the number of people who told me to stop lifting heavy in my 30's because id regret it in my 40s... im sure youve heard it too. well im 41 now and just deadlifted 775 for the first time with no pains to speak of after 12 years in the game.
I'm 66...I got into weight training as a teen. Hurt my back at 20 and my doctor told me not to lift...I didn't again until I was 55 and it was the best thing I did for myself to get back to this. I plan on doing this until I simply can't. I had both hips replaced last year and having my home gym made a huge difference in my rehab...I'm still struggling to get leg and hip strength back but it gives me something to reach for. Following...
I recall in my late 20s I was having lower back issues on occassion so went to the doctor and they told me I shouldn't lift heavy anymore. Instead I started over and found forms/movement patterns that worked best for me, haven't had much if any issues since!
You are singing my song. I am 54yo and have bad back and shoulder issues from 30 years of active duty. I retired in ‘19 and sat on the couch for 3 years. My body fell apart over that time frame. I started my health journey in Sep ‘22. That included putting in a gym in my garage. It was the very best thing I ever could have done. I will keep this ride going until I get thrown off.
I'm 56. I was an absolute beast most of my adult life until age 52; I was still squatting and deadlifting 600+ and benching in the 300s. Then I hit a wall. Last few years has sucked to be honest. But I am still slugging it out 6 days/week....we are house shopping now and one of my key features I'm looking for is a bigger basement so I can buy more equipment. Lifting weights is the fountain of youth.
I'm 43 and I've spent 30+ years doing some sort of sport. I've had several setbacks. 4 knee operations from minor to reasonably serious and a shoulder injury that after all the rehab never truly healed. I've found as I age having a secondary form of training helps. It helps keep lifting fresh. I took up BJJ because it's a good physical activity, it helps keep the mind sharp, and in the Gracie/Pedro Sauer schools you train self defense. The fact it doesn't tax the body as much as lifting is nice. Now grappling isn't completely risk free but still not as hard on the body as heavy lifting. Now if I can total over 1000lbs and be able to do multiple 6 minute rolls without being exhausted I'm happy.
Its funny how all of the lifting youtubers I follow (who are very close to my age) are all now getting older and so there is a common thread going through most of this content where it is shifting from max lifting to being able to keep what you have long term as well as thinking about your health in different ways as we all work our way into the second half of our lives. Man, we are all getting old!
I think the most important part of your video is listening to your body! Us older lifters come from the time period where you just gritted your teeth and worked through it. Now we know that is more detrimental than helpful!
Spot on video! Also just noticed on your squat footage that you put a small plate on the bar first prior to adding 45s. That's actually so smart to avoid hitting the rack on the walkout or walk in
Great topic, and very good video. I don't recommend it for everyone, but kind of an alternative is to go into phases where you train for nine months or a year, lose the passion, stop for three months or so, miss it, then start up again. I just turned 65 and I am embarrassed to say how many times I have followed that on and off cycle over the years. But: while it certainly leads to much less progress than if you never stopped, you actually do pretty well, strength and body composition wise. I hit my PR for deadlifts earlier this year. The amount of weight is not worth mentioning. The fact I was PRing at 64, though, I think is pretty good. And it ensures that, among your age group, you may never be the strongest or most fit, but you will always be above the mean. And, as you get older, way above the mean.
At 55 and training 4-6 days a week for almost 25 years, the term "progress" has a different meaning. After all that time the likelihood of making progress as in gains to muscle or max lifts is pretty unlikely (without HRT). The main goal at this point is to slow down the natural losses you experience as you age. Every year I can keep my body comp and max lifts the same as the year before is a win!
Hey Brandon, have you tried out the Strong Arm sumo deadlift bar? Would love to get your thoughts on it if you have. It seems like an amazing concept for those of us who regularly sumo deadlift.
Speaking of doing things for the rest of your life, if you go skydiving and your parachute fails to open, you have the rest of your life to try and fix it!
