Fitness and Bodybuilding Over 40...Why Is It So Hard?

[ripperduck]

I went back to college in my 40's. I already had a degree but always wanted to study Physics. I did SO much better when I was older than younger, mostly because I knew so much more, and didn't put up with the bullshit of professors. I realized that it was up to me to become educated, realized that the original college was terrible and transferred to where I graduated. The same with conditioning, and at 46, am in much better shape than at 25. Diet and even keel emotionally or essential.

[Rivalakbar12]

Thanks man great video.

[parducci5]

Thanks for making this inspirational video. What you say about having better workouts than you had in your 20s rings true. I'm 48 and still pumping iron and bike riding almost very day. I plan to do so until my last dying breath. Never say die!

[KungFuChess]

I agree proper diet is key! All natural is the way to go

[absalutitly]

who would look up a motivational video and dislike it?

[spiralcosmosart]

Men over 40's dicks will fall off a lot easier than the young bucks if they don't exercise.

[scorand]

wonderfull and insightful advice..

[wootuser]

After being married for 20 years I started to get very fit in my mid 40's my wife did the opposite. She went to the gym a few times but never had the will to stick to it. I pushed forward and my physic is looking like I'm an amature bodybuilder. Now my wife is telling me how gross my arms look because my muscles and vains are bulging out.

Do I listen to her? Hell no, I havn't for 20 years so why the hell start now.

Don't listen to people that tell you you can't, just do it for yourself.

[SaiyanLink88]

Good video, very true

[Motownbrother]

Pupman2 you`re awesome.

[saibod]

I turned 40 in April this year and I was fat and in the worst shape of my life. I ignored it and drank more initially and just got fatter and unhealthier. 9 weeks ago I had enough and drastically changed my diet and started going to the gym seriously. Now 9 weeks on I still have a long way to go but feel better than I have in the last 10 years.

[RayfieldA]

God bless you for making this video.

[KaeruthePaladin]

You're inspirirational, my parents are in their 50s and use their age as an excuse to be so bad out of shape, they always use age as an excuse and quickly get agressive when I suggest that their talking BS.

One question I do have is how you continue to add and maintaine muscle over age 40 or hell even 30? I've heard all kinds of scary things about testosterone levels falling with age and all the muscle people work so hard for dying

[BodyPreserverdotcom]

Ur a beast man...inspire us all!!! check out bodypreserverdotcom for others like yourself...keep up the good work!

[MrMontgomeryM]

I'm opposite to most people, I'm 41 and when I stop bodybuilding I lose weight, I was 204lbs at 31 and in good shape and then I had a lot of work pressure stress and then cancer and hospital and chemo and then recovery period in remission and then back to training again 4 months ago, went from 146lbs to 192lbs now. Life has it's ups and downs, you just got to get back up from the downs.

[cutsan1]

Change your life in a positive way.....indeed..I agree 100%...I started gym at 62 yrs old, after smoking for over 40 yrs ans a few drinks too,Its inly been a few months and I already noticed the change,,,..not onIy I stopped smoking and drinking but have lost 22 lbs...and I feel great...and its true..its not harder at this age..you just have to deal with your mind..I even conviced my wife (50) to do ecercise w me after she saw that I went from a 14 inch bicept to 16 half.so get up and do it.!!

[bappek]

This guy may very well be the wisest man on Youtube.

[mycal64]

Looks like you filmed this in an old folk's home ; )

[97432561]

richard are u dying of cancer?

[feenius]

I love this guy!

[JanKrosl]

60?!!!lookin good man

[billybodybuilder]

Well said Richard, i too was looking for excuses... At 42, i was overweight & high blood pressure. I decided to do something about it, so i hit the gym & started dieting and eventually competed. At 48 now , i have done 6 comps , finishing anywhere from 2nd to 2nd last ! However , i no longer look at placings, just the sheer fact that i went from 126 Kg's (277 lbs) @ 44% bodyfat to 90 Kg's (198 lbs) @ 10% bodyfat & feel so much healthier. I intend to compete until the grave.

[smartcookie76]

I'm going to start watching this video every morning. It's very motivating!

[rohitseth]

Thank you. I needed to hear that.

