Harder to build muscle at 45yrs?

[JAYFALGOUST]

So your saying Test has nothing to do with building muscle???

[kimm4]

I can only speak for females. I've been lifting close to 30 yrs and I made some of my best gains in my mid to late 30's.

[DuracellBunny]

So your saying Test has nothing to do with building muscle???

The biggest boost to building muscle is knowing wtf you are doing. Sadly, knowledge is a very unpopular supplement; we have tried giving away free samples, but people aren't interested.

[davidolson22]

So your saying Test has nothing to do with building muscle???

I believe what he is saying that the difference between the natural amount of testosterone produced and the amount you get with regular supplements isn't enough to make any difference in muscle building.

[thesecondrei]

Assuming equal training knowledge, it should be easier to build at 25 simply because test levels are a bit higher, but I don't think it is a huge difference, also how many 25 year olds do you know that have a good grasp on how to train or program their progression properly? Most don't know how to train at that age...in fact even at 45 most don't really know how to train or program properly.

[JAYFALGOUST]

I believe what he is saying that the difference between the natural amount of testosterone produced and the amount you get with regular supplements isn't enough to make any difference in muscle building.

Then I would have to agree with that statement.

[NitrogenWidget]

I don't really notice a difference between gaining muscle now at 42 or back when I was early 20's.
I do know it takes me a hell of a lot longer to recuperate now but that doesn't slow things down as much as missed workouts due to other responsibilities.

[Dutchman]

I believe what he is saying that the difference between the natural amount of testosterone produced and the amount you get with regular supplements isn't enough to make any difference in muscle building.

And right he is. However the test cyp the VA and my local doctor have me on keeps me close to the optimal 800 ng/dl level. The one thing that natural supplements CAN do and do very well is crank up your free testosterone which is the important one anyway. A good stinging nettle root extract keeps me between 225 and 250 pg/ml on a scale aiming at 30 to 135 (Quest Diagnostics).

[sonabear]

Going to see my doc if the testosterone therapy is BS or not. They have me on Axiron and once under each arm. seeing more and more about heart attacks and blood clots associated with this treatment. Nothing felt yet but you never know.
will keep you updated....

[cryoung]

Nope. Pretty much started at 45 so I could undo all the years of doing "bad" things. Took a few years but it's more than doable. My attitude is that no one can tell me what I can or can't do. If I decide I'm going to do something, I'm all in....LOL....just get started and you will get there.

A few years sounds like forever unless you are on the back end of of that time....true, really I wouldn't lie LOL....

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/body...ack-at-49.html

[rcclaffe]

Isn't this the classic "turtle versus the hare" story. Stop thinking like a rabbit looking for quick results. Those quick gains only set up the rabbit to slack off later, thinking he'll catch-up later on. That's often the teen/20's behavior right. By our 40s, we've realized that when it comes to building muscle, we are turtles. Stick with a slow and steady steady approach and you'll have success.

Oh it is slow, but I'm much further along down the road than a few years ago, and still trudging along.

[Joe Usher]

Going to see my doc if the testosterone therapy is BS or not. They have me on Axiron and once under each arm. seeing more and more about heart attacks and blood clots associated with this treatment. Nothing felt yet but you never know.
will keep you updated....

Testosterone Cypionate like the Dutchman gets from his Dr. is the best. I heard patches and gels are more expensive and harder to regulate dosage. In regards to the class action suit, internet chatter has feminist lobby groups funding it because the feminists are irritated with all the 50 & 60 year men on testosterone...

[frozensparky]

I will, from my perspective. I train/eat with a plan now, and I didn't then. My gains then were mediocre at best. Now, steady and noticeable. For me, I have had my best success later in life. Many will echo this I am sure.

echo, echo ,echo

[wild1poet2]

I'd say its slower but in terms of difficulty you still put out the effort you did when you were younger. I find it more difficult to cut and hold on to mass. But bulking up still works fairly easily. Do heavy compound lifts and muscle memory kicks in. I'm now older than most of you. My bigger frustration is with connective tissue injuries. I'm still strong enough to handle some pretty heavy weights but tendons start tearing or becoming inflamed. Never happened when I was young. In addition to muscle memory with age comes experience and knowing how to get your body to respond. You know what works and what doesn't. You know what movements will irritate joints and what movements are joint friendly. You know what'll happen if you use a wide grip versus narrow grip. etc etc Its a pretty cool thing that happens.

[NorthernMusicia]

The question is will lifting make you stronger than you were? I think that's the big question. The answer is definitely yes, and you will build muscle with the strength gains. The other question is... do you think it's harder to build muscle sitting on the couch like you (and I) used to do? Who cares if it's harder at your age or mine. It's worthy of your effort and it will change your view of yourself. THAT's progress!

[snacker]

Care to elaborate?

I'd agree from personal experience.

Much more focus, eat better and no focus on alcohol. I like to research more and follow programs to the T now. Personally way more gains in forties than twenties, that's just me though. More reasons to stick to it health wise.

I had plenty of fun when younger without the need to be "fit".

[billrich210]

Once your newb gains are maxed out it's hard to build muscle at any age. Most give up before then anyway.

Yep!

[Jillybean69]

I think it's more difficult to build muscle the older we get. That just seems natural.I think you lift a little smarter, just because you are over that stage in your life where you seem invinsible. I started lifting a few months ago, but I can totally see a difference. I am a 45 year old female and I'm in the best shape of my life. No matter what age you decide to have fitness be a priority in your life...it's the best decision you will ever make. Just remember, you won't look like those fitness models, so just be the best you can be.

[Gls133]

Op not only learn nutrition, form and your body but learn to have fun under the iron and the time away from everything else.