All three tips are solid. Training strongman is something I enjoy and have done for years, but I am also enjoying the mental break of doing a very power building plan for the next 177 days. I fully expect to break every record by hundreds of pounds at the end of that! ha
I have to imagine RPE is major factor in staying healthy since most injuries are load management related. I’m 36 but I didn’t stay training until I was 31. Looking forward to a few more years of fairly quick progress haha
Injuries can come from improper programming and weight selection. When you're 22 it's not as much of an issue compared to 42. Also lifting age also has a big factor. I'm 43 but I've been under a barbell for 25+ years and I definitely feel it at times. Add in competitive sports and my body definitely aches more than someone the same age as me who just started lifting a few years ago. One of the guys I like to spar with buts my chops (in good fun) when I complain about my knees hurting but he's also 15 years younger. I tell him just wait for your heavy lifting days to catch up with you.
Have you ever herniated/slipped/bulged a disc? Just curious because that happened to me 5 years ago when I was doing barbell rows and I have never been the same. Wondering if you had a story of recovery to share. (44years old here).
I did something to my back years ago (mid 20's). Went to see a doctor and got a MRI and they told me my discs were compressed and I had bone spurs on my lower spine and to stop squatting and deadlifting. Instead I started over and relearned the movements and made sure my programming was a lot smarter, took days off when I know I needed it, etc.
Hey Brandon, have u seen the new kensui adjustabell max? Its basically a knockoff pepin pro style dumbbell for $100 usd(lower with discounts). It came out not too long ago, would love if u got ur hands on one to review. Would be perfect for me since I already have a ton of standard weight plates but can't justify over 300 on pepin handles
Have you done any work with a landmine? I recently got one with a Viking press and I suspect it will add some variety while also being safer. Your thoughts?
I actually need to do a video on the Kleva Adroit 2.0 and how it's replaced my Rogue Monster landmine. To be honest though, I find I have a lot of variety as is that landmine work is usually pretty low on my list.
@@BasementBrandon I get it, I like it for front squats because of a bad shoulder and I don’t want to shell out $300 for a safety squat bar just for one lift.
Bro this isn’t click bait, dude is one of the realest on RUclips and should be bigger, he’s dropping jewels. From young to old the reason why people get hurt is because they don’t train smart, let go of the ego and train smart….
Been lifting for years. I always said I wasn’t just exercising - I was training. Next year I turn 70. And I’m going to compete the first time - so now I will be training with a purpose.
Agreed on all points...As ive gotten older an in order to improve my overall health I've recently lost around 30lbs (with 10lb more to go). I know ill never again be able to bench near 400lbs like I used to and some of the weights I used to lift easily feel a whole lot heavier now but I've reset my targets and I'm ok with that.... its all part of getting older....and yes, try to stay injury free at all costs!
The majority of new clients have the idea that they need to train 5-7x/week to see the best results and if I can't convince them to start with 3-4x/week, they don't last very long 🤷🏻♂️
I have been lifting now for over 15 years, recently turned 53 - I only train during my days off at home these days and I will continue to train in some faculty until I can't anymore. Greysteel and starting strength have some great videos of people in their 90's still going strong - that will be me :) - great video!
Everyone's budget is a big different, if you give me some ideas of what you're looking to spend and what you're looking to use it for I can give you some better insight.
@@BasementBrandon im looking for a powerbar and calibrated steel competition plates, currently looking at rogue and hansu, since theyre 2 of the only ones who ship to sweden which is where i live. Rogue ohio SS powerbar + calibrated plates Vs Hansu SS powerbar + calibrated plates Theyre both around the same price after shipping and i would like a second set of eyes, tysm and have a great day ✌️
@@Supermaneuverable_Sukhoi_Su-35 I think you need to go raid Eleiko's facility and pick up some 2nd hand goodness. Having owned both of those sets, I prefer the Hansu. The bar has better build tolerances and the plates are easier to grip due to their design.
@@BasementBrandon alright, ill raid eleikos facility and steal as many powerbars as i can (for legal reasons thats a joke). Also, have you ever considered selling equipment you dont use that much?
Thanks for making this insightful video. I am a senior (65) and have been training at home now for a couple of years. The biggest challenge I have faced is reaching plateaus on my exercises and stalling out. My body often feels worn out / beat up when that happens. Then I either take a break or significantly reduce weight to help my body recover. Hard to make gains when that happens. It would be great if you could make a video sharing your thoughts on smart programming options that would help with this kind of scenario. Thanks again for sharing your insights on training and lifting.
