Building muscle in your 40s
Discussion
Seventyseven7 said:
Everyone in here telling op he can build muscle ... little deluded with their own results. It’s very easy to see yourself lose some fat, get leaner and think you’ve put on muscle.
Majority of people did not build a lot of muscle in 12 months in yours 40s. If the scales went up, you probably put on a lot of weight in that time, with a lot of it fat.
It’s going to be VERY difficult to build 3-4 pounds of lean muscle in 12 months...
...
Let’s not delude the op that gaining muscle in your 40s is anything other than very, very difficult. ..
Could you be any more condescending?Majority of people did not build a lot of muscle in 12 months in yours 40s. If the scales went up, you probably put on a lot of weight in that time, with a lot of it fat.
It’s going to be VERY difficult to build 3-4 pounds of lean muscle in 12 months...
...
Let’s not delude the op that gaining muscle in your 40s is anything other than very, very difficult. ..
We're deluded? The ones with the results?!
You're aware that telling people their experiences are imaginary is gaslighting.
egor110 said:
Silvanus said:
Watching this with interest, was going to start a similar thread as I suffered a fairly serious back injury in March. I've lost a stone and a half since then and wondering how the hell I'm going to build it back up. Not a Gym goer but very very fit through hobbies and activities. Think the gym might be my only option. Being in my 40s also think its going to be a struggle, especially as the issues with my back unlikely to ever fully recover.
Start off smaller/lighter.Your like someone who doesn't run saying they could never do a ultra marathon.
Forget about the ultra do couch to 5k then up to 10k then up to a half or full marathon , break it down into smaller more achievable chunks.
Re your back there will be substitute alternative exercises, I've got tennis elbow and can't do pull ups gripping the bar with my thumb under the workaround is the whole hand goes on top , dumb bell press i need to be careful if i lift heavy it plays up the elbow so I'll lift moderate then switch to the chest press machine for heavier .
No need to completely stop just change course .
Surely moderate work is better than nothing though ?
Look up jim stoppiani joe rogan interviews , he says something along the lines of 40 and over stop trying to beat/keep up with the youngsters because you'll likely to get injured and be out for ages , train smarter but absolutely avoid injury.
Look up jim stoppiani joe rogan interviews , he says something along the lines of 40 and over stop trying to beat/keep up with the youngsters because you'll likely to get injured and be out for ages , train smarter but absolutely avoid injury.
Silvanus said:
Watching this with interest, was going to start a similar thread as I suffered a fairly serious back injury in March. I've lost a stone and a half since then and wondering how the hell I'm going to build it back up. Not a Gym goer but very very fit through hobbies and activities. Think the gym might be my only option. Being in my 40s also think its going to be a struggle, especially as the issues with my back unlikely to ever fully recover.
Swimming?Indian clubs, maces and Kettlebells. Learn how to use them properly.
Your back may benefit.
egor110 said:
Surely moderate work is better than nothing though ?
Look up jim stoppiani joe rogan interviews , he says something along the lines of 40 and over stop trying to beat/keep up with the youngsters because you'll likely to get injured and be out for ages , train smarter but absolutely avoid injury.
I'm certainly not interested in keeping up with anyone, I don't have many options on what I can do at the moment, getting over surgery I had 6 weeks ago. I'm currently doing as much as I can do, might be starting swimming this week if the physio thinks I am able too. I certainly can't be doing much in the way of gym work, at the moment I am doing some work with bands. Hopefully in a couple of months I can start introducing some weight to my training, fingers crossed.Look up jim stoppiani joe rogan interviews , he says something along the lines of 40 and over stop trying to beat/keep up with the youngsters because you'll likely to get injured and be out for ages , train smarter but absolutely avoid injury.
egor110 said:
Surely moderate work is better than nothing though ?
Look up jim stoppiani joe rogan interviews , he says something along the lines of 40 and over stop trying to beat/keep up with the youngsters because you'll likely to get injured and be out for ages , train smarter but absolutely avoid injury.
