The older I get the more I enjoy training.

**Simon M** · 02-27-2009, 09:50 AM

I don't know if anyone else agrees, but I've trained on and off since I was 14 and since I've hit my 40's I've become much more focused and just enjoy training so much more.

Perhaps it's because the clock's ticking, or I'm just a calmer person, but training now is the highlight of my week and on Tuesday Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday I'm like a dog with two dicks!

**fitbody** · 02-27-2009, 10:34 AM

with ya on this one
i'm more focused now that i've ever been
and i'm 44 !!!
this gonna be a my best yr ever
the 40's are the the best yrs to me
older, wiser, calmer, more foused
know what i want
and definately what i don't want
lives good !!!!!

**gman** · 02-27-2009, 10:38 AM

I was 44 when I started, so it's still like a brand new thing to me. I love it!

I am only going to get better, and I am smart enough at 47 to know better than injure myself trying to go real heavy.

**esplendido** · 02-27-2009, 10:50 AM

Hmmmm.....competition training is a little different than getting into/staying in general shape. I prefer the latter, which I did and would enjoy immensely. The comp training ends up being a "job" and can get old or monotonous because of constantly pushing the limits.

All in all, though, I really enjoy my gym time.

**esplendido** · 02-27-2009, 10:51 AM

....and I'll be 52 in 2 months, with 30+ years of training

**Gunz** · 02-27-2009, 11:17 AM

Before the last year and a half, all my training was just to stay in shape. I would say I get more gratification and appreciation from mu current training lifestyle than the general staying in shape lifestyle. I think that's because of my competitive nature. Every workout is challenging myself to lift heavier, to do better than the last workout....

**sassy69** · 02-28-2009, 01:06 AM

I started training in 1981... it took me until 1984 to hit a 'real gym' and work w/ a trainer, but its been an integral part of my life thru 3 college degrees, living in 6 different states and countless "new" jobs. It really is somethiing so fundamental to me in terms of giving me structure in my life, a place to take on daily challenges, offgas stress from my desk job, and getting to know people who are like-minded. Its the most natural thing I can think of that I do.

Definitely stepping up to competition raised the bar as well as gave me specific focus on different body parts. Then I went thru the phases of perfecting my form, jumping the weights up to REALLY FUCKING BIG, and then stepping them back down a little as I get > 40 and have to pay for all the years of wear & tear. Every phase of my life has given a different focus, approach & purpose to the same basic training.

**john koenig** · 02-28-2009, 08:30 AM

I much prefer my post-40 years over those before. Earlier, pre-Internet, it was hit or miss, reading Weider bodybuilding magazines and attempting to incorporate those workouts into our lives, not knowing as much about nutrition (for a decade or so all I did was eat lots of protein, gobble 100 dessicated liver tabs daily, and not eat carbs after 7:00 p.m.!). Of course, we were all trying to "get huge", with little regard or knowledge of what real conditioning was, depending upon where one lived and who was around you.

Ruptured rotator cuff aside (nearly a decade ago), I'm relatively injury free (though just coming back from major right big toe surgery, two months in a non-weight bearing cast, wheelchair, etc.), and vastly enjoy lifting more than I did the first 25 years I was working out. Now I train. Not for competition but to be muscular, relatively ripped at all times, and a great example in my gym for members and staff (I'm a manager of personal training at a Gold's).

Two days ago I received clearance from my orthopedic surgeon to begin squatting and deadlifting again, after six months off (my big toe is now fused to my foot with titanium lag bolts), so I celebrated with six sets of 20rep squats and 4 sets of the same with deadlifts! Back in the rack, baby!!

**thepump** · 03-19-2009, 05:27 PM

great threads

**Desertmedic** · 04-20-2009, 01:27 AM

If i only knew then what i know now

**Dom** · 04-20-2009, 07:41 AM

Originally Posted by Desertmedic

If i only knew then what i know now

Classic! I knew it all when I was young!!LOL!! I wish I could remember just some of it now!

**Rocco1943** · 04-20-2009, 07:46 AM

I started working out or "exercising" with weights when I was about 14 I think. But, never for an extended period of time. I have kept it up sporadically since then. I think the past 5-7 years I have probably been more consistent and had better results thank ever. I think "time running out" is a factor but, also seeing guys in their 30's and 40's find out that I am 2 1/2 months away from 66 and look better than they look and can lift weights at work they strain to pick up. Love the look on their faces. LOL

**Dom** · 04-20-2009, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by rodneyl

I started working out or "exercising" with weights when I was about 14 I think. But, never for an extended period of time. I have kept it up sporadically since then. I think the past 5-7 years I have probably been more consistent and had better results thank ever. I think "time running out" is a factor but, also seeing guys in their 30's and 40's find out that I am 2 1/2 months away from 66 and look better than they look and can lift weights at work they strain to pick up. Love the look on their faces. LOL

Its the ass- less leather chaps you train in on leg day!! That explains the funny looks!! OH, and yes you need to tan!
ROCCO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**gman** · 04-20-2009, 12:50 PM

I just threw up in my mouth imagining that.

**Desertmedic** · 04-20-2009, 02:08 PM

I enjoy it much more now and know what works for me alot better.Have been consistent and make inprovements now.Between 20-30 worked out ate whatever,and went to the bar everynight and couldn't figure out why the only thing i put on was fat, lol.Now i am dedicated 30-40 went from 210 lbs about 28% bf to 191 lbs 16% bf Goal is now to be 200 lbs at under 10% bf. Rodney that is outstanding and motivating