If you are over 40 and started strength training for the first time don't give up

[Anonymous]

If you are over 40 and started strength training for the first time don't give up....I am 46 and I have been lifting weight since I was 19. Recently 2 of my friends 46 and 50 joined me and are now training with me. I now realize that I took for granted how "easy" it has been for me to consistently lift weight 3 times a week over the past 20+ years. My friends who joined me are struggling a lot and they have all kind of joint pains. But I won't let them quit. If you are in this age bracket it's hard, but don't give up.

[Anonymous]

They might be going too hard too fast. Encourage them to start light and get fork right. They can’t nor should they keep up with you. I don’t think joint pain is normal just because they are older.

[Anonymous]

Get form right! (Not fork, ha!)

[Anonymous]

Yes they need to go LIGHT, start slow that’s the key to developing the habit

[Anonymous]

Is biology baby!

I’ve been lifting since I was 14 and I have lots of aches and pains and injuries since I turned 40.

My husband has also been lifting his whole life and he doesn’t get any injuries.

Add two sons one takes after him takes after me. They’re both college athletes.

One gets injuries one doesn’t.

Actually, the thinner you are the more likely you are to get injuries because you don’t have fat too bad your joints and muscles.

Stop acting like you had a life hack, and that is the reason this is so easy for you.

[Anonymous]

Is 3 times really necessary? didn't mike mentzer do like once a week or two?

If your biology can handle 3 times then great mine needs a week to recover. If I was 19 then I need 2-3 days. Now 50+ I need 1 week.

[Anonymous]

Good job on the humble brag, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is 3 times really necessary? didn't mike mentzer do like once a week or two?

If your biology can handle 3 times then great mine needs a week to recover. If I was 19 then I need 2-3 days. Now 50+ I need 1 week.

Once is good if you want to keep your progress.
If you want to see significant improvements, then 2-3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are over 40 and started strength training for the first time don't give up....I am 46 and I have been lifting weight since I was 19. Recently 2 of my friends 46 and 50 joined me and are now training with me. I now realize that I took for granted how "easy" it has been for me to consistently lift weight 3 times a week over the past 20+ years. My friends who joined me are struggling a lot and they have all kind of joint pains. But I won't let them quit. If you are in this age bracket it's hard, but don't give up.

I mean, muscle soreness is one thing (and normal and good) but joint pain quite another. They should start with lighter weights if it is such an issue.

[Anonymous]

I am 41 and have tried to start a lifting routine. However, I started too fast and quickly threw out my back and then hurt my shoulder.

I'm easing back into it but with a different and more gradual approach. Fitness culture that emphasizes more is better is not healthy.

OP, if you want to help your friends, recognize that avoiding injuries is really important, and don't push them to ignore their bodies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is 3 times really necessary? didn't mike mentzer do like once a week or two?

If your biology can handle 3 times then great mine needs a week to recover. If I was 19 then I need 2-3 days. Now 50+ I need 1 week.

Yeah he was big on intensity and less frequency, but if you had ever watched him workout, you'd know why. Plus the gear helps.

[Anonymous]

This is a cringey post but if you're the one leading the group-- I really hope they are doing progressive overload and not trying to just jump into lifting heavy.

Once they've learned some form, they should be doing the same set of exercises and slowly increasing reps and/or weight over time. Also matching the appropriate weight to the exercise. It avoids both discouragement and injury.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is 3 times really necessary? didn't mike mentzer do like once a week or two?

You're not going at the same intensity as him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is 3 times really necessary? didn't mike mentzer do like once a week or two?

If your biology can handle 3 times then great mine needs a week to recover. If I was 19 then I need 2-3 days. Now 50+ I need 1 week.

I'm 61 and I lift 4x a week, don't understand how you can possibly need a week to recover from one workout.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is 3 times really necessary? didn't mike mentzer do like once a week or two?

If your biology can handle 3 times then great mine needs a week to recover. If I was 19 then I need 2-3 days. Now 50+ I need 1 week.

I'm 61 and I lift 4x a week, don't understand how you can possibly need a week to recover from one workout.

+1. I lift heavy 3 times a week. If you're in shape you don't. 52 and been lifting for decades.