It depends what the activity is.Look up jim stoppiani joe rogan interviews , he says something along the lines of 40 and over stop trying to beat/keep up with the youngsters because you'll likely to get injured and be out for ages , train smarter but absolutely avoid injury.
I can maintain a reasonable work rate at cardio/circuits at 45 (better than many 20+ years younger), and have reasonable resilience & sports strength for my weight.
But yes, do train smarter. Don't overdo it. 1RM is not that important. Avoid injury as much as possible. Train around injury, not through it. It takes longer to recover.
ReverendCounter said:
Seventyseven7 said:
Everyone in here telling op he can build muscle ... little deluded with their own results. It’s very easy to see yourself lose some fat, get leaner and think you’ve put on muscle.
Majority of people did not build a lot of muscle in 12 months in yours 40s. If the scales went up, you probably put on a lot of weight in that time, with a lot of it fat.
It’s going to be VERY difficult to build 3-4 pounds of lean muscle in 12 months...
...
Let’s not delude the op that gaining muscle in your 40s is anything other than very, very difficult. ..
Could you be any more condescending?Majority of people did not build a lot of muscle in 12 months in yours 40s. If the scales went up, you probably put on a lot of weight in that time, with a lot of it fat.
It’s going to be VERY difficult to build 3-4 pounds of lean muscle in 12 months...
...
Let’s not delude the op that gaining muscle in your 40s is anything other than very, very difficult. ..
We're deluded? The ones with the results?!
You're aware that telling people their experiences are imaginary is gaslighting.
There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
Seventyseven7 said:
Apologies for sounded condescending, it’s not my intention.
There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
I did without that. Since lockdown I've gone from a very flabby 13 stone to a lean 11 stone, and now even leaner 11 stone 8.There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
Seventyseven7 said:
Apologies for sounded condescending, it’s not my intention.
There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
And off we've gone down the rabbit hole! There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
I have been doing weights off and on since I was around 13yo, in my uncles mate's garage where he had some old but good equipment. I am naturally muscly and broad. I started doing weights again in my late 40s and put on an impressive amount of mass, without any supplements or changing my diet. I also did a lot of cardio - running, cycling (50km a day) up until about two years ago.
So it is possible.
Now, I am smoking again and am a lazy feck but I am lucky in that I can eat what I want without putting on weight, especially around the belly.
I have friends here that are into the gym and they are all over 50+ but unfortunately all of them use steroids, as they are cheap and freely available here, so it's hard to work out how they would fair in doing it naturally.
So it is possible.
Now, I am smoking again and am a lazy feck but I am lucky in that I can eat what I want without putting on weight, especially around the belly.
I have friends here that are into the gym and they are all over 50+ but unfortunately all of them use steroids, as they are cheap and freely available here, so it's hard to work out how they would fair in doing it naturally.
Seventyseven7 said:
Apologies for sounded condescending, it’s not my intention.
There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
This, mostly.There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
Gaining a few KGs of lean mass after 40 without exogenous test is very hard. Not impossible...but very hard.
Many convince themselves they feel shabby/don't get results because their test is borderline and therefore go on TRT. In effect though they're just on a steroid cycle approved by their GP/endo guy.
popeyewhite said:
Seventyseven7 said:
Apologies for sounded condescending, it’s not my intention.
There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
This, mostly.There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
Gaining a few KGs of lean mass after 40 without exogenous test is very hard. Not impossible...but very hard.
Many convince themselves they feel shabby/don't get results because their test is borderline and therefore go on TRT. In effect though they're just on a steroid cycle approved by their GP/endo guy.
Then someone else comes in because, step aside, this is my domain, I'm the man here, you're talking about lifting, let me show you how much I know by talking completely irrelevant b
ks.Endo guy? Steroid cycle? TRT? exogenous test?
I'm 56. In January this year I was a slightly flabby 11 stone. I'm now 11 st 8lbs and slimmer. I've done some running, but nothing more than 6k twice a week, some weights, some of which have been done at speed as supersets to leave me out of breath and I've just started boxing training.