[MarkRestelli]

I want to be on your team. 45 year old who subscribes to all that you are saying.

[jimini]

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE. I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO KNEW THIS. I feel great and needed to hear this. Thank you.

[josepablobolanos]

I am 39 years old now and I'm in far better shape than I ever was when I trained competitive sports (swimming in High School, waterpolo in College and martial arts later on). Far better shape! If I had known 20 years ago the things I know now about fitness and fitness-oriented eating, I'm sure I would have been a much better competitor. I think you're absolutely right: people have NO REASON to assume that they can't get themselves in awesome shape in their middle age.

[snapsnapdik]

This video made me very happy thank you!

[InsertName125]

He's ABSOLUTELY RIGHT - with one exception. Whether or not you seem reasonably healthy and active right up until you die of old age is more a matter of genetics than attitude. People who take very good care of themselves their entire lives STILL get to a point where they end up pretty much like everyone else their age. The point isn't to avoid being sick and infirm before you die. The point is to put it off as long as you can if that's possible. But, it's still going to happen, like it or not.

[tankshot009]

dude.... I love you for this. XD Keep the vids coming. You inspire me

[Sinagorge]

Great words. Thank you!

[ugslamma]

I'm 58 and still workout i like guys my age who do not workout,makes me look better so stay lazy guys.

[swordfishjon]

WISDOM!!!

[delroy64]

Very wise words...as a 46 year old former natural bodybuilder (trying to find my way back to fitness) I too, fell into the mindset of "I'm over 40, I can't look that way anymore." Very inspirational.

[Ericavd1234]

Hi Pupman,

Love it. Any suggestions for me. I am a 54 year young lean dude that has worked out for all my life. I would like to remain athletic, yet would not mind adding a bit more muscle. Any workouts, or a good resource for them?

Thanks.

[jlebesis]

Pupman2, you have found a new fan in me! You have a magnificent, and a champion attitude. Not only that, but you LIVE what you are talking about. All the very best, I hope to keep in touch! Greetings from Australia

[Exiemus]

Thank you my friend.. timeless

[santosomar]

this is a great video!!! thank you very much for sharing. This definitely motivated me to take my fitness a lot more serious...

[INTHEGYM]

Fantastic biceps-- and commentary. You are right on the mark in every point you've made. I find it absolutely true that those who are miserable want you to be right there with them-- and that as one gets older, the excuses get more strident as does the encouragement from others to adhere to the status-quo. I am 46 and find that I can still get big muscles, work out hard, look good, feel hot and strong. Life is great at any age-- embrace it!!

[kdschlick]

My hero.

[TVWriterGuy]

Right on the money. Everyone over 40 has quite a catalog of self-defeating, dream-killing, and self deprecating thoughts. It is our choice to pull them out and empower them or to leave them gathering cobwebs on a shelf.

This clip is just what I needed to hear right now. I've spent my life taking care of everyone but myself. It's my turn. I just subscribed and I'm going to listen to this video every morning for a week.

[blindinglights02]

I like this video. I like the fact that its never too late to get into shape. I gave up smoking 4 months ago and ive lost 1 stone. I do weights 3 times a week and i do cardio 3 times a week. Nothing to hard but im enjoying it so much. i weigh 12 stone now and feel so much better. My energy levels are far higher and i feel better now at 42 than i did at 32. Great words pupman.

[martynfuk]

I found this video to be inspirational to the point of almost bringing me to tears. Richards words in the latter part were such a true reflection of my life experiences that I sat and thought about it for a while.

I am now ( I stopped to type this) clearing space in my converted garage to set up the multigym I bought ages ago. My belief is that if it's there, I will use it. Coupled with Richards inspirational words I can say "Sod anyone else... this is for me" .

[lrevengek]

One of the best videos I have ever watched. Great point and 100% truth!

[carl1124]

So my Dr. put me on oxycodone for my back I say no way. Not for daily routine. I am working out and killing the pain that way. Not pills.

[Dared2DoIT]

Nice bod on this guy...but damn he is FUGLY!

[THESGROCKS]

good video!!! a perfect example is slvester stallone!! he's over 60 and ripped to the bone!!!

