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Is 30 too late to start bodybuilding?

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p...@friend.com

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Nov 21, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/21/96
to p...@friend.com

I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
done any weight training before.

My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to
grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete
for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
in?


I would appreciate any comments, tips, and suggestions. Since I don't
monitor this newgroup that often, please e-mail all responses to:

p...@friend.com

Thanks,
Patrick

Robert J. Fusillo

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Nov 21, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/21/96
to

p...@friend.com wrote:
: I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt

: p...@friend.com

: Thanks,
: Patrick

As you say. it's never too late. All body building is an
uphill battle, tho. You have to be patient patient patient, and not
expect it to happen with a few exercises and a few houors a week. The
big prize winners work at it as a career -- ylu won't compete with
them at any age. I didn't start till I was 66, and I had the time free
to work four to five hours a day three days a week. In six months I had
noticeably developed -- in eight months I was looking for every
opportunity to atke off my shirt in public. I am 69 today, and my
wife got me a silk shirt designed to show off my chest -- very flattering.
( of her).
My advice is to not take too much advice. Work hard at lots
of exercises, and you will grow.
RJF

bo...@best.com

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Nov 21, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/21/96
to

> I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
> of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
> injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
> done any weight training before.
>
> My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's

I'm sorry but yes, it's too late. Far too late.
For God's sake, go buy a Richard Simmons video and forget all this nonsense
about "building a hard, muscular body." If you want to make the ladies
turn their heads, drive a Porshe (but don't get out of it!).

Kelly Mc

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Nov 21, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/21/96
to

p...@friend.com wrote:
>
> I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
> of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
> injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
> done any weight training before.
>
> My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
> never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
> I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to
> grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
> teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete
> for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
> shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
> in?
>
> I would appreciate any comments, tips, and suggestions. Since I don't
> monitor this newgroup that often, please e-mail all responses to:
>
> p...@friend.com
>
> Thanks,
> Patrick

I started at around 30. I was 6"2" 218 with a 25.8% bodyfat
measurement(161.75 lbm).LBM is lean body mass
I'm 42 now. Still about 6'2", but I'm 250 at 15% body fat(212.50 lbm).
That is an increase of 50.75 lbs in just over 10 years. The the gain had
been consistant throughout this time (it was not, I actually gain 10 lbs
one year) it would be a 5lb per year growth. If that sounds like it's
worth training 6 days a week consistantly, not missing workouts,
concentrating on your diet, reading everything you can get your hands on,
keeping journals, diet analysis books and training info, learning
everything you can from anyone willing to share, etc. then it's probably
not too late for you. If you want it all next month, find another
pastime. Big Mac

Duncan Rice

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Nov 21, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/21/96
to

In article <329440...@friend.com>, p...@friend.com says:
>
>I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
>of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
>injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
>done any weight training before.
>
>My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
>never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
>I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to
>grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
>teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete
>for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
>shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
>in?
>
>
>I would appreciate any comments, tips, and suggestions. Since I don't
>monitor this newgroup that often, please e-mail all responses to:
>
>p...@friend.com
>
>Thanks,
>Patrick

I started at 30; about a year ago, people seem to be noticing. I also
read an article a while back about a school teacher who started at 30 and
at 35 was competing. SO I geusse it can be done.

Bill Whedon

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Nov 22, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/22/96
to

Dunno about bodybuilding, specifically, but I just started out at
age 48, 5 years ago. Now, I teach aerobics 7 to 12 times per week,
from being barely able to walk up a flight of stairs, back then.
So I guess it's never too late, at least in some respects! Get on
with it, and let us know how you're doin'!! :)
Cheers,
Bill Whedon
--
*================================================================*
* Bill Whedon, ACE PT PO Box 34067, Lenexa KS 66214-6067 USA *
* The World Fitness webpage is being reorganized. Thank you for *
* Your patience. While it's going on, you are welcome to surf *
* http://www.worldfitness.org - I do not accept training clients.*
*================================================================*

Planet Wellness

unread,
Nov 22, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/22/96
to

In article <329440...@friend.com>, p...@friend.com says...

