Just turned 61 (before and after with pic)

brentopia
brentopia Posts: 113 Member
in Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
Yeah, okay, I know I'm not a giant muscle guy - but lifting has helped me a lot and I think I've come a long way. Just turned 61 and wanted to post my pic for two reasons... 1) I want a pat on the back for the hard work! Lol... 2) I want to encourage any older members starting out that it's never too late in life to start lifting and lose the gut.

MFP has been a big help to me. Thanks for reading!

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Replies

  • jhilkene
    jhilkene Posts: 104 Member
    Wow! Awesome work! :o:)
  • TonyB0588
    TonyB0588 Posts: 9,520 Member
    Excellent!! It's good to know we can get better with age. I'm 52 and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Jan0404
    Jan0404 Posts: 13 Member
    Wow. You look amazing. I've just started another weight loss journey at age 59. I struggle at this age but 21 lb has to go and I am one very determined lady. Thanks for posting your pic it has motivated and inspired me. Well done! 🙌
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    edited October 2018
    Thank you, everyone! Jan0404 - you made my day... so glad this motivated you in your journey! :)
  • Cant_think_of_a_username
    Cant_think_of_a_username Posts: 98 Member
    Fantastic work - your pat on the back is well deserved :+1:

    I'm working towards the same goal at 45 - I started at 210 and am down to 180 so far since July with a few more still to go... but these are the stubborn last ones! I've got a problem with my left knee and shifting a few lbs has helped more than I expected.
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    Cant_think_of_a_username wrote: »
    I've got a problem with my left knee and shifting a few lbs has helped more than I expected.

    Funny you should mention trouble with your left knee - I have the same. Losing some weight but especially building muscle around my left knee area helped me significantly. It's now an infrequent inconvenience instead of a constant irritant and ache. Progressive weight lifting has changed so many things for the better for me. I can't recommend it enough.

    Thanks for the 'pat' on the back! :D and congrats to you and your own progress. I love seeing people transform and reach their goals - so freaking awesome.
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    yukfoo wrote: »
    Great job! I'll be 61 in January. Your b4 and afters look almost exactly like mine. I went from 240 to 172 (so far). We share a common message. It's never too late to turn things around. I hope more people 60+ will be moved to post their success stories as well. Aging doesn't have to be a bad thing. Again, well done!. Hope you'll keep us posted and inspired with your success! ...I'm off for my run.

    Thanks and congrats to you on your great progress. I couldn't agree more - its never too late. If anyone reading this is on the fence - start a lifting routine now!

  • sbeane96
    sbeane96 Posts: 11 Member
    You look like a muscle guy to me! Strong and fit doesn't equate to bulk
  • Keto_Vampire
    Keto_Vampire Posts: 1,670 Member
    Awesome progress & great way to show that age is not an excuse for taking more control over your health
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    sbeane96 wrote: »
    You look like a muscle guy to me! Strong and fit doesn't equate to bulk

    Ha. Thanks so much!

  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    Keto_Vampire wrote: »
    Awesome progress & great way to show that age is not an excuse for taking more control over your health

    Thank you - and you're exactly right ... no matter the age, lifting does our bodies good.

  • EVguy1
    EVguy1 Posts: 12 Member
    Great job! I’m 58 and back to MFP again for loss, this time to postpone hip surgery and get knee relief.
    Glad to see your progress for inspiration.
  • JonesJennings
    JonesJennings Posts: 59 Member
    Great work comrade!
  • jdubois5351
    jdubois5351 Posts: 460 Member
    You look fantastic! Awesome job!
  • 4Pop
    4Pop Posts: 53 Member
    Congrats from someone slightly older than you. Which means I know it's not easy at this stage in life.
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    Thanks EVGuy1 (got an electric car?), JonesJennings, jdubois5351!
    4Pop wrote: »
    Congrats from someone slightly older than you. Which means I know it's not easy at this stage in life.

    And 4Pop, I agree, it is tougher to start lifting when older (you look great btw!) ... but so rewarding, not only aesthetically - but stronger legs, core, etc. provide real world benefits as we age.
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    Keto_Vampire wrote: »
    Awesome progress & great way to show that age is not an excuse for taking more control over your health

    Keto Vampire (love your username. Lol.) Thanks and you're exactly right. I see many people my age that just think it's too late to start weight lifting - but of course, it isn't. I know at some point, I won't make gains - but I'm going to keep going as long as I can... it's become a good habit.