[alekx77]

Very inspiring, thanks Richard!

[blindinglights02]

Good talk my friend like it.

[stind1]

Wow this guy is really grounded.

[jonwiley]

Well, that's you. Living a life of self-denial doesn't suit everyone who's over 40. And with less testosterone production, the body does respond differently to weight training and one stores more body fat easier. There are physiological changes and it's foolhardy not to recognize them.

[mysententia]

zaboomafoo25 ... amen

[cafryrmn]

I am a Firefighter who is turning 47 years old this month. I am finding it harder to work out and see gains. Unfortunately, my back does give me problems. I still like to workout but have to change my routine to focus on my back. I have to stay in shape to keep up with the younger guys. Good video.

[MUDSHARK111]

i see a lot of people slowing down after 40 because of social conditioning the"you cant do what you use to mentality" that becomes a self profiling prophecy.the only difference that i feel is when i injure my self it seems it takes longer to heal . but that just makes me a little more careful .im only 40 lol but when i die im going to be the fittest copse in the morgue .

[aofnyc]

Do you take any testostorone booster?

[broum2009]

I'm 40 myself just like everything else in or life , take the good and the bad and adapt and overcome , adjust be friends with yourself treat your body as you would your best friend . Age for me is my best friend because I'm mature and I do not have all of those youthful blocks such as working out to get woman or my buddys are doing it LOL now we do it to prolong our lives and now we have the extra knowledge to make the changes right , keep going and enjoy life eat to live and don't live to eat

[shaunmm2k]

Thank you thank you thank you! I was feeling pretty despondent about my prospects of getting in great shape, as a last hurrah. I'm 42 and seeing you in such great shape is truly inspiring. Been working out for a month and I'm going in right now cos I'm feeling much better (been waiting out traffic in my car and found this) Godsend!

[vinfit90]

Wow, great attitude and well put! You look better than most young people, keep up the good work:)

[sakishirocp9]

I love working out :] it's part of my life now. Running when u r tired.. Ohh the best--

[louthebody]

Glad to hear this, I'm well over 40 and well over very over weight. Glad to hear that there's still hope.

[OLDMANBADGER]

nice video, good words

[figuringoutlife]

I just found you. I agree with everything you said. It is a choice. Sometimes difficult, but still a choice. Thank you for being a good example. Iris

[JA40SS]

Hi Richard: Thanks for the motivation. I listen to your video when I start to slack off. I have gotten stronger now that I am 40. When I was in my 20's I never got past 225 lbs on my bench press. I started weightlifting 6 months ago and I am bench pressing 255lbs at this point. Thanks for the motivation.!!! Keep up with the motivational videos.

[totaljett]

Well said pupman2, people go to sh*t because they allow themselves to go to sh*t. If more people would go to a gym or workout at home, as much as they run to the doctor for drugs for their bad lifestyle, they'd be better off.

[Bumblesbettedavis]

I'm so glad I found Richard on youtube. I'm going to show my husband. I just started working out yesterday and being 43 really isn't any harder then when I was younger though now I'm 40 pounds overweight!. Does anyone know of a female bodybuilder on youtube that shows good vids of her workout? Thank you

[DanielAnchondo]

@Bumblesbettedavis /user/charliejames1975

[zaboomafoo25]

Nice to see someone we can look up too...

[fatoldmanworkout]

I think that it is easier after 40. Working out is such a huge part of my life, that is has become more than just a habit. I am also more focused on what I need to accomplish and on what I need to do to avoid getting injured. I'm more knowledgeable, more experienced, more motivated, less distracted, and mentally stronger than I was in my 20s. Keep up the good work. You're an inspiration.

[Rcerullo]

Richard, great words! Thank you.

[TheMaximumLife]

The advantage of youth allows us to punish our bodies with little consequence. For years I abused alcohol and ate trash like a government mule. Yet, I was in peak condition.

After age 34 things began to change. Suddenly I began to bloat up and by age 43, I was a fat ass pig. And it was much harder getting in shape than it was in my 20's.

But through effort and self discipline, I am 3/4 to reaching my fitness goals. I will never go back to the hell of obesity and unhealthy living. Never again!

