Thanks for the nice comments. The wonderful thing about your situation is that when you start out, your prospects for improvement reach the horizon. I mean, you don't know what you can accomplish until you begin your own Quest. And wherever you end up (or it may be always moving) please take satisfaction that your own respective effort carried you there. And you're always a million miles up off all those guys who are just sleeping on the couch.
I'm right behind you at 73 years old. The barbell has been great medicine for this old man. I cannot bench the weight you can, my best is 250# a year or so ago. I train three days a week, alternating an upper body and lower body workout. A few months ago, I squatted 345# to good depth for one rep. I use a hex bar for deadlifts and on the right day, I have pulled 400#. Rarely however do I try for a max single, most workouts I work in the 7 to 9 rep range. Later this week, I am heading out with my younger brother for our annual elk hunt. Every older man should strength train. We all have different battle scars from life. Take them into consideration, and challenge yourself to get stronger.
Hello, Rock. The last time I commented on your video, i was unemployed, broke, heart was broken and the only thing i did was gym. Almost 2 years later i have a great job now, not broke no more, eating way cleaner, lifting hard and getting real big with NO SUPPLEMENTS! Thansk for inspiring me to not get into these things, i might make good money now but I'll save as much as i can for my old age. Thanks for the vids man keep it up.
Thank you for this wonderful commentary. But we both know that any "inspiration" I might provide for anyone is really only a very minor reflection of the FIRE that's inside of you. Everyone has it, but sometimes you've got to be patient until it takes hold. A lot of people give up, surrender, and they choose to be FINISHED. I've begun work on another video -- this one is more about things you talk about. It will be about weightlifting, yes, but how that is only a kind of frame by which you can wrap the rest of your life upon. I have a nice home gym in my garage, but only a few years ago I was living in my pickup truck. In my 60s, I was broke, no job, no partner, no future, no hope. You've got to be patient -- and steeled -- in the face of adversity, and lay the table for something good to happen. Your story made me very happy, although I honestly had absolutely nothing to do with it. When we're flooded with despair, drowning, we've all just got to remind ourselves to keep paddling until something pops up on the far horizon -- something good, something we might not have even realized existed for us. Thank you. And congratulations. (But beware! You know that life is ALWAYS tumultuous, and you will always be tossed up, down, and around -- the same as anyone). Just keep swimming for shore, no?
Much appreciated. And, in an era when trouble and disillusionment is everywhere, it's inspirational to hear from a stranger who just wants to pass along a good vibe. Thanks.
I am also 74. I have been chasing 315 for several yeaRS. My PR 2 yeaRS ago was 295. Since then I seem to be stuck at 245. Frustrating. But I am still trying to get there. I work out 4-5 days a week. (which means if I feel good on Saturday I do legs).I work out in a public gym. Most of my friends and lifting partners are in their 20s - 30s. Everybody is different but I love lifting and I am having fun. Really nice to hear your story.
What caused the drop from 295 to 245? I have up-and-down days/weeks. Whenever I have a string of bad days, I wonder if my body has turned on me and I'll be heading down. But I keep banging away at it and, in the Big Picture, I'm still, for some reason, crawling up. And if you work out 4-5 times a week, I am in awe of you. Where do you get the energy?
@@rocktheclock240 Also, I do body splits.Monday is pecs and shoulders, tuesday is biceps and triceps, wednesday is back (landmine T-Bar rows). I take thufrsday off. Friday is my second chest day and if I feel up to it saturday is leg day. I did not feel up to it this Saturday so I spent saturday and sunday healing.
Really inspirational. It's great to see that you didn't simply let go, didn't become bitter, cynical as many do. "Do not go gentle into that good night" 🔥💪
You know your dogs! Someone dropped him into a relative's friend's yard as a puppy and we ended up with him. A family member randomly named him "Milo" and I was shocked to later discover that that's the name of an early barbell company in America -- the Milo Barbell Company, named for a famed Greek strongman.
I looked at your channel and you're also a bass player! Unfortunately, my computer is broken and I'm not getting any sound. You've got to be tough and dedicated to compete at 66. Let's start a cyber-band. (I'm not a great guitarist, but I can piece things together with garageband. And I went to Woodstock, so that counts for something?) As I've said, people doing deadlifts and squats -- full body exercises -- garner my respect, ESPECIALLY older guys).
Since age 11? Holy smokes! You must be a scientific lab specimen! How does someone be dedicated to something for that long? You should be a marriage counselor!
I'd mention here that if anyone cares to examine an "old guy" who is amazingly inspirational, per enormously heavy full body exercises (squats and deadlifts), and recovering from dramatic adversity, they should look to you.
I think this channel will have a ton of subscribers if you keep putting out great videos like this. Also, this video has around 2,000 views when I watched it. I bet it will get picked up by the RUclips algorithm and go viral. Keep up the great work!
Well, we're in control of nothing but ourselves, really. The fact that one person like you is receptive to my video -- enough to elicit something positive -- is reward enough.
My iron brother. Keep up the awesome work! It's the best medicine in existence. If you train the Squat and Deadlift with sub-maximal weights, and more sets (70% 1RM for 5X5, or 5X3) you will strengthen the back and legs without injury. Good luck! :)
Thanks. I might try that. But if I blow my back out at my age, that's probably the end of my weightlifting. I actually picked up an old Smith machine at an auction for $100, so I might explore some squats with that. Or maybe some leg pushups from the ground. (I actually went hiking today, so it's not like I'm ignoring my legs ...)
My back hurts just seeing this guy in action, but I somehow feel compelled to keep watching his videos! He's the perfect blend of self-awareness, humility, and of course...strength. Keep up the great work my friend.😊
Thanks, but I don't want to misrepresent myself. In some contexts, I can be a crabby, selfish, dumb, and weak. The same as anybody. In my own home gym however, I've got no one to dump on, so maybe I'm on my best behavior?
I've never seen such an inspirational video. I enjoyed your narration and choice of words. Thank you very much for taking a time to make this video. I truly enjoyed watching this, Gonna watch it again now :)
Thank you for your kind words. I looked to your own you tube channel to try and discern something about you. You seem to be a music aficionado, perhaps a musician yourself. People, like yourself, who reach out with kind words to strangers rekindles in me hope for the human race.
@@rocktheclock240 yes, I love music but I am too shy to call myself musician :) I do some production. The thing is, I quit smoking after 20 years and recently started lifting, As I was watching random youtube videos about people like you, I was amazed you got yourself a nice setup and were modest about your abilities, knowledge and opinions. Thank you very much for such content! I'm subscribed and will wait for more videos like this :)
@@JavadMustafayev The "nice setup" is a question of priorities. I never owned a home (i.e., house, with the needed space for a gym) until about 7 years ago (and the bank still actually owns it). I've got two old, increasingly junky vehicles, but I figured that eventually I'll be needing a home gym more than I'll need a drive into town. None of this home gym training is about riches. Dominantly, most of the equipment I've bought I got second-hand -- thrift shops, garage sales, flea markets, public auctions, etc. Again, for me, it's just valuing one thing over another. (And I eagerly await your own first musical video).
I presume likewise, to you. The idea of injecting yourself with anything (unless you need it to survive) seems like "drug addict." I found out recently that Robert Kennedy Jr. is on TRT. He is, among other things, a former heroin addict. Kudos to him for trying to stay in shape at his 70-ish age, but his track record makes the switch over to injecting testosterone apparently easy. Everyone has the right to do what they want with their own body, but no one can make me understand such a choice.
Much respect , I am working hard to stay strong and get stronger as I age, 47 now. Thanks for great video and your responding to comments is very admirable.
Thanks, and congrats on your own lifting efforts. Per responding to comments, commentators are, dominantly, supportive and encouraging, and it's not a big deal to take a few moments to at least thank them.
Impressive! I’ve worked out naturally & consistently for 40+yrs, and never could bench 315lbs, But I was always awesome at arm wrestling, Always beating people with bigger bench presses, and bigger arms than me, I still workout regularly and I’m in good shape, 6’2 250lbs, But again congratulations on your awesome bench press achievement.
Thank you. I remember when I was in junior high school I was pretty good at arm wrestling, and used to always get challenged in the cafeteria. But to take it really seriously, the way you apparently have, is pretty challenging. I never understood arm wrestling though, because the angle, the length of your arm, etc. etc. etc. all seemed to inform the ability to win or lose -- not just "strength." So I guess there's a science to it, which you appear to have mastered. Congrats.
Great job. You are a big man with a big frame which gives you an edge over most but your doing fantastic. Wow that was a huge bench at 170 lbs. You showed then that you have great genetics in the area of strength. Amazing that your shoulders have held up this long pushing that much weight. Your skin looks tight for a man your age. The face gives away some of your age. I think I'm overtraining at 65 because I'm in the gym 4 days a week but my poundages are going down at a constant bodyweight.
Well, I'm not such a big guy. I'm overweight some right now, but I'd still like to gain a bit more strength before I aim to slim down. Losing weight isn't a "cakewalk" so to speak, but it's easier than gaining strength. About 7-8 years ago I wasn't weightlifting very seriously and I intentionally lost body weight down to 184 pounds. My wife said I looked like an Auschwitz victim and was always crabby. But I looked very good for a guy in my mid 60s, the best shape I've been in for decades. But what do I, or you, or anybody want, as a result of exercise? Do want to look good, or plow through walls? It's hard to get both of them at the same time. NO ONE in their 70s is going to "look" like they did in their 30s. I'm still toying with -- relatively -- the choice of "look good" versus "get stronger." I'd like both, but I don't know if it's possible to harness both at the same time in old age.
Grest job. Very impressive. This gives me hope. My best bench press was 385 at 180lbs 30 years ago. I am still 180lbs. I am 57. Currently doing 315. I desire to hit 360, so twice my bodyweight by age 60.
Well, your accomplishments are extraordinary. 180 lbs doing 315, especially at your age, is still pretty outrageous. If I'm still around when you're 60 and hit twice your weight, I need to get your autograph.
I am 56 years old. I weigh 172 and have been stuck on a 200-pound bench (with a pause) for over two years despite working hard. What you are doing now is very impressive. Can you tell me your general approach to bench? I am not asking for you to give me your entire program or anything, but can you tell me some basic principles that you use, such as how often you bench, whether you focus on heavy weights or lighter weights and a few things like that? It seems that I have tried everything but I just cannot progress.
@@sjt6979 I let my old body tell me what to do. I used to bench press 3 times a week, but, slowing down, in the last couple years, I usually bench only a couple times a week. I focus on going heavy -- two light warmup sets, then I push myself hard, jumping from 135 lb warmup set to at least 225 lbs, or even jumping from 135 all the way up to 290 (for a max of 3 reps so far), depending upon how I feel. I of course am able to do few repetitions with the heavy weights. And I underscore that a lot of people probably would say this is risky, injury-prone strategy, but I've been doing this system for a long while and my body is comfortable with it. Small increments after the Big Jump to the work set. I mean, you've got to stay in your league and not be foolish, with weights you shouldn't be playing with. I usually do about 5-6 sets of heavy weights, few reps. If I f do a heavy weight more reps than in the past, I go for a max. All in all, I'm pushing heavy, low reps. If I was just trying to stay in shape or something, I'd do lighter weights for a lot more reps. There are days when I go into the garage gym, try some bench presses, and I've got nothing in the tank, so I bail on that day. Sometimes even just coming in the next day, with more rest or whatever, I do a lot better. This luxury of "bailing out" of the exercise day is a factor of having a home gym. If you drive somewhere, and you feel crummy when you start lifting, you're sort of stuck in the big hassle of getting to the public gym and not wasting your time going home, all for nothing. Sometimes I go through, say, a two-week period where I just feel weak - I don't know why. I try to make a challenge game of it all and I don't follow an exact poundage number/sequence all the time. I vary it: one day I go from a warmup to, say, 225 lbs and do the most I can. Sometimes I jump to 250, or 275, or even more and squeeze out whatever reps I can. Like I say, 5-6 "work sets" -- heavy weight, low reps. And I'm always judging what to try based on how many reps I do with a familiar weight on any given day. It's a very, very slow process, but, over time, the progress is there.
I'm only in my 20s. But I love this. You truly show that one can fight until the very end. It reminds me of that part from Kiplings poem "If". "If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’"
You nailed here something important. The main motivation I -- and I presume others my age -- have in playing the bench press (or generic strength) game is to remind myself that I'm still an active player in the Life Game. It's easy to surrender to old age, or lots of other things. In my very tiny way, my aim is to Conquer the World, even if that world is merely the boundaries of my little garage. Also, I'm impressed that someone in their 20s is reading -- and retains -- classic prose and poetry. My compliments to you for your intelligence, civility, and broad mindedness. Lots of people your age see nothing of value in the "classics," which, in their own way, harken back to wisdom and "old age." In that sense too, old people in today's world aren't much valued, and are disposable for the new trend or fad. In traditional cultures around the world, old individuals garner respect for their knowledge and life experience. Nowadays, a new computer program pops up every week and the old ones are instantly obsolete. It's a very different value system from today to, say, my grandmother's life experience. Sorry to ramble, but your interesting comment solicits this. Every time I do a bench press rep, somewhere in the air around me, I hear the echos of your Kipling poem.