>
>I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
>of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
>injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
>done any weight training before.
>
>My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
>never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
>I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to
>grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
>teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete
>for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
>shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
>in?
>
>
>I would appreciate any comments, tips, and suggestions. Since I don't
>monitor this newgroup that often, please e-mail all responses to:
>
>p...@friend.com
>
>Thanks,
>Patrick


You answered your own question. "I know it's never too late..."

You can expect good results. You may want to supplement your diet with
more protein and take Yohimbe (if you Blood Pressure is in check).

Also, get more sex. Really. It does wonders!

Richard A. Goodman

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Nov 22, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/22/96
to

dr...@direct.ca (Duncan Rice) wrote:

>In article <329440...@friend.com>, p...@friend.com says:
>>
>>I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
>>of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
>>injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
>>done any weight training before.
>>
>>My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
>>never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
>>I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to
>>grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
>>teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete
>>for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
>>shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
>>in?
>>
>>
>>I would appreciate any comments, tips, and suggestions. Since I don't
>>monitor this newgroup that often, please e-mail all responses to:
>>
>>p...@friend.com
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Patrick

>I started at 30; about a year ago, people seem to be noticing. I also

>read an article a while back about a school teacher who started at 30 and
>at 35 was competing. SO I geusse it can be done.

Patrick,

Too late at 29 1/2 ? Get serious.

I started at 46 1/2. I have no genetic predisposition towards being
muscular. I have never been active in sports. I was vastly
overweight, with darn little muscle. I never took steroids. I took
very few supplements -- just vitamins. And I ate a very healthy diet,
lots of fish and chicken, very low fat, lots of fresh fruit and
vegetables.

At the age of fifty I entered a bodybuilding contest and actually won
a trophy in a master's competition. The same thing at the age of 54.
At the age of fifty, I looked younger than I did when I was 46.
You know what silly thing gave me pleasure ? Walking down the street
in my gym clothes, including a tank top, and have people stare,
saying, "Holy s***, look at that built old man."

Stop worrying about your age. Workout regularly. Work out smart, not
gung-ho crazy. Know what you're doing. If possible work out with
someone else who knows what they're doing -- or find a personal
trainer.

Just do it.

Rich G.
BALCO Labs
800-777-7122
http:www.snac.com


T. David Bamford

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Nov 24, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/24/96
to

r...@hooked.net (Richard A. Goodman) wrote:

>Too late at 29 1/2 ? Get serious.

>I started at 46 1/2. I have no genetic predisposition towards being
>muscular. I have never been active in sports. I was vastly
>overweight, with darn little muscle. I never took steroids. I took
>very few supplements -- just vitamins. And I ate a very healthy diet,
>lots of fish and chicken, very low fat, lots of fresh fruit and
>vegetables.

>At the age of fifty I entered a bodybuilding contest and actually won
>a trophy in a master's competition. The same thing at the age of 54.
>At the age of fifty, I looked younger than I did when I was 46.
>You know what silly thing gave me pleasure ? Walking down the street
>in my gym clothes, including a tank top, and have people stare,
>saying, "Holy s***, look at that built old man."

>Stop worrying about your age. Workout regularly. Work out smart, not
>gung-ho crazy. Know what you're doing. If possible work out with
>someone else who knows what they're doing -- or find a personal
>trainer.

>Just do it.

>Rich G.

Rich,

I never tire of reading these type of stories. Bravo! Makes me
feel like a kid at age 38. I intend to do some heavy stomping at a
masters competition when I turn 40! Thanks for the inspiration!

T. David Bamford

Abdul Ali

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Nov 25, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/25/96
to

On Thu, 21 Nov 1996 03:43:04 -0800, p...@friend.com
wrote:

>I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
>of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
>injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
>done any weight training before.
>
>My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
>never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
>I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to
>grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
>teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete
>for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
>shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
>in?
>
>
>I would appreciate any comments, tips, and suggestions. Since I don't
>monitor this newgroup that often, please e-mail all responses to:
>
>p...@friend.com
>
>Thanks,
>Patrick

Oh, heavens yes, it's way too late! You're an old
fart! Can you still walk? :))

I once read an article about a senior citizen (78
I think) who went out an got his black belt in
Karate (he lifts weights too). I guess if he can
do it, then there's no reason why you can't.

