I laugh when people come up to me at the gym and tell me they used to look like me when they were young. They would tell me how time and the consumption of beer have caught up to them. They suffer from injuries that they feel they can never recover from. I would ask them, "How old are you?" and they would tell me around their early 30's. I would reply, "Do you know how old I am?". They would answer with an age around the late 20's or early 30's. I would laugh and tell them I am over 40. I wish I could bottle up their expressions and reactions. They are priceless. "Are you serious? You can't be in your 40's." Oh yes, I am.
Is it always good to start at a young age? While there are definite
advantages if you are beginning bodybuilding when you are young, but
for those who are on the wrong side of 40 there is still hope. I am proof that you can get better with age without the illegal supplements or some incredible magic. The biggest challenge is finding the motivation, the inspiration and certainly the discipline in your diet, your rest and your workouts. Less is more, not more is more. What I mean is this...less time working out and more time resting, less of the "infinite" cheat meals and more of the proper meals. It is common knowledge to athletes that you should have the following proportions of your caloric intake: 40% protein, 40% carbs and 20% fats. I do not follow this. Keep in mind everybody reacts differently to a specific diet and workout. It is really trial and error. My intake is as follows: 60% protein, 25% carbs and 15% fats. Nutrition and proper rest is 90% of the battle to physical fitness. Training is strictly clean up work at only 10%. More time in the gym doesn't necessarily give you better results.
