I've decided to just body recomp and stop bulking because I'm 50 and tired
serapel
Posts: 502 Member
When I was younger, bulking up and then losing the fat was a great strategy - even at age 46, it was do-able. Now that I'm turning 50 I find it so hard to take that weight off without losing the gains.
I'm just happy with eating at maintenance (1900 cals a day) and just stick to re-comping. The progress is slower and the gains are not as spectacular, but I'm tired and becoming injury prone. I also just don't have the energy to diet anymore. I hate eating at a deficit and hate feeling hungry.
Any other older lifters that can relate? Or are you still bulking and cutting successfully?
I'm just happy with eating at maintenance (1900 cals a day) and just stick to re-comping. The progress is slower and the gains are not as spectacular, but I'm tired and becoming injury prone. I also just don't have the energy to diet anymore. I hate eating at a deficit and hate feeling hungry.
Any other older lifters that can relate? Or are you still bulking and cutting successfully?
9
Replies
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I'm 55 and I like the challenge of cutting and bulking, but I'm still fairly new to resistance training. Going on year 3 now. This is really only my second bulk and the first one was pretty dirty so it took me a long time to cut the fat off and get down to 10% bf. This is my first "clean" bulk. About 1.5 months into it. No serious injuries so far. Dealing with a shoulder impingement but I think I have that under control.1
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I'm 52. Only got into lifting properly at the start of 2020. I'm not interested in bulking and cutting and am re-comping.3
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I’m about to turn 48. Started lifting 4 years agoand have been recomping throughout. Well I lost about 10 pounds in the first year so I guess that’s a v slow cut then a recomp.
I have been considering bulking having tried to lose a few more pounds during lockdown.
I can relate to diet fatigue. I don’t do well at all in a deficit. My hunger is very high and I get food obsessed.
I think maintaining ur weight and continuing to train is a fine enough strategy. Preserving muscle mass is key as we get older.2 -
Outside of actually bodybuilding, I've always thought the whole bulking and cutting thing was an odd trend anyway. I've lifted on and off for 30+ years and the only time I ran a "bulk" was in my late teens/early 20s when I was in the military and went in a scrawny 135Lbs soaking wet @ 5'10". Not sure if it was even really a true bulk...I didn't have to cut and diet at any point that I remember...certainly not a deliberate thing, but I was in the weight room steadily over those four years or so and put on a good 35 to 40 Lbs and still had visible abs.
I wasn't huge by any means...but at 170 - 175 I wasn't scrawny anymore. I've never wanted to be hugely muscular...just normal, athletic, fit physique so bulking and cutting cycles aren't anything I've ever really considered. I got back into things in my late 30s after about an 8 year hiatus to get my physique and fitness back, but never crossed my mind to do cycles of bulking and cutting. I'm 46 now going on 47 and I think I would just feel very weird and out of my skin if I did that.3 -
I started lifting in the 1970's when the only people doing bulk/cut cycles were serious bodybuilders.
Never felt the desire to try it myself. I have my doubts about it being necessary or even advantageous for people with regular strength or physique goals.
The level of precision/control to both bulk and cut WELL (as opposed to just getting fatter and slimmer!) seems very onerous for me for the supposed and unquantified benefits.
TBH when I look around the gym it's people's poor training that is a bigger barrier - most people these days (first world) are well nourished and although there have been strides made in exercise nutrition since the train hard and then go down the pub methods of my early years it still just supports the process rather than drives it.
Over the decades the opportunity, or lack of it, to train well has been a far bigger factor for me than diet in progressing or regressing.
The last year or so was interesting - after recovering from injury I got back to the 100kg benchmark (excuse the pun) for bench press I've used since my teens fairly quickly in time for my 60th birthday with obvious muscle growth.
Lost some muscle when the gyms shut, regained it when they opened - no dietary change required, just training adherence.
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When I was younger, bulking up and then losing the fat was a great strategy - even at age 46, it was do-able. Now that I'm turning 50 I find it so hard to take that weight off without losing the gains.
I'm just happy with eating at maintenance (1900 cals a day) and just stick to re-comping. The progress is slower and the gains are not as spectacular, but I'm tired and becoming injury prone. I also just don't have the energy to diet anymore. I hate eating at a deficit and hate feeling hungry.