Thanks. And you're awesome too, commenting in such a way. It gives me hope that there are still plenty of good people in today's roiled, internet world.
This is amazing, man. I am in my early 40s and lately have been thinking a lot about longevity. I'm working to maximize my strength and muscle mass so I can maintain my health as long as possible. I hope I'm as strong and determined as you in my 70s.
Good strategy. My perspective is just to be active, whether lifting or hiking or volleyball or jogging or whatever. I try to avoid a lot of the toxic garbage we throw in our bodies, and that's probably important to "longevity" too. Thank you very much for your comments.
You sir are an insperation I am 65 years young and follow a similar regime like you I go walking for miles every day depending on my aches and pains thank you for your video
Thank you back. Like I always say, anybody who is, say, a gardener, or a hiker and such, with an appreciation of the joys of the natural world, has to be, by cosmic definition, a good human being.
If your body isn't broken, you're capable of doing whatever you (reasonably) wish. That's the attitude you have to champion. Otherwise, why get up in the morning? If you're healthy, with no serious physical problems, and you have the WILL, at your age I'd put good money on you getting the 315 again.
I am 71 and have been lifting for almost 60 yrs. you are a freak (in the good sense) if you can jump from 135x10 to working sets of 285. that is insane. keep at it . Life without goals is meaningless....
Thanks. I'm thrilled to hear from other Old Guys who are still at it. My leap from 135 to heavy weights is a factor, I think, of my being familiar with doing it. I just didn't start making that big leap one day. I've been doing it for a while. People -- especially older -- who try doing this, cold, might risk some kind of injury. It's just practice, practice, practice, and you get used to whatever you're doing. Again, my support to a fellow who refuses to cave to piles of years ...
@@rocktheclock240 If you go to the website strength level you can punch in your weight, sex, age, lift, and you will get an idea of how you compare to all other LIFTERS in your age/weight/sex. You my friend have an elite status and you are stronger than 99.8% of all lifters in your category. as a plus you are stronger than 65% of all 35 year old male lifters in your weight class. Be proud, be strong.
@@nfri5108 Thanks. I don't know about being "proud," but i am relatively satisfied with where I'm at, in old age. That said, I'm still greedy and would like to get stronger. The problem there is that I'd also like to lose body weight (I've put on blubber with the strength), but to lose body weight and maintain -- let alone increase -- strength is really tough -- especially for us old guys.
@@rocktheclock240 dieting is a lot easier than squatting or benching. eat healthy but boring food. i eat brown rice, black beans, with chicken or fish 3/day as well as an orange or red bell pepper and some leafy greens,,,,2 or 3 low fat yogurts and that is all...some tea and a double espresso and a diet coke.. I weigh exactly the same as I did in 1976, but an inch and a half shorter ): (5'10"/ 176 lbs) eat boring food. we work out too hard to sabotage what we do with junk food.
I will be 63 on Saturday I have enjoyed lifting since i was 18. Loved the Old school Gyms and the comradery of all the guys that you would see there. From beginners like me to experienced Body builders and Power lifters. back then the most advanced guys would give you pointers on technique and correct your bad habits or form so you would learn the correct way to exercise and no one took offense from there advice. I remember how much I wanted to start my bench press sets at 135 pounds like everyone else seemed to do, but couldnt for a few months but, eventually I could. What a sense of accomplishment I had when I could get 10 reps with 135. LOL. I am not a big guy Im around 5ft 9 but by my early 30s I could do a 1 rep max of 335 pounds, always wanted to get to 350 but I have hurt my shoulders benching probably have some tears in my rotator cuffs. So I cant lift as heavy any more, but Like you I continue you try and improve my strength as much as possible like you I started a home gym when covid hit. Your Video has inspired me to keep pushing for as long as I can because Gains are still possible at Any Age. Thank You for sharing Your Story. God Bless and I wish you many more years of doing what you Enjoy.
Yes, bum shoulders seem to be pretty common, even at a much earlier age. I haven't blown my shoulder out yet, but my back can be precarious. We all do what we can do, no? Good job on fighting age back into a corner ...
Thanks. And you are "awesome" for having the kindness and courtesy to pass some good vibes my way. In a world gone mad with selfishness and increasing nonsense, I appreciate that.
Strong work! - I'm just a young guy at 61 but good to see strong older lifters. Hopefully I can still bench squat and deadlift near what I do now at your age!
I'm 69 years old been lifting for 55 years. Had aheart attack at 49, 1 knee surgery, 2 shoulder surgerys, 3(yep 3) hip replacements and now they want to replace both my knees. Drug free until heart attack now take plavix, statin, bp meds and Tylenol. Tylenol is for the arthritis in my hands wrists and knees. Your story has inspired me to suck it up and push threw. I was considering giving it up. Thank you.
Sir. This "inspiration" business may be pointed the wrong way. I just read your comment to my wife and she started crying. You've had more than your share of obstacles. I appreciate your comments, but it is not really deserved. YOU, obviously, are the source of your own inspiration, you are a tough SOB, and as you crawl, at first, into the gym some more, going forward, you will kick iron butt -- whether 5 pounds or a 100 -- and TAKE NO PRISONERS. But you know that. No help from me.
Brilliant stuff. I've just subscribed! I'm a 68-year-old bloke from the north west of England (Liverpool, to be precise). I used to lift weights when I was younger but I never lifted all that heavy. The most I ever lifted was when I was in my 30s, but I never quite got to lifting my own bodyweight, so I gave up and went to doing high reps using light weights. One month before my 63rd birthday, in January 2019, I had major surgery due to cancer of the skin on my head. I had some of my scalp removed and also some bone from my skull removed. This was replaced with a chunk of muscle taken from my back on the left side. I had a follow-up operation a few weeks later and then 6 weeks of radiotherapy. After a few months, once I started getting stronger I started walking again but I was worried that if I did anything strenuous like push-ups or lifting weights that I would do myself an injury because of this muscle I have missing from my back. Then in Feb 2023 I was told that my cholesterol was a bit high and the practice nurse wanted me to go onto statins. I didn't want to do this, because like you I would rather rely on nature than drugs to sort things out. And once you're on statins, you're on them for life. So that's when I started doing a bit more vigorous exercises like push-ups. I managed to lose about 30lbs of fat in 6 months due to walking 35 miles a week and doing lots of push-ups. In April 2024 I decided to dust off my weights and see how much I could lift in the bench press. It was difficult at first. I started off with very light weights and lowered the bar to my chest. When I pushed up, it was obvious I wasn't pushing as hard with my left arm as I was with my right arm, as the bar started veering off towards the left. This was most likely due to the missing muscle, but it only took me a couple of weeks to fix this. As I got stronger I set myself a target of lifting my own bodyweight. I don't know what made me think that at 68 I would be able to lift a weight that I couldn't lift when I was 34, particularly with this missing muscle. On 21st October I weighed 75kg (165lbs) and I managed to lift 75kg. Brilliant! Last Monday I managed 77kg so I'm going to try for 78kg tomorrow. I don't have a setup like yours, where you can go to failure without risk of injury. I just have a standard bench that I bought off the internet, so I can't risk pushing myself too hard as I don't want to end up earning myself a Darwin Award for trying to lift too heavy! I've watched loads of RUclips videos of guys in their 20s and 30s lifting big but this is the first time I've seen someone your age lifting really heavy weights. At one point I thought I might be a little too old for this sort of thing but now I realise I'm not, so I am going to continue to try and get as strong as I can. My next target is 80kg (176 lbs). I can't imagine that I will ever get as strong as you, but I will certainly be trying to get as strong as possible. After watching this video, I now don't think that it's unreasonable for me to get to 100kg (220lbs). It might take me a year or two but that doesn't bother me. By the way, seeing you wearing a "Back In Black" T shirt reminds me of an incident... In 1981 I went on a boat trip with some friends in an area of England known as the Norfolk Broads. Someone brought "Back In Black" on a tape cassette with him. I quite liked it at first but it got to the point where he would play it and then immediately turn it over and play it again. He played it 6 times in a row on one day, so the rest of decided we would hide it. He wasn't too happy with this and he managed to persuade us that if we gave it back to him he wouldn't play it straight away. So we gave it back to him and what do you think was the first thing he did? Yes, he went straight over to the cassette player and put it on! I couldn't listen to this album again for probably 10 years after this trip. Keep up the good work!
Sir, yours is a GREAT commentary. Thank you for your compliments, but, as I say to anyone, the FIRE is not in me, an outsider, with anyone's inspiration/motivation, it is in you. It's there, as in anyone, you just have to let it loose and you can start climbing your respective mountain. As you know, it doesn't matter what numbers you are able to reach and who cares what the guy at the next work-out station can do -- the greatest competition in life is not other human beings. Hell, challenges to bring us down are everywhere, always. All that matters is for us to do the best we can and forgo as long as we can being eaten alive. Your adversity has been significant, more than your fair share. I've begun work on another video about "strength" in life generally, wherein weightlifting is only the frame, the symbol, the skeleton, by which one can build up and move forward, whatever that means. I still am able to avoid drugs like the plague and I'll be that way as long as I can, per encroaching old age. I had a cancer, a very dangerous one ("pre-carcinogenic melanoma") on my wrist when I was in my early 30s. Presumably, that would have killed me if I hadn't been fortunate enough to have a peculiar mole choose to surface somewhere where I would always be looking at it. The surgeon who cut it off told me he had had the same thing (he was an avid runner, and the scene for both of us with this was sunny California). Again, the "set-up" I have in my home gym wasn't handed to me. I'm not affluent. Less than 10 years ago I lived in my pickup truck for 6 months to scrape together enough money to buy a house (and I'll never be able to pay the bank off for it in my lifetime). All the weights I've got (almost all of them) I've purchased cheaply at thrift shops, flea markets, public auctions, etc. Money is getting tighter for me, but my personal gym is my Refuge from the World. Ultimately, weightlifting -- and the bench press, and such -- is personal metaphor, symbol, sublimation, whatever -- for the struggle in Life, generally. Especially in old age. I ask myself sometimes why do I keep doing this? I'm not chasing women anymore, I don't need to get buff and flex in a mirror, congratulating myself, pretending I'm 32. There are no rewards. No awards. Weightlifting in old age is way beyond those -- relative -- trivialities. It's more about being alive, period, no? It's about living life, with "strength," as long as you can, no? And it's not a macho competition with anyone. It's really only about yourself and being able to carry your own damn groceries to the car. My sincere congratulations to your string of victories against life's series of obstacles. (Per AC/DC and such: I never really paid attention to them until the early 2000s. And the T-shirt was a present from someone. I actually went to the notorious Woodstock in my youth, but then drifted away from an obsession with music. I'm not always fond of AC/DC's lyrics, but the "energy" in the music is something special. And, that, even in old age, is something we both can probably relate to, no?) Lastly, here's my take on the medical world's assembly line: sometime in the past, I guess it was in my 40s, I had to have a physical examination for a job. I went to the doctor's office and the person who took my blood pressure said it was high. The doctor who came in said I should consider taking pills to control it. A week or so later, at a different doctor's office, my blood pressure was taken and it was perfectly normal. The first doctor would have me be taking medication for, essentially, no reason. Then, in my early 50s, I had to have surgery on my elbow. After surgery, I was given a machine to cool my elbow and some pain pills, with directions to take the pills with regularity. I took one pain pill, hated the feeling it gave me, and stopped. To my surprise, my elbow WAS NOT really "painful" at all. It was sore, but a pain pill was overkill. I have since wondered if that pain killing drug was the same thing that so many people became addicted to in this country, an addiction that turned so many into literal heroin addicts: the so-called opioid crisis. Anyway, my very best to you and congratulations on your upward journey. Numbers don't really matter. But the upward trajectory -- at least in spirit -- does.
@@rocktheclock240 Thanks for taking the time to read my comments and to reply to them. The annoying thing about my cancer was that it went undiagnosed for over 6 months. My doctor kept sending me home saying she didn't know what it was. She tried antibiotics (twice) but they obviously didn't work and in the end she just shrugged her shoulders and said, "I don't know what to do." It was only after a visit to A&E that it was diagnosed. They also didn't know what it was but at least they had the sense to refer me to a specialist. When I eventually saw the surgeon to discuss the procedure, he told me that if it had been diagnosed a few months before I probably wouldn't have needed surgery. I probably should have sued someone but decided not to in the end. But there is a saying: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and this certainly seems to be the case with me.
I think you are one of those people who has natural strength,I use to work with a guy who never worked out and I saw him just lay on a bench one day while I worked out and he pumped out reps with over 250 pounds,but it is impressive what you are doing at your age,bravo!
Thanks. I don't know about "natural strength" or not. But, yes, I've seen guys in my life, at various public gyms, who -- just looking at them -- you wouldn't think could push up a piece of paper. And, voila! They calmly do an amount of weight that is jaw-dropping.
