Getting ripped & past your 20's

tgh1914

Hey, just wondering who else out there has gone through or is going through the challenge of trying to get ripped who is, shall we say, "past your prime". Isn't it much harder? Any tips? What's your story?

I found it much easier to get a 6-pack when I was in my early 20's. Back then eating right was very secondary. And although I exercised a good amount, I sure didn't know what I know now about a proper workout routine. But somehow I had an easier time getting visible results then than now.

I'm sure most of it had to do with having a naturally higher metabolism, but that's not the only reason. Back then, I also didn't have to spread my time & energy across a full time job, a spouse, kids, & other community activities, nor deal with occasional health set backs.

I tell ya, I'm impressed when I see anyone that's put in good effort & discipline to get into a beach body shape. But I'm WAY more impressed when I see it from someone with all the extra "load" in life as well. Cheers. :drinker:

N_BEAST_MODE_24_7

YUP, I'm 39 and still at it! Coming up I played all sports and was totally ripped, but I hurt my knee in Korea (US ARMY) and had ACL repair in 1999. When going though my rehab I decided to turn back into my OLD SELF, a fitness BEAST...12 years later I'm still going like a Energizer Bunny with 2 screws in my left knee. Hard work pays off, you can do it! Its harder when you get older, but when you are older and have a better looking body than the younger ppl, that says a lot about you!!

SHBoss1673

I hear that, it's far from easy.

I give Chillwill lots and lots of props man, you're pretty well stacked, especially for a guy in our age range. Extra props for serving our country man!

Anyway, for me, the hardest part is the 9 hour work day and 2 to 3 hours of commuting added on to it. I get 45 minutes in the gym during lunch, that's about it. I leave at 7:00am and get home at 6:30 to 7:00 pm, there's no way I'm working out after a 12 hour day at the office. Especially considering my job is high stress, sedentary, and very difficult (the problems I face as a senior DBA are generally very complex and twisted). Not that I use this as an excuse. Over the last 5 years I've managed to drop 60 lbs, and add 10 lbs (in the last year) of lean mass. I'm still trying to get down below that 12% mark, but finding that harder than I thought it would be originally, at 37 - 38 years old, it seems that behaviors that would have kept me at 8% BF when I was 22 now leave me hovering at 13% frustrating isn't the word. I know what I need to do to acheive it, it's a question of whether I WANT to work that hard, some days I do and some days I don't, it's a major comittment, so I'm still mulling over whether I want to really make that leap to get down below 12%.

N_BEAST_MODE_24_7

I hear that, it's far from easy.

I give Chillwill lots and lots of props man, you're pretty well stacked, especially for a guy in our age range. Extra props for serving our country man!

Anyway, for me, the hardest part is the 9 hour work day and 2 to 3 hours of commuting added on to it. I get 45 minutes in the gym during lunch, that's about it. I leave at 7:00am and get home at 6:30 to 7:00 pm, there's no way I'm working out after a 12 hour day at the office. Especially considering my job is high stress, sedentary, and very difficult (the problems I face as a senior DBA are generally very complex and twisted). Not that I use this as an excuse. Over the last 5 years I've managed to drop 60 lbs, and add 10 lbs (in the last year) of lean mass. I'm still trying to get down below that 12% mark, but finding that harder than I thought it would be originally, at 37 - 38 years old, it seems that behaviors that would have kept me at 8% BF when I was 22 now leave me hovering at 13% frustrating isn't the word. I know what I need to do to acheive it, it's a question of whether I WANT to work that hard, some days I do and some days I don't, it's a major comittment, so I'm still mulling over whether I want to really make that leap to get down below 12%.

Thanks! I cant understand what you saying about work and how it can play on you. 20 years now in the military, I do crazy things..I sit on my ab ball and do sit-ups at my desk, I also do 20 push-ups every hour while at work. So if i don't want to workout when I get home I'm OK, I worked out throughout my day at work. And that's the basic.. push-ups and sit-ups! A little something is better than nothing at all. Its all in your head, YOU ALREADY SET THE GOAL! You just need to find a way to reach it now..... YOU CAN DO IT, NEVER QUIT!!! 12%!!!

SHBoss1673

I hear that, it's far from easy.

I give Chillwill lots and lots of props man, you're pretty well stacked, especially for a guy in our age range. Extra props for serving our country man!

Anyway, for me, the hardest part is the 9 hour work day and 2 to 3 hours of commuting added on to it. I get 45 minutes in the gym during lunch, that's about it. I leave at 7:00am and get home at 6:30 to 7:00 pm, there's no way I'm working out after a 12 hour day at the office. Especially considering my job is high stress, sedentary, and very difficult (the problems I face as a senior DBA are generally very complex and twisted). Not that I use this as an excuse. Over the last 5 years I've managed to drop 60 lbs, and add 10 lbs (in the last year) of lean mass. I'm still trying to get down below that 12% mark, but finding that harder than I thought it would be originally, at 37 - 38 years old, it seems that behaviors that would have kept me at 8% BF when I was 22 now leave me hovering at 13% frustrating isn't the word. I know what I need to do to acheive it, it's a question of whether I WANT to work that hard, some days I do and some days I don't, it's a major comittment, so I'm still mulling over whether I want to really make that leap to get down below 12%.