Abdul

wg...@ail.amdahl.com

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Nov 25, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/25/96
to

In Article<329440...@friend.com>, <p...@friend.com> writes:
> Xref: ogma.ccc.amdahl.com alt.sport.weightlifting:5940 misc.fitness:23126
misc.fitness.misc:16601 misc.fitness.weights:81568
> Path:
ogma.ccc.amdahl.com!amdahl.com!daver!news.sgi.com!howland.erols.net!ais.net!new
sfeed.concentric.net!news-master!news
> From: p...@friend.com
> Newsgroups:

>
> I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
> of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
> injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
> done any weight training before.
>
> My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
> never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
> I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to
> grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
> teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete
> for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
> shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
> in?
>
>
> I would appreciate any comments, tips, and suggestions. Since I don't
> monitor this newgroup that often, please e-mail all responses to:
>
> p...@friend.com
>
> Thanks,
> Patrick

One name, Bob Delmonteque (sp?). The guy is around 78 years of age and
in better shape than BB'ers at 20. Mind you, I think he's always been
lifting. Most of BB is in mental attitude. If you believe you can achieve
results then you can achieve results. Don't let anyone put you off!

The work required will be dedication to lifting smartly. Dedication to
eating the right foods. Discipline during your workout. Lift heavy and with
proper form. And have fun.

Wayne Leone
wg...@ail.amdahl.com

"Powerful thoughts make powerful people" - Educo


The Fun Couple

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Nov 25, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/25/96
to p...@friend.com

>
> My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding?

No

> I know it's
> never too late,

Then why did you ask?

> but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
> I were to start at this point in my life?

You will improve your muscle size. You will get stronger.
You will be in better shape. You will feel better about
yourself.


> Can I expect my muscles to
> grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
> teens?

No

> Or will it be an uphill battle?

Yes


> Now I don't intend to compete
> for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
> shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
> in?

Lots of work.

Ev Perry

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Nov 26, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/26/96
to

60 year old men can begin lifting weights and seeing results...

i suggest subscribing to "muscle and fitness"

p...@friend.com wrote in article <329440...@friend.com>...
> My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
> never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
> I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to


> grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their

> teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete

Farrell Aultman

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Nov 26, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/26/96
to

The hardest thing to do is start and be consistant.
I suggest taking a beginning weight training class
at a local college to get you started. This will
allow you to have people to work out with and
will set a schedule for your workouts. After
the class, you should have the discipline to
continue.

Gains should be good initially since you have never
worked out before. After 6 months, people will
notice the difference and you will feel much better.

Farrell

Chuck Chamblee

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Nov 28, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/28/96
to

Actually, I work out with a guy that's 49 years old that has only been
working out for about 3 years now. He benches 365, squats 410, and
deadlifts 545. He can snap a pair of vice-grips with one hand that none of
us other guys can do with two hands. However, he doesn't really look in
shape. I think that when age sets in, you can still get strong, but it's
harder to look in shape.

> I'm a 30 (actually, 29-and-a-half) year-old male who has always dreamt
> of one day building a hard, muscular body to help protect me from
> injury, and to make the ladies turn their heads, of course. I've never
> done any weight training before.
>

> My question is, is it to late for me to start bodybuilding? I know it's
> never too late, but realistically, what kind of results can I expect if
> I were to start at this point in my life? Can I expect my muscles to
> grow and my shoulders to broaden as much as someone who started in their
> teens? Or will it be an uphill battle? Now I don't intend to compete
> for the Mr. Olympia title, but I would like to be able to walk around
> shirtless at the beach with pride. What kind of work will I have to put
> in?
>
>

Francesco G. Fantauzzi

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Nov 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/29/96
to Planet Wellness

Planet Wellness wrote:
> [...]

> You answered your own question. "I know it's never too late..."
>
> You can expect good results. You may want to supplement your diet with
> more protein and take Yohimbe (if you Blood Pressure is in check)[...]

How can you know that this chap doesn't already take enough proteins?
How do you know that he doesn't, may be, take to much proteins already?

Regards,
Francesco G. F.

--
Francesco G. Fantauzzi Ś`... But the Dwarf answered:
Research Student/RSA E.T.M. Cert. Ś No; something human is dearer to me
Brunel Univ. - Math. & Stat. Dept.Ś than the wealth of all the world.'
map...@brunel.ac.uk Ś --Grimm's Tales

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