When I first started lifting at 14 I couldn’t lift the bar. By the time I was 28 I benched 405. I made the mistake of not working out for next 12 years I went in the other day and was still able to do 315
Thanks. It's been a collecting hobby all my life. But books swarm like a fly infestation all over my house too. And, books, like weights, are heavy. When you move to another living space, it's not a casual concern. In my next life I might collect peanut shells.
Thank you for your story. May God bless with you many more years of strength. Another person that inspires me is Joe Stockinger. He has RUclips videos of him deadlifting 405 lbs at a 145 lbs bodyweight. Joe was 89 in one video and 90 years old in another. I'll be 67 at the end of this month and have been lifting off and on since I got a 110 lbs weight set for my 10th birthday. I too have always lifted drug free.
Thanks for your kind commentary. I am aware of Mr. Stockinger. As an official old person myself, I do not understand how he could do what he did so deep old age. It has to be a sensational push of "Mind over Matter." Congrats on your own dedication and endurance. It's good to see older guys still marching up the Hill.
Hey congrats I have not been on here for awhile you are doing great. I still didn’t get back anywhere near what my strength was before my Pulmonary Embolism and shoulder problems. Right now I am doing intermittent fasting and have lost 28.5 pounds in 4 months. Just turned 73 but feel better and more energy just have to work on my strength I don’t expect 260 bench anymore but would enjoy trying. Good luck on your future lifts you are doing great👍🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Congrats on your health. You're still shot putting, no? At some point, I'll decide to turn things around and prioritize losing body weight -- apparently, like you -- over strength gains, but I still feel like I can go up a bit. My second project, I guess like yours, will be to lose that body weight and start mastering pull-ups or something. You doubt if you'll get 260 again, but, as they say, "Never say never."
@ only competed in 2 shot put events this year shoulder and lack of lifting because of the shoulder has really shortened my throws. Maybe it is time to put more effort into my golf game🤷🏻♂️ But I am not ready to throw in the towel yet but it really gets frustrating.
very clearly explained and so much conviction in every word. Hard work always pays off and you've proven beyond doubt that age is no barrier to keeping fit and healthy. Best wishes in your journey from Northumberland, UK.
Good for you! I’m only 54 and still compete as a natural bodybuilder. Your story is inspiring. My plan is to keep on as you are. I thank you for posting this video and encourage you to make more. Cheers!
Thanks for the comments. It takes a special kind of psychology to compete, even as a "natural" bodybuilder, or anything else, no? That's another level of "strength", different, I think, from just moving weights. Measuring yourself up against others in formal competition calls for an unusual toughness. And it's not a "team" sport. It's you against the rest of the world. You are probably very strong in different dimensions.
Thanks. I think part of the video is the implication that a lot of people can be "age-defying", at least to some degree -- whatever their interests -- if they care to make the effort to do it. Surrender just guarantees surrender.
Way to 'stay in the game'! You're an inspiration. -As for me, I mostly strength train with isometrics and bodyweight exercises. So I don't know how strong I am. I just know that I'm doing my best to 'stay in the game' like you! 🙂
Congrats to you, for doing the best you can. And thanks for your comments. A few people have cited me as an "inspiration," but anyone's fire comes from their own heart, really, not from some outside source. It sounds like your flame is burning bright, completely on its own.
Thanks for your kind words. But I think everyone's personal story has a "fascinating" dimension, insofar as no one follows the exact same path and everyone's ultimate insights are unique.
There I was worried about the lack of progress after 2-3 years of strength training. Inconsistency was the enemy whose allies are depression and motivation. A long 5 months of laziness back to square one. The tweaks and injuries through bad form or impatience. Now thanks to your video just keep going. Doing what you need to do with one program or another. Just keep lifting, moving iron, be patient. It may be too late for muscle beach but if you’re alive and healthy it’s not too late to be in better shape than if you just give up.
Thanks for your experience and insights commentary. Good stuff. I don't know if I've ever been depressed in the gym, but discouraged? Often. My own sense is that you just have to bang away at it -- sort of like not taking "no" for an answer -- although you might not budge anywhere upwards for a long while. And every once and a while I get a spurt of extra strength from who knows where and I inch up a little. Then fall back down miserably the next week, and another week again, and then, sooner or later, inch up a little more because I keep coming back, knocking on the door to be let in. Where are our limits, ultimately? I have no idea. But if you don't knock on the door, persistent, nagging to get in, you certainly won't be granted entrance. And you choose -- with surrender -- an inevitable disillusionment. Like I say, I mix up the weight attempted and maybe that counts for something. All that said, I might just be rowing my boat in circles, but I see the mirage and -- real or imagined -- I'm heading towards it. And, like you say, no matter where you end up trudging away in the gym, you're in a far better place than if you hoisted the white flag and said, "I'm done."
Ok, you had me but puppers sealed the deal, what an adorable dog! Subbed and so good to see. I'm 64, been dedicated to the gym since I was 58. I'm worlds better than I was, hope to be doing as well as you in my 70s. I've found it to be consistency and progressive overload. From what I understand if you are challenging the muscles always you continue to get stronger.
All true, what you say. And anybody who likes little dogs can't be all bad. (Or even half, or a third, bad). Congrats on your own exercise efforts. And Milo and Ollie send their regards and appreciation.
My dad is 74 too and it's almost impossible to find anyone who can pull the weight he does it's crazy. He had shoulder surgery about a year ago and is already back to 225 bench trying to get 20 reps. Never stop moving!
@rocktheclock240 he doesn't do social media but with the way he can talk you'd think he'd be good at it. The last i talked to him he had gotten 16, he already had it befor the shoulder issue. I'm impressed by your 320lb. My max was 235 for 5 before covid but it tore me up pretty bad just started back up 2 months ago not sure what my goal is just happy to be able to go through the motions again if ahealth goes well in 6 months IL start a serious program. Just turned 50. Keep it up enjoyed your down to earth persona.
@@stonemills1546 Thanks again for the comments. Your dad sounds like an interesting guy. I bet there are a number of guys out there, like your dad, who are unusually strong for his age, have interesting "inspirational" stories, but don't care to waste any time sharing them with anyone. Tell your dad I'm going to try and catch his 16 reps, and he'll probably spurt up a few higher! Per Covid: I don't know if I had Covid or not, but it really ran over me like a bulldozer, whatever it was. Like I've said, it took me about 6 months to seize back whatever it did to my body.
Thanks. But I think it's mainly about perseverance (and not getting injured). And just regularly getting up off the couch, more or less. I trust you're getting in the gym some, and congrats for that.
@rocktheclock240 Definately preserverance, & staying injury free. Been lifting for over 20yrs, & had my setbacks with injuries, but getting in there. Keep plowing sir.
I'm 32 and you're way stronger than me! Just had my first child and spend a lot of time lifting in the garage, hoping that by the time I'm your age I'll be a strong granpda!
I really could care less what you bench. What is admirable is that you don't bitch, whine or moan about things. You just keep going, and setting goals. That's what life is about. Good job sir.
Thanks. But I of course do "bitch, whine or moan about things." I worked at a campground kiosk at a national park once for a season, and I was warned that that was exactly what older, retired guys do. I feel privileged, though, to be able to weightlift at my age, and in my own garage, so there's a lot more to be thankful for in this realm, than to complain.
Impressive! You should do a competition. You probably have the world record in your age class and the one below it. Now I’m inspired to climb back to 315 at age 50.
This video is amazing. So much basic common sense. Great, simple, straightforward editing. Your log and your home gym look great. Real and practical. Almost soulful. So tired of the overproduced and overpolished fitness content out there. I hope you make more videos, shorter, about specific workouts: what was the plan, the goal, how did it go, and showing your log, just like you do here. I am younger than you and still lifting real light. On a workout plan I wrote out with very slow progression, using micro loading plates. But generally I hit a plateau early on with lots of aches and pain, lol.
Thanks very much for your kind comments and support. I, too, am tired of the superficial gloss of what much of the "fitness" world has become. I don't think any of us need hustling middlemen between us and better health. There is a certain foundation of individual "common sense" that will work for anybody. Everyone's own body will tell them what they need to know. We all, though, just need to get into the gym to find out what our bodies are saying.
Amazing. At age 59, I thought lifting 315 pounds in the bench was a younger mans goal. Your video has inspired me to think bigger and strive to bench 315 pounds.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I believe we're all socialized to think that ALL old people are delicate flowers, on the edge of collapse. At 59, you've got a lot of room to get that 315.
I'm 55 and wonder why I am lifting sometimes. You are definitely an inspiration to keep going. Your 225 for 14 is very impressive. My 1 rep max calculator app says you are at 325, so you are right there having actually done 320. I was most consistent lifting when I was 24. Never was very strong, only getting to 265 for 4 reps back then. I sporadically lifted over the years and have gone decade or decade and a half without touching a weight. Not sure I will ever get to my goal of 315 lbs on the bench press. I did get 220 lbs last week at the end of my workout. My pace lately has been adding 2.5 lbs every week or week and a half. Also, all natural. Take no supplements, no protein shakes, no creatine, no drugs.
Thanks for the commentary. At my age, I really don't wonder about why I still do this. It's not only a physical, literal thing -- being able to "carry my own weight," so to speak, -- but it's symbolic on a number of levels. There are elemental things at work here: Ii need to respect myself. I need to be able to take care of myself. I need to be able to "fight" (not necessarily literally) through the ups and downs of life. Weightlifting is something primal, the way I found hiking in the wilderness to be. At core, it is a kind of therapy. I don't believe in psychiatrists and pills and such to heal anyone's emotional wounds. They are masks over problems. The world of weightlifting gives you something very tangential (wrong word, let's try tactile) -- albeit also symbolic -- to oppose. And, sometimes, conquer. It's like fighting something that jumps out of a tree at you. At first you're overcome and overwhelmed. And then you pound back, realizing, "I can beat back this thing."
Man, I thought it was over for me because I turned 40 this year 😂 Thanks for giving me a better perspective! I'm subbed btw. This is one of the coolest videos I've watched in a while.
Sir, I took a look at stuff at your own channel. You're only 40. You've got a lot of time to take the high road, or the low road. You can accomplish whatever you decide to do, weightlifting or otherwise. This isn't fake pep talk B.S. I know nothing about prison, but I lived in my pickup truck for 6 months (in my 60s) to try and scrape together enough money for a down payment on the first house of my life. Before that, I was at the low of the low of my life -- I had ended up being a caregiver for my deteriorating mother (who I loved very much), and when she had to go to a nursing home, I, basically, was kicked out of where I was living, with no money, no job, and no future. Weightlifting wasn't even on my radar in those days. Right now I've got a house (technically, I"m at the mercy of a bank still), a garage gym, a great wife, and a few years ago I faced the bottomless prospect of NOTHING. The bottom line is this: you (or me, or anybody) don't know what's around the corner in your life. You've got to lay the prospects for something good to happen, no? Weightlifting is not only something literal -- it is a symbol for me: if I can aspire to something and reach it, maybe I can use that motivation in other parts of my life too. You aimed to bench press 315 for 10 or 15 reps? That seems like a tough goal, but if you aim for lesser targets in sequence, you still might get there in the end. Good luck, sincerely.
Mr Hunger, I started lifting at 20 and hit my max bench at age 45. I am 65 now. Barring injury, strength does not peak until the late 30's to mid 40's for many folks. Your a young man with unlimited potential within the framework of your genetics.
So inspirational! I love your attitude. One great thing about getting older is not giving a damn about what other people think. We're all meant to live our own experience. Those who know, do not speak. Those who speak do not know (Lao Tzu).
Thanks. You're right. The older you get, the less inclined you are to have to live up to anyone else's values. Or dictates. Or conventions. You've got nothing to prove, everyone is sure that "your best days are behind you," so you just do what you feel you need to do. Basically, you're done "arse kissing," which is often necessary, especially in the work world. In some strange sense, for all the negatives associated with old age, there is a liberation to it. That's why so many old guys have scraggly, weird beards (like myself). We don't care what anyone else thinks. We don't have to live up to anyone else's ideals. No illusions. (Or few, anyway). Not chasing women anymore, etc. Per Lao Tzu, how about this that he said: “Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.” I love that one. Or, this one, which can be applied to old age and health and longevity: “The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.”
@@rocktheclock240 Love those Lao Tzu passages. The second one cuts right to the heart of Taoism, and the need to balance yang and yin energy, or the brightness and the darkness. Like how you pointed out in the video that we have to balance workouts with equal amounts (sometimes more) of rest and recovery. Part of that need is because of the accumulation of mileage on our bodies, but it also speaks to having the wisdom that comes along with that mileage. Quality over quantity ;-)
The main issues are haters and people who give up, I am 52 but at 48 after my sport doctor fix my back we went to a powerlifting gym, I met this man who was 74 he was 6 feet 210 pounds and he looked like a Greek god, yes at is age he was on TRT to get is normal testosterone back to normal. But other than that he ate good and this man trained hard, he did a 405 pound deadlift and it was impressive. Most people give up and some are younger, I am 52 and been training since i was 13, in the last 2 years i had gain so much weight, went from 283 to around 250 now and still going. Eat good train hard be carful not to get injured and never listen to haters or people who try to put you down.
