Can a person make good progress if they started later in life?

[kimsquit]

adding my $0.02


here i am at 40, having yet to step foot in a gym:




one year later:

[butterfly519]

absolutely incredible ^^^^!

[-=FLEX=-]

That is not my question though. I want to reach the level of an elite level powerlifter, having only started lifting when I reached 30. Powerlifting is a different game and that is why I am curious.

Most powerlifters started at far younger than me.

Oh, well it's simple then: Nope. You're too old.

Next question?

-=FLEX=-

[Meatpants]

adding my $0.02


here i am at 40, having yet to step foot in a gym:




one year later:

Wow. You where competing in one year. GJDM!!!!

Lot of motivation in this thread. OP, what have you got to lose. Even if your results are not as good as some of these, your health will be improved. Five years from now you will be the same, or improved. Choice is completley up to you.

[fitmom43]

adding my $0.02


here i am at 40, having yet to step foot in a gym:




one year later:

And that boys and girls is how it DONE!!!!! You Rock Kimsquit!!! You know already you are an inspiration to many of us on here

[PowerFlex]

........I also am not ignorant enough to think that attaining a nice physique is impossible. That is not my question though. I want to reach the level of an elite level powerlifter, having only started lifting when I reached 30. Showing me pictures of guys who are cut for a bodybuilding show doesn't help me.

......Powerlifting is a different game and that is why I am curious......

Most powerlifters started at far younger than me.

If this is the case, why not check out the powerlifting sites on the web? Then you will get more of the information that you will seek. As you stated, "powerlifting is a different game", so, just go to the source!

[kimsquit]

I also am not ignorant enough to think that attaining a nice physique is impossible. That is not my question though. I want to reach the level of an elite level powerlifter, having only started lifting when I reached 30. Showing me pictures of guys who are cut for a bodybuilding show doesn't help me.

then maybe you should have spelled that out in your original post, champ:

I never even touched a weight until I was 27, and didn't start seriously lifting until I turned 30. I keep reading research about how test levels start decreasing at this age and how it is harder to lose bodyfat. Well my goal is to get as strong as possible, hopefully one day with a 600 pound deadlift, but I notice most people who reach that level started lifting in their teens. Here I am at 30 and while I'm not giving up, I'm just looking for some hope that this is possible. Perhaps someone here has done it or knows a good example.

[yakabebe]

If this is the case, why not check out the powerlifting sites on the web? Then you will get more of the information that you will seek. As you stated, "powerlifting is a different game", so, just go to the source!

To the OP - sorry if we didnt quite get the gist of your post

But dare I say, the same mind-set involved in getting from A to B in BB is going to apply to the journey you imagine in PL.

Without the belief you can do it and the discipline application and mental toughness to stay the course - its all a pipe dream and definitely too hard.

With that....well you know the answer to that one

[justinnnnn]

Asking yourself if it's possible or not is horrible. Set your mind to achieve 1 goal and then hit the gym as hard as possible. Get those bad thoughts out of your head and give it your all. Good lcuk to you sir.

[kenethleclair]

If you think you can or think you cant...you are right...

[Manc33]

When I got to about 30 I thought "whats the point doing weights now" but after reading this thread, theres enough proof here with the pics alone that letting your age get you down is ALL in the mind. My mates dad is 75 and he still works out, still lifts now. He has 19" biceps.

People like kimsquit above prove you can start at 40 - nevermind 30!

kimsquit already had a good definition to build on at 40 in his first pic, he looks like he always had the right genetics to go from that, to a champion, but to do it in just ONE year is the most remarkable part. It looks like 3 to 5 years of progress not 1

[piperman]

I never even touched a weight until I was 27, and didn't start seriously lifting until I turned 30.

I never lifted a weight seriously until I was 55 and, especially since I was 66 I have done it regularly ever since, and with good results! Back when I started at 55 I put an inch on my biceps in several weeks. More recently I am just working on maintaining what I have in a challenge to old age fade-out!

Dave

[TheKansan]

Oh, well it's simple then: Nope. You're too old.

Next question?

-=FLEX=-

That's what I figured actually. You don't see too many 30 year olds who decide that they want to compete in the Tour de France and they have never seriously bicycled. You don't see too many 30 year olds who want to reach the level of an NBA player, or at least a decent college basketball player, yet they have never played basketball before.

Now these people showing me pics of themselves, good job, but are any of you squatting 500+ pounds and deadlifting 600+ after starting to lift later in life?

I might be able to become pretty strong, but at this point, my dreams of being reaching an elite total in powerlifting aren't looking too good.

[fitmom43]

That's what I figured actually. You don't see too many 30 year olds who decide that they want to compete in the Tour de France and they have never seriously bicycled. You don't see too many 30 year olds who want to reach the level of an NBA player, or at least a decent college basketball player, yet they have never played basketball before.

Now these people showing me pics of themselves, good job, but are any of you squatting 500+ pounds and deadlifting 600+ after starting to lift later in life?