Any other older lifters that can relate? Or are you still bulking and cutting successfully?
Yes me! I have been recomp for few months! I might lose 2 lbs but mostly have maintained my weight and have gained muscle.
This month I've decided to cut a lot just for April. I am not liking it too much because I am very hungry!!!!! I dont want to lose the muscle. I am trying to lose the fat. But I will see how this goes. I am 531 -
I'd agree with you. Bulking never really made any of my 1 rep maximums explode or anything at age 52. After I cut back down I'll probably go with a more steady approach to eating.1
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I'm 57 and I've only ever recomped, somewhat accidentally. I was just lifting primarily to preserve bone density and muscle, while maintaining my normal eating and weight. I ended up losing a fair bit of bodyfat along the way and dropped a pants size.
Now I've probably lost most of that hard-earned muscle as my lifting was very limited by illness since the beginning of the year, and I haven't been able to do any at all since surgery 3 weeks ago. I've also lost weight because of that illness and once I can get back to my normal routine I'll probably be doing my first ever bulk to restore the lost pounds, but no cut afterwards.3 -
I had never heard of people outside of bodybuilding or powerlifting competitors who did bulk and cut cycles until I started reading the MFP forum's, honestly. I lost some weight very slowly last year while continuing to strength train, so maybe I was "cutting," but I have no intention of bulking up. I want to continue to progress and get stronger, but as someone said, I think training smartly is the way to do it. If I were wanting to compete than sure, I'd do it. Honestly, though, there are other hobbies and factors of my life I'd like to improve upon before putting so much effort into worrying about bulking and cutting.
Having said that, I am trying to loses about 2 pounds, but hopefully slowly so it's mostly fat, and recomping.2 -
All of you are an inspiration!! Every one of you took the time to share your experiences and thank you for that!!
I recently added kick boxing to my routine about 6 months ago and I can tell ya, kick boxing us excellent HIIT training that’s fun. I lost an inch on my waist and got a 6 pack when added kick boxing to my routine!!
Glad to hear that recomping is working for us ‘more mature’ athletes 😂1 -
I'm 57 and I've only ever recomped, somewhat accidentally. I was just lifting primarily to preserve bone density and muscle, while maintaining my normal eating and weight. I ended up losing a fair bit of bodyfat along the way and dropped a pants size.
Now I've probably lost most of that hard-earned muscle as my lifting was very limited by illness since the beginning of the year, and I haven't been able to do any at all since surgery 3 weeks ago. I've also lost weight because of that illness and once I can get back to my normal routine I'll probably be doing my first ever bulk to restore the lost pounds, but no cut afterwards.
I hope you recover quickly 🤗 your body will bounce back I’m sure!1 -
I'm 70 and did my last bulk/cut about 10 years ago. Still show the muscular gains after all these years.
Tried recomping w/minimal success based on regular DEXA measurements. Am happy w/my weight and physique as it is (42-33-38 at 155# and 12%BF based on the last DEXA), which is pretty good (if I don't say so myself) for a man my age.
Lots of vascularity in my arms and lots of muscle definition in my arms/legs with a shadow of a 6-pack; never could "show" a 6 pack even when I got down to 8% BF based on hydro. It's genetic.
Look great when I wear my UnderArmor compression gear but I try not looking too closely at the butt and belly sag when I take them off.
LOL!
Stopped upper body lifting/workouts for the past 2 years due to injuries and deteriorating joints mainly due to my age. Could still do lower bodywork (squats and DLs but I've gotten lazy and was worried about uneven body development.
All I'm doing currently doing is rowing on my C2 rower -- about 10k meters in 1 hr/day, which is more than most people 1/2 my age do. I also still do some Crossfit type exercises like sled push/pulls, tire flipping and sledge hammer strikes, battle ropes and farmer's carries.
That and some steep hill climbs while going on 3-5 mile hikes keeps me in as fit as anyone my age can reasonable expect.
