What can I expect in a few years?

[hulkfan]

I started working out again at age 43 after giving it up in my 20s, which I regret. I don't think I will have any trouble getting back to the weight that I once worked out with; that is currently going great, but what about looks and size? I'm not trying to be a competitive bodybuilder, but it's nice to see the muscles grow and get in shape.

Let's look 5 years down the road at age 48, for example. If I keep it up, will I be able to look as good at 48 as I would have if i had kept it up all these years, or is that just dreaming?

[ejthomp]

will I be able to look as good at 48 as I would have if i had kept it up all these years

You don't find that statement ridiculous?

Somehow in the next five years, you think you can possibly catch up to where you would be if you had continued to work for the past 20 years?

I guess it really depends on how hard you had been working for those 20 years...

The entire thought process is silly. I promise you this: You will look a whole lot better in 5 years than you do now. And certainly completely different than if you don't work out at all.

BTW I just got back from the gym. I took about 25 years off and I can say without a doubt that I am bigger, faster and stronger than I have ever been and that includes when I was 22 years old in the Marine Corps.

It has taken 2.5 years to go from fat slob to fit old man.

[Bo_Flecks]

I started lifting again at 43 after being away from it for 10 years. I have only been back at it for 4 1/2 years, though.

Good luck with your journey.

[bigtallox]

I started working out again at age 43 after giving it up in my 20s, which I regret. I don't think I will have any trouble getting back to the weight that I once worked out with; that is currently going great, but what about looks and size? I'm not trying to be a competitive bodybuilder, but it's nice to see the muscles grow and get in shape.

Let's look 5 years down the road at age 48, for example. If I keep it up, will I be able to look as good at 48 as I would have if i had kept it up all these years, or is that just dreaming?

I don't know. In this hypothetical situation where you trained the entire time, did you train correctly or not? If you did, then no, there's no way you can make it up. Sorry. But why do you care about that now? Are you going to quit if you hear that answer? IMHO, you shouldn't even be thinking the question, you can't change the past, focus on the future. If you want to make progress, set some goals, some real goals that can be tested to prove that you've accomplished them, tell everybody you know about your goals, and focus on working to get there.

Good luck.

[JerryB]

I don't know. In this hypothetical situation where you trained the entire time, did you train correctly or not? If you did, then no, there's no way you can make it up. Sorry. But why do you care about that now? Are you going to quit if you hear that answer? IMHO, you shouldn't even be thinking the question, you can't change the past, focus on the future. If you want to make progress, set some goals, some real goals that can be tested to prove that you've accomplished them, tell everybody you know about your goals, and focus on working to get there.

The following lyrics to a song was the first thing that came to my mind when I read Bigtallox's eloquent post:

Yesterday’s a memory gone for good forever,
While tomorrow is a guess
What is real is here and now
The here and now is all that we possess

[stillfit]

Here is my timeline to give you an example. It does depend on your shape when younger and obviously what effort you put in. I takes alot of dedication. I wish you success.

[OutOfStep]

I started working out again at age 43 after giving it up in my 20s, which I regret. I don't think I will have any trouble getting back to the weight that I once worked out with; that is currently going great, but what about looks and size? I'm not trying to be a competitive bodybuilder, but it's nice to see the muscles grow and get in shape.

Let's look 5 years down the road at age 48, for example. If I keep it up, will I be able to look as good at 48 as I would have if i had kept it up all these years, or is that just dreaming?

Lol 5 years starting at age 43 to look like you've been training since your 20's? Good luck with that one pal. You said you "worked out" in your 20's, whatever that means, but you didn't mention what you looked like. These "how much progress can I expect in x amount of time" threads always give me a good laugh. There are way to many variables to predict something like that. Two guys could start training today and in 5 years one guy might look like he's never seen the inside of a gym, while the other guy is a bodybuilder competing at the national level.

[michellerb]

There is no way to know how much different you'd look in 5 years by working hard to get healthy and fit NOW vs. maintaining 20 year's worth of proper workouts and nutrition. But, I agree with the others on this thread- that it's not worth dwelling on.

Instead, focus on what your goals are and put your energy into transforming your body over the next 5 years. It's amazing to know what can be achieved once we realize how much control we have over the state of our body and mind!

