to their level - generally by making harsh statements about what you're doing.

 

[cryptasm]

Xcel..Well said!!
SD Man...why not start at 48?? There are alot of things you can start at 48..thats not even old anymore our lifespans are getting longer and this will make you healthier, stronger, improve self confidence, and possibly live longer...those are some pretty good benifts I'd say..no matter what age you are..Anyway if you do in 2 years you'll be 50 and in good shape if not in two years your still gonna be 50...(does that make sense??)

 

[SDMan]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate that. I totally agree with what you said, cryp. My whole life, I've never understood it whenever anyone said "at your age" about anything. Don't know what age has to do with anything anyway. Great post too, xb. No point in being average. I'll have to save this and look at it next time I'm having trouble getting to the gym. I especially enjoyed the story about the crabs, lol.

 

[MightyJohn]

Hey SD

Hey SD...I have a friend that started bodybuilding at about Your age now 5-6 yrs later he is 54 & is gonna do masters nationals & lemme tell You he has a physique I'm envious of & I'm only 26...he is perfect proof You are never too old