| Gyms are filled with men and women of all ages. With | | | | thirties. |
| different ages come differing goals, and it's important | | | | Age 40-50 |
| that trainers recognize the differences, train according | | | | Your body may begin to break down this decade. |
| to the stage they fall into, and respect those in differing | | | | Stay on track, but move a bit of the time dedicated to |
| stages. Breaking down each decade of life into | | | | dangerous weights over to cardio training. Your heart |
| general gym goals and pitfalls allows us to be more | | | | is very important and cannot be ignored. Devote four |
| realistic about our own expectations in the gym, and | | | | 45-minute sessions to cardio every week for long |
| recognize the successes of others as they move | | | | term viability. |
| upward into the later decades of life. | | | | Age 50-60 |
| Age 20-30 | | | | In your fifties, you'll want to avoid risky lifting and |
| Your goal in your twenties is to pack on the muscle. | | | | pushing max poundages. Weights are great, as it is |
| Your testosterone and energy levels are the highest | | | | imperative that you maintain some muscle mass. But |
| they will be in your life. You heal/recover faster. Watch | | | | cardiovascular fitness is more important. Look into |
| for the metabolism drop off around age 25. This is the | | | | HRT this decade - your body's levels will begin to |
| best time - enjoy it and pile on that raw muscle. | | | | decline rapidly this decade. In the 50s, being strong and |
| Age 30-40 | | | | active will certainly begin to differentiate you from your |
| The name of the game now is injury avoidance and | | | | peers. |
| muscle maturity. You've been training for 10 or 20 | | | | Age 60 and beyond Staying active is the most |
| years now (hopefully) and your muscles will reach their | | | | important thing as you pass sixty and move into your |
| peak this decade. Prepare for the testosterone | | | | golden years. Lift light and frequent. Engage in |
| drop-off as you reach 35. Most top amateur and | | | | cardiovascular activity. You've made it! After all, the |
| professional bodybuilders (and athletes in general) find | | | | goal IS to get old - you just don't have to look it. Use |
| their absolute peak from 32 to 36. Nearly all | | | | weight and cardiovascular training to make the most |
| bodybuilders achieve their best vascularity in their late | | | | out of life, and to live the longest life possible. |