I am in a similar situation, around the same age as you, and believe that with hard work and dedication it is possible to not only look younger, but feel younger too.

Just take it step-by-step and keep moving upward and onward!

[pastorgbc]

Here is what I do know, and this is indisputable; if you work out hard and eat right for the next 5 years, you will look fantastic in five years.

In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul says that for him to keep moving forward to achieve his goal, he has to forget what happened in the past, both good and bad, and keep pressing toward his goal. Of course his goal was the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus, but the priniciple applies to just about every aspect of life.

Go get them.

Ray

[beachguy498]

I'm 56 and was out of working out for about 12 years before I got back into it. I'm making good gains, look better and feel so much better. I did look better overall at age 42... who wouldn't?

I take a blind-faith approach to my adherence to the life style, if I throw enough sh** against the wall, some if it has got to stick.

Rob

[bodyhard]

I don't know. In this hypothetical situation where you trained the entire time, did you train correctly or not? If you did, then no, there's no way you can make it up. Sorry. But why do you care about that now? Are you going to quit if you hear that answer? IMHO, you shouldn't even be thinking the question, you can't change the past, focus on the future. If you want to make progress, set some goals, some real goals that can be tested to prove that you've accomplished them, tell everybody you know about your goals, and focus on working to get there.

Good luck.

Excellent.

[NYkarate]

As everyone else has stated, where you get in five years is directly related to what you put in. That said, as long as you don't have any medical conditions, you are capable of achieving that which you can't imagine. Few things in life are as in your control as this before you.

[ljimd]

It's up to you OP. Check back in 5 years and let us know.

[CB55]

Here is my timeline to give you an example. It does depend on your shape when younger and obviously what effort you put in. I takes alot of dedication. I wish you success.

Nice work the last few years. Muscle memory is nice.

[bustasinclair]

You can do anything you want to do; all it takes is hard work and discipline. At 43, you still have plenty of time. Here's my transformation: (I know all the regulars get sick of seeing these pics )

February 2009



November 2010



Someone wise once said: "Decide what to be and go be it"

It's all up to you

[actsinc]

You can do anything you want to do; all it takes is hard work and discipline. At 43, you still have plenty of time. Here's my transformation: (I know all the regulars get sick of seeing these pics )

February 2009



November 2010



Someone wise once said: "Decide what to be and go be it"

It's all up to you

Wow! Big ups and reps on your change and for competing too!

I too share those goals and hope to strive to make it. Awesome job.

[-=FLEX=-]

(I know all the regulars get sick of seeing these pics )

Not at all bro. Great pics. No homo.

[Marius_Ursus]

Here is what I do know, and this is indisputable; if you work out hard and eat right for the next 5 years, you will look fantastic in five years.

In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul says that for him to keep moving forward to achieve his goal, he has to forget what happened in the past, both good and bad, and keep pressing toward his goal. Of course his goal was the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus, but the priniciple applies to just about every aspect of life.

Go get them.

Ray

Listen to Paul. He also said to drink a little wine every night. That's some good advice. (srs)

The pastor has some great motivational words there, hulkfan. Who knows or cares about what might have been. You are where you are, but you can change where you're going and look better than over 50% of men who are half your age...and not only look better, you'll feel better and outperform them, too.

[-=FLEX=-]

You don't find that statement ridiculous?

Somehow in the next five years, you think you can possibly catch up to where you would be if you had continued to work for the past 20 years?

I don't think it's ridiculous at all.

[Marius_Ursus]

You can do anything you want to do; all it takes is hard work and discipline. At 43, you still have plenty of time. Here's my transformation: (I know all the regulars get sick of seeing these pics )

February 2009



November 2010



Someone wise once said: "Decide what to be and go be it"

It's all up to you

I'd rather see you at strongman!

[ZazenZone]

I started working out again at age 43 after giving it up in my 20s, which I regret. I don't think I will have any trouble getting back to the weight that I once worked out with; that is currently going great, but what about looks and size? I'm not trying to be a competitive bodybuilder, but it's nice to see the muscles grow and get in shape.

Let's look 5 years down the road at age 48, for example. If I keep it up, will I be able to look as good at 48 as I would have if i had kept it up all these years, or is that just dreaming?

Complex question, so many variables and factors...

