Things To Know Before Joining a Gym After 50
Age is one of the biggest factors that stop people from starting training. Many people believe there is an age limit to working out and that they shouldn’t get a gym membership after they’ve turned 50.
Does the age limit apply or is it just a number on your driving license? In this article, we’re going to answer this question and a few more so that you’re empowered to make the right decision for yourself.
You Can Build Muscle Mass
Many people think that you can’t build muscle after you turn 40-45. Your body produces enough testosterone (the male hormone responsible for developing primary and secondary sexual characteristics) when you’re 50 to add-on muscle mass.
You might not be able to put on the same size as the younger lifters, but you’ll be far from disappointed with the results. So, if your fitness goal is to be buff, jump into the fit lifestyle without wasting any more time.
Fix Your Diet
If you’ve never counted your macros or calories, it’s time you start following a diet plan. No matter how hard you train, if you’re not feeding your muscles the right macro and micronutrient, you’re not going to see results.
Take It Easy On Your Joints
At 50, your joints have taken half-a-century worth of beating and might not be in shape for 315lb squats. If you’ve pre-existing injuries or problems, you’ll need to work around them, and even on them.
Use Supplements
If you’re not able to achieve your daily macro goals with real foods, it’s a good idea to incorporate supplements into your routine. Apart from the nutritional supplements, you should also be using joint and immune system support products.
Follow The Right Training Program
Forget the 50-year-olds, even the majority of teenage lifters don’t see any results in the gym. Designing the right training program according to your body composition is key to seeing desired results.
Keep Your Body Moving
If the idea of hitting the gym every day of the week traumatizes you, you should know that you don’t have to lift weights every day. You should set a daily move goal for yourself and achieve it by walking, running, swimming, or any other physical activity of your liking.
Focus on Recovery
The onset of age will most probably take a toll on your CNS (central nervous system). You should plan your workout schedule after analyzing your recovery pattern. You should be weight training for not more than 3-4 days a week.
Do Your Research
The majority of the people in the gym around the world are between 18-40 years of age. As much as the gym bros would want to help, their well-intending advice can do more harm than good. If you can’t find someone who is experienced in working with people your age, you’ll have to do the research yourself.
It’s Going To Take Time
If you think you can build considerable muscle mass in a couple of months after you’ve turned 50, a rude awakening is just around the corner. The truth is that your prime muscle-building years have passed and it’s going to take some time now.
How old were you when you started training? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements.
