Effects of age on recovery
tomcornhole
Posts: 1,084 Member
I searched the interweb and found no good studies so I thought I would ask if anyone has seen anything beyond the bro-science I found. Specifically looking at any studies or reports of the quality that Sara posted earlier on the effect of nutrient timing on strength and hypertrophy. Lots of studies on recovery times between sets and between lifting days but can't find any that correlate performance gains vs. age.
Tom
Tom
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Missed this...sorry.
My comments are more anecdotal and 'thoughts' as I have not really seen anything 'sciency'.
There are a bunch of factors that impact how much age impacts performance, including:
- how healthy/fit you are in the first place. If you have picked up more injuries and health issues along the way, then this obviously impacts recovery and performance
- gender plays a part. As guys age, test drops. Well, women do not have much test in the first place (and I do not think it drops as we age, but could be wrong) so we get impacted less re performance
However, regarding bb'ers - there are a lot of top level bb'ers that are in their 40's
Regarding powerlifters, even some of the top level lifters see their lifts continue to increase when they get into their 40s. Jennifer Thompson is one that springs to mind - she is 132lb, benches over 300lb and is 40 yo (last time I looked).
I think you just need to train more sensibly and pay attention to your body re recovery.
For my sample of n=1, I do not have much of a comparison as I did not start lifting seriously until I was 45. However, I do a pretty high amount of work without any major issues and my strength/performance based on my 'lifting life' is at least as comparable as most people half my age.
Some quotes here from older lifters:
http://www.powerliftingwatch.com/node/9950 -
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I'm 60....did I say that out loud....anyway I'm achieving my goals of reducing body fat while increasing muscle mass with cut/bulk phases and the result is directly related to how dedicated I am, which means how consistent I am.....It's pretty easy actually when you have set yourself up for that success with proper nutrition and exercise. Most of the older people where I go seem to be there for the networking and comradery.......me, not so much, I'm there to sweat.0
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I am an expert on the aging. I heartily recommend a good rocking-chair workout on your off days.
Sorry. Couldn't resist.
It definitely takes longer to heal as you get older, so it makes sense that recovery might be a bit slower as well.
I do not think age has slowed me much, when I am healthy, but I do find that I get sidelined more often with injuries, aches, and pains. I think that is really what ends up holding you back and keeping you from progressing the way you otherwise might.
I know I am definitely not as fast as I used to be. But I think I am almost as strong as I used to be.
For what my experience is worth . . .0 -
I'm so glad you asked this question, and loved reading the responses. I'm 49 and I haven't noticed anything different except that it takes a bit longer to lose weight, but like one poster wrote, with consistency, it happens. There are a lot of serious lifters at my gym, many over 40, and some very impressive 60+ folks who keep me very motivated.0
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I agree with the other writers who are seeing great results in their 40's, 50's and beyond. After years of inactivity, I began a six day/week training program at 54 years old. Now two years later I have reduced my BF% significantly and like Neanderthin said, I feel like my strength and endurance are determined by my workouts, not by my age.
The one difference I attribute to my advancing age is in reduced flexibility. These days, if I don't do enough stretching, I'm likely to end up with a pulled muscle or other similar aches and pains. Other than that, I have no complaints around recovery times.0 -
I do not know if this helps or not. But, I believe studies have shown that you lose aerobic capacity as you age. I suppose that might, or might not, impact lifting?
Anyways, here is a study that said that master athletes do not lose aerobic capacity with age as long as they continue to work and maintain it.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3558232
I know that is not exactly what you are asking. But maybe that is what is known about exercise and aging.
And, this one appears to have some information on the effect of weight lifting, over time, in an older group of athletes.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/91349000