In short, I think you're dreaming. But...variables aside, if you do the right things, I think with 5 years of consistent training you could reach around 80% or more of "what you would have looked like had you kept it up."

Be careful in your quest. Don't follow magazine routines designed for guys in their teens and twenties or for guys who use PEDs. Appreciate and learn about your own unique body and its ability to respond and recuperate from training.

Basic advice:

Keep volume at around 5 sets for smaller muscle groups and 10 sets for larger ones, reps in the 6 to 15 range. Give each muscle group about 5 days to recover. Might want to think about dividing your body into halves and alternate the workouts three times a week. 2 or 3 moderate cardio sessions might also be good. Lifting is the fire and cardio is the wind. Go to complete failure only on occasion, if at all. Be careful with your shoulders and do prehab rehab stuff for them. Pull as much as you push. Seek out dumbbells instead of barbells more often than not. Work hard on your core strength. Work out hard, but not too hard, save some in the tank for next time. Good luck

[jlsnyderTypeR]

Some very impressive stories ITT... Good job guys!

And, OP (I hate to sound redundant) But it IS up to you... Best of luck!

[28maynard]

The best time to plant an oak tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today. Train intelligently and get your nutrition in order. Best of luck to you.

[rob440]

I just started a new job, how much will I be earning in 5 years?

If you dont show up you will get fired if you do the minimum to keep the job probably not much more. If you give it heart and soul you might be running the place in 5 years with all the benifits that go with it.

The point is if you give this everything you have you will get closer to getting everything possible out of it. If you just show up at the gym and do your "routine" you will get the minimum out of it.

"As we become drunkards drink by solitary drink so to we become doctors, lawyers, and clergy by many separate acts of will." William James"

[Getsum]

Excellent thread! No one has a time machine man, just do the best you can from here on out.

[hulkfan]

Thanks for the comments everyone! I know my question may have seemed ridiculous to some, but I guess I'm just mentally pumped right now because things seem positive.

I can't remember everything about my weight lifting from my teens and twenties, but I probably worked out for 4 years or so. I only weighed around 135 when I graduated from high school. I am currently 175, but I gained it slowly and it is placed well except for a little extra around the waist, so I'm not in terrible shape.

I don't remember much, but I remember my biceps were 15 1/2" and I worked out with 210 on the bench press. My arms are currently around 15", and I see no problem with reaching 210 on the bench in the next few weeks. So, it's not as if I were huge and dwindled to nothing or became obese.

My body always responded well to weight training, and i am already seeing gains that I like.

[ZazenZone]

Thanks for the comments everyone! I know my question may have seemed ridiculous to some, but I guess I'm just mentally pumped right now because things seem positive.

I can't remember everything about my weight lifting from my teens and twenties, but I probably worked out for 4 years or so. I only weighed around 135 when I graduated from high school. I am currently 175, but I gained it slowly and it is placed well except for a little extra around the waist, so I'm not in terrible shape.

I don't remember much, but I remember my biceps were 15 1/2" and I worked out with 210 on the bench press. My arms are currently around 15", and I see no problem with reaching 210 on the bench in the next few weeks. So, it's not as if I were huge and dwindled to nothing or became obese.

My body always responded well to weight training, and i am already seeing gains that I like.

EASY there. EASY. Don't be rushing to put up too much weight too fast. Tortoise beats the hare, friend. Work out hard, but not too hard. You'll get there, slow down. Are you doing anything to protect your shoulders, for instance? BTW, what exactly are you doing in the gym, while we're at it?

Yeah, you sorta know what you're doing. Yeah, you lifted for a bit way back in the day. Yeah, you got loads of enthusiasm. All and all, sounds like a very good recipe for a big time injury... seen it happen.

Muscles often take off quick, especially for guys with "muscle memory." Problem is, joints, attachments, insertions etc take longer to catch up, especially as we get older. Guys start to get a little too excited when they see the weights go up in the gym and the t shirts filling out a bit, then they rush to keep upping the weight, a newly found high and they are riding it baby, then...BAM. Torn cuff. or BAM. Torn ACL. or BAM. Hernia. Whatever.

If I were you I would settle down, take a deep breath, and lift about 3/4 of the weight you THINK you should be lifting, and do about half of the volume of sets overall. Hate to use this cliche, but it truly is a marathon, not a sprint.