It's interesting, what you say about "haters." I've had one commentator really tear into me, insulting and degrading. I thought to post this "hater's" comments, and my replies, but when someone starts out from a position of venom and vitriol, I don't think there's any point in attempting a conversation. When someone foregrounds their neuroses, I don't think there's any way to get around that. Their internal rage against the world feeds on more scapegoats. The world is a punching bag for them and a potential fistfight (literal or figurative) is the core of their universe. Per TRT: everyone has a right to decide what to do with their own body. But I will never understand injecting yourself, regularly with anything -- unless your life depends on it.
Thanks. I'm not using that anymore, although that's how I always did it in my youth. That particular shot goes back a year or two or so -- in any case, sometime in my early 70s. A few people complained about that at some of my past videos, so I experimented with the regular grip and now I just do that. My thinking was that the "suicide grip" gave an edge to the push, but, if so, it's probably not much. When I was young, it seemed like most of the strong guys were using it in public gyms. I never heard of it referred to as a "suicide grip" until the last couple of years or so.
I am 77 years. I weigh 180 lbs. I started at 65 lbs. bench. In 2 months, I now bench 150 lbs. In 2 more months, I will hit 180. I use an iphone and an Excel spreadsheet to record an organized history. I rest for 5 days for chest muscles. I rest a full 11 days for glutes. In 3 months, I went from 180 to 445 lbs on the Angled Leg Press. This is similar to a squat. I can add 15 lbs. per month.
Congrats on your accomplishments. You're making enormous strides. When (if) I reach 77, I don't know if I'll be in the weightlifting game or not, but you're someone to look up to, keeping the bar high for all the rest of us moving up in age.
I love this i too wish to one day bench 300lbs,im 53 and this whole video really interesting..reminds me of why i love lifting and like you the whole spiritual thing anyway thanks man
Well I'm 44 and have been at it for 25 years. I hope to be there alongside you in spirit in 30 more years. I don't feel beat up yet although my legs and back have taken precedent over a huge bench long ago. I hit 405 at 170 at 27 but discovered leg days then and have prioritized them since. Maybe it's time a give 405 another run although my weight is still only in the 170's most of the time.
I'm 50 all natural bench 295, deadlifts 420, squats 365 and OHP 185! I would love to increase all but kind of stuck! Gives me body aches after a heavy session!
Well, congrats on all those solid numbers. Getting stuck is normal, I think, for any age. All I do is suck it up for another down day, and keep banging away at it. Every once in a while, for reasons I don't understand, I'll have a spurt of power and edge a little up. But it sure doesn't happen quickly.
You're doing what you love man. It makes us feel alive still, huh. I hadn't trained for close to 10 years, then I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018, and had a lobectomy, and then Covid hit. I've been back in the gym for 5 months again now, hoping to bench 300 lbs again before I die too. lol. I'm 5' 7" at 195 lbs and just benched 275 for 2 last week. I figure that I'll hit that 300 lbs by my 70th Birthday in February 2025. You're right about the perseverance and *attitude* Stay injury free, and keep pushing. 👍
Very impressive, sir! Much respect to you. Have you considered doing a video about your own story, per being an absolute rock against a series of hurricanes?
@@rocktheclock240 Thanks. Nah, no video's for this ole guy. We're not allowed to film in the small gym that I'm currently training in, and I don't have the luxury of having a garage set up like yours. (Did I say envy??? lol) I'll maybe check back in February with my PR then though. Much respect to you as well. Keep pushing. 👍
@@GreggBuckley Yours is one of the most impressive stories I've heard. Life is an obstacle course, and you've had your full share. But still falling forward. If you've got the unbendable will to get the 300, that's half the battle.
@@rocktheclock240 Thanks again, but there are far more individuals out there, that have overcome far greater obstacle's than I have. I'll get that 300. You can bet on it. 👍
Yes i live in texas and still powerlift. Last month meet 214 bench and 314 dead Age 73 wt 150 been lifting sense 15 competing sense age 35. Work out four times week.Do the whole body four times a week. Take creatine but no drugs no trt. Work out in my garage in texas temp 84 to 90 degrees. I tried to get to 225 but have not reach it yet for 1 with pause. I can do 190 for 10 sets of 3 reps. Have old bench without safeties so can not push more than i know i can handle. I got aches and pains but no surgeries except rotor cup in 2004 . I still squat and dead but much lighter. Best lifts 55 atv170 485 squat bench 350. Dead 485. I still push the envelop ever day. I push myself and fight the grind everday but always in garage working out no matter how good or bad the day before was. Yes natural and take creatine and protein. Also in fight as i have cancer too. But still get up and go to the garage. It is my grounding. The iron is my reason to live and reason to keep going.My goal is to be better today than i was yesterday. Relentless pursuit of lifting more.
I'm impressed by you story and agree with its content. You are a very strong man, especially for your body weight. Everybody has their own respective obstacle course and we all try to maneuver it in our own way. I respect greatly the fight in you.
@rocktheclock240 true, brother. I'm almost 40 so thoughts of "sarcopenia" gnaws at me too but not after your video. You bench more than me, a true inspiration.
I’m fifty and built a home gym and just started doing the starting strength program. Good job on you bench numbers. I’m trying to really push the ohp right now.
Awesome, very good motivational story and achievement! I am turning 60 at the end of this year and unfortunately both my shoulders are very bad so I will newer get those numbers but trying my best. My feet and back are still going good, so before I started on reducing my bodyweight I hit an easy 470 lb deadlift and 460 lb squat. My goal was 500 lb but I realize I will not make that, it will have to come later... :) Thank you for sharing!
I’m 53 and have always maintained at least a 315 pound bench for 35 years. Went up to 400 pound bench a couple of times in my 20s and 40s but it took a lot more work and calories.
Congrats on the big numbers. If you hang in there another couple decades, and stay healthy, you'll probably doing startling numbers in old age. In the meantime, it's pretty startling what you do in middle age.
Wow! You must be a strength monster. My own guess is that guys like you are always pushing and testing your body for the maximum challenge all the time and that, by definition, you'd be on the edge a lot (per the body giving out). That said, I trust that you do what you do with intelligence (as well as extraordinary strength) and you may well be kicking butt deep into old age.
I took a look at your own channel. You're a very strong dude. Your video about 1 rep maxes being safe caught my eye. That goes against the grain of convention, no? I think we pretty much agree on that. But every body is different, and each guy has to figure out what's going to work for them. Thanks for the note of encouragement.
@@rocktheclock240 Appreciate it. That vid you're referring to is about using heavy singles(like old school guys from the 50s and 60s), not 1 rep maxes. I rarely max and advise the same for others. Constantly grinding maxes might work for some in the short term, but those lifters don't last long.
Awesome work! I’m only 61, but I’m doing my best to keep lifting in my tiny home “gym” (power rack in an area of 6’ by 8’) 🤘🏻in an unheated outbuilding
I hear you. My garage gym isn't heated, winter is coming, and I've got to bundle up. We all make do with what we have available. Congrats on banging away in your home gym at 61.
Man, you are an inspiration! You’re drive, discipline and humble nature are top-notch. If I was you, the only thing, I would be trying to do is walk 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day. My Dad is 80, he went from 2,000 to 15,000 once I should him how to track his steps on his iPhone. If you can benchmark it, you can push it. By walking, I don’t think you would lose any strength. Plus, you can divide that up throughout the day. Also, check the Guinness book for World records. You might already have it for oldest person to bench 300 lbs. If not, try to Bench 300, at 80, 75, whatever. If you can pull that off, it’s an overall goal/win for humanity. Also, get a vitamin panel once a year, make sure your A, B, C and D is in check and optimal. It’s worth the money. Keep going!
Interesting commentary. But I still hike sometimes. In the last couple months I've hiked up 3 extinct volcanoes near where I live, carrying a backpack full of water and such. Hiking, these days, can bother my back, but what was interesting with these hikes is that walking UP a steep hill changed the angle of my back-vertebra (?) and it didn't much bother me.
@@rocktheclock240 Well 10,000 steps a day doesn't seem to be your issue for sure, hahahaha. If you start stretching those hamstrings, it might give you some back relief. Hiking for sure up steep hills always has effect on my overall strength, btw. I do this this a lot in rock climbing and I notice a difference for sure. When there is zero approach, I'm at my strongest.
@@paulgennaro2001 Rock climbing! Whoa! That's something difficult. I worked at some national parks in the past and one year I volunteered for the rescue team and got to practice some "rock climbing." My God! If that's your thing, I bow to you.
Well, I haven't done much for leg lifting over the years, but I think all my hiking was enough. That said, I don't hike as much lately, and if I don't get back into it some, I'm going to continue to lose ground.
Brother you have to make T shirts rock the clock I love it brother,keep it going man I agree with you about big pharma and other topics they’re all distractions and want people to be dependent and not think for themselves.
Agreed!! The drug world is destroying genuine health -- and the younger generations. It's rewarding to know there are people like you out there who think similarly -- as you say, "for themselves."
Just started lifting at 61. Could only bench 60 pounds. Now I do 135 sets. My goal is 225. You’re an inspiration!
Thanks for the nice comments. The wonderful thing about your situation is that when you start out, your prospects for improvement reach the horizon. I mean, you don't know what you can accomplish until you begin your own Quest. And wherever you end up (or it may be always moving) please take satisfaction that your own respective effort carried you there. And you're always a million miles up off all those guys who are just sleeping on the couch.
I'm right behind you at 73 years old. The barbell has been great medicine for this old man. I cannot bench the weight you can, my best is 250# a year or so ago. I train three days a week, alternating an upper body and lower body workout. A few months ago, I squatted 345# to good depth for one rep. I use a hex bar for deadlifts and on the right day, I have pulled 400#. Rarely however do I try for a max single, most workouts I work in the 7 to 9 rep range. Later this week, I am heading out with my younger brother for our annual elk hunt. Every older man should strength train. We all have different battle scars from life. Take them into consideration, and challenge yourself to get stronger.
Agreed. And your accomplishments are awesome. I don't hunt, but I've got a lot of elk and deer sheds from wilderness hikes.
250? You’d out bench most at my gym.
Hello, Rock. The last time I commented on your video, i was unemployed, broke, heart was broken and the only thing i did was gym. Almost 2 years later i have a great job now, not broke no more, eating way cleaner, lifting hard and getting real big with NO SUPPLEMENTS! Thansk for inspiring me to not get into these things, i might make good money now but I'll save as much as i can for my old age. Thanks for the vids man keep it up.
Thank you for this wonderful commentary. But we both know that any "inspiration" I might provide for anyone is really only a very minor reflection of the FIRE that's inside of you. Everyone has it, but sometimes you've got to be patient until it takes hold. A lot of people give up, surrender, and they choose to be FINISHED. I've begun work on another video -- this one is more about things you talk about. It will be about weightlifting, yes, but how that is only a kind of frame by which you can wrap the rest of your life upon. I have a nice home gym in my garage, but only a few years ago I was living in my pickup truck. In my 60s, I was broke, no job, no partner, no future, no hope. You've got to be patient -- and steeled -- in the face of adversity, and lay the table for something good to happen. Your story made me very happy, although I honestly had absolutely nothing to do with it. When we're flooded with despair, drowning, we've all just got to remind ourselves to keep paddling until something pops up on the far horizon -- something good, something we might not have even realized existed for us. Thank you. And congratulations. (But beware! You know that life is ALWAYS tumultuous, and you will always be tossed up, down, and around -- the same as anyone). Just keep swimming for shore, no?
In an age where motivation content is everywhere... THIS, was inspirational 👌
Much appreciated. And, in an era when trouble and disillusionment is everywhere, it's inspirational to hear from a stranger who just wants to pass along a good vibe. Thanks.
This was awesome. Hope I'm as strong as you at 74... I have 44 years to train for it.
Thanks for your kind words. 44 years is a long time. Do it right and your own story at age 74 will be worth listening to.
@@rocktheclock240 Very inspirational. I'm 71 and seriously back in the gym after a 15 year hiatus
@@Pete-bq5zo Excellent. Take no prisoners!
I am also 74. I have been chasing 315 for several yeaRS. My PR 2 yeaRS ago was 295. Since then I seem to be stuck at 245. Frustrating. But I am still trying to get there. I work out 4-5 days a week. (which means if I feel good on Saturday I do legs).I work out in a public gym. Most of my friends and lifting partners are in their 20s - 30s. Everybody is different but I love lifting and I am having fun. Really nice to hear your story.
What caused the drop from 295 to 245? I have up-and-down days/weeks. Whenever I have a string of bad days, I wonder if my body has turned on me and I'll be heading down. But I keep banging away at it and, in the Big Picture, I'm still, for some reason, crawling up. And if you work out 4-5 times a week, I am in awe of you. Where do you get the energy?
@@rocktheclock240 Also, I do body splits.Monday is pecs and shoulders, tuesday is biceps and triceps, wednesday is back (landmine T-Bar rows). I take thufrsday off. Friday is my second chest day and if I feel up to it saturday is leg day. I did not feel up to it this Saturday so I spent saturday and sunday healing.
Try going to a powerlifting gym, they can probably help you.