[kimm4]

I think it's more difficult to build muscle the older we get. That just seems natural.I think you lift a little smarter, just because you are over that stage in your life where you seem invinsible. I started lifting a few months ago, but I can totally see a difference. I am a 45 year old female and I'm in the best shape of my life. No matter what age you decide to have fitness be a priority in your life...it's the best decision you will ever make. Just remember, you won't look like those fitness models, so just be the best you can be.

You can say you're in better shape, but not your best shape. You've only been lifting for 2 months which is barely scratching the surface. You'll need a lot more time and consistency to tap into your true potential.

Just because you're in your 40's doesn't mean that you can't achieve the look of a fitness model. There are plenty of women who are hitting the stage in their mid 40's for the first time and crushing the competition.

The problem is most women decide to settle and aren't willing to put in the hard work that's needed to get there.

[Tigerzen]

When I was in my 20s life was a lot simpler and far less stressful. I could go into the gym and spend a couple of hours if I wanted to. I could take the extra minute to make sure that I get those final reps out. You generally have less stress so your rest and recuperation is better. 30 years on you have family and other responsibilities, your recuperation may not be as good as it was when you were younger so muscle gains are not as good/fast. If you had a carefree existence and could spend your time recuperating completely and had minimum stress I think there wouldn't be a huge difference in improvement b/w the ages of 25 and 45.

[wrlord]

Your body can continue to build new muscle will into your 60s and beyond. However, your connective tissue is likely to be less pliable and weaker than it was in your youth. Thus, although your potential muscle gains are unlimited, you may develop chronic joint issues which will impede your progress. Most older lifters who are serious make the necessary modifications to circumvent having the joint issues get in the way of their development.

[PiperBill]

The biggest boost to building muscle is knowing wtf you are doing. Sadly, knowledge is a very unpopular supplement; we have tried giving away free samples, but people aren't interested.

There is plenty of so called knowledge out there. The problem for noobs who are seriously looking to aquire it is that it's difficut to syphon out the truth from the BS. Everybody is an expert online. I beleive it's more difficult to gain muscle, easier to lose muscle and MUCH easier to gain fat as you get older. At 57 I compare myself to when I used to workout in my early 20's. Big diff.

[Gls133]

There is plenty of so called knowledge out there. The problem for noobs who are seriously looking to aquire it is that it's difficut to syphon out the truth from the BS. Everybody is an expert online. I beleive it's more difficult to gain muscle, easier to lose muscle and MUCH easier to gain fat as you get older. At 57 I compare myself to when I used to workout in my early 20's. Big diff.

100% agree

[jeffindee]

Age is no restriction. I am 36 and am stronger now than ever before. A good daa is great for older guys. Nutrition and supplements are key. Mainly a good HIGH QUALITY protein, creatin mono (if mass is ultimately what you want) and a pre workout stimulant, stimulant NOT juice. All of these things are like cheat codes in a video game. You still have to play the game like you want to win. With this, gains will come at any age.

[DuracellBunny]

Age is no restriction. I am 36 and am stronger now than ever before. A good daa is great for older guys. Nutrition and supplements are key. Mainly a good HIGH QUALITY protein, creatin mono (if mass is ultimately what you want) and a pre workout stimulant, stimulant NOT juice. All of these things are like cheat codes in a video game. You still have to play the game like you want to win. With this, gains will come at any age.

Truly awful advice.

If you look at the largest demographic of people taking up resistance training in this age group, they are overweight and sedentary with elevated blood pressure. Advising people with unconditioned cardio respiratory systems to take stimulants whilst undergoing strenuous physical activity should be filed under dumbfk ideas.

[jeffindee]

Ok, lets assume that we are talking about healthy people smart guy. On any supp it clearly states to check with your physician before beginning any exercise or supp regiment. Assuming that all things are in order, a body builder or aspiring body builders worst enemy is the word can't. People are amazing and strong creatures. We can do almost anything we put our mind to.

[DuracellBunny]

Assuming that all things are in order, a body builder or aspiring body builders worst enemy is the word can't.

Nope, the worst enemy of the aspiring lifter is being stupid.

[PiperBill]

This whole notion that age make no differance simply fails to reason. It's fine for 35 year olds to claim they still make great gains. After all you still only in your late youth. I was no less fit at 35 or even 40 than when I was in my 20's. When you are in your late 50's pushing 60 it's a whole different game. Losing weight while lifting as heavy as you can 4 times a week and still trying to keep some level of energy for other life things is a challenge. I doubt anyone would deny that. I can't emagine it getting any easier either.

Having said that.. It's worth it though.. Every small gain in strength counts in the end. No matter your age.

[DuracellBunny]

This whole notion that age make no differance simply fails to reason. It's fine for 35 year olds to claim they still make great gains. After all you still only in your late youth. I was no less fit at 35 or even 40 than when I was in my 20's. When you are in your late 50's pushing 60 it's a whole different game. Losing weight while lifting as heavy as you can 4 times a week and still trying to keep some level of energy for other life things is a challenge. I doubt anyone would deny that. I can't emagine it getting any easier either.

Having said that.. It's worth it though.. Every small gain in strength counts in the end. No matter your age.

Age affects potential and will act as a small, escalating, detrimental coefficient on progress; for most people it is totally irrelevant though. So age affects your potential, so what. As so few people ever get anywhere near their potential, the actual value of that potential is irrelevant.

Learning how to construct and follow an effective programme, learning more than basic nutrition, learning the biomechanics of the various exercises and how to make them more effective for that person all outweigh age as a factor.

Most people use age in the same way as they use the term hardgainer; as an excuse for their poor progress due to lack of knowledge and intestinal fortitude.

On top of all of that, age is a factor that people have no control over, so stop worrying about it and concentrate on what you can control.