[deerhearse]

Here is what I do know, and this is indisputable; if you work out hard and eat right for the next 5 years, you will look fantastic in five years.

In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul says that for him to keep moving forward to achieve his goal, he has to forget what happened in the past, both good and bad, and keep pressing toward his goal. Of course his goal was the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus, but the priniciple applies to just about every aspect of life.

Go get them.

Ray

Now that is inspirational!!! Love it! I'm 44 and wanting to get better all the time. Just keep "pressng" towards the goal!

[hulkfan]

EASY there. EASY. Don't be rushing to put up too much weight too fast. Tortoise beats the hare, friend. Work out hard, but not too hard. You'll get there, slow down. Are you doing anything to protect your shoulders, for instance? BTW, what exactly are you doing in the gym, while we're at it?

Yeah, you sorta know what you're doing. Yeah, you lifted for a bit way back in the day. Yeah, you got loads of enthusiasm. All and all, sounds like a very good recipe for a big time injury... seen it happen.

Muscles often take off quick, especially for guys with "muscle memory." Problem is, joints, attachments, insertions etc take longer to catch up, especially as we get older. Guys start to get a little too excited when they see the weights go up in the gym and the t shirts filling out a bit, then they rush to keep upping the weight, a newly found high and they are riding it baby, then...BAM. Torn cuff. or BAM. Torn ACL. or BAM. Hernia. Whatever.

If I were you I would settle down, take a deep breath, and lift about 3/4 of the weight you THINK you should be lifting, and do about half of the volume of sets overall. Hate to use this cliche, but it truly is a marathon, not a sprint.

Thanks for the advice! I don't think I'm quite as aggressive as it may have seemed. I work out M, W, F and I am currently doing flat and incline bench press, bicep curls, tricep extensions, bent rows, squats and military press. I started working out about 10 weeks ago. I do 5x5 with most exercises and don't work to failure where my eyeballs are popping out; I go more for comfortable discomfort(if that makes sense). On bench press, for example, I started with 100 ponds, which was a little light, but I thought it would be good to ease into it. I moved up 10 pounds about every two weeks. I am currently on my 3rd week with 140lbs. I may move up next week if I feel I can. I feel I could handle more weight on my dumbbell curls, but I may give it another week or so just so I won't overdo it.

[ZazenZone]

Thanks for the comments everyone! I know my question may have seemed ridiculous to some, but I guess I'm just mentally pumped right now because things seem positive.

I can't remember everything about my weight lifting from my teens and twenties, but I probably worked out for 4 years or so. I only weighed around 135 when I graduated from high school. I am currently 175, but I gained it slowly and it is placed well except for a little extra around the waist, so I'm not in terrible shape.

I don't remember much, but I remember my biceps were 15 1/2" and I worked out with 210 on the bench press. My arms are currently around 15", and I see no problem with reaching 210 on the bench in the next few weeks. So, it's not as if I were huge and dwindled to nothing or became obese.

My body always responded well to weight training, and i am already seeing gains that I like.

Not saying you should follow this to the letter, but in my mind, this is the basic framework of what kind of routine I would do if I were you, knowing what I know now (25 years of lifting, worked thru injuries, had periods of being big and strong, talked to many and have read/researched a lot):

Do this routine bread and butter full body routine twice per week:

One arm dumbbell rows
dumbbell benches- or barbell, if you must
goblet squats
deadlifts
triceps extension
dumbbell curl
light external rotation for shoulders- band or light dumbbell
ab crunch or leg raise

first three months
3 sets of 12, 10, 8, perfect form
external rotation, ab movements- 3 sets of 10 to 20 reps


Then add a set to each exercise each month up to 6 months,

eg
4 months- 4 sets 12,10,8,6
5 months- 5sets 12,10,8,6,5
6 months- 6sets of 12,10,8,6,5,5


I'm a fan of old school pyramids for most "everyday" people, as you can see.

Notice no direct shoulder moves... hold off on these, as shoulders tend to be sensitive and will take an initial beating from every thing else.

After 6 months, re-evaluate, start possibly on other exercises and consider split routines. You can then start upping the volume and intensity a bit, experiment with a little more advanced stuff.