To old to start training to compete? [Archive]

ADAMBAUER

12-22-2006, 10:12 AM

After reading the boards I realize that most folks here started training in sports in High School or college, I have always been a late starter and I am just now getting into training. The more I train and learn about lifting I think I want to start to compete, my question is at 28 almost 29 is it to late to start training to compete in Stongman/power lifting?

DaneGarreau

12-22-2006, 10:14 AM

too late to start competing???? 28???

your not even anywhere near your prime yet; no way are you too old to start competing.

Odd Haugan is still competing at an elite level at 56 years old; Roger Ortmayer is still loading 300 stones and yoke walking with 600 pounds at 60 years old.

Your never too old to start.

Tony Christopher

12-22-2006, 10:18 AM

My Son and I are training with the goal of entering some local and regional level contests this summer.

I'm 46, will be 47 by then.

Kristyn Vytlacil

12-22-2006, 10:21 AM

I definitely agree with Dane. I saw a guy compete in Idaho who was in his 60's. I also spoke to a woman in the same age range and she had competed in a few as well. Strongman is the kinda sport you can do at virtually any age.

ADAMBAUER

12-22-2006, 10:24 AM

Not that there were any doubts about that! Thank you all for the boost I needed, now I need to find a group near my area to train with. Thank you all!!! :YR:

MarkSikora

12-22-2006, 10:33 AM

Adam,

I am 39 and one of my training partners is 38, we started in strongman almost 3 years ago. so....no it is definately not too late for you!! Get yourself some equipment for Christmas and find a group to train with.

good luck

Mark

edit; hahah I beat you by 30 seconds Mick, I might be older, but I am faster!!!!

CharlesDMickey

12-22-2006, 10:33 AM

I did my first contest at 35.

I had been lifting for about 10-12 years prior to that but it was mostly bodybuilding type workouts. So that didn’t count for much. I took a short run at Power lifting but didn’t care for it. But if you're "strong" it doesn’t matter how you got there.

I had always loved watching WSM so; I decide to build a pair of farmers and the rest is history. Now TEAM BIG SAC trains at my house with tons of equipment and we have a blast. Mark and I are the founding members of the team and we are 38 & 39.

Are we a threat at Nationals? No. Are we going Pro at the next Pro/Am? No. But we sometimes bring home trophies from gold and platinum shows and have a great time doing it.

The people are what make this sport great! After my first contest my wife was sooo hooked on the positive environment she stared competing as well.

DO IT!!!!!

edit: Yeah, faster with the BS.

Joshua Davis

12-22-2006, 11:44 AM

The most I ever did prior to strongman was Junior High Wrestling around 13-14 years old. Between that, I lifted weights casually in an attempt to trim down enough to get into the military when I was 17 years old.

I started training for strongman late 2003... for a year prior, I lifted weights, did cardio, and ate a special diet to get from a sedentary 425lb body to a much more comfortable 330-ish before I even started moving the heavy stuff. I am 28 years old now. I think I am doing alright for only training 3-odd years.

ClayEdgin

12-22-2006, 12:15 PM

Odd says he started training strongman at the age of 45.

It's true that guys who start younger can peak at a younger age and it seems more likely that they can reach the higher levels of the sport by their mid-20's. Like Kevin Nee. And I think Jesse Marunde is less than a year older than I am. Josh Thigpen is young too and he competed at WSM last year. Not all of us are going to make it to the big show, but it sure is fun to try while you've got the time!

J. Alexander

12-22-2006, 12:19 PM

I did my first Strongman contest at 34 years old.
I had started lifting weights a couple years before that, but with no real direction. I started training specifically for Strongman in late 2002, and did my first contest July, 2003. I'm 37, and have done a total of 10 contests, including 2 trips to Nationals.

There is no age limit....

I hope to go down to Sacramento some day to train with Team Big Sac. That way we can officially re-name the crew to "Team Geriatric". ;) We could be sponsored by Ensure.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/comfort_1928_43227487

Mac Smith

12-22-2006, 12:20 PM

I did my first comp at 30.

Joshua Davis

12-22-2006, 12:23 PM

I did my first comp at 30.

Woah there Big Mac... I would say you have a bit more background in strength and sports than your average joe. :LOL:

Mac Smith

12-22-2006, 12:50 PM

Woah there Big Mac... I would say you have a bit more background in strength and sports than your average joe. :LOL:

C'mon Josh, I was just tryin to make the dude feel better about starting late!! Don't still my fire, brotha!!!!! :EB:

Joe Brausch

12-22-2006, 02:33 PM

started ,and did my first contest at age 41. 5 years ago. I don't plan on quiting any time soon. actually I plan on making 2007 my rookie year at highland games. I have had my first workout , and bought a kilt already. never to late to start something.

