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Muscle gain over 45?

malfisher Posts: 25 Joined: 2002/04/18	2002/06/01, 01:01 PM Does anyone know of, or could point me to any scientific or personal studies/information regarding the building of further muscle mass over the age of 45. This is a question on behalf of a friend of mine, who does not have access to the net. He is age 49, and at a very high standard (in my opinion) after 25 years lifting, but would like to know if it is considered possible to really grow after the age of 45. Like I say, he is a very advanced and intense lifter that moves great weights and looks great, but wants more! I would particularly be interested to hear from anyone that did manage to achieve big gains over 45. Thanks, Mal.
mikencharleston Posts: 1,585 Joined: 2002/01/09	2002/06/01, 01:40 PM Mal - I don't have any on this computer but do have some articles at work and will try and dig them up and post. I don't have the desire to ever be in competition shape but you can definitely make good gains over 45. I'm 52 and have been working out since my teens. I was career Navy so was limited by their height/weight restrictions till I retired a couple of years ago. I started intentionally putting on some bulk a couple of years. I've added 4 inches to my chest and the strength gains correspond with that. It's definitely not as easy as when you're younger but it's sure possible. By the way, there's a guy in my gym that started working out 4 years ago. He's getting ready to compete in a bb competition this season and also got his black belt in Karate a couple of months ago. He's just turned 72.
malfisher Posts: 25 Joined: 2002/04/18	2002/06/02, 08:40 AM Hi Mike, thats great news, really, the guy is in great shape, and strong. But I reckon we all need a little encouragement from time to time however experienced or accomplished we are! I'm new to the game, as I only started 3 months ago, and at 42, I love it. I will look forward to reading the stuff if you manage to dig it out. By the way, that guy of 72 sounds absolutely awesome! Great stuff, thanks, Mal.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/06/03, 10:56 AM It's NEVER too late to get into the best shape of your life! -------------- **_Robert_** Pain is temporary; glory is forever!
malfisher Posts: 25 Joined: 2002/04/18	2002/06/04, 03:49 AM Hi Robert, the guy is in great shape, trained for 25 years, bench's 308lbs for instance, 616lbs (plus frame) on the leg press, 110lbs behind neck press, and so on. But he wants to gain further muscle mass, and being almost 50, wonders if this is actually possible, as some suggest after a certain age all we do is lose tissue. I dont know what the facts are of course, I'm just beginning! :)
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/06/04, 10:58 AM I truly believe that it is still possible...even at that age. Testosterone can still be produced (of course at a lower level) and hypertrophy can still occur (albeit slowly). -------------- **_Robert_** Pain is temporary; glory is forever!
malfisher Posts: 25 Joined: 2002/04/18	2002/06/05, 04:21 AM Thanks Robert, I will pass that on, I actually think so too myself, but as a complete novice, it is just a gut feeling with me!
mikencharleston Posts: 1,585 Joined: 2002/01/09	2002/06/05, 08:25 AM Hey mal - take a look at this lady if you'd like to see what can be accomplished. This obviously isn't the guy I was talking about but she's also 72 and started in her fifties. http://www.geocities.com/jgrrl2/seventytwo.html
malfisher Posts: 25 Joined: 2002/04/18	2002/06/05, 09:38 AM Wow, thats incredible Mike, she didnt even start till 53! thanks for that, it's a real inspiration aint it. Im feeling sorry for myself at the moment due to flu! It will soon pass, but Iv'e had to miss back & triceps today, hope its gone before Friday.
Boddhisattvha Posts: 1,226 Joined: 2002/03/07	2002/06/05, 12:04 PM That's cool and scary at the same time... -------------- And my soul must be iron, because my fear is naked. I'm naked and fearless.
Lumina20 Posts: 966 Joined: 2001/10/31	2002/06/05, 05:31 PM That's one good looking ol' lady!
junglrulz Posts: 42 Joined: 2002/07/05	2002/07/07, 08:22 PM You quit growing when you are dead! I'm 52 and a grandfather of 4, a retired state employee, & a Viet Vet. I love the gains I make in the gym, and I'm nursing some major injuries to boot. Approach your workout and nutrition scientifically, read that to say with intelligence. Do some reading and a lot of listening when it comes to your workout, it won't disappoint you. I believe in myself, its why I've survived my very wild career. If you think you can you will, if you think you can't...trying then is a moot point.
malfisher Posts: 25 Joined: 2002/04/18	2002/07/08, 03:08 PM Hi Jungl Thanks for that, I'll pass that on, I think in some ways although he (to me anyway) looks great, Im in a better position as I have it all to do yet. He worries that after 25 years under the bar, he has peaked. Plus the fact he is (unfortunately) surrounded by juiced to the gills lifters, and compares himself to them, a mistake I think. ============ Quoting from junglrulz: You quit growing when you are dead! I'm 52 and a grandfather of 4, a retired state employee, & a Viet Vet. I love the gains I make in the gym, and I'm nursing some major injuries to boot. Approach your workout and nutrition scientifically, read that to say with intelligence. Do some reading and a lot of listening when it comes to your workout, it won't disappoint you. I believe in myself, its why I've survived my very wild career. If you think you can you will, if you think you can't...trying then is a moot point. =============
malfisher Posts: 25 Joined: 2002/04/18	2002/07/08, 03:10 PM Hi Ice, good to hear it, incidentally, I just saw a guy on a yahoo group, that didnt start till he was 72, he is showing now at 74, it's incredible! ============ Quoting from ice_man: Yes & still possible at 60 as well, a lot harder but possible all the same =============
bb1fit Posts: 11,105 Joined: 2001/06/30	2002/08/24, 12:08 AM You may not grow as fast, but there is much living proof that muscle is very much attainable at any age! We are living proof. Never give up!