So, I'm not worried about bulking/cutting, lifting or recomping any more.6 -
I'm 57 and I've only ever recomped, somewhat accidentally. I was just lifting primarily to preserve bone density and muscle, while maintaining my normal eating and weight. I ended up losing a fair bit of bodyfat along the way and dropped a pants size.
Now I've probably lost most of that hard-earned muscle as my lifting was very limited by illness since the beginning of the year, and I haven't been able to do any at all since surgery 3 weeks ago. I've also lost weight because of that illness and once I can get back to my normal routine I'll probably be doing my first ever bulk to restore the lost pounds, but no cut afterwards.
I hope you recover quickly 🤗 your body will bounce back I’m sure!
Thank you!
I miss my workouts so much. 1 -
I'm probably the most experienced lifter here and a former bodybuilder. Last time I bulked and cut, I was about 47 years old. Now 10 years later all I'm doing is just cutting. No desire to add any more mass or muscle and let's face it as we age, more weight on the body isn't better. You'll find lots of info that people that live well into their 90's end up being lighter in the long run. Makes sense too since you're carrying around less weight on your frame and joints.
I still have a lot more muscle than many guys in my age range for my frame. So cutting for me is now just showing definition.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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currently 67 years old and been training for 40 years,when I was younger obviously bigger and stronger was my goal, (always on a bulk I guess), got up to about 170-180 pounds 5'8". Had a #365 bench and #505 squat as personal best. No longer bulk/cut. try and keep weight under 160. Usually just look in the mirror. If abs are visible and vascularity of chest and arms is good then weight is fine. Lots weight during pandemic, figure bodyfat in low teens, good vascularity and visible chest and delt striations, current weight 145#. I don't like the low weight but dang I am pretty ripped for an old dude.2
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I'm 70 and did my last bulk/cut about 10 years ago. Still show the muscular gains after all these years.
Tried recomping w/minimal success based on regular DEXA measurements. Am happy w/my weight and physique as it is (42-33-38 at 155# and 12%BF based on the last DEXA), which is pretty good (if I don't say so myself) for a man my age.
Lots of vascularity in my arms and lots of muscle definition in my arms/legs with a shadow of a 6-pack; never could "show" a 6 pack even when I got down to 8% BF based on hydro. It's genetic.
Look great when I wear my UnderArmor compression gear but I try not looking too closely at the butt and belly sag when I take them off.
LOL!
Stopped upper body lifting/workouts for the past 2 years due to injuries and deteriorating joints mainly due to my age. Could still do lower bodywork (squats and DLs but I've gotten lazy and was worried about uneven body development.
All I'm doing currently doing is rowing on my C2 rower -- about 10k meters in 1 hr/day, which is more than most people 1/2 my age do. I also still do some Crossfit type exercises like sled push/pulls, tire flipping and sledge hammer strikes, battle ropes and farmer's carries.
That and some steep hill climbs while going on 3-5 mile hikes keeps me in as fit as anyone my age can reasonable expect.
So, I'm not worried about bulking/cutting, lifting or recomping any more.
You’re an inspiration!! Thanks for sharing.0 -
michaelsmithpa wrote: »currently 67 years old and been training for 40 years,when I was younger obviously bigger and stronger was my goal, (always on a bulk I guess), got up to about 170-180 pounds 5'8". Had a #365 bench and #505 squat as personal best. No longer bulk/cut. try and keep weight under 160. Usually just look in the mirror. If abs are visible and vascularity of chest and arms is good then weight is fine. Lots weight during pandemic, figure bodyfat in low teens, good vascularity and visible chest and delt striations, current weight 145#. I don't like the low weight but dang I am pretty ripped for an old dude.
This pandemic has been awful!! Our city gyms have been closed for 6 months now!!! I’ve been buying plates as I get stronger. I started with 200 lbs of plates and now I have 350 lbs - hip thrust progression has been good at home.
I hope at 67 I’m like you0 -
I'm probably the most experienced lifter here and a former bodybuilder. Last time I bulked and cut, I was about 47 years old. Now 10 years later all I'm doing is just cutting. No desire to add any more mass or muscle and let's face it as we age, more weight on the body isn't better. You'll find lots of info that people that live well into their 90's end up being lighter in the long run. Makes sense too since you're carrying around less weight on your frame and joints.
