Stop Using Your Age as an Excuse
“I’m too old to get in great shape.” “I can’t do what I use to do as a youngster.” “I wish I can go back in my 20s.” These are some of the phrases I hear guys and gals over 40 say in the gym while they’re doing bicep curls with 3lb pink dumbbells.
If that is you, then I have two words to say to you: Stop it! Better yet, quit making excuses. Age has little to do with you being out of shape. If that was the case, then there wouldn’t be any athletes over 40 years old.
You have the power to be in shape regardless if you’re 42, 62 or even 82 years old. Nonetheless, there are principles you have to follow if you plan on being fit throughout your lifetime.
So let’s discuss 3 principles regarding fitness that you have to realize before you get (or remain) in shape past the big 4-0.
Fitness is a state of mind
What do all people who are in shape got in common? They have a strong mindset to be fit. Being in shape is a state of mind. Think about it.
Nobody is forcing or making you not be in shape.
That choice is up to you. You choose whether you let your stomach be flabby or flat.
You choose whether you develop high blood pressure or other health problems.
The day you decide in your mind that you want to be fit, you will do what is necessary to become so. Your body, your choice.
Fitness is about progression
As stated earlier, there are older men and women in the gym claiming that it is hard for them to get in shape, yet curling on 3lb pink dumbbells.
First and foremost, unless you’re an elderly man or woman who is working out for the first time, 3lbs won’t challenge you.
Yet, many older people continuously workout like that. If you truly desire to be fit, you got to push yourself.
If you were in shape when you were younger, the reason for that wasn’t due to your age, but because you pushed your physique to do more.
So if you’re workout feels like a day at the spa, you’re not pushing hard enough to progress.
Let go of your younger years
This is probably the biggest pill most older people have to swallow.
Yesteryear is….yesteryear! It’s gone so stop reminiscing over the amazing physique you had in 1993.
Instead, realize that you have the chance of achieving that physique only if you really want to. If you don’t, then that’s okay.
Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t about having the most chiseled abs or flattest stomach. It is about being able to keep up with your children. It is about not relying on prescription pills to survive.
It is about seeing your feet (not your belly) when you look down. Nobody can turn back the hands of time; but, by living a healthy lifestyle, you can increase your lifetime moving forward.
Those were 3 principles regarding fitness for you to think about, especially if you’re over or approaching the age of 40.
Remember that age is nothing but a number.
The statement about choice is some tough love. Knowing that our body condition is a choice we’ve made, and that we can now change that choice, is really powerful.
I am 58 and have never been in better shape than anytime in my life, even in my 20s. BS to hide behind your age. Get out there and do what you can do and fix your diet if necessary.
That is so great to hear, and I LOVE getting comments like this! It consistently proves the point of the article, so congrats and thanks again!
I’m 45 and I can out work 20yr olds.
Kudos Jim. We’ve been getting a lot of similar feedback and I wish everyone would comment to show people that it can be done! Thanks again for your comments!
Just turned 47, I now weigh less than I did at 19 (and I was fit then) body fat nearly in single digits!! And I feel great!!
Thanks for sharing Mark. What’s your secret?
I’m 52 and I work out 4 times a week.
Me, a man going through a hypothyroidism,
I Lost 7 lbs, gaining muscles and I feel great!
So those who say they too old, get to that gym and start feeling good about yourself an stay healthy!
That’s so great to hear! Any tips for others trying to achieve similar goals?
I can speak to those, like me who are battling with hypothyroidism.
See a doctor regular basis and to take medication regular. To boost that metabolism – just eat healthy and hit the gym on a regular basis and see the weight go down. It’s a commitment to reach a goal.
58 years old and have been training religiously since I was 40. Not a week goes by that I am not in the gym. One’s mindset changes and I have the strength and stamina of a much younger person- as a matter of fact- I’m in better shape than I was in my 30’s.
Couldn’t agree more about the mindset Dirk! We are a mixed group here at Fitness Fusion with ages ranging from 28 to myself at 53. I’m so happy this post has triggered the response it has! You are only as old as you feel and when you adopt the Fitness Lifestyle, you don’t have to feel old at all! Thanks again!
I’m 64 and still lift, not what i used to but push myself by adding more reps on exercises
I ride my trek ds3, about 60 miles per week, 20 miles a day.
Thanks for the feedback Joe. At 60 miles a week, you are doing more than those half your age! Keep it up!
55 years young, and stronger than I have ever been in my life. Started competing in Strongman comps this year!! Love it !!! 55, 6’6″ tall, 310 pounds, benching close to 400, squatting over 405 and just hit a dead pr at a comp a couple weeks ago at 545 !!!! Eat healthy, supplement right, and stay active !!! “Lift to live, live to lift ” !!!!
That’s incredible Mark, KUDOS! The fact that you can bench 400 at 6’6″ is amazing. Mind if I ask what supplements you take? Would be good for our readers to hear (both from an age and Strongman lifestyle perspective). And thanks for sharing!
I’m going to be 64 in August and I still compete at 165 wt class powerlifting & rated #5 in the US so age is just a number! I own a gym in New Orleans and also train with a guy 70 at the 198 wt class and he still competes in powerlifting Squats 480lb & Deadlifts 490lb & has won the Mr. America over 40 twice. So don’t tell me you’re too old!
That’s great John, thanks for sharing. Age is just a number and it sounds like you are surrounded by that mindset at your gym. Hope I’m not overstepping my bounds but here’s a shout out. If you are in New Orleans, make sure you stop in and talk to John at BODY DOCTOR GYM!
I’m 55. Recently lost 110#. Yup 110!. My body will never be tight or look athletic, but at least I’m healthier and i actually do look a bit younger which is good. Making a change to a healthier lifestyle is truly a lifetime commitment. And I got my dream job as a flight attendant. That was actually my goal to lose the weight. And of course to find someone special.
Congratulations and thanks for sharing Rey. That is nothing short of amazing. Any tips to share on how you did it? Workouts, Nutrition, supplements?