For the elderly, less muscle mass means not only a loss of strength, but also increase in the chances of injuries from falling. It’s a sad fact that muscles shrink as adults age. But new studies are starting to unravel how this happens, and what to do about it. Read on to know the truth!
Yesterday, someone asked me: “I am a 70-year-old man in good health. I’ve lost substantial amount of muscle mass. Is there any way for me at this age to recover muscle mass without resorting to steroids?”
So, the pertinent question is: “Is it true that the muscle mass we lose, say, at 60+ or 65+ years age cannot be regained?
Can You Regain Muscle Mass After Age 60+ or 65+?
Let me put the good news straight at the outset: You can regain and rebuild the aging muscles, even if you are 60+ or 65+older. Some new research studies have shown that weight training may help older people to retain, and even recover muscle mass.
To quote Dr. Marcas Bamman, the director of the UAB Center for Exercise Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham: “Our lab and other studies have shown repeatedly that older muscles can grow and strengthen with exercises.”
The US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health carried out a study on exercise dosing to retain resistance-training adaptations in young and older adults. In the said study, men and women in their 60s and 70s were put under weight training. They were kept under observation. It was found, that:
(i) The older men and women developed muscles, which were as large and strong as those of the average 40-year-olds.
(ii) The process of bulking up works differently in older people than in the young.
According to Dr. Bamman:
(i) The skeletal muscles comprise of various types of fibers. He says two things happen to these fibers after you reach middle age. Some of the muscle fibers die, particularly if you have not been exercising your muscles much.
(ii) Sedentary adults can lose 30 to 40 percent of the total number of fibers in their muscles by the time they are 80. Rest of the fibers remain alive but shrink and atrophy as you age.
(iii) Seniors can increase the size of their atrophied muscle fibers with exercise. However, exercise for some physiological reasons cannot add to the number of muscle fibers.
Tip: The older folks for all practical purpose don’t need to worry because they can make their older muscles larger and stronger if they work them.
(iv) The key to gain muscles in old age is regular and progressive weight training. If you don’t go to a gym, consider joining one, and then work on tiring yourself.
Useful Related Post: Exercise For 60+ Year Old Women And Men
(v) In order to kick the biochemical processes that lead to larger, stronger muscle fibers, you should push your muscles until they are exhausted.
Dr Bamman carried out a study, in which the participating volunteers used weights calibrated so that the lifters could just perform a set of 8 to 12 repetitions before their arms or legs grew leaden and they had to rest. They repeated each set 2-3 times and visited the gym 3 times a week.
Useful Related Post: Getting Fit And Fitness Over 60
Tip: If you are new to weight training, ask for an orientation at your gym or talk to an athletic trainer who usually works with older clients.
In another study, detailed in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, it has been shown that the blood flow and supply rate of nutrients & hormones is lower in the older people, which is a prime cause why muscle wasting occurs in old age.
Exercise plays an important role of increasing blood flow to the legs and other body parts of older people to a level identical to the younger group. This increase in blood flow helps in controlling the muscle loss in old age.
Are you a senior person? What exercises do you do? Please share your experience with us under the comments section below.
About Author: Renu Bakshi, AKA Fitness Buffhq, is ISSA Certified Personal Fitness Trainer & Nutrition Health Coach. He shares his experience and knowledge about nutrition and effective workouts to get you in the best shape of your life, no matter how old you may be. The author says: “For me age is just a number!”
It’s great to know that you can gain and rebuild muscles even when you are older 🙂
I used to go to a gym in my early 20’s. Kids and life took over for the next 30 odd years and I decided to return.
Been there 2 years now, lost 30kg’s, reduced my blood pressure and my resting heart rate has dropped. I now have biceps that you can actually see…never had them before! So you can build muscle later on in life.
Talk about invigorating! I feel fantastic. I sleep better. I now watch what I eat. I’ve even cut out the cheat meal as I don’t miss the rubbish I used to eat.