BrentHamm

12-22-2006, 02:36 PM

No way man..not to old at all!!

(and this thread is making me feel good too)

I am 36 and started at 31. Hope to have a few years left!!

Barney Shannon

12-22-2006, 03:51 PM

My 18 year old son just did his 3rd Strongman. Looked like so much fun that I'm actually thinking of doing one with him in the future. However, I ain't that smart. BTW, I'm 50. :BB:

chrisklavette

12-22-2006, 04:11 PM

I hope my dad reads this.

chrisklavette

12-22-2006, 04:24 PM

Adam Bauer will we see you in Iowa in March? Two spots just opened.

Jeff Bach

12-22-2006, 06:00 PM

Jeff Bach

12-22-2006, 06:02 PM

Chris Mathison

12-22-2006, 08:34 PM

If you loved MMA and couldnt beat the Iceman Chuck Lidell does that mean you shouldnt do what you love? Im 26 going into my first NAS contest and I love strongman so that is why I do it. If you are 100 years old and love it... do it.. who cares.

CharlesDMickey

12-22-2006, 09:08 PM

I hope to go down to Sacramento some day to train with Team Big Sac. That way we can officially re-name the crew to "Team Geriatric". ;) We could be sponsored by Ensure.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/comfort_1928_43227487

Just move to SAC, we can lift heavy stuff, drink too much and talk about advanced recovery techniques!

At least you, I and Mark can: the young guys can sit back and heckle us,,,, as we remind them that we are still kickin' their butts!

chrisklavette

12-22-2006, 09:08 PM

If you loved MMA and couldnt beat the Iceman Chuck Lidell does that mean you shouldnt do what you love?
I don't know if that is good example. Maybe, if you loved poker and couldn't beat johnnie Chan wouldn't you still play? Because, if you love MMA and are pretty sure you can't beat everyone you are in for a very painful hobby.

ADAMBAUER

12-22-2006, 09:49 PM

Adam Bauer will we see you in Iowa in March? Two spots just opened.

Discussing it with my wife as we speak, Des Moines is only 3 hrs from Dubuque.
The Gaunlet has been thrown down it sounds like! :KD:

chrisklavette

12-22-2006, 09:56 PM

Discussing it with my wife as we speak, Des Moines is only 3 hrs from Dubuque.
The Gaunlet has been thrown down it sounds like! :KD:
We are bringing the women folk. Come on, she has to let you go play.

ADAMBAUER

12-22-2006, 10:05 PM

We are bringing the women folk. Come on, she has to let you go play.

I am working on getting the entry, I am already getting jacked to be competing, it was all the encouragement on the boards here that pushed through the doubt thank you all!!!

ADAMBAUER

12-22-2006, 10:44 PM

We are bringing the women folk. Come on, she has to let you go play.

I don't care if I finish dead last I will be there, I will give my all, and I will have a great time competeing and meeting all of you who are going to be there! :M:
I printed the entry form and am going to get my NAS membership soon too. see you there.!

Barney Shannon

12-22-2006, 10:50 PM

I don't know if that is good example. Maybe, if you loved poker and couldn't beat johnnie Chan wouldn't you still play? Because, if you love MMA and are pretty sure you can't beat everyone you are in for a very painful hobby.

But us old farts have nothing to prove. We win just by showing up.

ColinStubbert

12-23-2006, 05:55 AM

yeah man, don't sweat it. You've got plenty of time.

chrisklavette

12-23-2006, 08:09 AM

I don't care if I finish dead last I will be there, I will give my all, and I will have a great time competeing and meeting all of you who are going to be there! :M:
I printed the entry form and am going to get my NAS membership soon too. see you there.!
What weight class will you be in?

ADAMBAUER

12-23-2006, 02:13 PM

What weight class will you be in?
I m thinking MW I currently weight 245lbs should be able to maintain. I am looking forward to the competition!
Wow I am really going to do it :eek:

Michael Ambrose

12-23-2006, 06:53 PM

OK... I'll say it. I was a bodybuilder for 14 years until I was 34. Then I saw the light and moved ot the dark side. I took up powerlifting. I'm 40 now and just started strongman training late this summer. After 6 years of powerlifting, it took taking up strongman to really figure out what I neede o do to get REALLY strong. I'll be doing something involving iron until they lower me six feet under. So, no at 28 you are but a toddler in terms of long term lifting longevity.

Jason_Lake

12-23-2006, 10:06 PM

One thing I've noticed hanging around PL'ing for the past 16 years is that guys mostly get stronger and compete for long after most other competitive athletes hang it up. I hope strongman is the same way.
I'm 31 and starting out so I hope my best is just ahead of me. If I can stay consistent--my biggest short coming in pl'ing-- I believe that's possible.