Maybe you need to reduce the frequency and rest more, you may be overtraining
Really inspirational. It's great to see that you didn't simply let go, didn't become bitter, cynical as many do. "Do not go gentle into that good night" 🔥💪
Well, ha! I'm bitter and cynical about many things. Just not weightlifting!!!
Weight training really is the fountain of youth, great jack russell too.
You know your dogs! Someone dropped him into a relative's friend's yard as a puppy and we ended up with him. A family member randomly named him "Milo" and I was shocked to later discover that that's the name of an early barbell company in America -- the Milo Barbell Company, named for a famed Greek strongman.
Im a 66yr old powerlifter.
Been back at heavy stuff 3yrs.
Lifted for 40yrs..5yrs on,10yrs off.
thanks for inspiration!
I looked at your channel and you're also a bass player! Unfortunately, my computer is broken and I'm not getting any sound. You've got to be tough and dedicated to compete at 66. Let's start a cyber-band. (I'm not a great guitarist, but I can piece things together with garageband. And I went to Woodstock, so that counts for something?) As I've said, people doing deadlifts and squats -- full body exercises -- garner my respect, ESPECIALLY older guys).
This is insane! Great job!
Thank you. I guess you have to be a bit insane to weight lift in old age.
Dude you fucking rule. This is great shit, and i almost can't believe you're in your 70's. Keep up the good work, hoss
Thanks for the positive vibe. Your kindness in commenting here tells me that you "rule" in a wonderful way somewhere out there in cyberspace.
Awesome,man. I'm 79,and lift like you. I have lifted since age 11.Keep it up.
Since age 11? Holy smokes! You must be a scientific lab specimen! How does someone be dedicated to something for that long? You should be a marriage counselor!
@@rocktheclock240
I’m not as successful at marriage, unfortunately🤪
@@rocktheclock240I never used drugs,either. My only problem now is that I have an arthritic hip that needs surgery.😩
Truly inspirational!
Thanks for your kindness with that kind of commentary.
Great video, Rock! It gives a lot of insight into who you are, your training, and your philosophy about life! We all have to live in our own skin. 💯👍
I'd mention here that if anyone cares to examine an "old guy" who is amazingly inspirational, per enormously heavy full body exercises (squats and deadlifts), and recovering from dramatic adversity, they should look to you.
@@rocktheclock240 Thank you! I appreciate it. Just like you, I'm not ready to lie down yet. 😅
I think this channel will have a ton of subscribers if you keep putting out great videos like this.
Also, this video has around 2,000 views when I watched it. I bet it will get picked up by the RUclips algorithm and go viral.
Keep up the great work!
Well, we're in control of nothing but ourselves, really. The fact that one person like you is receptive to my video -- enough to elicit something positive -- is reward enough.
I'm 63 trained since I was 14 on and off , I'm glad I found your channel, you are some one I can aspire too, thank you, new subscriber
Thanks. Training since 14? Yeow! You must be an expert on every nuance of exercise!
Man. You need to be a writer. I love the way you talk.
Thanks. I have done some writing in my life. You must be a writer yourself?
Same here. Feels like I'm watching a classic mafia movie 😂
My iron brother. Keep up the awesome work! It's the best medicine in existence. If you train the Squat and Deadlift with sub-maximal weights, and more sets (70% 1RM for 5X5, or 5X3) you will strengthen the back and legs without injury. Good luck! :)
Thanks. I might try that. But if I blow my back out at my age, that's probably the end of my weightlifting. I actually picked up an old Smith machine at an auction for $100, so I might explore some squats with that. Or maybe some leg pushups from the ground. (I actually went hiking today, so it's not like I'm ignoring my legs ...)
My back hurts just seeing this guy in action, but I somehow feel compelled to keep watching his videos! He's the perfect blend of self-awareness, humility, and of course...strength. Keep up the great work my friend.😊
Thanks, but I don't want to misrepresent myself. In some contexts, I can be a crabby, selfish, dumb, and weak. The same as anybody. In my own home gym however, I've got no one to dump on, so maybe I'm on my best behavior?
This is now one of my favorite YT videos of all time!
And, I assure you, you are one of my favorite commentators.
@@rocktheclock240 Sadly, you might not believe that after you read my comment on your Planet Fitness video.
Karl Norberg benched 460 in his late 70s...your doing awesome man, keep going!
Unfathomable.
I've never seen such an inspirational video. I enjoyed your narration and choice of words. Thank you very much for taking a time to make this video. I truly enjoyed watching this, Gonna watch it again now :)
Thank you for your kind words. I looked to your own you tube channel to try and discern something about you. You seem to be a music aficionado, perhaps a musician yourself. People, like yourself, who reach out with kind words to strangers rekindles in me hope for the human race.
@@rocktheclock240 yes, I love music but I am too shy to call myself musician :) I do some production. The thing is, I quit smoking after 20 years and recently started lifting, As I was watching random youtube videos about people like you, I was amazed you got yourself a nice setup and were modest about your abilities, knowledge and opinions. Thank you very much for such content! I'm subscribed and will wait for more videos like this :)
@@JavadMustafayev The "nice setup" is a question of priorities. I never owned a home (i.e., house, with the needed space for a gym) until about 7 years ago (and the bank still actually owns it). I've got two old, increasingly junky vehicles, but I figured that eventually I'll be needing a home gym more than I'll need a drive into town. None of this home gym training is about riches. Dominantly, most of the equipment I've bought I got second-hand -- thrift shops, garage sales, flea markets, public auctions, etc. Again, for me, it's just valuing one thing over another. (And I eagerly await your own first musical video).
Man, respect. I really appreciate your willingness to do the work and not lean on TRT.
I presume likewise, to you. The idea of injecting yourself with anything (unless you need it to survive) seems like "drug addict." I found out recently that Robert Kennedy Jr. is on TRT. He is, among other things, a former heroin addict. Kudos to him for trying to stay in shape at his 70-ish age, but his track record makes the switch over to injecting testosterone apparently easy. Everyone has the right to do what they want with their own body, but no one can make me understand such a choice.
Wow. Great job on this longer video. As well as your enduring determination, and mind set. Well done.
Thanks. It's always surprising that anyone is willing to waste 20 minutes of their precious time on something I have to say.
Much respect , I am working hard to stay strong and get stronger as I age, 47 now. Thanks for great video and your responding to comments is very admirable.
Thanks, and congrats on your own lifting efforts. Per responding to comments, commentators are, dominantly, supportive and encouraging, and it's not a big deal to take a few moments to at least thank them.
Impressive! I’ve worked out naturally & consistently for 40+yrs, and never could bench 315lbs, But I was always awesome at arm wrestling, Always beating people with bigger bench presses, and bigger arms than me, I still workout regularly and I’m in good shape, 6’2 250lbs, But again congratulations on your awesome bench press achievement.
Thank you. I remember when I was in junior high school I was pretty good at arm wrestling, and used to always get challenged in the cafeteria. But to take it really seriously, the way you apparently have, is pretty challenging. I never understood arm wrestling though, because the angle, the length of your arm, etc. etc. etc. all seemed to inform the ability to win or lose -- not just "strength." So I guess there's a science to it, which you appear to have mastered. Congrats.
Great job. You are a big man with a big frame which gives you an edge over most but your doing fantastic. Wow that was a huge bench at 170 lbs. You showed then that you have great genetics in the area of strength. Amazing that your shoulders have held up this long pushing that much weight. Your skin looks tight for a man your age. The face gives away some of your age. I think I'm overtraining at 65 because I'm in the gym 4 days a week but my poundages are going down at a constant bodyweight.
Well, I'm not such a big guy. I'm overweight some right now, but I'd still like to gain a bit more strength before I aim to slim down. Losing weight isn't a "cakewalk" so to speak, but it's easier than gaining strength. About 7-8 years ago I wasn't weightlifting very seriously and I intentionally lost body weight down to 184 pounds. My wife said I looked like an Auschwitz victim and was always crabby. But I looked very good for a guy in my mid 60s, the best shape I've been in for decades. But what do I, or you, or anybody want, as a result of exercise? Do want to look good, or plow through walls? It's hard to get both of them at the same time. NO ONE in their 70s is going to "look" like they did in their 30s. I'm still toying with -- relatively -- the choice of "look good" versus "get stronger." I'd like both, but I don't know if it's possible to harness both at the same time in old age.
Im saving this for my bike ride to school tomorow. I think im in for some great wisdom. Looking forward to giving this a listen
You're young and very strong. I wish I'd be around to hear your story when you're in your 70s.
Grest job. Very impressive.
This gives me hope. My best bench press was 385 at 180lbs 30 years ago.
I am still 180lbs. I am 57. Currently doing 315. I desire to hit 360, so twice my bodyweight by age 60.
Well, your accomplishments are extraordinary. 180 lbs doing 315, especially at your age, is still pretty outrageous. If I'm still around when you're 60 and hit twice your weight, I need to get your autograph.
I am 56 years old. I weigh 172 and have been stuck on a 200-pound bench (with a pause) for over two years despite working hard. What you are doing now is very impressive. Can you tell me your general approach to bench? I am not asking for you to give me your entire program or anything, but can you tell me some basic principles that you use, such as how often you bench, whether you focus on heavy weights or lighter weights and a few things like that? It seems that I have tried everything but I just cannot progress.
@@sjt6979 I let my old body tell me what to do. I used to bench press 3 times a week, but, slowing down, in the last couple years, I usually bench only a couple times a week. I focus on going heavy -- two light warmup sets, then I push myself hard, jumping from 135 lb warmup set to at least 225 lbs, or even jumping from 135 all the way up to 290 (for a max of 3 reps so far), depending upon how I feel. I of course am able to do few repetitions with the heavy weights. And I underscore that a lot of people probably would say this is risky, injury-prone strategy, but I've been doing this system for a long while and my body is comfortable with it. Small increments after the Big Jump to the work set. I mean, you've got to stay in your league and not be foolish, with weights you shouldn't be playing with.
I usually do about 5-6 sets of heavy weights, few reps. If I f do a heavy weight more reps than in the past, I go for a max. All in all, I'm pushing heavy, low reps. If I was just trying to stay in shape or something, I'd do lighter weights for a lot more reps. There are days when I go into the garage gym, try some bench presses, and I've got nothing in the tank, so I bail on that day. Sometimes even just coming in the next day, with more rest or whatever, I do a lot better. This luxury of "bailing out" of the exercise day is a factor of having a home gym. If you drive somewhere, and you feel crummy when you start lifting, you're sort of stuck in the big hassle of getting to the public gym and not wasting your time going home, all for nothing.
Sometimes I go through, say, a two-week period where I just feel weak - I don't know why. I try to make a challenge game of it all and I don't follow an exact poundage number/sequence all the time. I vary it: one day I go from a warmup to, say, 225 lbs and do the most I can. Sometimes I jump to 250, or 275, or even more and squeeze out whatever reps I can. Like I say, 5-6 "work sets" -- heavy weight, low reps. And I'm always judging what to try based on how many reps I do with a familiar weight on any given day. It's a very, very slow process, but, over time, the progress is there.
I'm only in my 20s. But I love this. You truly show that one can fight until the very end. It reminds me of that part from Kiplings poem "If".
"If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’"
You nailed here something important. The main motivation I -- and I presume others my age -- have in playing the bench press (or generic strength) game is to remind myself that I'm still an active player in the Life Game. It's easy to surrender to old age, or lots of other things. In my very tiny way, my aim is to Conquer the World, even if that world is merely the boundaries of my little garage. Also, I'm impressed that someone in their 20s is reading -- and retains -- classic prose and poetry. My compliments to you for your intelligence, civility, and broad mindedness. Lots of people your age see nothing of value in the "classics," which, in their own way, harken back to wisdom and "old age." In that sense too, old people in today's world aren't much valued, and are disposable for the new trend or fad. In traditional cultures around the world, old individuals garner respect for their knowledge and life experience. Nowadays, a new computer program pops up every week and the old ones are instantly obsolete. It's a very different value system from today to, say, my grandmother's life experience. Sorry to ramble, but your interesting comment solicits this. Every time I do a bench press rep, somewhere in the air around me, I hear the echos of your Kipling poem.
Awesome man! Great stuff! Love the story and love your attitude! Keep on fighting and keep on living!
Thanks. And you're awesome too, commenting in such a way. It gives me hope that there are still plenty of good people in today's roiled, internet world.
❤Awesome..im 53 year old..320lb is awesome at 24 nevermind 74..Inspirational thanks
Thanks. 53 is a relative teenager. You've got a lot of time to get where you care to go.
Be blessed brother.
Thanks. You too.
This is amazing, man. I am in my early 40s and lately have been thinking a lot about longevity. I'm working to maximize my strength and muscle mass so I can maintain my health as long as possible. I hope I'm as strong and determined as you in my 70s.
Good strategy. My perspective is just to be active, whether lifting or hiking or volleyball or jogging or whatever. I try to avoid a lot of the toxic garbage we throw in our bodies, and that's probably important to "longevity" too. Thank you very much for your comments.