Do it. Join a gym and surprise the hell out of your mates! Sit back and listen to all of their excuses of why they don’t/can’t/won’t exercise!
Machines, kettle bells, dumb bells, I use them all. I go to a couple of spin classes a week…that kills me!
Do it for your family if not for yourself.
That’s the right spirit. Exercising is as much important in old age as is in young age..
I began Swing Dancing at 68. Several months into that fun, I added strength exercises, and very recently, stretching. 13 months later the results have been spectacular. Increased flexibility, much lessened muscle pain (though fatigue sometimes sets in after an evenings dancing), lost weight, more time on the dance floor, thus joy. Surprisingly, I must eat far more food than I had been to keep weight from dropping further. More Fun, More Food. Perfect combination
William: Thanks for sharing your experience. I have this firm belief that exercises/workouts are as much important in your old age as when you were young. It’s a proven fact. They increase your confidence and make you capable of living an independent life without depending on others.
This is a great article. It points out the importance of muscle in aging people. I think it’s key that people begin and continue routines that lead to muscle adaptation as they continue to age. As a 40 year old man, I believe in workout plans that combine strength, flexibility, and short cardiovascular works outs such as sprinting to keep healthy.
My name is Keith,I am 70 years old ,5 ft. 10 inches tall and weigh 240 Lbs.. I do 5 sets of 85% my max one rep lift . I now can lift weights like when I was 40 . I do leg presses ,arm curls ,flies, chest press machines and rowing machine etc.. My leg press – 415 lbs. flies -210 Lbs. chess press 275 Lbs -goal 315 Lbs. arm curl , using both arms, total 130 Lbs . Lat pull 200 Lbs. My arms measure 18 inches when flexed . I live in Rochester New York ,and work out at Golds Gym 3 days a week. I watch what I eat and take supplements of vitamins and minerals . I would be glade to show anybody anytime that age is just a number . I also still work full time. Thank you!
Your fitness regime is amazing. Do you have Facebook, Instagram? You are an inspiration. I am in great slim shape but want to build muscle. The more I work out, the smaller my muscles get….help! What do I need to do? Friend me on Facebook…Layla Musica
Read these posts:
(i) https://justfitnesshub.com/building-muscle-after-60-years-of-age/
(ii) https://justfitnesshub.com/best-way-to-build-muscle-fast/
(iii) https://justfitnesshub.com/building-muscle-after-50/
(iv) https://justfitnesshub.com/how-to-gain-muscle-mass-fast/
Thanks I am 70 years old but very fit I do 12 miles a day on my exercise bike +sit ups and some lifting of small weights all at home iv’e recently lost a lot of weight due to more healthy eating but unfortunately my arm muscles have gone any tips on what I can do to build them up again as I have always had good arm muscles and my wife keeps going on about my arms going thin would welcome any advice
Buy a pair of dumbbells. You can work on your biceps, triceps & shoulders at home, using dumbbells.
(i) For biceps: https://justfitnesshub.com/dumbbell-bicep-exercises-home/
(ii) For triceps: https://justfitnesshub.com/best-dumbbell-exercises-triceps/
(iii) For shoulders: https://justfitnesshub.com/best-dumbbell-shoulder-workout/
That’s AWESOME!
Wow, keep it up.
P.S. my resting heart rate is 56- 58 range .
That’s amazing!
Awesome keep it up
Roy:
Thank you so much.
Thank you , Fitness buff . It took me 3years to get to this level . I did a lot of reading and tailored my workout to my own needs . The secret is tokeep seeing see progress , stay with it and get lots of rest. (More than two days between workouts when you first start out) ( DO NOT QUIT !) I work out with 22 to 26 year old men . They think I am in my 50’s , I do not tell them differently . This inspires me to keep going ;anybody can do this , just forget your age . I can not begin to tell you how achieving theses levels makes me feel. You are giving people the right advise; I am living proof ! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions .
