The testosterone levels gradually decline as men age. When a man reaches 60, he has significantly reduced testosterone production, which diminishes his ability to maintain muscle mass.
But don’t worry, we have good news for you! Men over 60 can rebuild lost mass, improve strength and regain joint flexibility.
Weight-training is a proven way to offset this natural phenomenon.
Useful related post: Why Weight Training In Old Age
Sensible Approach To Weight Training For Over 60
As we age, our joints don’t remain as limber as they were in young age. The risk of inflammatory pain and injuries increases, and stamina can often decease.
So, weight-training for men and women both as they age becomes challenging. If you have not lifted in a long time, or have never done so, it can be difficult to start weight-training at 60. When beginning a weight-training program at 60 or after that, you need to follow certain tips and guidelines. Read on here:
Guidelines For Weight Training Over 60 Year Olds
(i) To begin with do simple exercises that can be done while seated or in a supine position. This way you can ensure that the stress of the resistance hits target muscles more completely. Moreover this reduces the possibility of injuring joints in other parts of your body.
(ii) Also at start do those exercises that engage a minimum number of joints. Examples are arm curls, bench presses, leg curls, leg presses and shoulder presses. This way you can reach many of the main muscle groups in both the upper and lower body. As you progress through several weeks, include more complex exercises such as bent-over rows, lat pulldowns and triceps pushdowns.
(ii) Split your routine into upper- and lower-body workouts on different days so that you don’t overburden yourself.
(iii) Quality movement is a LOT more important than poundage. Do your exercises slowly and methodically. Avoid using momentum while you workout as this not only reduces the benefit, but will cause serious joint and muscle injury for those over the age of 60.
(iv) Perform each exercise in its correct form, and use a low level of weight until you’re completely comfortable performing the exercise. Don’t attempt to max out on each lift; the purpose isn’t to blast your muscles. Because when you perform exercises with weight heavier than the one you are comfortable with, your body will need as much more time to recover. Gradually you can start increasing weight, as your stamina and endurance will improve with exercises.
Read this if your aim is to build muscles after 60
(v) As you age, you need more and more rest than you used to. So rest two days in between each workout for the same muscles. For example, perform your upper-body workout on one day, then your lower-body workout next day, and then plan a complete day of rest before doing your second weekly upper-body workout, followed by your second lower-body workout.
I personally perform one part of body workout on one day and then another part of body next day and so on. I work on chest, back, biceps, shoulders, triceps and thighs (six body parts) – each on different days in that order. Then I also make sure to take 2-3 days rest in a week in between on the days when I am busy or feel like taking rest.
Useful related post: Best Exercises After 60
(vi) Warm up fully before you start working out. The warm-up’s not just about getting warm; it’s also a self-assessment of sorts. Observe what your body’s telling you in terms of stiffness, soreness, energy levels, etc.
(vii) Listen to your body. Just because you could do it at 25–or at 50–doesn’t mean you can do it today.
Enjoy and follow the above tips about weight training for over 60s.
We will appreciate if you could share your experience with our readers here under the comments section below.
Listening to your body is super important!
I’m 60 I do weight training. I do my body parts once every two weeks i.e. chest, tri’s & delts week one then back, bi’s & legs week 2. I never spend more than 40 minutes in the gym. CV is covered with walking my dogs. I take a protein drink post training. My nutrition is my only letdown I like sweets to much, but this year so far I’ve cut as much sugar out of my nutrition as I can without going on a diet. So far so good.
Skipping is a strenuous exercise, so start slowly. Try skipping for 20 to 30 seconds, marching on the spot for 30 seconds, and then repeat. As your fitness improves, you can increase the time you skip for.
Started weight lifting (again) 6 months ago at age 75. Settled on twice a week hitting upper body muscles with super sets for about an hour per session. Do three sets of 8-10 reps at moderate weight for me. Tempted to go heavier but don’t want to risk injury, safe is better.
Hi Tom: You are doing the right thing. Yes, safe is the better choice at 75.
77 year old male walk first thing in AM for hour with pup! Every 4th day do push-ups over one hour starting with wide then narrow hand space. Start with 5’s and increase by 5 until 40 in each set which totals 140 reps. Other days do curls. Winter I use universal machine in garage. Summer is too hot! No workout partner so turn on the radio! Should this routine be there for me in my 80’s!
77 year old male walk first thing in AM for hour with pup! Every 4th day do push-ups over one hour starting with wide then narrow hand space. Start with 5’s and increase by 5 until 40 in each set which totals 140 reps. Other days do curls. Winter I use universal machine in garage. Summer is too hot! No workout partner so turn on the radio! Should this routine be there for me in my 80’s!
IM 64 BEEN WEIGHT TRAINING ON AND OFF MOST OF MY LIFE I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER WHEN I TRAIN MY MUSCLES, I USE HEAVY WEIGHTS BUT I HAVE A HIATUS HERNIA AND SUFFER SOME TIMES WITH MY INGESTION AND STOMACH BUT I CAN PUT UP WITH THIS
PAIN AND DISCOMFORT BECAUSE I FEEL SO MUCH BETTER MENTALLY WHEN TRAINING
IF I DONT WEIGHT TRAIN I CAN SEE MY MUSCLES WASTING DO TO AGE AND SKIN GETTING
MORE WRINKLEY ITS SOMETHING I CANT ACCEPT IN MY LIFE SO I PUSH MYSELF TO THE LIMIT EVERY TIME I TRAIN, DEEP DOWN I CANT ACCEPT IM GETTING OLD ITS DEF HARDER
TO KEEP IN CONDITION WHEN YOUR OLDER THEN WHEN YOUR YOUNG THATS FOR SURE.
Hi Royston: That’s really awesome & inspiring!!
Hi,
I’m 64 years old and have been weight training most of my adult life. I raced and road mountain bike from age 40 to 60 years old. The weight training has been difficult for me with Covid and no gym. I had a hip replacement last March and have had a quick and full recovery while gradually working back into the weights.
I found your instructions for over 60 to be helpful and motivating. I have read lots on the topic and would recommend much the same. I look forward to reading more of your articles.
Hi Paul: Thanks… I am glad that you found this helpful!
I am 63 and walk 4 miles daily. Since Florida is so hot, I started lifting dumb bells at home. My goal is to firm my upper body. My shoulder,s and arm’s are firming nicely! I am having challenges with under arm and chest flab needs lots of work! What are the best exercises for me? I have started back walking but want to firm up my problem areas. Any input is much appreciated!