I might be able to become pretty strong, but at this point, my dreams of being reaching an elite total in powerlifting aren't looking too good.

I would say you are 100% correct! With that attitude there is no way in hell you can reach any goals. Come on seriously, if you want it bad enough, with hard work and determination anything in life is possible.

The only person stopping you from achieving those goals is YOU! Age is not a factor, the will to succeed at any age is!

[DanielBeauchamp]

Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're absolutely right.

[ScubaDave]

Now these people showing me pics of themselves, good job, but are any of you squatting 500+ pounds and deadlifting 600+ after starting to lift later in life?

I might be able to become pretty strong, but at this point, my dreams of being reaching an elite total in powerlifting aren't looking too good.

Kansan - after 4 years in the gym I was deadlifting 514 lbs for 6-8 reps regularly. I had a goal of 600 lbs which was clearly in reach, but due to a number of personal issues I had to back off of that goal. Physically, there was nothing preventing me from getting there. I currently squat 435 for reps, but my goal isn't to squat 500 or deadlift 600 any longer.

If your goal is to pull 600 lbs - I'm certain you can do it, you just will need to train specifically for that pull. Also, you may need to seriously consider bringing in outside help. It was the best move I ever made. Not cheap - but at the end of the day, gave me the push I needed when I needed it, and kept me from hurting myself.

[TheKansan]

I would say you are 100% correct! With that attitude there is no way in hell you can reach any goals. Come on seriously, if you want it bad enough, with hard work and determination anything in life is possible.

The only person stopping you from achieving those goals is YOU! Age is not a factor, the will to succeed at any age is!

You are right. There is no reason I can't compete in the Olympics.

[ScubaDave]

You're only 30, and you're looking for some hope?

At age 45, right before I began training; had never lifted a weight in my life:



Taken last month; I'll be 62 tomorrow:



I'm nobody special, other than that I'm very goal-oriented. Consistent hard work and proper nutrition is the name of the game.


Don't waste your time with hope; DO.

Happy Birthday and good work there ironwill!! And you're right - consistent hard work and proper nutrition. All the rest is just window dressing...

[fitmom43]

You are right. There is no reason I can't compete in the Olympics.

Did you say Olympics in your post

Not sure why you started this thread, your only limitations are the ones you set for yourself. I've pretty much given you all the encouragement your going to get from me, I will reserve the rest for those who appreciate it. Do it or Don't do it, it's your life, whine about what you can't achieve because you are to old. Me on the other hand will reach for the stars until the day they bury me, nothing is impossible

[TheKansan]

Kansan - after 4 years in the gym I was deadlifting 514 lbs for 6-8 reps regularly. I had a goal of 600 lbs which was clearly in reach, but due to a number of personal issues I had to back off of that goal. Physically, there was nothing preventing me from getting there. I currently squat 435 for reps, but my goal isn't to squat 500 or deadlift 600 any longer.

If your goal is to pull 600 lbs - I'm certain you can do it, you just will need to train specifically for that pull. Also, you may need to seriously consider bringing in outside help. It was the best move I ever made. Not cheap - but at the end of the day, gave me the push I needed when I needed it, and kept me from hurting myself.

Thanks for the advice. That's what I am looking for. I set these long term goals for myself, and honestly I have no clue if they are reasonable or even possible. Just curious if I am chasing a dream, or if my goals are reasonable.

[fitmom43]

Happy Birthday and good work there ironwill!! And you're right - consistent hard work and proper nutrition. All the rest is just window dressing...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IRONWILL!!!!! You look fantastic and are an Inspiration!!!!!!!

[TheKansan]

Did you say Olympics in your post

Not sure why you started this thread, your only limitations are the ones you set for yourself. I've pretty much given you all the encouragement your going to get from me, I will reserve the rest for those who appreciate it. Do it or Don't do it, it's your life, whine about what you can't achieve because you are to old. Me on the other hand will reach for the stars until the day they bury me, nothing is impossible

Yes I said the Olympics in my post because your post was ignorantly optimistic.

I set my goals based on the REALITY of my situation. For example, I am a man, so if my goal is to become Ms. America, I am living in fantasy land. Since I don't know much about those who have reached the goal of an elite powerlifting total, I just wanted to ask if it was even possible considering the reality of my current situation. Thanks for posting a bunch of useless crap though.

[DanielBeauchamp]

Thanks for the advice. That's what I am looking for. I set these long term goals for myself, and honestly I have no clue if they are reasonable or even possible. Just curious if I am chasing a dream, or if my goals are reasonable.

I'm not saying this in an attempt to sound profound or anything, but seriously...what's a reasonable goal?

I hear people say this all the time and, from what I can gather, they mean something that's within their capabilities both now and in the future.