Such stories always inspire me. My personal experience is age does not matters. You can start exercising at any age. Keep doing it…
I am a 64 year old woman who was a caretaker for my parents my whole life and now they are in heaven and I want my body back and a life.
I am working so hard in the gym by the fat on my arms, core, back fat and breast gone south, fat between my legs. I will never give up. Clean diet, sleeping, been working out about a year, lost 40 pounds. 30% BMI, much better, but so far to go and so many people tell me to accept it. I take supplements, good ones, all the oils for my joints and I am lost. Please help. I have 40 pounds to go, but it is building the muscle that is so frustrating. This cannot be the rest of my life. I plan on opening a business to teach people how to live a Christian life and how to take care of their Holy Temple. I must learn first to teach. God has told me this is His plan and everything I have gone through will help others. Thank you and may God bless us all out there doing everything we can to live in God’s Plan and obey Him
Lynn
Hi Lynn: You did a great think – took care of your parents. Regarding your weight loss, please read these articles. I hope you will find some useful tips and able to lose weight faster: https://justfitnesshub.com/weight-loss-tips/
Fitnessbuffhq
Great article, and great replies.
I’m 69, and I felt certain that I wouldn’t make much progress, but I started at the gym at the behest of my son who wanted me to keep healthy.
It was the best move I’ve made in years. Although I’ve kept fit and run most of my life, I’ve never concentrated on building muscle, especially on my upper body. My legs have always been well conditioned.
I have to laugh! At the age of 69 I definitely have a stronger upper body than I ever have before in my life. I wouldn’t have believed this was possible.
If you have any doubts about it, forget them. Just go to the gym and work out. I go every other day, and I walk every other day. I’ve always slept reasonably well, but now sleep is better than ever.
One caution I would make is that you should listen to your body very carefully. If there is any sign of an injury, just stop that exercise immediately and move onto another body part. Next time you do that exercise, reduce a little weight, and be very careful. I don’t mean to obsess over this, but I think it’s well worth avoiding injury because that is something that an older body takes longer to deal with.
As a final point, I do believe that this kind of good exercise stimulates testosterone production, with the resulting mood and energy improvement.
Again, I think this is a very good article, and the comments are equally good.
Thanks Don for sharing your personal experience.
My advice to all elderly persons: Don’t let the old age keep you from starting an exercise program. Exercise can make a real difference not only in how you feel physically, but also mentally and emotionally.
Peter Nicoll, at 75 yrs old , I’m still striving to put on more muscle. I mean size. I am in competition ( body building) and just came second in my category in the Worlds .I compete against 50 yr olds. I’m 5 ‘ 7 and 154 lbs on stage and 163 during off season. The ratio is 80% nutrition and 20% at the gym. What goes in your mouth is a result of what the body will look like. Listen always to your body, lift lighter weights concentrating on technique or form, always resisting the weight,as in curls. Come down slowly and up slowly till fatigue, or drop down sets are excellent. Starting at a higher weight of your choice and coming down in weight, about 10 sec rest in between.The burn is great, it will go , results are excellent. Weights are better for our bone density. Cardio at the end of the session, as it will fatigue you more quickly doing it before. Not much cardio , maybe 10 minutes.Always stretch , before and after .
You’ll feel so much better staying active. Try to get a trainer at the gym at least once , to learn the technique and make you a program. Muscles need a change of program every 2-3 months.
I hope I have helped. I have Atrial Fibrillation, torn tendons in my shoulders and bone on bone in my right hip. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, not to some over enthusiastic doctor telling you to stop or he may operate and who knows the result after that.
I’ve built my muscle up around tendons in shoulders and now lift much heavier weights than before.
Leave your ego at the door, lift properly, not to impress. Don’t become a legend in your own mind.