Hi, Brandon -- thanks for asking. I am basically using the Starting Strength program. I have modified it by reducing my lifting to two days per week. I also only do one day of squats and deadlifts per week, substituting lunges and barbell rows on the second day of lifting to reduce some of that soreness that I feel when I squat and deadlift twice per week. Any thoughts?
@@timeverson3440 Are you able to increase frequency at all? I find if you're able to spread volume & intensity over sessions it's easier to recover from.
I can give it a try. I am thinking I can lift three to four days per week, completing the lifting exercises (squat / deadlift/ etc.) twice per week but with lower reps each time while trying to keep the weight high for each set... I will let you know how that works out. Thanks for your advice.
He also said: I'm burning through the sky, yeah Two hundred degrees, that's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit I'm travelling at the speed of light I wanna make a supersonic man outta you
really agree and to your point of not sticking with periodization vs just going rpe... this is a great place where you can just put drop sets into your program. If the linear progression got too hard in a workout... just add a drop set. Feels easier, less chance of injury, but you're still getting the work and volume in. And always program a deload week or two!
Me watching this video pinned to the couch with an icy hot patch on my back because I did a "deload" light weight highbar squat and somehow threw it out thinking life ain't fair
@@BasementBrandon I’ve seen in interviews where Chad Wesley smith said it’s good for general fitness if you aren’t looking to do powerlifting or BJJ. I do agree he should have picked a less specific name or just added another program to the current app. But there aren’t a lot of video content reviewing the programming of the app which I assume has some more athletic type movements in it.
iv been an og since the days you were filming in an anytime fitness doing bodybuilding. Come a long way but I agree the fact you have remained mostly injury free with theweights you lift is very impressive, most powerlifers dont last that long...
the number of people who told me to stop lifting heavy in my 30's because id regret it in my 40s... im sure youve heard it too. well im 41 now and just deadlifted 775 for the first time with no pains to speak of after 12 years in the game.
Goddamn, 775 is crazy dude. How many plates is that?
I'm going to join that chorus in telling you to stop lifting so that the rest of us can catch up 😘
@@Supermaneuverable_Sukhoi_Su-35 8 on each side plus a 5!
@@BasementBrandon lol it was a deadlift bar so it doesnt really count, but my point still stands! :)
@@mgarozzo11 jesus christ, thats wild bro, ive barely seen someone do half that. Absolute freak of nature, stay hard!
I'm 66...I got into weight training as a teen. Hurt my back at 20 and my doctor told me not to lift...I didn't again until I was 55 and it was the best thing I did for myself to get back to this. I plan on doing this until I simply can't. I had both hips replaced last year and having my home gym made a huge difference in my rehab...I'm still struggling to get leg and hip strength back but it gives me something to reach for. Following...
I recall in my late 20s I was having lower back issues on occassion so went to the doctor and they told me I shouldn't lift heavy anymore. Instead I started over and found forms/movement patterns that worked best for me, haven't had much if any issues since!
You are singing my song. I am 54yo and have bad back and shoulder issues from 30 years of active duty. I retired in ‘19 and sat on the couch for 3 years. My body fell apart over that time frame. I started my health journey in Sep ‘22. That included putting in a gym in my garage. It was the very best thing I ever could have done. I will keep this ride going until I get thrown off.
Keep up the work, guys! Just got my power rack last month too, very happy and committed to lift again.
My most optimal program is watching Basement Brandon videos.
Flattery will get you every where.
I'm 56. I was an absolute beast most of my adult life until age 52; I was still squatting and deadlifting 600+ and benching in the 300s. Then I hit a wall. Last few years has sucked to be honest. But I am still slugging it out 6 days/week....we are house shopping now and one of my key features I'm looking for is a bigger basement so I can buy more equipment. Lifting weights is the fountain of youth.
Hope you find that spark!
I'm 43 and I've spent 30+ years doing some sort of sport. I've had several setbacks. 4 knee operations from minor to reasonably serious and a shoulder injury that after all the rehab never truly healed. I've found as I age having a secondary form of training helps. It helps keep lifting fresh. I took up BJJ because it's a good physical activity, it helps keep the mind sharp, and in the Gracie/Pedro Sauer schools you train self defense. The fact it doesn't tax the body as much as lifting is nice. Now grappling isn't completely risk free but still not as hard on the body as heavy lifting. Now if I can total over 1000lbs and be able to do multiple 6 minute rolls without being exhausted I'm happy.
