What Age Do You Hit Peak Strength?

Like the bodybuilding greats before him, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, Mike holds 4 Mr. Universe titles and was voted one of the 12 greatest physiques of all time by the fitness industry.

Background in natural bodybuilding, strongman, power lifting, and mixed martial arts.
4 Mr. (Natural) Universe, Mr. California, Mr. USA, Mr. American and Mr. International. He is also a 4-time Power Lifting Champion, and 2-time Iron Warrior: Decathlon of Strength Strongman Champion, 2 Time California Judo Champion.

He is also the creator of -Power-Bodybuilding- a style of training and the principles he uses to achieve the longevity and success in his physique, and in the health and fitness industry.

[sim_]

24 years young and training for 5 years, my father still tops my pr's on the bench press at 52. He recently hit a pr of 130 kg / 275 lbs x 10 with perfect form. Train drug free and for longevity.

[johnnybravo]

I was at my strongest at 35. Some injuries/ surgeries derailed me. But I’m 40 now and real close to my all time PRs. Keep pushing !!

[rockman]

I agree with the 28-44 for peak strength. At 47 I may not be as strong, but I’m more muscular now

[miguelroman]

45 years old growing stronger as a life long natty! Just good food and rest! No amino or protein shakes. Yooo Mike love the topics for discussion!

[thebodybeatdownDiTi]

I was at my strongest probably around 2007-2010 late 30s to 40..i already had injuries at that point.BUT still stronger. 225lb flat bench 20reps...300lb flat bench 10reps..240lb sitting barbell press 2 reps...375lb flat bench 1 rep...300lb incline barbell press 2 reps..AND other good lifts..Keep in mind i had shoulder issues..I have a chronic bad back "still 25 years"...AND workedout at home with a bad diet..

[stu]

I benched 405 naturally at 205 lb body weight, age 22, after training 3 years straight. My Dead lift maxed at 650lbs, 33 years old, 230 lbs body weight, also natural no roids.

[williammiller]

I recently found a study of over 1, 200 regularly drug tested natural male powerlifters that had been competing for over 20 years and had a prior history of competing at age 18 or younger. The study concluded that the peak age for bench press strength was 39.4 years old. And 98.9% of those individuals peaked between ages 34-43.

[Turboy]

I'm 58 and still increasing my strength. I'm at lifetime PRs and making new ones regularly. I got serious about working out less than three years ago. Working toward a 405 bench as a milestone, not an ultimate goal. Already I'm hitting a 315 bench and dumbbell pressing a pair of 130s for 6 reps. Biceps are up to 18.5" with a good pump. You're never too old to gain....as long as you avoid injury.

[MacBeanScottishFitness]

I am 60, and I still am making new PR's in my competition lifts

[ivan]

The legend big mike. Hitting 315lbs behind the neck press! Over 50 years old when have you heard of this guy having injuries, health issues and strength regression? It’s madness like you are immortal. You age like fine wine.

[everready]

I'd say 30 but I'm 51 and really going strong!!

[squatmasterproductions]

Back in the 80s, powerlifters would say , it was possible to get stronger into you're 50s, as long as you don't get injured,
It takes decades to get really strong tendons and dense muscle, hence old man muscle looks better than puffy young muscle

[AguilarTangFamily]

Do people understand how much free information Michael puts out? Jesus!!! THANK YOU

[mattiasalsander]

I was at strongest at 40yo, after 24 years of training. 48yo this year and I dont really belive I will repeat the weights I used at 40yo. But still, I fully belive that I will do pretty big weights for the next 5-7 years.

[dasanhermione]

I don't know how strong I am.... getting stronger every year....39 yrs young and a competitive natural bodybuilder

[rezaq]

Interesting. I’m strong now at 44 and I started training at 19.

But, my injuries are holding me back now. The left tricep and elbow tendinitis are very limiting, I cannot squat anymore due to a messed up right knee and lower back issues, and obviously no more dead’s.

If it wasn’t for these bloody injuries I would be the strongest right now, but it’s crazy how debilitating the injuries are. They also put you off training big time as you have a painful session and then can’t move your left hand to your face for a week as the elbow is so painful.

[Apache]

Mike O-Tren just looks like an absolute jacked Nicholas Cage.

[carsandhealthtoddrosenzwei]

I peaked at 45 years old I'd say... my joints and prostate eff'd my rhythm up. Sux...

[armwrestlingelysium]

After hmm age of 27 ör 28 my strength boosted. İ am fresh 30 years old and getting strength much faster than my twenties. İ did so much sport since i was 8 years old. Karate, Taekwondo, cycling, athleticism, and armwrestling besides i never stop doing calisthenics. And last 3 years i started do powerlifting. For me my strength increased largely when i closing to my 30. And i am 30 now my strength going higher with every training. İ am eating only home meals and even no supplements but my number is for now 150 kg paused bench press, 260 kg squat with knee wrap, over 265 kg Deadlift with straps. And my goal is to reach 300 kg deads and +185 kg bench.

[codyschnuriger]

Matt Wenning knows his stuff. Great interview/collaboration.