Bodybuilding at 50

[Cassick]

Hello All

I'm currently 49 and out of shape and planning to change that--no age crisis thing, just time to stop being crap. I'm not knew to exercise/using weights, but I do get the impression that now I'm getting on, the routines I've used on and off in the past may not be so appropriate. I've tried to find some specific books offering training routines for 50+, but I can't seem to find any. If anyone could point me in the right direction for advice/reading material/exercise programs, I'd be grateful.

Thanks,

Cassick

[keyboardworkout]

https://www.amazon.com/Barbell-Presc.../dp/0982522770

[Cassick]

Thanks Keyboard, I'll take a look!

[grubman]

I do get the impression that now I'm getting on, the routines I've used on and off in the past may not be so appropriate.

As long as you were doing things RIGHT in the past, everything still applies the same. The biggest difference you will find is recovery time, and that’s were you’ll have to adjust you frequency, volume, and intensity to match whatever your new recovery time is.

EDIT: not a lot of published info put there, and most of the articles are written by young guys who are just guessing, or old guys who only have themselves to use as reference. Most often it equates to, “taking it easier”. I find it frustrating there isn’t more research, but let’s face it, not a “lot” of guys still lifting into their 40s and 50s and beyond.

[supramax]

... The biggest difference you will find is recovery time, and that’s were you’ll have to adjust you frequency, volume, and intensity to match whatever your new recovery time is...

That's about the size of it and why I more often than not, do two a days.

[tblodg15]

I am no expert but my routine at 50 yrs-old (started at 49) is almost the same as when I was 18 years old. I had not lifted more than a few months since high school when i started but the effort, intensity, and even the weight and volumes have worked up to about the same as way back then. But I definitely have smarter programming now and pay way more attention to recovery now as grubman mentioned.

[startingat56]

OP you are 50 and there is a reasonable chance you could hit 100 given today's medicine and knowledge

Instead of being limited by what other think, how about you setting the standard?

If you really want to "get into shape" then it's a lifestyle thing and you have plenty of time,so take it slow, set goals, beat those goals.

Lifting after 50 makes you feel a whole lot better than being out of shape after 50

[ironwill2008]

Hello All

I'm currently 49 and out of shape and planning to change that--no age crisis thing, just time to stop being crap. I'm not knew to exercise/using weights, but I do get the impression that now I'm getting on, the routines I've used on and off in the past may not be so appropriate. I've tried to find some specific books offering training routines for 50+, but I can't seem to find any. If anyone could point me in the right direction for advice/reading material/exercise programs, I'd be grateful.

Thanks,

Cassick

Here's everything you need:

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=168581133




Spend some time reading the information found in all those links provided. Then, if you still have any specific questions, bring them back to this thread.

[congore]

Any 5x5 beginner routine will work for the first 3-6 months, then move to a more structured program. Rippetoe's Starting Strength is a good beginner book reviewing the fundamentals with a basic program. I did some variation of Wendler's 5/3/1 for 4 years, before changing over to the Juggernaut Method 2.0 by Wesley Smith. Both are books that are easy to read with plans that are simple to follow. Juggernaut 2.0 is a bit intense due to the volume and I would say is more of an intermediate/advanced type of program. You will eventually need to find the version that works best for you, so just pick a program and start training now. You will eventually find the best one for you and understand how to modify it, after you have gotten back in shape and understand your body's limits/potential. Good luck and enjoy the journey.