Quote:
Originally Posted by Mahler
Thanks. I am 60 and probably in better shape that when I was 30.
From my own experience, I am not a life long lifter. I started at age 52 and am now 60. I just pulled 425 a little while back and last week did deads at 290x15 and squats at 265x15. Were my lifts half that or less, the benefits of lifting are, without a doubt, the major factor in my quality of life as I mature. Increased bone density is often overlooked but is one of the very important benefits of lifting as we age. Add to that greater flexibility, stamina, and even sharper response times.
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Congrats, Mahler! Good for you for picking up weightlifting. This is the kind of thing I wanted to know. I'm not 40 (quite, yet
), and also am in better shape than I was at 20.
Quote:
Originally Posted by UConnJulie
There are many many studies about the effects of weight training in the elderly. Try a pubmed seach.
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I might do that, but it's not really the stats I'm looking for. I want to know personal experiences; what have particular people done as they age, how do they deal with arthritis and lifting, etc. For me, that gives a better feel for how the stats play out in real life.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bytsi
I don't have stats for you, but my lifting partner (male) just turned 75. He's not setting PR's, but he certainly stays fit and active, and retains a lot more strength/muscle than if he stopped lifting... When I got him into a new/better program (and reduced his reliance on machines and bicep curls) about 4-5 years ago, he actually saw increases in size/strength at that point.
The main limitations he has are related to poor flexibility (and despite doing mobility warmups with me, he tends to not follow through with this kind of work on his own) and some back issues (arthritis) that eliminates moves like deadlifts. |
That's great to know, Bytsi. Thanks! I was wondering if it was possible for someone in their 70's or even older to begin free weights. Did he have prior experience with them, or just machines until then? I am working on getting my husband off machines, which he has done (the exact same routine) for the last 8 years or so; he is 58. In very good shape, but obviously could make gains if he mixed up his workout and did BBs instead of machines. He did lift when he was in his 20's-30's, then stopped. He also has arthritis issues, and that might be stopping him from trying the real weights, for fear of injury.