Thanks! I cant understand what you saying about work and how it can play on you. 20 years now in the military, I do crazy things..I sit on my ab ball and do sit-ups at my desk, I also do 20 push-ups every hour while at work. So if i don't want to workout when I get home I'm OK, I worked out throughout my day at work. And that's the basic.. push-ups and sit-ups! A little something is better than nothing at all. Its all in your head, YOU ALREADY SET THE GOAL! You just need to find a way to reach it now..... YOU CAN DO IT, NEVER QUIT!!! 12%!!!

See, this is the kind of stuff I need. a kick in the *kitten*. OK OK, I'll start thinking about my new nutrition plan.

thanks chill

stephanielynn76

I did it. I'm 34 and have had 2 kids. I have visible abs for the first time ever. I do have two advantages though... #1 I've worked out for many years but this is the first time I've managed to conquer the nutrition side of the equation... #2 genetics. I am just built small in the midsection. It is hard work but it can be done. Consistency is a must.

When they say "abs are made in the kitchen" they ain't lying!

N_BEAST_MODE_24_7

I hear that, it's far from easy.

I give Chillwill lots and lots of props man, you're pretty well stacked, especially for a guy in our age range. Extra props for serving our country man!

Anyway, for me, the hardest part is the 9 hour work day and 2 to 3 hours of commuting added on to it. I get 45 minutes in the gym during lunch, that's about it. I leave at 7:00am and get home at 6:30 to 7:00 pm, there's no way I'm working out after a 12 hour day at the office. Especially considering my job is high stress, sedentary, and very difficult (the problems I face as a senior DBA are generally very complex and twisted). Not that I use this as an excuse. Over the last 5 years I've managed to drop 60 lbs, and add 10 lbs (in the last year) of lean mass. I'm still trying to get down below that 12% mark, but finding that harder than I thought it would be originally, at 37 - 38 years old, it seems that behaviors that would have kept me at 8% BF when I was 22 now leave me hovering at 13% frustrating isn't the word. I know what I need to do to acheive it, it's a question of whether I WANT to work that hard, some days I do and some days I don't, it's a major comittment, so I'm still mulling over whether I want to really make that leap to get down below 12%.

Thanks! I cant understand what you saying about work and how it can play on you. 20 years now in the military, I do crazy things..I sit on my ab ball and do sit-ups at my desk, I also do 20 push-ups every hour while at work. So if i don't want to workout when I get home I'm OK, I worked out throughout my day at work. And that's the basic.. push-ups and sit-ups! A little something is better than nothing at all. Its all in your head, YOU ALREADY SET THE GOAL! You just need to find a way to reach it now..... YOU CAN DO IT, NEVER QUIT!!! 12%!!!

See, this is the kind of stuff I need. a kick in the *kitten*. OK OK, I'll start thinking about my new nutrition plan.

thanks chill

I'm a fitness and nutrition specialist/ personal trainer... hit me up anytime!..

tgh1914

Thanks yall! You guys are definitely inspiring me! Obviously, it can be done.

SHBoss1673

I hear that, it's far from easy.

I give Chillwill lots and lots of props man, you're pretty well stacked, especially for a guy in our age range. Extra props for serving our country man!

Anyway, for me, the hardest part is the 9 hour work day and 2 to 3 hours of commuting added on to it. I get 45 minutes in the gym during lunch, that's about it. I leave at 7:00am and get home at 6:30 to 7:00 pm, there's no way I'm working out after a 12 hour day at the office. Especially considering my job is high stress, sedentary, and very difficult (the problems I face as a senior DBA are generally very complex and twisted). Not that I use this as an excuse. Over the last 5 years I've managed to drop 60 lbs, and add 10 lbs (in the last year) of lean mass. I'm still trying to get down below that 12% mark, but finding that harder than I thought it would be originally, at 37 - 38 years old, it seems that behaviors that would have kept me at 8% BF when I was 22 now leave me hovering at 13% frustrating isn't the word. I know what I need to do to acheive it, it's a question of whether I WANT to work that hard, some days I do and some days I don't, it's a major comittment, so I'm still mulling over whether I want to really make that leap to get down below 12%.

Thanks! I cant understand what you saying about work and how it can play on you. 20 years now in the military, I do crazy things..I sit on my ab ball and do sit-ups at my desk, I also do 20 push-ups every hour while at work. So if i don't want to workout when I get home I'm OK, I worked out throughout my day at work. And that's the basic.. push-ups and sit-ups! A little something is better than nothing at all. Its all in your head, YOU ALREADY SET THE GOAL! You just need to find a way to reach it now..... YOU CAN DO IT, NEVER QUIT!!! 12%!!!

See, this is the kind of stuff I need. a kick in the *kitten*. OK OK, I'll start thinking about my new nutrition plan.

thanks chill

I'm a fitness and nutrition specialist/ personal trainer... hit me up anytime!..

hehe, as am I. We could compare notes some day.