50-year-old muscles just can’t grow big like they used to.

[Warrior]

I was in my mid 50's and still pushing some very heavy weight. I was doing 485 on the bench for 6 reps. Inclines at 435, I weighed 275 then and had a 56" chest with 19" biceps. I started backing off the weight some due to injuries. No more than 2 months ago I did an incline bench a 6 for 365 and 12 for 315 with osteoarthritis in both shoulders and @ 65 years old.

An old friend of mine who is still competing at 50 hit 1137lbs on the bench a few weeks ago for a new all time record and almost got 1200lbs. People are finding ways to cheat age. The only thing that slows most for us down is the accumulation of injuries. In my case osteoarthritis in both shoulders, the left knee and lumbar (L4 & 5) and right knee quad reattachment. I can't squat of deadlift any more but I can load 24 plates on the leg press and do 6-8 reps. It get harder to recover but you have to be determined and not use age as an excuse.

 

[Warrior]

As with most things genetics and some luck plays a part to continued muscle growth and the way we train. As a trainer to exclusively middle aged men, ( me at 61yr) success for most of us comes with different training. I've found increased frequency helps, changing intensity, volume are all good modalities.

 

[Deleted member 43589]

You bet they do. Dr. Fred Hatfield who was a close friend squatted over 1000lbs in his mid 40's. I started rising to the top of my game in the mid 40's and would have continued well in to my 50's if it had not been for all three quads in my right knee blowing out. But then I wanted to be a bodybuilder. I am seeing more and more old folks at the gym that look pretty good. I think our generation is just not as willing to grow old. I do agree the variations in training are the best method for most. Even the sport of powerlifting has gone that direction and away from these strict periodized training routines.