Can You Build Muscle After 50 Years Old?

Is it possible for guys over 50 to build muscle & get stronger?

Is there an age limit to working out?
How old is too old to lift weights?
Can you still workout and build muscle after age 50?

A lot of people in their 50's and older think that they are over the hill and too old to workout. But the truth of the matter is that anyone can workout as long as they are healthy and mobile... Regardless of age.

It doesn't matter how old you are, improvement is always possible. Now I'm not saying that you'll become an elite level athlete or anything like that, but you can certainly take action to improve your current health and fitness level.

So for you guys and gals who are 50+ and wondering if it's too late to workout, put your doubts aside and just go for it, you'll never be as young as you are right now. And you're not getting any younger, so do it now!

If you go to any gym these days you will see lots of seniors in the weight room pumping iron, doing cardio, and taking part in fitness classes. In some cases the seniors are in better shape then people half their age.

While it's totally fine to go to the gym and workout in your fifties, sixties, and beyond. Just realize that your body isn't going to be able to recover as fast as it could when you were in your twenties. Your natural metabolic and anabolic hormones like testosterone, growth hormone, etc. are not as high and you'll need to treat your body with more respect.

I recommend following an every other day workout schedule for people in their 50's and older. This will provide your body with adequate time for rest and recovery between workouts.

If you need help in planning and organizing your workout schedule, than I recommend downloading the Total Fitness Bodybuilding Workout Training App. This app includes sample workouts, exercise demos, meal plans, and healthy recipes for men and women of all ages.

Just visit the link below for more info about the Total Fitness Bodybuilding Workout Training App.

[stevenzak]

I'm 66 and workout hard six days a week. I have free weights -- including a hardcore hex bar for deads and farmers walks -- a weight machine, kettlebells, a steelbell,  a TRX,  bands, and a heavy sandbag. I work heavy and also do HIIT. I think I look pretty good -- not just for my age but for any age. (I didn't look this good when I was 20, and I lifted then and did a lot of lap swimming.) To somebody age 50, I'd say: You're just a kid. Get in the gym, be fearless (though careful), and just get it done.

[JxT]

im 60 and have not been a gym member since '89. since then i have my own steel weights and do my workouts at home.

[jodyreid]

My Grandpa turns 95 in a week...still goes to the gym 4 days a week...stay active folks!

[djl]

I'm 65 and use Lee's 12-week workout schedule. I go to the gym 3-4 days a week. I've met folks at the gym who are up to 80 years of age and older, along with those who are in a wheelchair. Not trying to be a bodybuilder, just want to be in good health. Thanks for sharing this video Lee!

[charleswildman]

I am 51.5 years old and right now I can bench press my body weight and run a 5k. I intend to maintain those two capabilities for as long as possible!

[MrPaskowsky]

Thanks for posting this video for us older people.  I'll be turning 64 this week, and I look forward to working out at the gym and at home.

[JimmyMakingitwork]

Im 54 and started going to the gym at 46. What ive found is that staying natural and training for health, requires patience and good nutrition. Good genetics helps a ton also. But sticking with it, haing small goals and being realistic will get anyone noticeable improvements.

[raju]

I am 53 years of age and do road running of 5km five days in week and then go to gym, i don't have big muscles but good fitness

[xlex.the.menxce]

One of the last times I went to the gym, I saw an older guy there. Had to be in his 60s and dude was impressive. He was very active, motivated and hitting the machines like a beast. Now he wasn't super big but, he was definitely in great shape for his age. Definitely inspiring.

[researchinstitute]

At 62 I do free weight bench press 5 sets starting at 135 lbs fifteen reps. (two 45lbs on each end of a 45 lb bar)

Weight is increased to 155 lbs (add two 10 lb weights on each end) and I do about 10 sets of 15 reps.

Finally, I increase the bench press weight to 225 lbs (pull off the 10 lb weights and add another 45 lb weight to each end) and do one set of 5 reps.

In between recovery, I do arm curls sets starting at set 25 pound weights on each end of a 35 lb curling bar.

I do several curling sets each with alternating 15 and 20 reps; as well as using a tricep rope which lifts 70 lbs threw a pulley system ... usually do several sets with 20 reps of these.

My workouts are usually between 2 -3 hours.

Building muscle? You bet. Not so much for show but simply to stay fit and strong.

Also on alternate days, I do swimming (2 swimming pool miles ... slowly ... I'm not in a race); leg presses; abdominal crunches and of course I warm up with treadmill ... 2 miles of very fast walking of mild jog.

Just telling you ... yes ... it is being done .... and do not forget to get protein and stay away from steroids.

You are not going to cheat death by working out. You have an appointed expiration date I believe. However, you can make the time from right now to that unavoidable eventuality ... a little more healthy ... between now and then.

Sermon concluded.

[browill]

My 90 year old grandma started walking 5 miles a day about 2 years ago, and now we cant find her.

[eukleidesk]

I'm old and still lift. One thing that is helpful for older guys is to use micro-plates. This allows you to keep progressing at a manageable rate. I've also found it necessary to deload more frequently as I've gotten older. I can rarely go more than six weeks without a break now. When I was younger, even into my forties, I could train for nearly a year at a time without a break.

[andrewskratt]

im 53 and you have to train different than i did when i was younger    cardio conditioning is important

[Nookster]

I"m 64 and have been working out off and on my entire adult life. Sometimes i work out 6 days a week and do two a days. Weight train early in the morning which consist of one body part. I do enough weight to get at least 12 reps. In the afternoon I go back to the gym and do 30-40 minutes of cardio. Bike, elliptical or treadmill. I eat healthy. Lots of lean protein, vege's and a little fruit only in the morning. I'm still surfing and paddle boarding so when I do that I skip the gym. I also substitute the gym routine for yoga once and a while. I always train around anything sore and never push it. That gyms not going anywhere. You see old guys with skinny arms and legs. Weight training is imperative to prevent this. I'm in better shape than both of my grown sons.

[robertsuhrer]

I'm 56 and working out is as part of my life as eating and sleeping. I'm on no drugs of any kind and my doctors appointment
is in the weight room. Speed walking or biking really helps on the breathing.

[crunch]

I'm 51. Started lifting seriously about 8 months ago. Good muscles growth. Still trying to work out the amount of calories to eat but not get fat.

[stevemack]

I think people over 50 often get the very limiting message from fitness sources about how hard they can work out.  Many of the online fitness articles directed at older people suggest walking and light resistance exercises.

So the person who may not have lifted seriously before thinks that is the upper bound of intensity for people their age.  I'm guessing that personal trainers to people over 50 often throttle them back too.

Probably a good idea for gyms to organize some weight training classes for people over 50 to demonstrate how they could safely ramp up their workouts.

[MoreChannelNoise]

This is my second time around for weight training. The first time I was in my early twenties. Now I am 55. To my surprise I am building muscle quicker! My diet is superior now (I think!) as I am almost vegan. That might have something to do with it. Also when I was younger I was very thin and could not put on any weight. Now I am still very thin but can put on weight easier.

[fitzgeraldhanover]

I am 73. I agree. Lean meat is
best. Lots of fruit and vegetables. I drink milk.
I drink juices. However, diabetics must stay on a
strict diet. Obesity is another
problem. Very little starchy
foods for elderly people.
Most elderly do not exercise
enough to work off calories.

[briangoodwin]

I'm still setting new personal records at 48 - am guessing that I did not reach my potential in younger years? No matter where you are, you can get stronger - more rest in between heavy workouts - I'm only going 1 heavy session per body part per week - lighter stuff another day. Been at it for 32 years, and it is still fun. Get started - invite friends.