You sir are an insperation I am 65 years young and follow a similar regime like you I go walking for miles every day depending on my aches and pains thank you for your video
Thank you back. Like I always say, anybody who is, say, a gardener, or a hiker and such, with an appreciation of the joys of the natural world, has to be, by cosmic definition, a good human being.
There is something special about you your as strong A.F
Thanks for your kind comment. There is also certainly "something special" about anyone who reaches out to a stranger (me) in this way.
best inspirational lifting vid I've seen. Real achievement
Thanks. There are other old (and other) guys who have stories to tell, but they haven't done youtube videos ...
Freaking awesome!
Thanks. And thanks for your kind comment to a stranger.
Inspirational. I'm on the same journey.
Excellent. "Same journey" means I'm not alone, and maybe mine is the right track. Keep it going on your end.
Amazing,respect to you sir 💪🏼
Thank you, sir, for your kind words. The respect -- by virtue of your generosity to a stranger -- is mutual.
Use to bench 365, did 245 at 53, wondering if I am capable of 315 again, I guess I should train, thanks for the inspiration.
If your body isn't broken, you're capable of doing whatever you (reasonably) wish. That's the attitude you have to champion. Otherwise, why get up in the morning? If you're healthy, with no serious physical problems, and you have the WILL, at your age I'd put good money on you getting the 315 again.
@@rocktheclock240 Thanks for the video and comment!
This is amazing - Salute 🤘🤘
Thanks, but if it is truly "amazing," for older people there's work to be done to normalize this.
@@rocktheclock240 I agree 100%
I am 71 and have been lifting for almost 60 yrs. you are a freak (in the good sense) if you can jump from 135x10 to working sets of 285. that is insane. keep at it . Life without goals is meaningless....
Thanks. I'm thrilled to hear from other Old Guys who are still at it. My leap from 135 to heavy weights is a factor, I think, of my being familiar with doing it. I just didn't start making that big leap one day. I've been doing it for a while. People -- especially older -- who try doing this, cold, might risk some kind of injury. It's just practice, practice, practice, and you get used to whatever you're doing. Again, my support to a fellow who refuses to cave to piles of years ...
@@rocktheclock240 If you go to the website strength level you can punch in your weight, sex, age, lift, and you will get an idea of how you compare to all other LIFTERS in your age/weight/sex. You my friend have an elite status and you are stronger than 99.8% of all lifters in your category. as a plus you are stronger than 65% of all 35 year old male lifters in your weight class. Be proud, be strong.
@@nfri5108 Thanks. I don't know about being "proud," but i am relatively satisfied with where I'm at, in old age. That said, I'm still greedy and would like to get stronger. The problem there is that I'd also like to lose body weight (I've put on blubber with the strength), but to lose body weight and maintain -- let alone increase -- strength is really tough -- especially for us old guys.
@@rocktheclock240 dieting is a lot easier than squatting or benching. eat healthy but boring food. i eat brown rice, black beans, with chicken or fish 3/day as well as an orange or red bell pepper and some leafy greens,,,,2 or 3 low fat yogurts and that is all...some tea and a double espresso and a diet coke.. I weigh exactly the same as I did in 1976, but an inch and a half shorter ): (5'10"/ 176 lbs) eat boring food. we work out too hard to sabotage what we do with junk food.
@@nfri5108 I'll try your recipe for getting leaner. You should get a trophy -- a gold medal -- for weighing the same you did in 1976.
I will be 63 on Saturday I have enjoyed lifting since i was 18. Loved the Old school Gyms and the comradery of all the guys that you would see there. From beginners like me to experienced Body builders and Power lifters. back then the most advanced guys would give you pointers on technique and correct your bad habits or form so you would learn the correct way to exercise and no one took offense from there advice. I remember how much I wanted to start my bench press sets at 135 pounds like everyone else seemed to do, but couldnt for a few months but, eventually I could. What a sense of accomplishment I had when I could get 10 reps with 135. LOL. I am not a big guy Im around 5ft 9 but by my early 30s I could do a 1 rep max of 335 pounds, always wanted to get to 350 but I have hurt my shoulders benching probably have some tears in my rotator cuffs. So I cant lift as heavy any more, but Like you I continue you try and improve my strength as much as possible like you I started a home gym when covid hit. Your Video has inspired me to keep pushing for as long as I can because Gains are still possible at Any Age. Thank You for sharing Your Story. God Bless and I wish you many more years of doing what you Enjoy.
Yes, bum shoulders seem to be pretty common, even at a much earlier age. I haven't blown my shoulder out yet, but my back can be precarious. We all do what we can do, no? Good job on fighting age back into a corner ...
This is so awesome. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks. And you are "awesome" for having the kindness and courtesy to pass some good vibes my way. In a world gone mad with selfishness and increasing nonsense, I appreciate that.
Strong work! - I'm just a young guy at 61 but good to see strong older lifters. Hopefully I can still bench squat and deadlift near what I do now at your age!
Thank you. At 61, you're still a relative teenager with the future ahead of you like a ripe plum!
I'm 69 years old been lifting for 55 years. Had aheart attack at 49, 1 knee surgery, 2 shoulder surgerys, 3(yep 3) hip replacements and now they want to replace both my knees. Drug free until heart attack now take plavix, statin, bp meds and Tylenol. Tylenol is for the arthritis in my hands wrists and knees. Your story has inspired me to suck it up and push threw. I was considering giving it up. Thank you.
Sir. This "inspiration" business may be pointed the wrong way. I just read your comment to my wife and she started crying. You've had more than your share of obstacles. I appreciate your comments, but it is not really deserved. YOU, obviously, are the source of your own inspiration, you are a tough SOB, and as you crawl, at first, into the gym some more, going forward, you will kick iron butt -- whether 5 pounds or a 100 -- and TAKE NO PRISONERS. But you know that. No help from me.
More than you know. Think I'll head to the barn and do some back and biceps. Thanks again.
Loved the video, thank you for sharing your journey.
In turn, I love your comment. Much appreciated.
Brilliant stuff. I've just subscribed!
I'm a 68-year-old bloke from the north west of England (Liverpool, to be precise).
I used to lift weights when I was younger but I never lifted all that heavy. The most I ever lifted was when I was in my 30s, but I never quite got to lifting my own bodyweight, so I gave up and went to doing high reps using light weights.
One month before my 63rd birthday, in January 2019, I had major surgery due to cancer of the skin on my head. I had some of my scalp removed and also some bone from my skull removed. This was replaced with a chunk of muscle taken from my back on the left side. I had a follow-up operation a few weeks later and then 6 weeks of radiotherapy. After a few months, once I started getting stronger I started walking again but I was worried that if I did anything strenuous like push-ups or lifting weights that I would do myself an injury because of this muscle I have missing from my back.
Then in Feb 2023 I was told that my cholesterol was a bit high and the practice nurse wanted me to go onto statins. I didn't want to do this, because like you I would rather rely on nature than drugs to sort things out. And once you're on statins, you're on them for life. So that's when I started doing a bit more vigorous exercises like push-ups. I managed to lose about 30lbs of fat in 6 months due to walking 35 miles a week and doing lots of push-ups.
In April 2024 I decided to dust off my weights and see how much I could lift in the bench press. It was difficult at first. I started off with very light weights and lowered the bar to my chest. When I pushed up, it was obvious I wasn't pushing as hard with my left arm as I was with my right arm, as the bar started veering off towards the left. This was most likely due to the missing muscle, but it only took me a couple of weeks to fix this.
As I got stronger I set myself a target of lifting my own bodyweight. I don't know what made me think that at 68 I would be able to lift a weight that I couldn't lift when I was 34, particularly with this missing muscle. On 21st October I weighed 75kg (165lbs) and I managed to lift 75kg. Brilliant!
Last Monday I managed 77kg so I'm going to try for 78kg tomorrow. I don't have a setup like yours, where you can go to failure without risk of injury. I just have a standard bench that I bought off the internet, so I can't risk pushing myself too hard as I don't want to end up earning myself a Darwin Award for trying to lift too heavy!
I've watched loads of RUclips videos of guys in their 20s and 30s lifting big but this is the first time I've seen someone your age lifting really heavy weights. At one point I thought I might be a little too old for this sort of thing but now I realise I'm not, so I am going to continue to try and get as strong as I can. My next target is 80kg (176 lbs). I can't imagine that I will ever get as strong as you, but I will certainly be trying to get as strong as possible. After watching this video, I now don't think that it's unreasonable for me to get to 100kg (220lbs). It might take me a year or two but that doesn't bother me.
By the way, seeing you wearing a "Back In Black" T shirt reminds me of an incident...
In 1981 I went on a boat trip with some friends in an area of England known as the Norfolk Broads. Someone brought "Back In Black" on a tape cassette with him. I quite liked it at first but it got to the point where he would play it and then immediately turn it over and play it again. He played it 6 times in a row on one day, so the rest of decided we would hide it. He wasn't too happy with this and he managed to persuade us that if we gave it back to him he wouldn't play it straight away. So we gave it back to him and what do you think was the first thing he did? Yes, he went straight over to the cassette player and put it on! I couldn't listen to this album again for probably 10 years after this trip.
Keep up the good work!
Sir, yours is a GREAT commentary. Thank you for your compliments, but, as I say to anyone, the FIRE is not in me, an outsider, with anyone's inspiration/motivation, it is in you. It's there, as in anyone, you just have to let it loose and you can start climbing your respective mountain. As you know, it doesn't matter what numbers you are able to reach and who cares what the guy at the next work-out station can do -- the greatest competition in life is not other human beings. Hell, challenges to bring us down are everywhere, always. All that matters is for us to do the best we can and forgo as long as we can being eaten alive.
Your adversity has been significant, more than your fair share. I've begun work on another video about "strength" in life generally, wherein weightlifting is only the frame, the symbol, the skeleton, by which one can build up and move forward, whatever that means. I still am able to avoid drugs like the plague and I'll be that way as long as I can, per encroaching old age.
I had a cancer, a very dangerous one ("pre-carcinogenic melanoma") on my wrist when I was in my early 30s. Presumably, that would have killed me if I hadn't been fortunate enough to have a peculiar mole choose to surface somewhere where I would always be looking at it. The surgeon who cut it off told me he had had the same thing (he was an avid runner, and the scene for both of us with this was sunny California).
Again, the "set-up" I have in my home gym wasn't handed to me. I'm not affluent. Less than 10 years ago I lived in my pickup truck for 6 months to scrape together enough money to buy a house (and I'll never be able to pay the bank off for it in my lifetime). All the weights I've got (almost all of them) I've purchased cheaply at thrift shops, flea markets, public auctions, etc. Money is getting tighter for me, but my personal gym is my Refuge from the World.
Ultimately, weightlifting -- and the bench press, and such -- is personal metaphor, symbol, sublimation, whatever -- for the struggle in Life, generally. Especially in old age. I ask myself sometimes why do I keep doing this? I'm not chasing women anymore, I don't need to get buff and flex in a mirror, congratulating myself, pretending I'm 32. There are no rewards. No awards. Weightlifting in old age is way beyond those -- relative -- trivialities. It's more about being alive, period, no? It's about living life, with "strength," as long as you can, no? And it's not a macho competition with anyone. It's really only about yourself and being able to carry your own damn groceries to the car.
My sincere congratulations to your string of victories against life's series of obstacles.
(Per AC/DC and such: I never really paid attention to them until the early 2000s. And the T-shirt was a present from someone. I actually went to the notorious Woodstock in my youth, but then drifted away from an obsession with music. I'm not always fond of AC/DC's lyrics, but the "energy" in the music is something special. And, that, even in old age, is something we both can probably relate to, no?)
Lastly, here's my take on the medical world's assembly line: sometime in the past, I guess it was in my 40s, I had to have a physical examination for a job. I went to the doctor's office and the person who took my blood pressure said it was high. The doctor who came in said I should consider taking pills to control it. A week or so later, at a different doctor's office, my blood pressure was taken and it was perfectly normal. The first doctor would have me be taking medication for, essentially, no reason. Then, in my early 50s, I had to have surgery on my elbow. After surgery, I was given a machine to cool my elbow and some pain pills, with directions to take the pills with regularity. I took one pain pill, hated the feeling it gave me, and stopped. To my surprise, my elbow WAS NOT really "painful" at all. It was sore, but a pain pill was overkill. I have since wondered if that pain killing drug was the same thing that so many people became addicted to in this country, an addiction that turned so many into literal heroin addicts: the so-called opioid crisis.
Anyway, my very best to you and congratulations on your upward journey. Numbers don't really matter. But the upward trajectory -- at least in spirit -- does.
@@rocktheclock240 Thanks for taking the time to read my comments and to reply to them. The annoying thing about my cancer was that it went undiagnosed for over 6 months. My doctor kept sending me home saying she didn't know what it was. She tried antibiotics (twice) but they obviously didn't work and in the end she just shrugged her shoulders and said, "I don't know what to do." It was only after a visit to A&E that it was diagnosed. They also didn't know what it was but at least they had the sense to refer me to a specialist. When I eventually saw the surgeon to discuss the procedure, he told me that if it had been diagnosed a few months before I probably wouldn't have needed surgery. I probably should have sued someone but decided not to in the end. But there is a saying: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and this certainly seems to be the case with me.
