What I know: AGE IS NO EXCUSE. Too old, too young--doesn't matter.
It's a fact of human existence that people will choose the path of least resistance--i.e. the least fruitful path--if given the opportunity, ALWAYS. I've found that out first hand training folks of all ages and all backgrounds at the gym these last three years. I see it in myself, too, but I try everyday to combat this human trait, and for the most part, I'm winning, I think.
There's always an excuse: "I'm too fat," "I'm too tired," "He or she's too young to be doing that," or "I just don't have the time." And here's my favorite: "I'm too old to be doing that." Bullshit. Absolute fucking bullshit, all of it.
I submit the following videos for your consideration. These are men and women who are well past their primes in lifting. If you see these, and you're not ashamed of yourselves, well, there's no fucking hope for you...
Mark Rippetoe, age 52 (315 lb. back squat x 10):
Phil Anderson, nine months after a double knee replacement:
60 year-old Larry Wallen's 705 lb. deadlift:
60 year-old female powerlifter, with a personal-best squat of 440 lbs. (relevant part starts at about the 0:40 second mark):
I think I've made my point. Happy lifting!