I think if I could find the time BJJ would be a fun thing to give a go
@@BasementBrandon it's definitely a humbling experience for the first 6 months minimum. Expect to get smoked by basically everyone.
Its funny how all of the lifting youtubers I follow (who are very close to my age) are all now getting older and so there is a common thread going through most of this content where it is shifting from max lifting to being able to keep what you have long term as well as thinking about your health in different ways as we all work our way into the second half of our lives. Man, we are all getting old!
I can only speak for myself but I have more PRs in me 😅
I think I can as well. But there are a few things that are a bit different than when we were in our 20's lol @@BasementBrandon
I think the most important part of your video is listening to your body! Us older lifters come from the time period where you just gritted your teeth and worked through it. Now we know that is more detrimental than helpful!
Thanks Jen, you're a role model for consistency and progress, keep kicking ass!
Great points Brandon.😁
For me, I follow the late great Leroy Colbert's advice: Listen to your body.
Absolutely!
Spot on video! Also just noticed on your squat footage that you put a small plate on the bar first prior to adding 45s. That's actually so smart to avoid hitting the rack on the walkout or walk in
Hah yes those comp collars are pretty unforgiving with a Rogue rack!
Nice bit of reflection in there. All very valid points. Gotta have fun and enjoy yourself.
Hasn't gotten stale yet!
Love the TOOL playlist going during the workout 🤘🏻
🤘🤘
Great video and very good points! Cheers to that and many more years in the basement (gym)!
Thanks! You too!
Great topic, and very good video.
I don't recommend it for everyone, but kind of an alternative is to go into phases where you train for nine months or a year, lose the passion, stop for three months or so, miss it, then start up again. I just turned 65 and I am embarrassed to say how many times I have followed that on and off cycle over the years. But: while it certainly leads to much less progress than if you never stopped, you actually do pretty well, strength and body composition wise. I hit my PR for deadlifts earlier this year. The amount of weight is not worth mentioning. The fact I was PRing at 64, though, I think is pretty good. And it ensures that, among your age group, you may never be the strongest or most fit, but you will always be above the mean. And, as you get older, way above the mean.
Nice work!
At 55 and training 4-6 days a week for almost 25 years, the term "progress" has a different meaning. After all that time the likelihood of making progress as in gains to muscle or max lifts is pretty unlikely (without HRT). The main goal at this point is to slow down the natural losses you experience as you age. Every year I can keep my body comp and max lifts the same as the year before is a win!
Hell ya!
Hey Brandon, have you tried out the Strong Arm sumo deadlift bar? Would love to get your thoughts on it if you have. It seems like an amazing concept for those of us who regularly sumo deadlift.
I had the conventional version, was a good bar! The only difference with the Sumo bar is the knurling is basically inversed.
Speaking of doing things for the rest of your life, if you go skydiving and your parachute fails to open, you have the rest of your life to try and fix it!
😅
Definitely got to enjoy it to do it long term.👍
Thanks Tim!
I feel that you've been listening to my inner dialogue this year 😂
Out live then out lift.
Hello from Greece i believe for beginners like me and for any level the 5x5 is great program and after years change it
I think it can be a good introduction to the barbell for sure!
All three tips are solid. Training strongman is something I enjoy and have done for years, but I am also enjoying the mental break of doing a very power building plan for the next 177 days. I fully expect to break every record by hundreds of pounds at the end of that! ha
and look damn sexy doing so
I enjoyed this video very much! So true. I Lift because it makes me feel so damn good.
💪
I have to imagine RPE is major factor in staying healthy since most injuries are load management related. I’m 36 but I didn’t stay training until I was 31. Looking forward to a few more years of fairly quick progress haha
Injuries can come from improper programming and weight selection. When you're 22 it's not as much of an issue compared to 42. Also lifting age also has a big factor. I'm 43 but I've been under a barbell for 25+ years and I definitely feel it at times. Add in competitive sports and my body definitely aches more than someone the same age as me who just started lifting a few years ago. One of the guys I like to spar with buts my chops (in good fun) when I complain about my knees hurting but he's also 15 years younger. I tell him just wait for your heavy lifting days to catch up with you.