I
Really great tips! Thanks…
Peter Nicoll My Hip has bad arthritis, and gives me grief, but I feel like yo, what if they don’t get the operation right. Do you take any medication for joint pain,(bone on bone). I lift at the gym and have noticed no more pain than if I don’t lift. I will be 70 in may 2018. And good on you, maybe you can share some more of your knowledge, your diet etc. My height is 172 CM (feet 8 inches), and I weigh 77KG (170lb) can’t get rid of the belly fat, love handles.
Roy:
Thanks for sharing your experience. I did had some pains in my knees. I did exercises to strengthen my thighs (quads and hamstrings muscles), and now my pain has almost disappeared. Regarding belly fat, I suggest you read these posts:
(i) https://justfitnesshub.com/visceral-fat-loss/
(ii) https://justfitnesshub.com/abs-exercises-six-packs-older-adults/
Hi Fitness Buff
I do not feel like I’m a senior at age 64. I have always worked out and was actually the first ms. Alabama bodybuilder at age 29 in 1979. I have continued to workout but when I gave up running to biking I Was hit by a pick up truck from behind and throb 100 ft. They said I would never walk again, I said oh yes I will; by working out. Then my right arm was paralI EF and I kept working until I could use it again. I still have surgery and have a spinal cord injury and head injury. So pain is something I live with daily. But I have kept working out but to my dismay I have lost muscle and skin tightness. It depressing but working out can only help the aging process. I came a toy this article while looking how to build muscle mass. I think I found my answer. ThAnks
Keep doing it, and you will live a fantastic life. These posts might help you: (i) https://justfitnesshub.com/best-diet-to-build-lean-muscle-mass/ ; (ii) https://justfitnesshub.com/muscle-building-diet-tips/ (iii) https://justfitnesshub.com/prevent-muscle-loss-in-old-age/
Hello! I’m 66 years old and started lifting weights five days a week September, 2016. I’ve lost 15 lbs on a low carb diet and I am now down to 148! I dead-lift 250 lbs, bench press 130 lbs and squat 210 lbs . . . my body looks great, but now I need a face-lift! 🙂
I’m 66 years old, 6-2, and weigh 266. No one thinks I weigh over 230. Last year I started with a simple weight machine in a campground. I bought a 25 pound dumbbell and use it to muscle failure, along with pushups, situps and a variety of leg exercises. I’ve found you can make dramatic changes with simple tools. Since beginning, I’ve lost from 298 to my current 266. The wife and her kids are always telling me how different I look and don’t look my age anymore.
Steve:
I totally agree with you. And you don’t need to go to gym for working out. Here is a link to a series of posts written by me about how you can have a home gym by having a set of humble dumbbells. You can work out almost all parts of your body with dumbbells – Chest, Bicep, Shoulders, Thighs, Back and triceps: https://justfitnesshub.com/home-gym-dumbbell/
A great site. just joined GYM or weight reduction. Doing aerobics with machines. (have knee pain-reduced now. Presently 100 kg aim 85 kg. Then todo weight training/lifting. Aged 66. Male
Hi,
I am glad to know that you find my site useful. Continue doing workout and you will feel active and young. It’s important to exercise in old age to live an independent healthy life.
I am a 65 year old female crossfit athlete. I am gaining muscle. Deadlufted 70 pounds, back squat and bench 55 pounds, in just 4 months. Never lifted before in ny life, but didnt like my BMI of 35 percent at 135#. Decided i had to do something about it…and its fun!
Janice:
Yes, it’s a real fun! Keep it up and share your results here.
Hello,
I am 67 (almost 68). I do not use weightlifting because of some joint problems: however, I practice self-resistance exercises with a stick that can be also very effective to keep muscles and gain strength. Factually, you can exercises without any equipment, having only a stick in your hand.
Hi I am a Australian guy 65yo and I train 5days a week for.3hours
GEOFFREY LEE: That’s really great.Keep it up!
