How long have you been training?

Just a question for the Over 40s, how long have you been training?  Are you a new trainer, having only got into working out in your 40s or older?  Or have you been training for so long it's part of your life?

James Collier
MT Co-Owner & Event Promoter
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I have only been training since February 2006, and only really training with any real intensity since i joined a gym around September last year.

I got into it due to ill health which led me to putting on a fair amount of fat.

Really love training now, cannot imagine stopping it.

2010 Shape up entry

I have been training close to 30 years seen alot of changes things come and go new fads all the time but usually the tried and tested still come out tops!!!

Micky McKay Personal Trainer Healthy Action www.fitness121.co.uk

Trained a fair bit late teens & early 20's , gave up when married & kids came along.

Started back about 7 years ago after having a prolapsed disc - can't imagine packing in again :-)

http://www.muscletalk.co.uk/tm.aspx?m=4648764
Progress Journal 

Off and on since I was 11..but cardio always got in the way, Im 41 now ffs

http://urbancombatives.com/
 Pre-empting saves your face.

About 6 years constant, started off for fitness now strength and fitness to see how far I can push myself in both arenas before I break. Doing pretty well so far only broke the once last year but a quick dab of glue and off I go again. 

Some people are born great
Others have greatness thrust upon them,
I find My greatness comes in a tub of Dianabol.

Like Donnyboy I trained in my teens and early twenties then nothing until July 2007 when I was coming up to 41.
I've been training with the emphasis being on powerlifting for the last 4 months.
 

My Journal

http://www.northmidlandspowerlifting.co.uk

Trained with weights on and off for donkey's years, but I have to be honest and say its been more off than on.

Played Rugby at school, then continued with it into the Colts and then the seniors, so to speak. In a pre-season'friendly', I mangled my left knee. I tried to come back several times but made it worse, however, I could run in a straight line, so continued with this. I joined a club, did Cross Country League races, and long distance, completing 10 marathons (best time 2 hrs 54 mins). Fitness was superb, but I went down to 9st 10lbs, very little muscle, except the legs were reasonable.

Turned to lifting weights again and over the years trained at places like Mike Bakers and Image in Northampton. Then started taking it a little more seriously about 3 years ago and set up my own gym in my garage

Over the years I gained a lot of weight, a fair bit of muscle, unfortunately a lot of fat with it.

This past year, I turned to Powerlifting and absolutely love it, and I can't see myself training in any other way! I have done 6 comps and though I find them extremely nerve-wracking, the next one can't come quick enough.

Started at 17, now 43, been a bit on and off  really but over the past 5 years have put in a decent 4.
It is and always has been pretty much part of my life, always made sure I had at least a bench and a set of weights in the house, I`ve passed this down to my son how important it is, I`ve always insisted he keep the same in his bedroom lol, hopefully he`ll start and get the bug, still waiting at 21 though.

Look after your body,it is the greatest thing you will EVER own----Bazil Baines

Dodging the rain and bullets since 1966.

started at 15 to 26 was in great shape,then trained off and on ,now mid 40,s still trying to get back in shape ,,,,

30 years for me. Started at 23, now 53, apart from seven months off with a slipped disc in '88, it's been pretty much constant

As far as I know, forgiveness is for the benefit of the person doing the forgiving, not the one being forgiven

i started weight trainning at around 44 (im 47 now) so a relative newcomer.
but i have been endurance training/general fitness training for over 25 years.

Those who cannot fly seek to clip the wings of others.

 I started weight training in 1989 in a Nautilus gym. In 1991 aged 43 I moved to a different gym and started using free weights and doing bodybuilding training. I've been training on and off since then. Off periods were due to family commitments or illness. I'm currently trying to remove enough fat to see my abs for the first time in many tears.

Into my 28th year seriously with weights, competed for 9 years (off and on) and not had a break for much longer that a few weeks due to serious injury and illness. Trained in most of the main gyms in the sout East including 2 of this countries greatest gyms now consigned to BBing history - Len Sells and Bill Stevens.

