Building muscle in your 40s
Discussion
essexplumber said:
muscle memory
I'm not sure this means what you think... https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_memoryessexplumber said:
Tbf that was my question but maybe as a novice (ish) I don’t know how best to ask.
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”
You sound as if you have the right idea.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”
As I, and others, have said, try to do a range of training, things you enjoy.
It doesn't need to be too scientific or absolute.
I wouldn't bother getting into too much theory or thinking about all of the hormones and "supplements". Some people do seem to devote their whole lives to gaining muscle (often around the chest and arms only). That's fine if somebody wants that, but quite a big commitment.
Being slim and lean goes a long way and just not having a gut and a double chin will make you stand out from the 30/40-something Dads.
Personally, I wouldnt want to be carrying around 10-15Kg of extra muscle for the range of activities I do, and you become what you train for (and eat). Being physically capable and healthy leads to you looking better.
This is a reasonable basic outline:
This is a good summary of the skills/movements that a healthy/fit human might be capable of:
Take-away: mix it up, don't overdo it.
Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 4th October 22:26
LaterLosers said:
I agree with MC I would even go as far as saying ditch the weights and just do callisthenics.
Keep yourself slim, trim and agile. You don’t want to be lumbering around lots of muscle mass into your fifties your asking for a heart attack.
That last bit is utter rubbish, people in their 50s and 60s that carry a large amount of muscle live waaay longer than individuals that don't, carrying muscle gives you huge benefits, from protection against falls as you get older (better balance), increased bone density and far greater protection against chronic illness the list is endless, and all backed up by the science.Keep yourself slim, trim and agile. You don’t want to be lumbering around lots of muscle mass into your fifties your asking for a heart attack.
mcelliott said:
That last bit is utter rubbish, people in their 50s and 60s that carry a large amount of muscle live waaay longer than individuals that don't, carrying muscle gives you huge benefits, from protection against falls as you get older (better balance), increased bone density and far greater protection against chronic illness the list is endless, and all backed up by the science.
So body builders live longer than elite marathoners? guess these facts will be easy to find?jm8403 said:
mcelliott said:
That last bit is utter rubbish, people in their 50s and 60s that carry a large amount of muscle live waaay longer than individuals that don't, carrying muscle gives you huge benefits, from protection against falls as you get older (better balance), increased bone density and far greater protection against chronic illness the list is endless, and all backed up by the science.
So body builders live longer than elite marathoners? guess these facts will be easy to find?
272BHP said:
You really are being pretty obtuse here.
No-one was talking about the extremes of bodybuilding
I'd imagine this 'scientific evidence' is weak then. He should be able to provide evidence that people with 'some extra muscle from lifting' live longer than endurance athletes, i.e. marathoners, cylists and ultra runners.No-one was talking about the extremes of bodybuilding
jm8403 said:
272BHP said:
You really are being pretty obtuse here.
No-one was talking about the extremes of bodybuilding
I'd imagine this 'scientific evidence' is weak then. He should be able to provide evidence that people with 'some extra muscle from lifting' live longer than endurance athletes, i.e. marathoners, cylists and ultra runners.No-one was talking about the extremes of bodybuilding
Edited by mcelliott on Tuesday 4th October 22:01
Edited by mcelliott on Tuesday 4th October 22:15
I read and watched a few things that say that being muscular and lifting weights is very beneficial in later life. I assumed the generic muscly bloke dropping dead in his 50s was due to steroid abuse more than carrying extra weight? For example if I maxed out my muscle mass naturally it’d only go as far as my body could let it due to genetics etc so surely that would mean my body could cope with it. Unnatural muscle growth is taking it beyond what your organs could withstand, no?
jm8403 said:
I'd imagine this 'scientific evidence' is weak then. He should be able to provide evidence that people with 'some extra muscle from lifting' live longer than endurance athletes, i.e. marathoners, cylists and ultra runners.
Holding muscle into later life brings a host of benefits over cardio/endurance. Why on Earth would you think an athlete that consistently overtrains (ie endurance sport) is increasing their longevity?Incidentally cycling isn't necessarily an endurance sport at all and as it's not even a bodyweight exercise doesn't rank anywhere near running in terms of health payback. Great for weightloss though.
essexplumber said:
I read and watched a few things that say that being muscular and lifting weights is very beneficial in later life. I assumed the generic muscly bloke dropping dead in his 50s was due to steroid abuse more than carrying extra weight? For example if I maxed out my muscle mass naturally it’d only go as far as my body could let it due to genetics etc so surely that would mean my body could cope with it. Unnatural muscle growth is taking it beyond what your organs could withstand, no?
Yes, sort of. Don't forget those organs which are muscles (eg the heart) will grow as well... .essexplumber said:
I read and watched a few things that say that being muscular and lifting weights is very beneficial in later life. I assumed the generic muscly bloke dropping dead in his 50s was due to steroid abuse more than carrying extra weight? For example if I maxed out my muscle mass naturally it’d only go as far as my body could let it due to genetics etc so surely that would mean my body could cope with it. Unnatural muscle growth is taking it beyond what your organs could withstand, no?
Its PH, people use extremes as an examples wether it be drugged up BBers or some bloke that run 100kms across a desert. Anyway back to topic, you would have to train like a trojan for years and years to reach your genetic potential/max, most people give up long before that and resort to chemical enhancement, if you're serious about getting started then the book Brawn by Stuart Mc Robert is a great read, cover all the aspects of building a decent physique from a hardgainers POV.
essexplumber said:
I read and watched a few things that say that being muscular and lifting weights is very beneficial in later life. I assumed the generic muscly bloke dropping dead in his 50s was due to steroid abuse more than carrying extra weight? For example if I maxed out my muscle mass naturally it’d only go as far as my body could let it due to genetics etc so surely that would mean my body could cope with it. Unnatural muscle growth is taking it beyond what your organs could withstand, no?
Why bring steroid abuse and unnatural muscle into it ?Just do a bit of everything , be a bit cautious so you avoid injury and you'll be loads better than someone the same age who just works then vegs out in front of the tv.
I'm 48 run marathons and ultras and for the last year added weights , personally i've found the weights sort of prevent injuries from running , hills are easier and all the weights i do for the back seem to help my posture .
Over winter i'll run less outdoors and add more weights then switch back easter time but none of this is set in stone you don't have to commit to one style of keeping fit and be anti everything else.
None if this is scientific just what's happened to me .
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