I am 63 years old, I have been going to the gym for last 5 yrs and started weight lifting this past year, I have lost 67 lbs, I now weight 197 lbs, I no longer take blood pressure medication or arthritis medication. I am a firm believer that regular exercise and sensible diet can heal your body. Great article. Thanks
I’m 69. I lost 61 lbs. in 5 months. I was dead nuts weak. I weigh 186. I leg press 630 for 3. Hack squat 540. Bent over rows 225 for 3. Seated rows 200 for 3 (max machine). Leg extension and leg curls max the machines for 8 reps. Standing calf raises 540 for 8. I can go on. Don’t anyone tell me I’m done at 69. By the way, I can burn the track at 60 and 100 meters. I AM NOT DONE!
Keep going!
I am a 63 year old asian doctor, used to swim, sculling champ, horse-riding, hiking, ju-jitsu etcetera as a youngster and into twenties but zilch later on. I took early retirement a decade ago and started farming as a paying hobby, just the physical work and some horse-riding and mountain hiking has made me younger, fitter and stronger – giving up smoking also helped.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Keep it up..
Good day
Im 55 yo and Is still fairly well bilt and in very good healkth. Iwas a rugby coach for 35 years (also played until I was 36)
I just never stopped playing touch rugby with the players before training. I lift weights 3 times pw now instead of 5 times and “listen” to my body better.
However I nevr look at training programmes for seniors or over 50 etc.
I incorporate the latest and newest (as well as the oldest) trends and regimes for young and fit athletes. That way I don’t adopt the “older” mindset.
Regards
Joe.
Thanks for sharing your feed back.
What are your feelings about BFR Training. I’m 65 yr old male. On my 4th BFR work out
I have never tried BFR training, so can not comment on that..
Im 64years old i.exesize hours per day and im also working full time in the construction industy.i rotate my training one day weight training and the next day 16km run.im very fit but my goal is to bulk up thats what im aiming for.i have my odd days wen i feel im out of energy but i keep going and get through my work out other days im full of energy .i put it down to lack of sleep.im not a good sleeper it may be because im on antidepressants but i keep on going i let my body motivate me.it might seem strange but i have a strong wil power.that what drives me
Hey Man: Keep it going! 🙂
I am 66, my Doctor told me in March 2018, do you want me to prescribe more pills for your body or do you want to live longer. With his advice, I changed my lifestyle completely. When I was in my 20’s I was into weightlifting, swimming, water polo. As I got older and stress of a management job in retail food and me became best friends. Married and happy my wife started to go to the gym when she retired before me. I bought a mountain bike, bar-bells and started my quest to loose weight. I’m 5’9″ was 245 pounds when I started today I’m down to 203lbs. I joined a gym about a month ago and started weight lifting. My biceps are 15 1/2 inches, my goal is to get them to 16″ soon. My legs are strong, some of that is from the bike riding. My Chest is 45″ and my waist was 38″+ and now down to 36″. My goals are in small steps, as my ultimate goal is to get down to 160lbs by the end of 2019. What I find is that I feel better, stronger and for the first time in a long time I can see results in my stomach getting more trim each day…
Yes, buddy keep it up! You are on the right track!!
I am 66. I run 3-4 times a week, approximately 3 miles per run, do push ups and sit ups every day, and do 2 sets of lifting only 12 lbs with each arm every day. I also play paddleball 1-2 times/wk. Paddleball is like one wall handball but we use paddles. It’s quite popular in NY, where I live. I’ve been running for over 40 years. I weigh 138-140 lbs, have a resting heart rate of 40-45 bpm’s. Have never had pain in my knees. I believe running helps prevent knee problems as it builds bone and joint strength as well as strengthening the ligaments, tendons, and muscles supporting the knee.
Get addicted to exercise 🙂
Wonderful George!
Thanks for this post! I’m 66 years old. I was told I would die over 15 years ago by multiple doctors. I had seven operations for cancer and two courses of chemotherapy. I had two feet amputated. Fortunately for me they took the two feet off my colon and not off my legs.