I used to train in my early 20s and then just stopped completely becoming rather over weight into my mid 30s. It was only when I was approaching the big 4 0 that I decided to prove that you didn't need to be 40 and frumpy, never looked back.

Sponsored by Muscle Finesse  

Started in 1981 and on and off since then.  Trying to get back into it and some decent shape again.  Had a few set backs along the way the past few years but who knows hey.  Can but try.

30 years more off than on I'd say at a guess, this last year as been my most consistent, last six weeks apart, due to the worst case of sciatica known to mankind.

It's hard to be humble when I'm so great...

If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologize...Muhammad Ali

I have been training since I was 15 so about 25 years on and off. I have a bad back and some ligament and joint problems. Wish I would of listenend to all the people who told me to stretch before and after training. I am itching to get back in the gym but I have to get my back sorted first.

Been in and out of training  since 11(judo/karate) and weights since 15.  Had 3 years off and regreted it...BUT NOW I'M BACK ONNIT   Fast approaching 43.  My advice is keep trainning amigos.

First started training with weights in 1974 when I went to uni. Hadn't a clue what I was doing, mixed weights with karate, running, football, rugby...
 
Didn't train from 80 - 84 following serious car crash, trained 85 - 97, stopped till 2002 because I opened my own gym and busman's holiday syndrome kicked in, been training for comps since 2002 and tbh if I didn't have the comps I don't know if I'd still be doing it. But I am, I enjoy it, and one of my long term goals (which is much closer now than it was at the time!) is IPF M3 World Bench title.
 
I reckon I'm much healthier and 'younger' than I would be if I behaved like a typical guy my age, and I have no plans to stop. Being a Masters lifter, I meet guys in their 70s and 80s who are still intensely competitive, and some of the 50+ guys are still winning British open class titles, and that inspires me to continue.

Winners are just dreamers who didn't quit

Like others above - on and off since my teens, so 25 years plus (now 44). Had the inevitable time out with injuries, but other "off" periods were out of sheer laziness and I do regret them and wonder where I could have been now had I kept at it.

Still, back into it now and approaching the PBs from my early thirties peak that I never thought I'd get close to again. The goal is to be in the best shape of my life by my 45th birthday next year.

I've "trained" in one way or another as long as I can remember. At 16 I reached the finals of the 100m Breaststroke Scottish championships which was televised. Was considered "olympic material", was at an ultra high fitness state. My dad even became an SASA qualified trainer etc.

But we never used weights.

Then I gave up competitive swimming and went through life doing various sports, Rugby, Squash, Tennis, athletics. In my 30's was just running and some tennis.

Started lifting weights seriously when I was ca. 43.

Am now 48 and where I'm probably not as "fit" as I was at 16 I'm in extremely good physical shape and can run 10 miles without breaking a sweat.

i started fourty-eight years ago, after seeing a photo of reg park.
one of the best things i have ever done.

Training with weights for 10 years.

Been training for 4 years, I'm now 53. Until I was 49 I had done no exercise of any kind - no sport at school, nothing in adult life. I used to despise people who played e.g. squash in the 80's.  Finally in 2005 I started going to the Gym hoping for some psychological gains. I was stressed and depressed and wanted my body to feel tired instead of my mind ! I knew nothing but with very helpful instructors built a basic cardio and resistance training routine. Initially it was all on nautilus type machines - which was fine for a complete beginner.

I found I really enjoyed it, and over 6 to 24 months introduced more free weights lifting. The gains I got in strength in that first year were so gratifying and percentage wise probably never to be repeated. My interest in general fitness increased: I stopped smoking after 30 years of 30 a day, then stopped alcohol completely.

