I can honestly say that I have been training in abbreviated styles, twice a week (and less), and mostly according to Beyond Brawn since I was about 36 y.o.. I was about 75kg in bodyweight. At 44 years of age, I am now about 190lbs at 5'9". I have trained as hard and as consistently as life has allowed me in the last 7-8 years. I hope you plainly tell me if I should attempt to go further. These are my small "achievements" I am proud to have reached after all these years:
Dips 15 reps with 110lbs, 2-3 reps with 175lbs
SBDL 335 lbs x 12 continuous reps, 20 reps rest pause (nearly killed me)
Overhead press 165lbs 4-5 reps,
Squat 50 reps with 190lbs (4.5 minutes)
2-3 reps chinups with 110lbs
Before working for all these, I had already been "training" 4 days a week with typical Arnold's routines for over 10 years. I remember having trouble deadlifting 170lbs for 1 rep, and only benching 135lbs for 6-8 reps.
Have I reached a ceiling? I really don't think so. But I don't have any other human being to compare with. My age, my medium bone structure (6.5 inch wrist), my inability to recover as well as the young ones. What do you think? Should I keep dreaming? I would love to deadliftn double bodyweight 20 rest pause reps. I would also love to dip 5 reps with my own body weight attached. 20 reps with 300lbs would also be one of my dream targets.
Victor
Answers:
Hello Victor. Thanks for the question. I really don't know what to make of your question. I'm one that's not big on negativity, and there seems to be plenty in your question. First off, congratulations on what you've achieved so far. Those are no small feats. As a matter of fact they're pretty damn good. Secondly, you don't have to compare yourself with anyone else. That's the great thing about the iron, in that it's just you and it. Comparing yourself to someone else probably has a lot to do with why you did the Arnold type routines in the first place. You are the only person you have to compare yourself to. Thirdly, yes things will change as you get older. But don't ever give up. If you're in good health then give your all each time you workout. Strive to do another rep or add a small amount of weight. Obviously at 44, things will be much different that someone half your age, but who cares? You would be hard pressed to find someone 22 that could even come close to lifting what you have, must less doing it. As you get older and you've built some decent muscle and strength, do all you can to maintain it. Father time is going to do what it's going to do, but you keep lifting and don't worry about it. Good luck.
Patrick
