I used to be the youngest guy in the gym, then one day i looked

[Florida6ft4]

around and saw that i'm the oldest guy in the gym. Of course, depends on the gym and time of day but thought others here might also possibly relate.

I work out at LA Fitness and have access to a dozen different gyms in the area. Went to a new LA Fitness in Bradenton today and there were a fair amount of people running the spectrum of all ages. But i noticed, I'm in the minority, wearing normal sleeved t-shirt when most everyone else is wearing form fitted compression apparel or scissor-cut shirts, although no complaints whatsoever with the women in yoga pants as i think yoga pants were God's git to mankind.

Anyways, i think because i'm tall i get stared at more than usual. I'm not the strongest guy in the gym but i might be at that time yet i don't look like it. Probably in my head, but i feel like i get respect from others paying attention when i do my heavy sets, particularly because i warm up with the bar or very light weights, so people probably think i'm on the weaker side when i first sit down.

Started with the bar on seated shoulder press and worked up to 245 for 5. then did seated dumbbell shoulder presses with the 100's for 8 which is as heavy as the dumbbells go at that location.

I understand ego is in play here, but wondering how others deal with the change in age demographics. For me, it makes me feel young for lack of a better word when i can out lift most of the young guns.

Then once in a while i go back to Lion Heart Fitness to workout where there are world record holders in the raw category for bench and deadlift. I saw a 50+ guy bench 520. There is one guy in there Leon who i believe is 74 with a pause bench of 365.

So, it's good to be humbled.

But more importantly, i'm wondering what your thoughts are in what keeps you going to the gym?

[bigtallox]

what your thoughts are in what keeps you going to the gym?

Well, I don't "go to the gym", but I understand the question. The answer is.. the alternative. Being weak sucks. At least to me ( because I've been there ) .

[mtpockets]

But more importantly, i'm wondering what your thoughts are in what keeps you going to the gym?

The scenery.

[jj341]

I like going to the gym and being in shape. That's what keeps me going. After awhile I got to know other lifters who are on my schedule. They are younger than me and are respectful that an older guy continues to lift. Sometimes I can work in with what they're doing.
Many of them seek advice on their life situations. I guess I'm sort of an elder statesman.
They remind me of how I lifted when I was their age as they go for their max bench presses.
It's good to have a bit of comradery with them.

[Like It Or Not]

I work out at Planet Fitness, they don't have many free weight there other then DB's up to 75 lbs, so it's mostly machines and cardio there. I guess I don't worry about what other people think or do. I mean, I see big guys lifting lighter weights, but, I just work on me. Maybe they are nursing an injury, coming back from an injury, just getting back into the gym, etc. I just go, work on myself, enjoy the nice scenery while I'm there and get out. I do laugh inside though when I see the way some of these people lift and some of the crazy exercises they do.

[CAJASON]

I go in at about 4 or 5Am.... I'm still one of the youngest and best looking at that our, but every passing minute brings danger.