I still have a lot more muscle than many guys in my age range for my frame. So cutting for me is now just showing definition.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
You’re doing amazing and you’re not old!!!0 -
I’m going the recomp route as well. A regular lift routine, healthy eating, and activity. I think you’ve got those down. You’ll be back to the *kitten*-kicker in no time.1
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To be honest, if you look around there are few people that have low enough bodyfat to bulk.3
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I have been consistently strength training since 1983 and at this point find it best to stay lean all year round. I stoped trying to force weight gain about 20 years ago and have just continued to eat clean and tasty food most of the time with occasional junk thrown in maybe once a week(Pizza, beer, icecream) I find that I do best just focusing on foods I like in moderate amounts and when I do eat something less healthy, I don't sweat it. To maintain I track about 2K calories and weigh about 185lbs. Clean foods with lean protein and lots of colorful veggies keep me satisfied 95% of the time. Good luck figuring out what works best for you!4
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I have been consistently strength training since 1983 and at this point find it best to stay lean all year round. I stoped trying to force weight gain about 20 years ago and have just continued to eat clean and tasty food most of the time with occasional junk thrown in maybe once a week(Pizza, beer, icecream) I find that I do best just focusing on foods I like in moderate amounts and when I do eat something less healthy, I don't sweat it. To maintain I track about 2K calories and weigh about 185lbs. Clean foods with lean protein and lots of colorful veggies keep me satisfied 95% of the time. Good luck figuring out what works best for you!
I think following your plan sounds very smart. Good for you!!1 -
I have been consistently strength training since 1983 and at this point find it best to stay lean all year round. I stoped trying to force weight gain about 20 years ago and have just continued to eat clean and tasty food most of the time with occasional junk thrown in maybe once a week(Pizza, beer, icecream) I find that I do best just focusing on foods I like in moderate amounts and when I do eat something less healthy, I don't sweat it. To maintain I track about 2K calories and weigh about 185lbs. Clean foods with lean protein and lots of colorful veggies keep me satisfied 95% of the time. Good luck figuring out what works best for you!
I'm on basically the same program except never did a bulk. I've been lifting since 1974, 6'2" 205 pounds, about 10 pounds more than my college weight when people would ask if I was on the baseball team or football team as a receiver or defensive back (not athletic enough but looked the part) at my 20k student university.
90% or so clean food as you mention and very occasional junk, along with consistent exercise is the way to go for most IMO.
@dmhobill I am a bit surprised at your calorie burn. I'm probably older and only 20 pounds heavier an maintain on about 2700 calories a day. I'd think you'd be higher that 2,000..2 -
@Theoldguy1
yeah... I wish could eat more and not gain fat, I used to eat a LOT more. ;-) the 2K does not count exercise, which I get almost each day (3 days of strength work and 2-3 days of cardio) When tracking I adjust with exercise. I am a smaller boned person that seems to be able to put on weight easy when I eat a lot. ;-)
The good news is I am happy with my current approach.... hope everyone finds something that meets goals they can live with long term.0 -
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@Theoldguy1
yeah... I wish could eat more and not gain fat, I used to eat a LOT more. ;-) the 2K does not count exercise, which I get almost each day (3 days of strength work and 2-3 days of cardio) When tracking I adjust with exercise. I am a smaller boned person that seems to be able to put on weight easy when I eat a lot. ;-)
The good news is I am happy with my current approach.... hope everyone finds something that meets goals they can live with long term.
Our gyms have been closed since November. It has been a constant effort to keep active and not eat too much.
I have a standard bar and 350 lbs of plates. I also have dumbbells and bands. It has been a real effort to stay motivated!!0 -
@Theoldguy1
yeah... I wish could eat more and not gain fat, I used to eat a LOT more. ;-) the 2K does not count exercise, which I get almost each day (3 days of strength work and 2-3 days of cardio) When tracking I adjust with exercise. I am a smaller boned person that seems to be able to put on weight easy when I eat a lot. ;-)
The good news is I am happy with my current approach.... hope everyone finds something that meets goals they can live with long term.
Your approach sounds really good. It's a marathon not a sprint.1
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