Def helps! Nice way to be able to push the good days and back off the bad ones!
So hard to program smartly, often time the ego gets in our way.
Yeah too much good stuff out there for free to be making rookie mistakes!
Have you ever herniated/slipped/bulged a disc? Just curious because that happened to me 5 years ago when I was doing barbell rows and I have never been the same. Wondering if you had a story of recovery to share. (44years old here).
I did something to my back years ago (mid 20's). Went to see a doctor and got a MRI and they told me my discs were compressed and I had bone spurs on my lower spine and to stop squatting and deadlifting. Instead I started over and relearned the movements and made sure my programming was a lot smarter, took days off when I know I needed it, etc.
Hey Brandon, have u seen the new kensui adjustabell max? Its basically a knockoff pepin pro style dumbbell for $100 usd(lower with discounts). It came out not too long ago, would love if u got ur hands on one to review. Would be perfect for me since I already have a ton of standard weight plates but can't justify over 300 on pepin handles
Can't say I have!
Great tips!
Thanks boss, good luck this weekend!
Wise Diamond is wise
In soviet russia, weights lift you
Have you done any work with a landmine? I recently got one with a Viking press and I suspect it will add some variety while also being safer. Your thoughts?
I actually need to do a video on the Kleva Adroit 2.0 and how it's replaced my Rogue Monster landmine. To be honest though, I find I have a lot of variety as is that landmine work is usually pretty low on my list.
@@BasementBrandon I get it, I like it for front squats because of a bad shoulder and I don’t want to shell out $300 for a safety squat bar just for one lift.
Love me some TOOL!
🤘
Is there a recumbent exercise bike that you would recommend ? (long lasting, durable,not too expensive) thanks
TBH I don't have a lot of experience there.
Would you consider PHUL smart programming? 😅
It's a mixed bag since it's all RPE based and requires you to be the one accountable. I will say it lacks long term progression as is.
Not an equipment review. Unsubbed. Just kidding LOL, keep droppin' that wisdom.
Just wait til I start reuploading videos on how to cook or curve the brim of a hat.
What shoes n shorts u rockin?
Tolos
Tolos as mentioned. I've liked them a lot. Have gym pairs and casual pairs now lol.
😂
😇
But…you’re already gray and bald.
Just joking. As a bald graying guy I think your outlook is awesome
😇
Also, stay natural. Don't ruin your health for gains.
Haven't had a reason to not be yet!
BALD!!! You mean we can get balder?
I have a full head of hair, I just shave it for swimming.
Click bait, he doesn't actually tell you how to live forever.
The best way to live forever is to not die.
Bro this isn’t click bait, dude is one of the realest on RUclips and should be bigger, he’s dropping jewels. From young to old the reason why people get hurt is because they don’t train smart, let go of the ego and train smart….
@@IAmGhostNYC r/whoosh
Been lifting for years. I always said I wasn’t just exercising - I was training. Next year I turn 70. And I’m going to compete the first time - so now I will be training with a purpose.
Hell yeah! Let's go!
That's awesome
Yeh man. Lifting forever sounds good. It’s a way of life for us I think.
💪
Agreed on all points...As ive gotten older an in order to improve my overall health I've recently lost around 30lbs (with 10lb more to go). I know ill never again be able to bench near 400lbs like I used to and some of the weights I used to lift easily feel a whole lot heavier now but I've reset my targets and I'm ok with that.... its all part of getting older....and yes, try to stay injury free at all costs!
Man congrats on the weight loss, that's huge!
The majority of new clients have the idea that they need to train 5-7x/week to see the best results and if I can't convince them to start with 3-4x/week, they don't last very long 🤷🏻♂️
Exactly. Same thing with dieting. Those who go on crash diets are setting themselves up for failure as it's not sustainable.
I have been lifting now for over 15 years, recently turned 53 - I only train during my days off at home these days and I will continue to train in some faculty until I can't anymore. Greysteel and starting strength have some great videos of people in their 90's still going strong - that will be me :) - great video!
Out live and out lift!