By the end of 2007 I was strong, but basically also fat - I ate a lot while coming off the fags and booze. From the start of 2008 to mid 09 I worked on my weight - down from 16 stone to 11.5 (101 to 73 Kg), while doing this I was content for my strength to stay about the same. It was so good to see those muscles previously hidden appear as the fat went.

Now I go to the gym 4 to 6 times a week, my favourite weights split is over 4 days: chest & biceps;  back & triceps; legs; shoulder & traps & misc stuff like rotator cuff.  During this time I've had trouble with wrists, knees, shoulders & lower back, I've found really pushing the weight for say a 6 rep set is too likely to give me problems, so am realistic for my age and vary sets between 8 to 15 ish reps depending on how I feel and what I want to focus on, using MuscleTalk a lot for ideas and info.  I still do a fair amount of cardio to keep the heart going and to keep the fat off but I love lifting and constantly think how to change & improve my routines. 

 Started in 76 I was pretty serious then. (Age 52) Competed in a few local shows, went to the California in 1980 and worked out at Golds & World for a while & met all the big boys at the time.
But then life got in the way, came home ended up starting my own business, getting married, usual stuff so my dreams had to go on hold.
But I've always worked out to keep in shape.
Bar injuries (ex motorbike track day loony) so i've broken various body parts.
Worst injury, total destruction of my right wrist sockets. 6 months off training and now I have to be carefull with the kilos I press, so I have to focus on itensity and style.   
Its taken a long time but now I have my life in perspective and more time on my hands I've started pushing again.
For me ,where its really moved on are the changes in supplements and the info on the web....un-real. 
Back then it was a chat down the gym....desicated liver tabs, casilan, brewers yeast and if you could afford it Weider products... to name a few. The young guns of today dont realise how lucky they are.  
Good to be back.

Started when I was 16 when I joined the Army, stopped from 93 to 2003 then started again. I hit the big 40 in Jan 10. I have tried every routine going and still go back to my 3 day splt with large compound movements. Been a member on this site for a long time now.

Hello fellow mid-lifers.

I'm certainly not as fit as my 20's and can not run a 9 min 1.5 mile.

Training from my 20's with the police and then a sporadic training when I took a desk job in civy life.  38 waist at the moment (yuk)!!!!!!!!!!! and BF is not pretty.
 
TBH, an accurate assessment of my health would be..... could do better and a bit of a fad man recently.  The good news is that this training FAD is lasting a little longer.
 
 

Northern Rocker


I've "trained" in one way or another as long as I can remember. At 16 I reached the finals of the 100m Breaststroke Scottish championships which was televised. Was considered "olympic material", was at an ultra high fitness state. My dad even became an SASA qualified trainer etc.

But we never used weights.

Then I gave up competitive swimming and went through life doing various sports, Rugby, Squash, Tennis, athletics. In my 30's was just running and some tennis.

Started lifting weights seriously when I was ca. 43.

Am now 48 and where I'm probably not as "fit" as I was at 16 I'm in extremely good physical shape and can run 10 miles without breaking a sweat.

 
I hate you.
 
 

I'm being training since I was 14years old, start using weights to assit with training for other sports, after a year or two start training for olypic lifting and powerlifting. at 28/30 more into strongman. this was when if you wanted to compete it was with people like gary Talyor, Bill Pittick or A Smith.
Not like these days where you can start with a novice event and move up to qualifiers for BSM and UKs.
At 46 years old still love going to the gym the weights use weights that may not be as heavy as 10 years ago, because of both knee being F__ked but still feel the need to vist the gym 4/5 times a week.
Bob Daglish

I have been training for 58yrs,from 15yrs-73yrs,and still do a 2hour workout four times a week.
Since I retired 8yrs ago,I train alone in a well balanced Gym of my own.
Up until I was 27yrs I trained around the Ilford Essex area,then Emigrated to South Africa,and during my time in competition here, in the late 80s won quite a few comps.
Being In South Africa I was able to meet many of the greats, who came here to do shows,and of course Reg Park lived here.
  I have only missed working out in all these years due to injury,and these were caused by riding off road Motor Bikes.   
                                                           Tony Haley.                            