I've taken no supplements but my diet has been excellent.
I've taken no supplements but my diet has been excellent.
ReverendCounter said:
popeyewhite said:
Seventyseven7 said:
Apologies for sounded condescending, it’s not my intention.
There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
This, mostly.There is a huge difference between mirror progress and lean muscle mass progress. I’m purely coming from a scientific background, people of all ages can make fantastic progress in just a few months in how they look at feel. I was addressing the literal question of ‘building muscle’
Due to the lower test level, lower energy levels, higher chance of injury etc, building muscle and very difficult as we get older. To build, for example 6lbs of lean muscle in 12 months, you would need to train with progressive overload 5-6 times a week and diet constantly with very little room for going off plan, if at all.
Gaining a few KGs of lean mass after 40 without exogenous test is very hard. Not impossible...but very hard.
Many convince themselves they feel shabby/don't get results because their test is borderline and therefore go on TRT. In effect though they're just on a steroid cycle approved by their GP/endo guy.
Then someone else comes in because, step aside, this is my domain, I'm the man here, you're talking about lifting, let me show you how much I know by talking completely irrelevant b
ks.Endo guy? Steroid cycle? TRT? exogenous test?
The actual question from the op was specifically ‘I want to build more muscle mass’ - after already having results of losing weight and improving fitness.
If the actual question was how do I lose a few pounds and get generally fitter, no one would be talking about how hard it is to build lean muscle as you get older, and everyone would be agreeing with you to just make a few lifestyle changes, but that wasn’t the question.
Seventyseven7 said:
Unsure why you’re being so sensitive on the replies.
The actual question from the op was specifically ‘I want to build more muscle mass’ - after already having results of losing weight and improving fitness.
If the actual question was how do I lose a few pounds and get generally fitter, no one would be talking about how hard it is to build lean muscle as you get older, and everyone would be agreeing with you to just make a few lifestyle changes, but that wasn’t the question.
Tbf that was my question but maybe as a novice (ish) I don’t know how best to ask.The actual question from the op was specifically ‘I want to build more muscle mass’ - after already having results of losing weight and improving fitness.
If the actual question was how do I lose a few pounds and get generally fitter, no one would be talking about how hard it is to build lean muscle as you get older, and everyone would be agreeing with you to just make a few lifestyle changes, but that wasn’t the question.
Basically I want to lose fat (which I have by quite a bit) and also add to the muscle I’ve already regained since may through I assume mostly muscle memory from my last stint.
When I said mass I know I won’t dramatically alter my shape at my age but I do want to put on as much as is possible naturally and at least look good in my clothes.
Basically I want my kids and Mrs to be proud and my kids mates to say “cor your dad looks in good shape”
essexplumber said:
Seventyseven7 said:
Unsure why you’re being so sensitive on the replies.
The actual question from the op was specifically ‘I want to build more muscle mass’ - after already having results of losing weight and improving fitness.
If the actual question was how do I lose a few pounds and get generally fitter, no one would be talking about how hard it is to build lean muscle as you get older, and everyone would be agreeing with you to just make a few lifestyle changes, but that wasn’t the question.
Tbf that was my question but maybe as a novice (ish) I don’t know how best to ask.The actual question from the op was specifically ‘I want to build more muscle mass’ - after already having results of losing weight and improving fitness.
If the actual question was how do I lose a few pounds and get generally fitter, no one would be talking about how hard it is to build lean muscle as you get older, and everyone would be agreeing with you to just make a few lifestyle changes, but that wasn’t the question.
Basically I want to lose fat (which I have by quite a bit) and also add to the muscle I’ve already regained since may through I assume mostly muscle memory from my last stint.
When I said mass I know I won’t dramatically alter my shape at my age but I do want to put on as much as is possible naturally and at least look good in my clothes.
Basically I want my kids and Mrs to be proud and my kids mates to say “cor your dad looks in good shape”
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