Great video man. Being a jacked grandpa is the goal
The nice thing is even if I do get weaker my kids will always think I'm the strongest 😅
All great points to help keep that train moving on the tracks!
Thanks big Marcus!
Hey brandon, what budget ish freindly plates and barbell do you recommend?
Everyone's budget is a big different, if you give me some ideas of what you're looking to spend and what you're looking to use it for I can give you some better insight.
@@BasementBrandon im looking for a powerbar and calibrated steel competition plates, currently looking at rogue and hansu, since theyre 2 of the only ones who ship to sweden which is where i live.
Rogue ohio SS powerbar + calibrated plates
Vs
Hansu SS powerbar + calibrated plates
Theyre both around the same price after shipping and i would like a second set of eyes, tysm and have a great day ✌️
@@Supermaneuverable_Sukhoi_Su-35 I think you need to go raid Eleiko's facility and pick up some 2nd hand goodness. Having owned both of those sets, I prefer the Hansu. The bar has better build tolerances and the plates are easier to grip due to their design.
@@BasementBrandon alright, ill raid eleikos facility and steal as many powerbars as i can (for legal reasons thats a joke). Also, have you ever considered selling equipment you dont use that much?
@@Supermaneuverable_Sukhoi_Su-35 I've sold a ton of stuff!
Love this topic! Well done!
Thanks my dude!
im at it 20 years now. I wouldn't call it training. I would say working out for the first few years. awesome mindset u have.
Right on!
Thanks for making this insightful video. I am a senior (65) and have been training at home now for a couple of years. The biggest challenge I have faced is reaching plateaus on my exercises and stalling out. My body often feels worn out / beat up when that happens. Then I either take a break or significantly reduce weight to help my body recover. Hard to make gains when that happens. It would be great if you could make a video sharing your thoughts on smart programming options that would help with this kind of scenario. Thanks again for sharing your insights on training and lifting.
Hey Tim, what kind of programming are you following now?
Hi, Brandon -- thanks for asking. I am basically using the Starting Strength program. I have modified it by reducing my lifting to two days per week. I also only do one day of squats and deadlifts per week, substituting lunges and barbell rows on the second day of lifting to reduce some of that soreness that I feel when I squat and deadlift twice per week. Any thoughts?
@@timeverson3440 Are you able to increase frequency at all? I find if you're able to spread volume & intensity over sessions it's easier to recover from.
I can give it a try. I am thinking I can lift three to four days per week, completing the lifting exercises (squat / deadlift/ etc.) twice per week but with lower reps each time while trying to keep the weight high for each set... I will let you know how that works out. Thanks for your advice.
Freddie Mercury sang once "Who wants to train forever?".
He also said:
I'm burning through the sky, yeah
Two hundred degrees, that's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit
I'm travelling at the speed of light
I wanna make a supersonic man outta you
really agree and to your point of not sticking with periodization vs just going rpe... this is a great place where you can just put drop sets into your program. If the linear progression got too hard in a workout... just add a drop set. Feels easier, less chance of injury, but you're still getting the work and volume in. And always program a deload week or two!
Great call
excellent advice!
Me watching this video pinned to the couch with an icy hot patch on my back because I did a "deload" light weight highbar squat and somehow threw it out thinking life ain't fair
Lesson learned is don't high bar squat!
@@BasementBrandon never question the Almighty JuggernautAI and her illustrious wisdom. All hail CWS
No but seriously, lesson learned!
Love to see you do and review juggernaut BJJ programming
I'd have to start doing BJJ!
@@BasementBrandon I’ve seen in interviews where Chad Wesley smith said it’s good for general fitness if you aren’t looking to do powerlifting or BJJ. I do agree he should have picked a less specific name or just added another program to the current app. But there aren’t a lot of video content reviewing the programming of the app which I assume has some more athletic type movements in it.
iv been an og since the days you were filming in an anytime fitness doing bodybuilding. Come a long way but I agree the fact you have remained mostly injury free with theweights you lift is very impressive, most powerlifers dont last that long...
Appreciate ya!
This was very good. Something I needed to hear. I appreciate it. 👍🏼
Appreciate ya!
Please do one for the z press
I don't find I sub that in often if at all!
very hard
so hard