I'll tell you something (take or leave it, as I'm still a beginner myself): I have never had a single day where I could accurately predict my performance in the gym before I went in and starting working. One time I dragged my ass into the gym with two extremely sore, on-the-verge-of-hurt shoulders to do clean-and-press for the third time ever. My arms and joints felt like living hell and I could barely rep out 115. But being the crazy-ass hooligan I am, right then I decided I was going to max out. And I hit an all-time PR with busted shoulders.

Just a few days ago, I waltzed straight into the gym bursting with energy. And had the worst lifting day in months.

So if you can't even predict your day-to-day performance, how can you judge what you are capable of?

I say shoot high. I think you should go for 700. Heck, 50 years ago a guy deadlifted that with one arm. I think you and I can do it with two.

[Nikonguy]

Thanks for the advice. That's what I am looking for. I set these long term goals for myself, and honestly I have no clue if they are reasonable or even possible. Just curious if I am chasing a dream, or if my goals are reasonable.

Where are your lifts now?

Your goal is not unreachable. If you were 40 and had just started powerlifting I might not say that but at 30 you should be able to get an elite total if you want it bad enough......unless they up the elite numbers.

IMHO (as a recreational powerlifter who competes), the best thing to do is compete, compete and then competer You will know pretty quick if you have a taste for it. You will learn more from one meet than from one year of lifting on your own. Meet experience trumps gym experience every time.

[kimsquit]

I set my goals based on the REALITY of my situation. For example, I am a man, so if my goal is to become Ms. America, I am living in fantasy land. Since I don't know much about those who have reached the goal of an elite powerlifting total, I just wanted to ask if it was even possible considering the reality of my current situation. Thanks for posting a bunch of useless crap though.

maybe you ought to start off with smaller goals, like not shitting on people who are voluntarily encouraging you to be the best you can be.



first you ask a generic question

then you get pissy because no one read your mind that it was a powerlifting-specific question

then you continue to argue with the very people encouraging you to not set limits for yourself


if you're so convinced it's impossible, then delete the goddamn thread.



I've known a few elite powerlifters in my day and what made them champs was their attitude, not their stats. Their attitude didn't include demanding that strangers pat their hand and tell them "they could do it" and it didn't include arguing on the internet about how impossible things are. They were too busy living as powerlifters, surrounded by other powerlifters.

It's too bad you didn't get off your ass earlier in life and tackle your goal but that's water under the bridge, so stop bitching about it. Decide what you're going to do with the time you have left and then go do it.

[fitmom43]

Yes I said the Olympics in my post because your post was ignorantly optimistic.

I set my goals based on the REALITY of my situation. For example, I am a man, so if my goal is to become Ms. America, I am living in fantasy land. Since I don't know much about those who have reached the goal of an elite powerlifting total, I just wanted to ask if it was even possible considering the reality of my current situation. Thanks for posting a bunch of useless crap though.

LOL ignorantly optimistic and useless crap NICE

You are right give it up because you will NEVER be able to reach your goals You have a better chance of winning the Ms. America

[Paracelsus]

Yes I said the Olympics in my post because your post was ignorantly optimistic.

I set my goals based on the REALITY of my situation. For example, I am a man, so if my goal is to become Ms. America, I am living in fantasy land. Since I don't know much about those who have reached the goal of an elite powerlifting total, I just wanted to ask if it was even possible considering the reality of my current situation. Thanks for posting a bunch of useless crap though.

I LOVE when people post something on here asking for advice or an opinion and then want to argue the point or just be flippant about it.

Here's my take on ALL of it. Fitmom was right, and I'll add this: get you A$$ out there and SEE if it is possible for you to do what you want to do! Do you need us or anyone else to hold your hand or tell you that it is possible? Just friggin do it do it DO IT!!! Or attempt to do it!

If you succeed, great! If you don't, at least you tried!

And DON'T make blanket assumptions across the board about what these other guys can lift, i.e. that asinine statement about how these guys are built as opposed to they may not even be able to lift 600 pound. Who gives a DAMN?? And...there's no way in HELL that you would know if a lot of the lifters in this thread can pull 600 pounds or not, so DON'T judge...just do what YOU gotta do!

These guys are accomplishing their goals......why don't you????

And in the future, be more accomodating and receptive of other people's remarks.... YOU asked the questions, so damn it, be prepared for the answers!

[yakabebe]

Just for clarity...and perhaps closure (from my perspective anyway...) your original post didnt mention the Olympics

Be that as it may be, fitmom has given you some good advice and a bit of serve but in all fairness you sort of invited it in

Simple fact of the matter is, if you set a limit going in (as your natural inclination and seemingly inherent pessimism would dictate is the case...)....you will certainly live up to it.

Alternatively...just get going, set some goals, achieve them...set some some more....apply yourself, decide how badly you want it, commit to what youre willing to give to the venture

...and then let go of the throttle and take your very best shot!

Then....que sera sera

[Brackneyc]

Here I am at 30 and while I'm not giving up, I'm just looking for some hope that this is possible.

Anything is "possible." How much effort are you willing to expend to find out.