  • kami3006
    kami3006 Posts: 4,979 Member
    Simply fantastic! Well done :)
  • jseams1234
    jseams1234 Posts: 1,219 Member
    You look fanstastic. Great job!
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    kami3006 wrote: »
    Simply fantastic! Well done :)
    jseams1234 wrote: »
    You look fanstastic. Great job!

    Thanks! :)

  • trite42
    trite42 Posts: 1 Member
    Great work...what was your lifting regime?
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    trite42 wrote: »
    Great work...what was your lifting regime?


    Thank you! I've varied my routine several times since I started. Currently doing a full body, 3 day per week. I see this was your first post - I'm certainly no expert - but I'd encourage you to look for the sticky on lifting programs and select a proven routine - or at least include the old school major compound exercises.

    Use the MFP "goals" setting or google a "TDEE calculator" and input your info to find out the amount of calories you're actually burning. Log ALL your calories and pay attention to your protein intake and get close to 0.8g/lb. Log your water, too, and stay hydrated throughout the day. I started crazy low with 5 lb dumbbells and was tired. Lolol. I was sooo out of shape. But you will be amazed how quickly you will build strength and muscle. I keep it simple... when my reps get to 12 on the last set with good form, I increase the weight and start over at 8-9 reps. Rinse and repeat.

    And most importantly... Have fun! Weight training can be fun and something you look forward to. I don't know how old you are (42?) - but don't go crazy to start. This is a marathon, not a sprint. Go for it! You will be glad you did.

  • NextPage
    NextPage Posts: 609 Member
    Great post - I am 55 and would appreciate more info about your lifting program. I do think lifting is the best anti-aging strategy.
  • JDiMascola
    JDiMascola Posts: 48 Member
    Great job!! You look amazing!
  • Kar1us
    Kar1us Posts: 31 Member
    Congrats on your success and Thanks for the example! I’ll be 60 soon and have been losing weight by diet and basic home exercise routine with light dumbbells. Losing 20 lbs took a burden off my arthritic knees. It may be time to join a gym and develop a strengthening routine to lose the next 5 lbs and improve muscles to get going again quicker after knee surgery.
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    edited October 2018
    NextPage wrote: »
    Great post - I am 55 and would appreciate more info about your lifting program. I do think lifting is the best anti-aging strategy.

    Thanks, NextPage - I have a confession to make - I didn't post my routine, as I don't follow my own advice. :#:| It is best to select a proven routine from experts... having said that, I sorta created my own routine for various valid reasons and it works for me.

    I looked up the sticky, shown below, that lists great programs. I've seen posts here by ladies that have good things to say about Strong Curves and New Rules. You might wish to check them out.

    Which lifting program is the best for you?

    And you're exactly right, I think... progressive weight training is anti-aging. Even my posture has improved. Good luck!
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    JDiMascola wrote: »
    Great job!! You look amazing!

    Thank you! :)
  • brentopia
    brentopia Posts: 113 Member
    Kar1us wrote: »
    Congrats on your success and Thanks for the example! I’ll be 60 soon and have been losing weight by diet and basic home exercise routine with light dumbbells. Losing 20 lbs took a burden off my arthritic knees. It may be time to join a gym and develop a strengthening routine to lose the next 5 lbs and improve muscles to get going again quicker after knee surgery.

    Thanks, Karlus - and congrats on losing the 20 lbs and good luck on the surgery. I really think it's important to lift WHILE losing weight. Many people think, "well, I can't gain muscle while on a calorie deficit, so I'll wait until I reach my weight loss goal before weight lifting." But think about it - the muscle fibers are still breaking down and rebuilding - not for mass - but certainly for shape and condition. It's totally worth it, as sometimes people reach their weight loss goal without weight training - and are not pleased by the shape they find themselves in. Good luck to you.
  • Shivpea
    Shivpea Posts: 58 Member
    Well done, thats great work! You should be proud :-)

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