Aging Powerlifters

[tuna]

As some may know I started PL late at 37 years old after a mix of BB and strength training for past 10 years mainly because of my work in security and door work.

But now I seriously want to compete in PL meets. Im by no means strong enough to do so yet, the way I figure it I have at least 10 or 12 years left in which to achieve my goals in lifting. I know I can compete in masters after that or during. But as far as growth in strength is concerned Im wondering how I will go. I realize PL is all about the pure effort but my question is does anyone know of any other successful PL's who started late in life who I can draw inspiration from. I work out on my own and so my drive comes from within, but its good to have encouragement, especially in PL where we cultivate a different mindset to the cut throat world of bodybuilding. To me PL is about strength and brotherhood, it will be nice to have support which is why it will be nice to join a club soon.

Thanks in advance
Mike

[Ryan]

Apr 30, 2014 9:14:33 GMT -5 tuna said:

As some may know I started PL late at 37 years old after a mix of BB and strength training for past 10 years mainly because of my work in security and door work.

But now I seriously want to compete in PL meets. Im by no means strong enough to do so yet, the way I figure it I have at least 10 or 12 years left in which to achieve my goals in lifting. I know I can compete in masters after that or during. But as far as growth in strength is concerned Im wondering how I will go. I realize PL is all about the pure effort but my question is does anyone know of any other successful PL's who started late in life who I can draw inspiration from. I work out on my own and so my drive comes from within, but its good to have encouragement, especially in PL where we cultivate a different mindset to the cut throat world of bodybuilding. To me PL is about strength and brotherhood, it will be nice to have support which is why it will be nice to join a club soon.

Thanks in advance
Mike

Not sure of any true examples of world-class-level lifters who got into the sport mid-30's, but I happen to have done so at age 35 myself. I am FAR from someone you should aspire to in terms of strength and overall success, but I'm doing fairly well thus far at age 38 (almost 39), and I don't see a true ceiling above me.

For me -to this point- it's been all about hard work and consistency, battling through minor injuries and recognizing when you need time off. I've found that focusing mostly on the big 3 lifts has been best for me as well.

Other than that, I hope some of the more tenured guys here will chime in to help.

-Ryan

[dbunch]

Mike, I was 40 before I started seriously lifting and didn’t compete the first time until I was 42. I’m not sure how you define successful but I would say I had, and still have a successful one. At 50 - I have a 507 Squat, a 551 deadlift, and a 300 bench (I’m SHW). It’s not world class but it’s not shabby either Current I’m a class 2 lifter, and my goal is to become a class 1 lifter (1427 total) That would put me in the top 25% of lifters. I think it is a very achievable goal and I expect to reach it in the next year or two and I would say I’ve still got 10 year of strong gains in front of me so who know where could end up.

Also I think most of the regular contributor on this site are masters (or close too it) and there are some seriously strong people here.

My point is that, as you said, you have at least 10-12 (if not more) good years so make the most of them.

As a side note, I would say find a meet and compete – don’t wait till you think you are strong enough, that day will never come – Know you are strong enough now and do it!

[3speed]

I don't fit the profile you are asking about, but I would like to tell you not to mentally limit yourself by concentrating on age. A lot of lifters don't reach their peak until their late 30s or even 40s. I am 49 and have been lifting since I was 12 and I am still making progress. I used to think I only had until about 40 to make progress. Then, it was 45. Now, I honestly don't know. I personally know lifters who didn't start until they were in their 50s and even 60s who, through smart training, have set world records in their age groups.

A lot of people talk about supplements, about genetics and about a whole host of other factors that supposedly determine what level you can reach. I say that it is simply a matter of how badly you want it and what you are willing to endure to get it.

Your training will have to progress through several stages - you will have to change what you do when you reach certain levels. Others can provide guidelines, but only you will know when that happens.

[tuna]

Thanks guys I needed to hear all that. much respect to you all.

[George]

I second 3speed. I may only be 33, but I have noticed my gains for my last meet came much faster than at 27, doing far less work. I've seen guys who were outright trailblazers fade off, and some greats who were and have always been studs in the traditional sense, and late bloomers. A good friend of mine, Jack Daniels, consistently hits above 400 (typically 420-440) in either 242 or 275 and is in his lower 60's. He has progressed slightly from his mid-50's when I started doing competitions with him.

When it comes to elite or record breaking, no doubt watching guys like Fred Peterson deadlift 600 plus at 70 is amazing, to me more so than any jacked juicer in his prime. www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxlY9LjACTg

Its guys like Jack, who is full of good stories and old school views, who brighten up the warmup room. He's good for a record virtually any time he competes, at least in the police and fire games, but meets have and always will be about having a good time and trying to outdo the last time. I've noticed the only time my fire is dim is when I have let myself slide. I don't like to compete unless I'm going to pr. But as mentioned and seen, steady progression seems possible well into advancing age.

[osu122975]

I started when I was about 35. Starting numbers were 275 squat 235 bench 275 deads. Three years later: competition bench 376 and dead of 501 at 239 bodyweight.

Not impressive, but progress none-the-less. Age means nothing......sort of

[Ryan]

May 13, 2014 19:26:01 GMT -5 osu122975 said:

I started when I was about 35. Starting numbers were 275 squat 235 bench 275 deads. Three years later: competition bench 376 and dead of 501 at 239 bodyweight.

Not impressive, but progress none-the-less. Age means nothing......sort of

Adding 140lbs to any lift in span of 3 years is impressive, bodyweight regardless. Just saying!