^^^
Inspirational. Thanks for that Tony - seems that us "just over 40s" might have a few decades of the iron left in us yet.

Anthony Haley


I have been training for 58yrs,from 15yrs-73yrs,and still do a 2hour workout four times a week.
Since I retired 8yrs ago,I train alone in a well balanced Gym of my own.
Up until I was 27yrs I trained around the Ilford Essex area,then Emigrated to South Africa,and during my time in competition here, in the late 80s won quite a few comps.
Being In South Africa I was able to meet many of the greats, who came here to do shows,and of course Reg Park lived here.
  I have only missed working out in all these years due to injury,and these were caused by riding off road Motor Bikes.   
                                                           Tony Haley.                            

Welcome to MT Tony, and thanks for the inspirational post.

Where in S Africa do you live?

Be great if you would post more on MT

James Collier
MT Co-Owner & Event Promoter
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got started in 92' and have been training in the same belfast gym ever since, and it's all for vanity reasons, and at 43 i have to say i feel in the best shape of my life

( certainly get my fair share of comments from people saying how well i look, must be doing something right ... !! )

Hi Arfie,
           I think why it's possible to go on weight training year after year, is that you never get bored,just a slight change to your workout,once in awhile,keeps it interesting.
It also becomes a way of life,that you feel crap if you miss a workout,so good luck, and keep up the discipline of regular workouts.
                           Regards Tony Haley.

Hi James,
              I now live in the Southern Cape,(Sedgefield)since I retired 9 years ago,prior to that I lived many years near Johannesbug,(Benoni).
           Regards,
                      Tony Haley

Anthony Haley


Hi James,
              I now live in the Southern Cape,(Sedgefield)since I retired 9 years ago,prior to that I lived many years near Johannesbug,(Benoni).
           Regards,
                      Tony Haley

Great, I have whitnessed the bodybuilding scene in Jo-burg and it's very forward and enthusiastic.

Hope you stick around MT and post

James Collier
MT Co-Owner & Event Promoter
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Hi james ,
 
Couldn't miss out on this post !!
 
I have been training since i was 18 , i am know 45, in September , (oh Dear) During the early years it was very difficult , as i had 3 children under four , and trying to spread time with them and my lovely wife was very hard , but Im still here and training hard , i was always very sporty and played football to a very high standard , i decided to go into the armed forces, and the rigors of exersice in the forces entrenched training in me from then , eversince i was a little lad i used to dream that one day i would be big ,  like my  boyhood heros , of the hulk , and the marvel comics ,  not sure if Im there yet !! lol , When i was 19 i met a guy in my gym , called Gordon somerville , he was a truly massive man polite and very helpful , and taught and explained an awful lot to me , to which i still train with his values and dedication , i sure he was Mr Britain 1986 , and he came from the plymouth or prtsmouth area , he moved away and have not seen or heard of him since , last year was a very difficult year for me , and i nearly slipped into the abis of never training again , due to a life changing experience , that could not of been avoided , but with talking to my Freinds i came through this , Training is good at the min, and have still got the buzz for it ,
 
Regards A ~ Bear

Been training for the last 20 years after getting buried when I was a coal miner and injuring my back, they said I'll be in a wheelchair by the time I'm 40. 8 operations later and 20 odd years down the line I'm still lifting weights, running, walking and bending over straight legged. Ask me if I'd give up?? Nah no way life is to short.

I've been a 'fitness fanatic' since my late teens, always admired women with athletic physiques, but didnt start using weights until my mid 20's.
I got some of those pastel plastic dumbells from the freemans catalougethen some metal weights and a bench from the argos catalouge. 
I needed a much bigger hit so I soon joined a proper gym and have been hitting the weights 3-4 x per week ever since (I'm now 43)