| There is no better time like the present to turn that | | | | movements and techniques. |
| paunchy body into an athletic figure. You can be just | | | | You should begin bodybuilding over 40 by using higher |
| as effective bodybuilding over 40 as you would have | | | | repetitions with your lighter weights. 15 reps are a good |
| been 2 decades ago. However, you should take some | | | | place to start. Some experts recommend a |
| precautions to protect your health and body while you | | | | "periodized" style where every other cycle you use |
| exercise. | | | | slightly more weight but perform fewer reps. It will be |
| Once you have researched bodybuilding and feel you | | | | up to you to determine when your body can repair |
| understand the elements of fitness over 40, you | | | | and renew fast enough to begin this type of training. |
| should also study the success of other men and | | | | Eventually, you will be able to lower the reps and add |
| women bodybuilders your age. Find several people | | | | weight at every cycle. |
| with body types and fitness goals similar to your own | | | | If you want to prevent injury and get the maximum |
| and use them as role models. Use them to create | | | | benefit from your training, you should start with a |
| your own training schedule and program. Also, note | | | | thorough warm up. After stretching, most experts |
| how gradually they began training, including their reps, | | | | recommend a light 5 to 10 minute session of cardio. |
| weights, and cycles. | | | | Afterwards, you should warm up the body part you |
| In the beginning of a bodybuilding over 40 program you | | | | are targeting that day by lifting half of the weight for |
| should start with a longer cycle that allows more rest. | | | | about 10 reps. For example, if your goal for that day is |
| You will need more time for renewal and repair | | | | to lift 200 pounds, you should warm up with 100 |
| because you are not accustomed to this type of | | | | pounds or less. |
| activity. Ideally, you would work a muscle group on day | | | | If you have a prior injury, you will need to protect it. |
| 1 and rest for two days. On day 4 you would do | | | | Even if your injury is more than a decade old, you will |
| another muscle group and then rest for two more | | | | have to take caution not to re-injure yourself. Always |
| days. You would continue this process until you have | | | | talk to your doctor before beginning a bodybuilding |
| trained every muscle group and then you would rest | | | | routine, especially if you have been hurt before. Your |
| for two days before beginning the cycle again. As you | | | | doctor may recommend you use a brace or avoid |
| adjust to strength training, you can shorten your cycles | | | | certain movements. |
| and rest if you prefer. | | | | These simple tips will help you practice safe |
| Never begin with too much weight. It is common for | | | | bodybuilding over 40. If you have additional questions |
| younger people to mistakenly begin too high. This is not | | | | or are worried about hurting yourself, ask a certified |
| because they can start with more weight than you, it is | | | | trainer. A trainer can show you the best way to train |
| because their bodies can endure and repair damage | | | | your body. Remember, using caution and asking for |
| they cause much faster. Begin at a very low weight, | | | | help is the best way to prepare for a more intense |
| the amount may vary per person. Start low enough so | | | | workout later and will get you safely started on the |
| that you can maintain control while you perform proper | | | | path to fitness. |