Discover How To Start Bodybuilding Over 40
October 2, 2009 by Rodney Williams
Filed under Exercise
Now is a great time to turn your chubby or unfit body into an athletic figure. There is no reason to believe that bodybuilding over 40 is less effective than it was 20 years ago. However, there are some precautions you should take to protect your health as you exercise.
Once you have researched bodybuilding and feel you understand the elements of fitness over 40, you should also study the success of other men and women bodybuilders your age. Find several people with body types and fitness goals similar to your own and use them as role models. Use them to create your own training schedule and program. Also, note how gradually they began training, including their reps, weights, and cycles.
When you first begin bodybuilding over 40 it would be best to choose a longer cycle that gives you plenty of rest. Your body will need more time for renewal and repair because it is not used to or primed for this activity. Ideally you would work out one or two muscle groups on day 1. On days 2 and 3 you would rest. On day 4 you will train another muscle group and then rest for two days. On day 7 you would work out the remaining muscle groups and then rest for two days before beginning again. As you become more advanced, you can decrease your rest periods and shorten your cycles if you prefer.
Never begin with too much weight. It is common for younger people to mistakenly begin too high. This is not because they can start with more weight than you, it is because their bodies can endure and repair damage they cause much faster. Begin at a very low weight, the amount may vary per person. Start low enough so that you can maintain control while you perform proper movements and techniques.
When you begin bodybuilding over 40, start with higher repetitions to compliment your lighter weights. 15 reps are a good starting place. There are some fitness experts who recommend “periodized” style where every other cycle you perform less reps but with slightly higher weights. You will have to determine when you body is able to repair fast enough to try this technique. As you become fit, you will be able to lower the reps and add weight to every cycle.
A good warm up is also critical if you want to prevent injury and get the most benefit from your training. After stretching, many experts recommend a light 5 to 10 minute cardio workout. Afterwards, you should warm up the muscle group you are targeting that day by lifting half the weight for about 10 reps. For example, if your goal is to lift 200 pounds in that training session, you should start by lifting 100 pounds or less.
If you have a prior injury, you will need to protect it. Even if your injury is more than a decade old, you will have to take caution not to re-injure yourself. Always talk to your doctor before beginning a bodybuilding routine, especially if you have been hurt before. Your doctor may recommend you use a brace or avoid certain movements.
If you follow these simple recommendations you will be practicing safe bodybuilding over 40. If you have more questions or are nervous about injuring yourself, ask a certified trainer to show you the best way to train your body. Using caution and asking for help will get you prepared for a more intense workout later and get you started on the road to fitness success.
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