I think you are one of those people who has natural strength,I use to work with a guy who never worked out and I saw him just lay on a bench one day while I worked out and he pumped out reps with over 250 pounds,but it is impressive what you are doing at your age,bravo!
Thanks. I don't know about "natural strength" or not. But, yes, I've seen guys in my life, at various public gyms, who -- just looking at them -- you wouldn't think could push up a piece of paper. And, voila! They calmly do an amount of weight that is jaw-dropping.
When I first started lifting at 14 I couldn’t lift the bar. By the time I was 28 I benched 405. I made the mistake of not working out for next 12 years I went in the other day and was still able to do 315
Love that your gym is surrounded by a ton of books!
Thanks. It's been a collecting hobby all my life. But books swarm like a fly infestation all over my house too. And, books, like weights, are heavy. When you move to another living space, it's not a casual concern. In my next life I might collect peanut shells.
Thank you for your story. May God bless with you many more years of strength.
Another person that inspires me is Joe Stockinger. He has RUclips videos of him deadlifting 405 lbs at a 145 lbs bodyweight.
Joe was 89 in one video and 90 years old in another.
I'll be 67 at the end of this month and have been lifting off and on since I got a 110 lbs weight set for my 10th birthday.
I too have always lifted drug free.
Thanks for your kind commentary. I am aware of Mr. Stockinger. As an official old person myself, I do not understand how he could do what he did so deep old age. It has to be a sensational push of "Mind over Matter." Congrats on your own dedication and endurance. It's good to see older guys still marching up the Hill.
Hey congrats I have not been on here for awhile you are doing great. I still didn’t get back anywhere near what my strength was before my Pulmonary Embolism and shoulder problems. Right now I am doing intermittent fasting and have lost 28.5 pounds in 4 months. Just turned 73 but feel better and more energy just have to work on my strength I don’t expect 260 bench anymore but would enjoy trying. Good luck on your future lifts you are doing great👍🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Congrats on your health. You're still shot putting, no? At some point, I'll decide to turn things around and prioritize losing body weight -- apparently, like you -- over strength gains, but I still feel like I can go up a bit. My second project, I guess like yours, will be to lose that body weight and start mastering pull-ups or something. You doubt if you'll get 260 again, but, as they say, "Never say never."
@ only competed in 2 shot put events this year shoulder and lack of lifting because of the shoulder has really shortened my throws. Maybe it is time to put more effort into my golf game🤷🏻♂️ But I am not ready to throw in the towel yet but it really gets frustrating.
very clearly explained and so much conviction in every word. Hard work always pays off and you've proven beyond doubt that age is no barrier to keeping fit and healthy. Best wishes in your journey from Northumberland, UK.
Thank you very much. I don't think age is a barrier, but it can be an obstacle here and there. My best to you and your own progress in the UK.
Good for you!
I’m only 54 and still compete as a natural bodybuilder.
Your story is inspiring. My plan is to keep on as you are.
I thank you for posting this video and encourage you to make more.
Cheers!
Thanks for the comments. It takes a special kind of psychology to compete, even as a "natural" bodybuilder, or anything else, no? That's another level of "strength", different, I think, from just moving weights. Measuring yourself up against others in formal competition calls for an unusual toughness. And it's not a "team" sport. It's you against the rest of the world. You are probably very strong in different dimensions.
@ there is a satisfaction in doing difficult things. I bet many of your viewers would agree :)
Bravo to you sir! You are an age-defying act!
Thanks. I think part of the video is the implication that a lot of people can be "age-defying", at least to some degree -- whatever their interests -- if they care to make the effort to do it. Surrender just guarantees surrender.
Way to 'stay in the game'! You're an inspiration. -As for me, I mostly strength train with isometrics and bodyweight exercises. So I don't know how strong I am. I just know that I'm doing my best to 'stay in the game' like you! 🙂
Congrats to you, for doing the best you can. And thanks for your comments. A few people have cited me as an "inspiration," but anyone's fire comes from their own heart, really, not from some outside source. It sounds like your flame is burning bright, completely on its own.
@@rocktheclock240 Yes! I agree! Well said!
Fascinating story subbed
Thanks for your kind words. But I think everyone's personal story has a "fascinating" dimension, insofar as no one follows the exact same path and everyone's ultimate insights are unique.
@@rocktheclock240 it's an unpredictable life that's for sure.
There I was worried about the lack of progress after 2-3 years of strength training. Inconsistency was the enemy whose allies are depression and motivation. A long 5 months of laziness back to square one. The tweaks and injuries through bad form or impatience. Now thanks to your video just keep going. Doing what you need to do with one program or another. Just keep lifting, moving iron, be patient. It may be too late for muscle beach but if you’re alive and healthy it’s not too late to be in better shape than if you just give up.
Thanks for your experience and insights commentary. Good stuff. I don't know if I've ever been depressed in the gym, but discouraged? Often. My own sense is that you just have to bang away at it -- sort of like not taking "no" for an answer -- although you might not budge anywhere upwards for a long while. And every once and a while I get a spurt of extra strength from who knows where and I inch up a little. Then fall back down miserably the next week, and another week again, and then, sooner or later, inch up a little more because I keep coming back, knocking on the door to be let in. Where are our limits, ultimately? I have no idea. But if you don't knock on the door, persistent, nagging to get in, you certainly won't be granted entrance. And you choose -- with surrender -- an inevitable disillusionment. Like I say, I mix up the weight attempted and maybe that counts for something. All that said, I might just be rowing my boat in circles, but I see the mirage and -- real or imagined -- I'm heading towards it. And, like you say, no matter where you end up trudging away in the gym, you're in a far better place than if you hoisted the white flag and said, "I'm done."
Awesome sauce, and you sound like a professional speaker.
Thanks, but, to my own ear, I can barely speak without embarrassment.
Very moto brother! I’m just a pup at 60. Starting from scratch. Taking things slowly. I appreciate this video. The guitar at the end is epic.
Thanks much. I was going to set my guitar on fire, but then I realized that's been done ... Good luck on your own journey upward.
Inspirational. Your book, CD, and vinyl collections in the background look cool as well.
Well, thanks. I'm a kook collector, lifetime scrounger at flea markets and such. I'll probably be doing a video soon about my dumbbell collection.
Ok, you had me but puppers sealed the deal, what an adorable dog! Subbed and so good to see. I'm 64, been dedicated to the gym since I was 58. I'm worlds better than I was, hope to be doing as well as you in my 70s. I've found it to be consistency and progressive overload. From what I understand if you are challenging the muscles always you continue to get stronger.
All true, what you say. And anybody who likes little dogs can't be all bad. (Or even half, or a third, bad). Congrats on your own exercise efforts. And Milo and Ollie send their regards and appreciation.
@@rocktheclock240 my little dachshund Machine sends his salutations back along with mine. :)
Great progress, an inspiration and depth of knowledge 💪
Thank you, but it's just about hanging in there and, as I blunder, blunder forward if possible, not backwards.
My dad is 74 too and it's almost impossible to find anyone who can pull the weight he does it's crazy. He had shoulder surgery about a year ago and is already back to 225 bench trying to get 20 reps. Never stop moving!
225 for 20 reps is pretty outlandish. Even just the idea of that being the goal. My hat is off to him. Where is his video about his journey?
@rocktheclock240 he doesn't do social media but with the way he can talk you'd think he'd be good at it. The last i talked to him he had gotten 16, he already had it befor the shoulder issue. I'm impressed by your 320lb. My max was 235 for 5 before covid but it tore me up pretty bad just started back up 2 months ago not sure what my goal is just happy to be able to go through the motions again if ahealth goes well in 6 months IL start a serious program. Just turned 50. Keep it up enjoyed your down to earth persona.
@@stonemills1546 Thanks again for the comments. Your dad sounds like an interesting guy. I bet there are a number of guys out there, like your dad, who are unusually strong for his age, have interesting "inspirational" stories, but don't care to waste any time sharing them with anyone. Tell your dad I'm going to try and catch his 16 reps, and he'll probably spurt up a few higher! Per Covid: I don't know if I had Covid or not, but it really ran over me like a bulldozer, whatever it was. Like I've said, it took me about 6 months to seize back whatever it did to my body.
God bless you sir, I'm 53, & benchpress of 320lbs is incredible at your age.
Thanks. But I think it's mainly about perseverance (and not getting injured). And just regularly getting up off the couch, more or less. I trust you're getting in the gym some, and congrats for that.
@rocktheclock240 Definately preserverance, & staying injury free. Been lifting for over 20yrs, & had my setbacks with injuries, but getting in there. Keep plowing sir.
I am pushing 60 and have been thinking my goal is still be able to get 315 lbs at 70. Thank you for leading the way
60? Don't do anything foolish, be patient, keep banging away at it, and my betting money says you'll do it.
I'm 32 and you're way stronger than me! Just had my first child and spend a lot of time lifting in the garage, hoping that by the time I'm your age I'll be a strong granpda!
With the will that you probably have, I think you'll be a "strong grandpa" a lot sooner than the grandpa zone.
Fkn fantastic mate , love it 😁😁👍👍
Thanks for your kind words.
I really could care less what you bench. What is admirable is that you don't bitch, whine or moan about things. You just keep going, and setting goals. That's what life is about. Good job sir.
Thanks. But I of course do "bitch, whine or moan about things." I worked at a campground kiosk at a national park once for a season, and I was warned that that was exactly what older, retired guys do. I feel privileged, though, to be able to weightlift at my age, and in my own garage, so there's a lot more to be thankful for in this realm, than to complain.
Impressive! You should do a competition. You probably have the world record in your age class and the one below it. Now I’m inspired to climb back to 315 at age 50.
Thanks, but I'm content with competing against myself. Good luck on your own 315 quest. You still have plenty of time.
This video is amazing. So much basic common sense. Great, simple, straightforward editing. Your log and your home gym look great. Real and practical. Almost soulful. So tired of the overproduced and overpolished fitness content out there. I hope you make more videos, shorter, about specific workouts: what was the plan, the goal, how did it go, and showing your log, just like you do here. I am younger than you and still lifting real light. On a workout plan I wrote out with very slow progression, using micro loading plates. But generally I hit a plateau early on with lots of aches and pain, lol.
Thanks very much for your kind comments and support. I, too, am tired of the superficial gloss of what much of the "fitness" world has become. I don't think any of us need hustling middlemen between us and better health. There is a certain foundation of individual "common sense" that will work for anybody. Everyone's own body will tell them what they need to know. We all, though, just need to get into the gym to find out what our bodies are saying.
@rocktheclock240 spot on!
Wise words! I agree with your great mindset. Keep it up!
Thanks for the kind comment.
Amazing. At age 59, I thought lifting 315 pounds in the bench was a younger mans goal. Your video has inspired me to think bigger and strive to bench 315 pounds.
Thanks for the comment. Yes, I believe we're all socialized to think that ALL old people are delicate flowers, on the edge of collapse. At 59, you've got a lot of room to get that 315.
impressive. you are my role model
And you, as kind commentator to a stranger, mine ...
I'm 55 and wonder why I am lifting sometimes. You are definitely an inspiration to keep going. Your 225 for 14 is very impressive. My 1 rep max calculator app says you are at 325, so you are right there having actually done 320.
I was most consistent lifting when I was 24. Never was very strong, only getting to 265 for 4 reps back then. I sporadically lifted over the years and have gone decade or decade and a half without touching a weight. Not sure I will ever get to my goal of 315 lbs on the bench press. I did get 220 lbs last week at the end of my workout.
My pace lately has been adding 2.5 lbs every week or week and a half. Also, all natural. Take no supplements, no protein shakes, no creatine, no drugs.
Thanks for the commentary. At my age, I really don't wonder about why I still do this. It's not only a physical, literal thing -- being able to "carry my own weight," so to speak, -- but it's symbolic on a number of levels. There are elemental things at work here: Ii need to respect myself. I need to be able to take care of myself. I need to be able to "fight" (not necessarily literally) through the ups and downs of life. Weightlifting is something primal, the way I found hiking in the wilderness to be. At core, it is a kind of therapy. I don't believe in psychiatrists and pills and such to heal anyone's emotional wounds. They are masks over problems. The world of weightlifting gives you something very tangential (wrong word, let's try tactile) -- albeit also symbolic -- to oppose. And, sometimes, conquer. It's like fighting something that jumps out of a tree at you. At first you're overcome and overwhelmed. And then you pound back, realizing, "I can beat back this thing."
@@rocktheclock240 Beautiful! Thanks for the reply.
Man, I thought it was over for me because I turned 40 this year 😂
Thanks for giving me a better perspective!
I'm subbed btw. This is one of the coolest videos I've watched in a while.
Sir, I took a look at stuff at your own channel. You're only 40. You've got a lot of time to take the high road, or the low road. You can accomplish whatever you decide to do, weightlifting or otherwise. This isn't fake pep talk B.S. I know nothing about prison, but I lived in my pickup truck for 6 months (in my 60s) to try and scrape together enough money for a down payment on the first house of my life. Before that, I was at the low of the low of my life -- I had ended up being a caregiver for my deteriorating mother (who I loved very much), and when she had to go to a nursing home, I, basically, was kicked out of where I was living, with no money, no job, and no future. Weightlifting wasn't even on my radar in those days. Right now I've got a house (technically, I"m at the mercy of a bank still), a garage gym, a great wife, and a few years ago I faced the bottomless prospect of NOTHING.