Seriously, I’m slower in the body and brain than I used to be. I walk four miles a day and lift weights. I weigh 220 pounds and would like to get down to 170 pounds. I feel stronger than I did a year ago. I retired four years ago and am trying to find that magic formula to lose 40-50 pounds. I just seem to stay at 220 pounds. I’ve put myself off sugar, but I think I need to do some other things as well.
Thanks Robert. Hats off to your positive attitude, will power & courage. I am sharing a link here. You will find here a lot good material about how to shed fat & lose weight. Patiently, read all these article. You will find many tricks & tips to lose weight. Here you go: https://justfitnesshub.com/weight-loss-tips/
Hi Fitness Buff. I want to start lifting again. I’m 65, 6’5″, 255lbs, and used to lift quite a bit until I was around 55. I had a 54″ chest and 21″ arms, and then I started getting injured and working too many hours. Two shoulder surgeries (impingement), two knees (torn meniscus). I feel well enough to start again, but I’d like to avoid serious cramping. I always liked the burn. I plan on benching, shoulder presses, biceps, triceps, pull downs, and leg presses, all slow and controlled until muscle exhaustion. I want to finish with a resistance rower for cardio and burn. I’ve had some trouble doing squats (can’t hold the bar with my right arm). I used to do my pulling stuff on Monday/Thursday and pushing on Tuesday/Friday. Should I still try and do 4 days a week, or should I cut it down to twice a week? The rower I was planning on using much more frequently. I plan on losing 20lbs and getting some strength and size back. I’m wondering what the last 10 years of slacking will mean to me. I very much appreciate your advice. Thanks.
I would advise:
(i) You should consult your doctor and take his approval before starting a new workout regime.
(ii) What ever you do, start with lighter weights, and slowly increase reps over time. As you gain strength & stamina very gradually start increasing weight by smaller amounts. I would suggest don’t focus on weight.Focus on lighter weight & correct form with an aim to keep you fit and avoid injuries. No point in increasing weight & then getting injured at this age.
(iii) Do the exercises using slow & controlled movements in their correct forms.Don’t do the exercises by doing which feel pain & consult your doctor.
(iv) Keep consulting your doctor as you progress.
I was curious to read this article, as I am 68 years old, and fairly active already. The biggest issue for many is losing weight as well. And that is more dangerous, than losing muscle mass (in my opinion).
Once you gain more weight than a body should handle, a person will naturally “slow down”, and become more lethargic. (as me how I know this) LOL
I also work at a Senior Wellness Center, where the majority Sit and play cards all day. Maybe ONE person is active on their own. I have tried to encourage many to go take a short walk, and I am met with ‘grunts’.
I for my part…decided I am going to go on a 6 month work out routine (YES, I do get tired after working for 5 hours)…BUT I do not want to end up with aches and pains because of NOT Working my Muscles.
It would be an Amazing FEAT for me to actually LOOK ‘buff’ at my age – but that is my Goal for the Rest of 2019 🙂
I meant to say… GAINING WEIGHT is more dangerous, than losing muscle mass! :O Couldn’t EDIT the comment. :/
Nice to get positive encouragement.
I am 66 and workout in the gym 6 days a week. I do 3 sets of up to 12 reps of about 10 exercises, alternating upper and lower body and then more cardio, planks, situps and catch up on day-3. I use mostly dumbbells for upper body, up to 50 lbs each (100 for a pair for bench press shoulder crunch and upper pecs). I seem to have almost plateaued on the weight (dumbbells get dangerous if control is lost 🙂) so now just increasing sets and variations.
