50+ and lifting heavy

[Breezy Trousers]

I'm past 50 and lift heavy. Honestly, I feel like a 30-year-old inside -- no aches or pains -- so it's never occurred to me to stop doing what I love after 50 or even 60. I get the best muscle definition from high rep training and bodyweight work, though.

[Sue B]

Almost forgot, Willie Murphy is like the Ernestine Shepherd of powerlifting.

[Barb L]

Well, keep at it, all you youngsters under 60!

I remarried a year ago at the age of 67. I'm rebuilding my workout space and video collection in our new/old house, and can't wait to work back into heavier lifting. For now, all I have is Jari's original Ripped, and that will do for a while. I just acquired a barbell so I can go up to about 30-50 lbs. in time.

Any suggestions?

When I look at some women my age, I can't stand the idea of stoop and shuffle. I am in total denial and intend to stay that way!

Best wishes.

[lreidgreen]

Originally Posted by Sue B

Almost forgot, Willie Murphy is like the Ernestine Shepherd of powerlifting.

Both of those women are such an inspiration.

[videofit]

Originally Posted by wishiwasinhawaii

I'm not 50 yet, but am not too far off so I'm just curious about something. Do you find lifting heavy helps your muscle definition or does it not make much difference once you get past a certain age? I'm definitely interested in increasing strength, but looking good would be a nice bonus, lol.

When I switched from heavier weights to lighter endurance, thanks to Margaret Richard, I looked better. Before I was always frustrated because visually I didn't look that toned. Now I do. I don't injure myself as often as I used to so I can consistently exercise without blocks of time off. Margaret is into building the muscle and sparing the joints. She is her own best advertisement at 68.

[Jeanne Marie]

Originally Posted by videofit

When I switched from heavier weights to lighter endurance, thanks to Margaret Richard, I looked better. Before I was always frustrated because visually I didn't look that toned. Now I do. I don't injure myself as often as I used to so I can consistently exercise without blocks of time off. Margaret is into building the muscle and sparing the joints. She is her own best advertisement at 68.

One thing that I've learned over the years is that heavier is not always better. I used to think that the heavier I could go, the better my results would be. Now I know that form is key. If you're swinging your body weight around, trying to heft weights that are too heavy, you're not doing a thing for the intended muscle.

I no longer just do DVDs at home. I do an interval class at a local gym, as well as use some of their equipment for a workout a couple of times a week. I can't tell you how many times I've watched somebody slinging weights too heavy for them, thinking they are targeting a certain muscle.

[bubbles76]

Originally Posted by Sue B

Almost forgot, Willie Murphy is like the Ernestine Shepherd of powerlifting.

Thanks for this! She is an inspiration. I posted this on my FB page. No excuses huh

[lreidgreen]

She is not over 50 but I saw this the other day and was amazed:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...type=2&theater

[buffmama]

Originally Posted by lreidgreen

She is not over 50 but I saw this the other day and was amazed:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v...type=2&theater

I had seen this before,, but she's so great I just had to watch it again!

[Barb L]

Jeanne Marie, you remind me that I got my best results in a "body pump" type class at the gym. I loved it. Had an original Body Pump video I loved as well.

Good form and consistency will produce good results. For me, diet is also key, as none of those nice muscles will show if the fat layer is too thick.

Oh, and I am impressed with that Ninja gal. What strength and endurance! Wow. I also suspect that genes play a part in how strong and muscular we can get. Little old Willie Murphy makes a case for never giving up!