Too old to start bodybuilding??

[bjjmama]

Hi everyone, I'm new to "bodybuilding" although, I have been an athlete for most of my 28 years.
However, the past few years I got married, had a baby and well, havent lost the baby weight.
Like I said, I'm 28, 5'7 and about 185. I've always admired female bodybuilders and fitness/figure competitors but have never taken the "leap".
I feel like I'm finally in a place that I can give it a go, i'm ready and staring down the barrel of 30, I feel like it's now or never.
I know it's never too late to get in shape, but realistically I need to know, is it too lofty of a dream to think I could compete at a professional level, having started so late?
I have no clue and most of you out there have been doing this for a long time and are my inspiration.
Thank you in advance for any feedback!!
Amy

[Tishalicious]

I've seen profiles of women who started wwwwwway after 30, and seen some extraordinary pics of a woman who started in her 70's, and competes.

Being still buddha-sized and in my late 30's I'm always hungry for inspirational stories.

[Emma-Leigh]

Originally Posted by bjjmama

Hi everyone, I'm new to "bodybuilding" although, I have been an athlete for most of my 28 years.
However, the past few years I got married, had a baby and well, havent lost the baby weight.
Like I said, I'm 28, 5'7 and about 185. I've always admired female bodybuilders and fitness/figure competitors but have never taken the "leap".
I feel like I'm finally in a place that I can give it a go, i'm ready and staring down the barrel of 30, I feel like it's now or never.
I know it's never too late to get in shape, but realistically I need to know, is it too lofty of a dream to think I could compete at a professional level, having started so late?
I have no clue and most of you out there have been doing this for a long time and are my inspiration.
Thank you in advance for any feedback!!
Amy

You are NEVER too old! I know some people in their late 50's who didn't start until mid 40's and they look AWESOME.

KITEBEAN (go to the female journal section or check out her bodyspace) also only started about 2 yrs ago and she looks phenomenal now!!! It is all just about the same basic principles: good diet, good training and LOTS of patience/ hard work and passion!!

Check out the transformation pages on bb.com to see some people to inspire you - but to start you off -> Someone on their now with something VERY similar to your starting stats: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/transf138.htm

[lisa4mantx]

You are never too old....in fact strength training keeps your body younger. I am 40 and have lifted on and off for a couple of years, but I have really gotten serious about it lately. I think the only difference as you get older is you may have to do a little more research, and I take it a little slower. I want my daughters to understand how fun it is to be healty and strong.

[TheBlasterMan]

nooooooo, your still young! Look at Ronnie hes 40 somethin!

So get to it! Take progress pics and keep us updated.

[ironmaidn4life]

Originally Posted by bjjmama

Hi everyone, I'm new to "bodybuilding" although, I have been an athlete for most of my 28 years.
However, the past few years I got married, had a baby and well, havent lost the baby weight.
Like I said, I'm 28, 5'7 and about 185. I've always admired female bodybuilders and fitness/figure competitors but have never taken the "leap".
I feel like I'm finally in a place that I can give it a go, i'm ready and staring down the barrel of 30, I feel like it's now or never.
I know it's never too late to get in shape, but realistically I need to know, is it too lofty of a dream to think I could compete at a professional level, having started so late?
I have no clue and most of you out there have been doing this for a long time and are my inspiration.
Thank you in advance for any feedback!!
Amy

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE! There are many pro master's level's competitions/federations but you have 10 years before that category. Girl, you can do it! I was 28 when I had my child, survived 2 back surgeries and am competing in 2009 for the first time. I will be competing at age 37! That's the beauty of this sport. Dare to Dream! Your possibilities are endless. You are still under 30! Best wishes to you and please keep us posted.

[partsRheavy]

No way are you too old!

This activity takes years and years of training. Since you have a start at 29, you have a good edge on ppl like me who started much later.

Decide what activities you like best and what is best with your genetics. Running/tennis/basketball/soccer/badminton is best for some, while others enjoy the weights/walking/bicycling or some mixture of those.

Just be sure that you enjoy it as something fun for you.