[Starchaser63]

I am so glad to see you inspiring others over 40 ( like myself ) with regards to keeping in shape and making it a healthy and worthwhile lifestyle choice, keep up the good work. I intend to make a few inspiring videos myself soon for the over 40's.....

[pkzac]

Thanks .... going on 42 and needed the inspiration.

[XowntXihqX]

aww i just ate my last candy

[VainEldritch]

I just hit 40 - I've been working out for about 2 years (as a serious part of my life). Unfortunately I was forced to stop for about 6 months and I feel terrible - physically and mentally. I was gutted at the thought of being 40 and out of shape. This video has galvanised my determination. Screw my "condition"! I'll be back in the gym on my M-W-F routine again. Thanks for this video.

[pupman2]

Good for you! If you need some inspiration, Google "bodybuilder over 40", and click the "Images" button.

[xolonii]

I will be turning 40 in two weeks and I really needed to hear this. I've been using my age as an excuse, thanks.

[ManifestMysteries]

40 ? That's it ? I'm in the military , and I often see guys your age ( our age ) out perform men , half their age ..Push ups , sit ups , running , strength training ...

There's nothing to it , but to do it ..

[scutter4christ]

Just wanted to say thank you for this video. I am 40 years old, over weight with several health issues, I am sure mostly brought on by my weight and lack of physical fitness. So to hear the motivation from someone older and wiser is good.

I'll sub for a while and see what gems of wisdom you have to share.

[Flexmeister]

amen brother--how old are you?

[salforce19900710]

Damn, good motivation, me personally will be going to Marine bootcamp 20090914 and will stay fit until I die. I'll destroy those age limits as well!

[oswrestling]

i got one question for ya what your workout look like these days and is it still the same as the the younger 20 yr old days. i know u got to switch things up here and there but just wanted a basic idea of how you train, quick question want tdid you major in in colleger anything health related or no?

[pupman2]

The workout always changes, but one dynamic has held true for the fastest gains. I work one major body part per workout: arms, legs, back, shoulders and chest. I do abs 3X a week at the beginning of the workout.

When really into it, I divide the leg workout into two days spaced 4-5 days apart. This routine would take 6 days to complete, but I take as long as 11 days, as rest is the key to muscle growth. Intense workouts with lots of rest = real progress.

[pupman2]

My workout is much tougher now than when I was 20, or 30.

[oswrestling]

i got to say richard your videos are inspiring u look great, i love yout thoughts because there are so true in every aspect, the whole people trying to bring you down for there own gratuide is spot own

[anaclet]

Nice message!

[zippyman818]

Decreased testosterone production with age is a fact. Using it as an excuse is justification for laziness is bad at any age, I agree.

"Fitness and Bodybuilding Over 40...Why Is It So Hard?"

Those are your words not mine.

You are obviously cruising into your senior discount years with furious aplomb; more people should do the same and there would be fewer nagging injuries and chronic systemic symptoms that clog up our emergency rooms and add to our national debt. Thanks for your videos.

[pupman2]

Thanks for the snappy comments, Zippy, but decreased testo is yet another convenient excuse for you not to bother. I have more respect for those who have no interest in fitness, than I do for those searching for excuses and justifications. If you don't want to do it, just don't.

[derek2010x]

@pupman2 This brings an interesting question into focus. Reduced testosterone production is real (and other hormones). You lose mitochondria as well. However, working correctly, sleeping correctly, and eating correctly augment hormonal production. So youth has that advantage. The question should be what level of testosterone do you need for optimal health and strength, NOT if it reduces when you age.

[derek2010x]

@pupman2 Testosterone production CONTINUED: It could very well be that working out when you are old STILL produces enough to provide great health and even have enough left over to build muscle. Unfortunately, I do not know the science well enough to comment in a definitive sense. However, just by looking at older men in the gym I have to think it is true. I have been working out for 25 years and a fella can pick up on trends and patterns after that long. Would love a scientist to comment.

[zippyman818]

..well ever since you were about late 20's or so, you've been cranking out less testosterone, so it IS an uphill battle.

How's that subscription to AARP magazine working out, anyway?