P.S. re the concerns on gaining weight (assuming waist, not muscle mass): I recommend a proper keto session for 30 days twice a year. Ideally using more vege protein (e.g. Costco Vega protein/greens which is low carb) and less animal. Sardines and mackerel are good too😁
Hi Clive:
Your workout routine is awesome by any standards. And thanks for your very beneficial tips. 🙂
I’m 68 (retired 2 years ago) and have been active all my life. Last November I had open heart surgery to repair (repair, not replace) a leaky mitral valve. The operation was a TOTAL success, and 3 months later I was back to doing over 7 miles a day on my treadmill. (in 99 minutes, which is when the treadmill cries uncle). I have since cut back to just over 5 miles in 75 minutes, since 1. my cardiologist told me 7 miles really was overkill, 2. I would prefer to not ruin my knees at this age, and 3. I’m dealing with kidney stone pain for about the 4th time in my life. Anyway, beside the treadmill (and other activities) after I walk I have 8 lb hand weights that I work with. (100 reps each arm) If it matters I’m about 5′ 6″ and weigh 145. My one vice, that I refuse to give up, is food. I love to eat, and pretty much eat whatever I want. My cholesterol is good, ( I swear by walnuts and exercise) and I have very little plaque in my arteries. (“Heart disease” just sounds too negative) I’m thinking I would like to build more muscle mass in my arms and am wondering if I should switch to more weight, less reps. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated…. as long as you don’t tell me to stop eating everything in sight.
Charlie: It’s good to see your high spirit. But, since you have certain medical issues, I suggest before starting any new workout routine you should consult your Doctor.
Mt doctors have told me I can do anything I feel up to.
In that case what ever you do – Begin with less weight & fewer reps and progress gradually. For building muscles choose a weight with which you can do between 6 to 15 reps. But before you do this begin with less weight. Here are some of the best articles for you:
(i) https://justfitnesshub.com/building-muscle-after-65/
(ii) https://justfitnesshub.com/muscle-building-for-senior/
(iii) https://justfitnesshub.com/building-muscle-mass-over-50/
(iv) https://justfitnesshub.com/building-muscle-after-60-years-of-age/
Great info! Thank you very much.
You are welcome!
My name is Dale and I have been a cross country runner for 46 years although never competitively. I still run 4 miles each week day at a heart rate of 120 beats per minute- pace has slowed of course and I don’t do races, hill climbs, intervals or speed work. I just run.
For those same 46 years I have been doing strength workouts at the gym usually 3 times a week. Most of those years I did a simple weight routine with moderate weights- my best curl was 90 lbs. But at age 75 I suddenly became obsessed with building great strength. I used progressive resistance adding weight as often as I could. Before the virus closed the gym I could curl 200 lbs on the curl machine and leg press 400 lbs. I’ve lost a lot of course, now curling 160 and leg pressing 370. But muscle has memory and soon my best will come back. I can hardly be more enthusiastic about my training that has made me look and feel much younger than my age. It is truly the fountain of youth.
Yes, Dale – that’s awesome!
Over 65, exercise daily for 20 to 60 minutes usually alternating cardio/and light weights one day and yoga, Qi Gong or walking the next day. I feel much better doing fitness everyday. If I do not do it, I feel restless and low and have difficulty going up stairs within 2 days of no exercise. I have noticed my body fat composition is extremely high even though my weight is normal for height. My muscles seem less than ever. I need advise on supplements and dose for this. I cannot take any dairy including whey and have difficulty with pea protein so please do not advise these products.
I’m 72 and have been lifting weights since I was 13. My gym practices have been up and down over the years due a number of reasons, but I never quit going. I was going regularly when covid changed everyone life. However, I went back to the gym shortly after gyms opened back up at 242 lbs, 7 months ago. Since then I have lose around 40 lbs and I’m back to 205, a weight that is good for me. I have a 32” waist and 49” chest. I only go 3 days a week and just do a full body workout. Due to a motorcycle accident 10 yrs ago I’m limited in what leg exercises I can do. However, my struggle is with muscle soreness that seems to be with me all the time now. I alway start each workout a verges 10 min rowing machine warm up to warm all my joints and muscles to get the blood flowing before I start my weight lifting routine. I was searching on line for some answers that might give me direction to help with my recovery. I do need to add that after each workout I get in a hot tub at home trying to head off the soreness. I’m looking for something additional I can do to help my recovery.