Topic: Lifting Age

[Andy Dick]

So I was lookin at the article about Adams and how he has broken these records at 20 years old.  How long have these individuals been lifting or are they just that talented?  On average do people usually have to lift a long time or are there those that just seem to be "gifted" at putting up the good numbers?

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Andy, thats a complicated question depending on many factors like starting age, weight class, level of competition, etc. But, ideally in my opinion, it is best to start right before puberty (10-12 years old) to establish technique so you are ready to roll when the hormones start kicking. In the lighter classes, you will see faster development given equal talent, coaching, drive, circumstances, etc. But, generally you are talking at least 2-5 years to reach the national elite level though thats just something I'm throwing out, not a rule, and has lots of exceptions.

[Andy Dick]

So the next obvious question would be what is the implication of someone like me where I am 25, on a purely physiological level?  Will gaines be slower or will it just mean I will hit higher numbers later in life with less time to get them high before age starts to take its toll?

[Matt Erdman]

So the next obvious question would be what is the implication of someone like me where I am 25, on a purely physiological level?  Will gaines be slower or will it just mean I will hit higher numbers later in life with less time to get them high before age starts to take its toll?

I started at 24. It's been 3 years and I'm good for 220 total at 82kg, if I can get out of my rut. I have no doubt that I will get above 300 in the next 3 years, maybe as a 94. Just pay close attention to your recovery, and you can train hard for at least another 10 years. Diet is very important.

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

So the next obvious question would be what is the implication of someone like me where I am 25, on a purely physiological level?

Since you are lean, athletic, flexible, and still pretty young, it shouldn't limit you much for quite a while, aside of course from playing catchup to lifters your age that have been training for a long time. It will likely make it more difficult to move from intermediate level to elite level as to some extent breaking through those more difficult weight areas/zones is a lot easier when you are "young and dumb". But, this is not necessarily the case and you have a long way to go before that is likely to be an issue.