The bottom line is this: you (or me, or anybody) don't know what's around the corner in your life. You've got to lay the prospects for something good to happen, no? Weightlifting is not only something literal -- it is a symbol for me: if I can aspire to something and reach it, maybe I can use that motivation in other parts of my life too. You aimed to bench press 315 for 10 or 15 reps? That seems like a tough goal, but if you aim for lesser targets in sequence, you still might get there in the end. Good luck, sincerely.
Mr Hunger, I started lifting at 20 and hit my max bench at age 45. I am 65 now. Barring injury, strength does not peak until the late 30's to mid 40's for many folks. Your a young man with unlimited potential within the framework of your genetics.
So inspirational! I love your attitude. One great thing about getting older is not giving a damn about what other people think. We're all meant to live our own experience. Those who know, do not speak. Those who speak do not know (Lao Tzu).
Thanks. You're right. The older you get, the less inclined you are to have to live up to anyone else's values. Or dictates. Or conventions. You've got nothing to prove, everyone is sure that "your best days are behind you," so you just do what you feel you need to do. Basically, you're done "arse kissing," which is often necessary, especially in the work world. In some strange sense, for all the negatives associated with old age, there is a liberation to it. That's why so many old guys have scraggly, weird beards (like myself). We don't care what anyone else thinks. We don't have to live up to anyone else's ideals. No illusions. (Or few, anyway). Not chasing women anymore, etc.
Per Lao Tzu, how about this that he said:
“Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.”
I love that one. Or, this one, which can be applied to old age and health and longevity:
“The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.”
@@rocktheclock240 Love those Lao Tzu passages. The second one cuts right to the heart of Taoism, and the need to balance yang and yin energy, or the brightness and the darkness. Like how you pointed out in the video that we have to balance workouts with equal amounts (sometimes more) of rest and recovery. Part of that need is because of the accumulation of mileage on our bodies, but it also speaks to having the wisdom that comes along with that mileage. Quality over quantity ;-)
The main issues are haters and people who give up, I am 52 but at 48 after my sport doctor fix my back we went to a powerlifting gym, I met this man who was 74 he was 6 feet 210 pounds and he looked like a Greek god, yes at is age he was on TRT to get is normal testosterone back to normal. But other than that he ate good and this man trained hard, he did a 405 pound deadlift and it was impressive.
Most people give up and some are younger, I am 52 and been training since i was 13, in the last 2 years i had gain so much weight, went from 283 to around 250 now and still going.
Eat good train hard be carful not to get injured and never listen to haters or people who try to put you down.
It's interesting, what you say about "haters." I've had one commentator really tear into me, insulting and degrading. I thought to post this "hater's" comments, and my replies, but when someone starts out from a position of venom and vitriol, I don't think there's any point in attempting a conversation. When someone foregrounds their neuroses, I don't think there's any way to get around that. Their internal rage against the world feeds on more scapegoats. The world is a punching bag for them and a potential fistfight (literal or figurative) is the core of their universe. Per TRT: everyone has a right to decide what to do with their own body. But I will never understand injecting yourself, regularly with anything -- unless your life depends on it.
Inspirational! But that suicide grip is scary, especially lifting by yourself. Glad you have the safety bars in place.
Thanks. I'm not using that anymore, although that's how I always did it in my youth. That particular shot goes back a year or two or so -- in any case, sometime in my early 70s. A few people complained about that at some of my past videos, so I experimented with the regular grip and now I just do that. My thinking was that the "suicide grip" gave an edge to the push, but, if so, it's probably not much. When I was young, it seemed like most of the strong guys were using it in public gyms. I never heard of it referred to as a "suicide grip" until the last couple of years or so.
What a beast you are!
Thanks, but on bad gym days I feel like a broken cockroach. (Exaggeration, but you get the point). Thanks for your supportive comment.
I am 77 years. I weigh 180 lbs.
I started at 65 lbs. bench.
In 2 months, I now bench 150 lbs.
In 2 more months, I will hit 180.
I use an iphone and an Excel spreadsheet to record an organized history.
I rest for 5 days for chest muscles.
I rest a full 11 days for glutes.
In 3 months, I went from 180 to 445 lbs on the Angled Leg Press. This is similar to a squat. I can add 15 lbs. per month.
Congrats on your accomplishments. You're making enormous strides. When (if) I reach 77, I don't know if I'll be in the weightlifting game or not, but you're someone to look up to, keeping the bar high for all the rest of us moving up in age.
I love this i too wish to one day bench 300lbs,im 53 and this whole video really interesting..reminds me of why i love lifting and like you the whole spiritual thing anyway thanks man
Thank you for your kind commentary. At 53, you've got plenty of time to get where you want to go.
Well I'm 44 and have been at it for 25 years. I hope to be there alongside you in spirit in 30 more years. I don't feel beat up yet although my legs and back have taken precedent over a huge bench long ago. I hit 405 at 170 at 27 but discovered leg days then and have prioritized them since. Maybe it's time a give 405 another run although my weight is still only in the 170's most of the time.
I can't even fathom a 405 lb. bench, with a body weight of 170, at any age.
I'm 50 all natural bench 295, deadlifts 420, squats 365 and OHP 185! I would love to increase all but kind of stuck! Gives me body aches after a heavy session!
Well, congrats on all those solid numbers. Getting stuck is normal, I think, for any age. All I do is suck it up for another down day, and keep banging away at it. Every once in a while, for reasons I don't understand, I'll have a spurt of power and edge a little up. But it sure doesn't happen quickly.
You're doing what you love man. It makes us feel alive still, huh.
I hadn't trained for close to 10 years, then I was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2018, and had a lobectomy, and then Covid hit. I've been back in the gym for 5 months again now, hoping to bench 300 lbs again before I die too. lol.
I'm 5' 7" at 195 lbs and just benched 275 for 2 last week. I figure that I'll hit that 300 lbs by my 70th Birthday in February 2025. You're right about the perseverance and *attitude*
Stay injury free, and keep pushing. 👍
Very impressive, sir! Much respect to you. Have you considered doing a video about your own story, per being an absolute rock against a series of hurricanes?
@@rocktheclock240 Thanks. Nah, no video's for this ole guy. We're not allowed to film in the small gym that I'm currently training in, and I don't have the luxury of having a garage set up like yours. (Did I say envy??? lol)
I'll maybe check back in February with my PR then though.
Much respect to you as well.
Keep pushing. 👍
@@GreggBuckley Yours is one of the most impressive stories I've heard. Life is an obstacle course, and you've had your full share. But still falling forward. If you've got the unbendable will to get the 300, that's half the battle.
@@rocktheclock240 Thanks again, but there are far more individuals out there, that have overcome far greater obstacle's than I have. I'll get that 300. You can bet on it. 👍
Yes i live in texas and still powerlift. Last month meet 214 bench and 314 dead
Age 73 wt 150 been lifting sense 15 competing sense age 35. Work out four times week.Do the whole body four times a week. Take creatine but no drugs no trt. Work out in my garage in texas temp 84 to 90 degrees. I tried to get to 225 but have not reach it yet for 1 with pause. I can do 190 for 10 sets of 3 reps. Have old bench without safeties so can not push more than i know i can handle. I got aches and pains but no surgeries except rotor cup in 2004 . I still squat and dead but much lighter. Best lifts 55 atv170 485 squat bench 350. Dead 485. I still push the envelop ever day. I push myself and fight the grind everday but always in garage working out no matter how good or bad the day before was. Yes natural and take creatine and protein. Also in fight as i have cancer too. But still get up and go to the garage. It is my grounding. The iron is my reason to live and reason to keep going.My goal is to be better today than i was yesterday. Relentless pursuit of lifting more.
I'm impressed by you story and agree with its content. You are a very strong man, especially for your body weight. Everybody has their own respective obstacle course and we all try to maneuver it in our own way. I respect greatly the fight in you.
Thumbs up man!! Loved this video!
Thanks for the kind words.
We young men has no excuses. No excuses.
Agreed! But old men can try to do SOMETHING --- even if it's lifting peach cans -- too.
@rocktheclock240 true, brother. I'm almost 40 so thoughts of "sarcopenia" gnaws at me too but not after your video. You bench more than me, a true inspiration.
I’m fifty and built a home gym and just started doing the starting strength program. Good job on you bench numbers. I’m trying to really push the ohp right now.
Congrats on the home gym and your new program. Good luck finding your own limits.
I am a young guy, but I just wanted to say that you are inspiring.
Thank you. And, as I always say to strangers who are kind enough to pass me a good word, the feeling is mutual.
Awesome, very good motivational story and achievement! I am turning 60 at the end of this year and unfortunately both my shoulders are very bad so I will newer get those numbers but trying my best. My feet and back are still going good, so before I started on reducing my bodyweight I hit an easy 470 lb deadlift and 460 lb squat. My goal was 500 lb but I realize I will not make that, it will have to come later... :) Thank you for sharing!
Amazing squat and deadlift at your age. I'm jealous.
@ thank you sir, all natural here as well!😊
I’m 53 and have always maintained at least a 315 pound bench for 35 years. Went up to 400 pound bench a couple of times in my 20s and 40s but it took a lot more work and calories.
Congrats on the big numbers. If you hang in there another couple decades, and stay healthy, you'll probably doing startling numbers in old age. In the meantime, it's pretty startling what you do in middle age.
This makes me happy. I just turned 50 and am worried that I may have to stop competing in strongman.
Wow! You must be a strength monster. My own guess is that guys like you are always pushing and testing your body for the maximum challenge all the time and that, by definition, you'd be on the edge a lot (per the body giving out). That said, I trust that you do what you do with intelligence (as well as extraordinary strength) and you may well be kicking butt deep into old age.
Respect. Excellent work 💯
I took a look at your own channel. You're a very strong dude. Your video about 1 rep maxes being safe caught my eye. That goes against the grain of convention, no? I think we pretty much agree on that. But every body is different, and each guy has to figure out what's going to work for them. Thanks for the note of encouragement.
@@rocktheclock240 Appreciate it.
That vid you're referring to is about using heavy singles(like old school guys from the 50s and 60s), not 1 rep maxes. I rarely max and advise the same for others. Constantly grinding maxes might work for some in the short term, but those lifters don't last long.
Awesome work! I’m only 61, but I’m doing my best to keep lifting in my tiny home “gym” (power rack in an area of 6’ by 8’) 🤘🏻in an unheated outbuilding
I hear you. My garage gym isn't heated, winter is coming, and I've got to bundle up. We all make do with what we have available. Congrats on banging away in your home gym at 61.
@ thank you! Yeah I have baggy fleece and trackies for the colder sessions, my ugly teddy bear outfit 🤣
Man, you are an inspiration! You’re drive, discipline and humble nature are top-notch. If I was you, the only thing, I would be trying to do is walk 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day. My Dad is 80, he went from 2,000 to 15,000 once I should him how to track his steps on his iPhone. If you can benchmark it, you can push it. By walking, I don’t think you would lose any strength. Plus, you can divide that up throughout the day. Also, check the Guinness book for World records. You might already have it for oldest person to bench 300 lbs. If not, try to Bench 300, at 80, 75, whatever. If you can pull that off, it’s an overall goal/win for humanity. Also, get a vitamin panel once a year, make sure your A, B, C and D is in check and optimal. It’s worth the money. Keep going!
Interesting commentary. But I still hike sometimes. In the last couple months I've hiked up 3 extinct volcanoes near where I live, carrying a backpack full of water and such. Hiking, these days, can bother my back, but what was interesting with these hikes is that walking UP a steep hill changed the angle of my back-vertebra (?) and it didn't much bother me.
@@rocktheclock240 Well 10,000 steps a day doesn't seem to be your issue for sure, hahahaha. If you start stretching those hamstrings, it might give you some back relief. Hiking for sure up steep hills always has effect on my overall strength, btw. I do this this a lot in rock climbing and I notice a difference for sure. When there is zero approach, I'm at my strongest.
@@paulgennaro2001 Rock climbing! Whoa! That's something difficult. I worked at some national parks in the past and one year I volunteered for the rescue team and got to practice some "rock climbing." My God! If that's your thing, I bow to you.
your range of motion with dumbells looks good.
Thanks. I've got a bum elbow, but I do the best I can.
Dude just flexing his 20 year old shredded hiking 🥾.
He clearly understands the gravity of his golden years!
Well, I haven't done much for leg lifting over the years, but I think all my hiking was enough. That said, I don't hike as much lately, and if I don't get back into it some, I'm going to continue to lose ground.
Brother you have to make T shirts rock the clock I love it brother,keep it going man I agree with you about big pharma and other topics they’re all distractions and want people to be dependent and not think for themselves.
Agreed!! The drug world is destroying genuine health -- and the younger generations. It's rewarding to know there are people like you out there who think similarly -- as you say, "for themselves."