The Sunday News
Simon Gama
I’M constantly amazed when people ask me what the right age to begin bodybuilding is. My answer is that any age is the right age to start bodybuilding, provided you do it correctly.
Children as young as 10 can train with light weights along with their parents.
At the other extreme I have many students both men and women well past the age of retirement who enjoy their weight workouts. Obviously however, the older you are the less you can expect to achieve through bodybuilding because your body simply slows down with age.
The optimum age to begin bodybuilding training if you want to become a champion is between 15 and 30, by the age of 16 you will be mature enough to make good grains from bodybuilding training. At 30 you will still have enough time to reach maximum development before age starts gaining on you.
Bodybuilders in their late teens have developed tremendous physique. One outstanding example is Casey Viator who won Mr America at the record age of 19. Casey has gone on to win several IFBB professional competitions.
Numerous bodybuilders over 40 have built superb physiques Vic Downes didn’t touch a weight until he was 32 yet he won the world’s most Muscular Man tittle at 40 and ED Correy reached his all-time best condition at 46. Albert Beckles won the world Professional Championship at 53. So it’s never too late for you to begin regular weight training.
BODYBUILDING FOR ALL AGES
Youngsters under 16 should not lift maximum weight, instead they should use weights for 10-15 minute repetitions.
Youngsters under 16 should not do exercises such as squats, deadlifts and overhead presses with heavy weights. Older individuals must respect their joints and soft tissues with advanced age. Lighter rather than heavier weights should be stressed.
However, those who train consistently will find they can still handle heavy weight into their late fifties and early sixties, losing only a bit of strength as they grow.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
To be perfectly safe anyone who has been physically inactive for more than a year as well as anyone who is over 35 should have a thorough physical examination before he or she starts a bodybuilding programme.
Such an exam is intended to detect heart problems and other physical irregularities before they can cause you harm. I also recommend an electrodiogram for everyone over 40 who plans to begin weight training.
It’s vitally important that you follow the advice of your physician on weight training and other exercise. You should follow your doctor’s advice even when it’s contrary to my own.
Your doctor has examined you, I haven’t. I should point out that my courses are prepared to help anyone who is in good medical shape.
The examination should include also a nutritional assessment. It will help you support your bodybuilding programme with the right diet. — Additional information from Online sources.
The writer, Simon Gama is a fitness coach at Bodyworks Gym in Bulawayo.
