Age - Fat v Muscle & Health

[Pvapour]

So, been training since I was15, early years were competitive bodybuilding then after 5 years leant toward health & fitness, so since I was in my early twenties I have pretty much kept the muscle gained in the early years & gained some CV / endurance.

Years have marched on & am now looking at 40 & starting to wonder if the Muscle I carry is detremental to my health, I know fat is more detremental but I am trying to gauge if it would be beneficial to my health if I lost some of the muscle I have.

I'm probably about 14% body fat so could do with loosing some of that too, 5'10 100kg to give you some idea BMI.

what are your thoughts?

Is it an unsafe combo for older age?

How would you best go about loosing the muscle so as not to end up all saggy?

Weird one for me as I have spent all my life gaining / retaining so quite a big turn around if I decide to do it.

I now reside in an environment where outdoor activities are much more atractive than the gym so no probs upping the cardio etc, swimming, biking, hiking, diving etc

Any pointers appreciated

[Animal]

I thought men reached their physical peak at around 40 (please tell me that's not wishful thinking - I need something to look forward to!)?

Personally, I would go by how you feel: if you don't feel broke, don't change. It sounds as though you are in pretty good shape, and if you've made it to 40-ish without any injuries then you're certainly better off than I am at 31 and I should be asking for your advice!

Maybe this is just the excuse you need for a fresh outlook on training and a chance to try some new things - boxing?

Cheers,

Animal

[Derek Smith]

I've seen research that showed men reached their phsical peak in their early 20s, although there was some variation depending on countries. It's not racial - at least that was the assumption - but due to better foods and nourishment, that sort of thing.

As for muscle, speaking as someone who has recently gone through the 40 years barrier - a bit over 20 years ago - I've found that the less you use a particular muscle or muscle group the smaller it gets.

I'd suggest a look at your lifestyle to see those activities you do which come around less frequently than in the past and do activities which stimulate those muscles so that when there is an unaccustomed demand you are ready. That's my excuse anyway.

My experience is that those muscle groups that were formed by my early 20s have tended to stay with me even if not used that regularly. I used to be a very keen cyclist as a kid and my thighs are still a bit on the big side. I can lay off cycling for months at a time but soon get back up to speed.

So I'd go for gentle exercise of those muscles you might not use that frequently.

[Pvapour]

Derek Smith said:

I've seen research that showed men reached their phsical peak in their early 20s, although there was some variation depending on countries. It's not racial - at least that was the assumption - but due to better foods and nourishment, that sort of thing.

As for muscle, speaking as someone who has recently gone through the 40 years barrier - a bit over 20 years ago - I've found that the less you use a particular muscle or muscle group the smaller it gets.

I'd suggest a look at your lifestyle to see those activities you do which come around less frequently than in the past and do activities which stimulate those muscles so that when there is an unaccustomed demand you are ready. That's my excuse anyway.

My experience is that those muscle groups that were formed by my early 20s have tended to stay with me even if not used that regularly. I used to be a very keen cyclist as a kid and my thighs are still a bit on the big side. I can lay off cycling for months at a time but soon get back up to speed.

So I'd go for gentle exercise of those muscles you might not use that frequently.

thats some great wisdom there Derek topic is now in the P&P