I have said it many times but training as an older guy brings a whole different range of issues. Firstly recovery is not close to the glory days of your mid twenties. Most of us have accumulated a whole range of niggles and injuries that we either work around (if you're smart) or through (if you are not so smart!). Most impactful is the many work/family commitments that must come first. All of these ensure that just getting to the gym can be a challenge let alone thriving, growing and hitting PB's.
I take my hat off to my fellow iron addicts who are pounding the bar well into their 40's. It shows a commitment to a lifestyle of health and strength far beyond the superficial characteristics that got many started in the teens and twenties.
Personally I juggle a demanding job and toddler who doesn't want her dad to get a good nights sleep. Regardless I have set solid PB's this year and have no reason to believe this won't continue.
The funny thing is though I train to reflect the nuances of my age and recovery ability I don't see myself different to my twenties. I literally have a 5 year look ahead of where I want to be and what I want to achieve at nationals and possibly worlds. Now this is quite aspirational but I have goals and I'm chasing them hard with intelligent focused training.
Interestingly lately whenever I read or talk to older lifters or professionals with lots of family commitments many seem to be running Wendler 5/3/1. I chatted to Perry one of the guys at PTC Perth and he has started to run Wendler and has similar feedback. I think the simplicity and flexibility really appeals particularly when you have a full schedule outside of the gym.
Jesse Rosenberger posted a great article on training in your 40's using Wendler 5/3/1, check it out
http://articles.elitefts.com/training-articles/531-and-40/
Stay Strong
Thomo
No comments:
Post a Comment