[Vadim Beliaev]

like arnold said
youre too old not to

[DwithBeneFITPT]

Originally Posted by Vadim Beliaev

like arnold said
youre too old not to

haha!
Good point!

[DBee]

START! and maybe make a journal!

[ellematkovic]

Originally Posted by bjjmama

Hi everyone, I'm new to "bodybuilding" although, I have been an athlete for most of my 28 years.
However, the past few years I got married, had a baby and well, havent lost the baby weight.
Like I said, I'm 28, 5'7 and about 185. I've always admired female bodybuilders and fitness/figure competitors but have never taken the "leap".
I feel like I'm finally in a place that I can give it a go, i'm ready and staring down the barrel of 30, I feel like it's now or never.
I know it's never too late to get in shape, but realistically I need to know, is it too lofty of a dream to think I could compete at a professional level, having started so late?
I have no clue and most of you out there have been doing this for a long time and are my inspiration.
Thank you in advance for any feedback!!
Amy

haha i think 28 is way for from too old, theres lots of female bodybuilders on here that are way older than that and they arein awesome shape

[Jmh80]

No - you get started NOA!!!!!

[_VL]

If you're "too old" for ANYTHING at the tender age of 28, then that must mean at my age (and also a mom) I must be a zombie!! Seeing as I still plan on new physical challenge personal goals in 2009, I'd say that the sky's the limit for you... wait, I take that back... the universe is the limit!!!

[jsmircich]

Your definitely not too old. If you are I am and I still get to much joy out of outlifting some of the kids in my gym to stop now .

[lyndie]

Please....tell me you are not serious!! I am soon to be 36 and I am just starting. I secretly entertain visions of myself up on stage someday...take a look at the ages of some of those competing pros or those still seeking their pro cards...NEVER SAY DIE!

[Jmh80]

Originally Posted by _VL

...I must be a zombie!!

Or dead, by that line of thinking.

LOL

[SuzMax]

Well aren't you sweet for posting this question! All of the responses remind me that I have many more years left in me! Good luck to you and keep us all posted on your progress. You should start a journal.

[MountainSong]

Are you kidding me? I just turned 65 last month and I'm wondering if I'll ever be old enough to STOP!!! I LOVE it that people think I'm 40.

[egoatdoor]

Originally Posted by bjjmama

Hi everyone, I'm new to "bodybuilding" although, I have been an athlete for most of my 28 years.
However, the past few years I got married, had a baby and well, havent lost the baby weight.
Like I said, I'm 28, 5'7 and about 185. I've always admired female bodybuilders and fitness/figure competitors but have never taken the "leap".
I feel like I'm finally in a place that I can give it a go, i'm ready and staring down the barrel of 30, I feel like it's now or never.
I know it's never too late to get in shape, but realistically I need to know, is it too lofty of a dream to think I could compete at a professional level, having started so late?
I have no clue and most of you out there have been doing this for a long time and are my inspiration.
Thank you in advance for any feedback!!
Amy

Its never too late to start, but thinking of becoming a professional is not a realistic expectation.

Only one in hundreds, if not thousands, has the genetics, as well as the drive and the possible willingness to sacrifice everything else, including relations with family, that is needed to get reach the level of obtaining a pro card.

The reality is also that very very very few of the women bodybuilders, fitness or figure pros are truly natural. All use substances of some sort to reach the levels of muscle hardness and super human levels of bodyfat needed to compete successfully at the national amateur and pro level. As an example, figure is not bodybuilding, but Mary Lado is the only truly successful natural IFBB figure pro. Are you willing to take that leap when the time comes?

And even at the local competition level, there is ALOT of hard work, sacrifices and MONEY involved. Take a look at this recent thread, including mine and FunkyFits responses as to what is involved in even starting out in competition:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=112641561

Yes. Start out. But take it one baby step at a time and don't make a pro card your end goal.

[Gracehbd]

As above - go for it.

[TenaciousA]

Originally Posted by Gracehbd

As above - go for it.

Agreed...I'm 27 and I'll have my first show in May. You will ROCK, I promise! GOOD LUCK!