How To Care For Your Body While Bodybuilding Over 40

By Ricardo d Argence

It's always a good time to go from out of shape to fit. It's not true that you have to be in your twenties to get in great physical shape, more and more people are learning that they can get into bodybuilding over 40. But there are different health concerns to take into account for a mature bodybuilder.

When looking to get into bodybuilding over 40, you should look at how other people your age are doing it. Look at men and women with your same basic body type and whose fitness goals are similar to your own and use them as your role models. Consider taking a page from their training schedules and workouts. Notice that they start with a gradual workout.

When you first start bodybuilding over 40 you should probably choose a longer cycle that will give you more rest. Your body will need extra time for renewal and repair because it is not accustomed to this activity.

Ideally, you might focus on one muscle group the first day, resting for the following two, target a second muscle group on the fourth day, and rest for another two days. On the seventh day you would exercise the remaining muscle groups before taking another two day rest, and then starting the cycle again. When you become more fit, you can consider shortening your rest to one day.

Never begin with too much weight. It is common for younger people to mistakenly begin too high. This is not because they can start with more weight than you, it is because their bodies can endure and repair damage they cause much faster. Begin at a very low weight, the amount may vary per person. Start low enough so that you can maintain control while you perform proper movements and techniques.

You should begin bodybuilding over 40 by using higher repetitions with your lighter weights. 15 reps are a good place to start. Some experts recommend a periodized style where every other cycle you use slightly more weight but perform fewer reps. It will be up to you to determine when your body can repair and renew fast enough to begin this type of training. Eventually, you will be able to lower the reps and add weight at every cycle.

And you shouldn't forget to warm up if you don't want to hurt yourself. Stretch first, and then perform a 5 to 10 minute cardio routine to gt the blood going. This should be followed by an exercise to target the muscle group you're going to be working with by lifting only half the weight for ten reps. An example would be that someone who wanted to lift 200 pounds should warm up by lifting 100 or less.

If you've been injured in the past, remember to protect it. It doesn't matter if it's ten or twenty years old, you should still be careful so you don't re-injure yourself. Talking to your doctor before you begin any exercise regime is a good idea, especially when it concerns those old injuries. He might be able to give you advice on what exercises to avoid, or supply you with a brace.

These are simple tips for anyone interested in bodybuilding over 40. If you have other questions, or you're worried about hurting yourself, ask for a trainer to help you. A trainer will be able to show you how to get the best out of your body. You can also visit my website if you want to find more tips and workouts. Be careful, and remember that asking for help is a good way to get ready for a stronger workout later, and getting you on the path to fitness the right way. - 30414

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