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Post by koneill on Mar 30, 2008 21:23:36 GMT -5
the link below is to a 2000 Scientific American article which includes what is for new new and interesting material on not only muscle growth but also muscle breakdown with aging. The paper in question does not seem to have dealt with long term "matured" bodybuilders, hence an open question remains unposed. Nevertheless, I hope we'll all read it and fire off a big discussion including more resources. best regards, amigos Ken www.biology.buffalo.edu/courses/bio130/medler/required_readings/Genes_muscle_perfomance.pdf
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Post by koneill on Mar 30, 2008 21:28:35 GMT -5
By the way, I've posted the above with multiple agendas. One is what's mentioned. The other might well stir some of you. I've been after Iron Man Magazine to grant me a monthly space for past-50. past-60, past-whatever training - to include features about "matured" athletes, new science, the whole thing. I've read and studied and practiced like a mad man for 49 years and seem to be the sole person chomping at the bit not to make a name for himself but to become an active representative of longevity oriented training for health and well being - including the role of hormone replacement/steroids for us maturing guys and gals. In that respect, I need all of you to join in, writing through posts or private emails. We are the unrepresented generation, and all this bullnuts about post-40 training is for, relatively speaking, what are kids to us - kids we're just as likely to bury in one workout! thanks and best regards,
Ken O'Neill Austin, Texas
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Post by jasony on Mar 31, 2008 17:16:50 GMT -5
Great topic! I hope I have time to read and engage.
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Post by al on Apr 1, 2008 16:04:24 GMT -5
I'd like to take this discussion beyond bodybuilding alone and also include strength/power and endurance/speed. Allow me to wax anecdotal first:
1. Bodybuilding. I can no longer maintain the muscle mass I had in my mid 40s to early 50s, although at 10% bodyfat, my bodyweight is only about five pounds less. My primary comparison is arm size. Given (again) equal bodyfat and comparative routine (ten to twelve sets each of biceps and triceps work), my cut arm is now between 16.75 and 17.0, whereas it used to be closer to 17.5. My overall workouts have changed drastically, though, in that I normally train for power, speed/endurance, and lean muscularity concurrently year 'round now, as opposed to separate strength, mass, cut, and speed/endurance cycles then. Don't know how that might factor into this comparison.
2. Strength/Power - Here's a paradox for you. My bench press would support the article. At age 24, I could bench press 2.0 times bodyweight (280 @ 142 lbs); at age 44, 1.62 time bodyweight (265 @ 163 lbs); at age 61, 1.54 times bodyweight (245 @ 159 lbs). However, my deadlift at age 61, 2.6 times bodyweight (415 lbs @ 159 bodyweight), is at the same level as it was at age 24 (380 @ 142).
3. Speed/Endurance. I definitely fit the article's description of the grandfather who can no longer out sprint his young grandson but can probably blow him away in a 10K race. I can still sprint well for an old guy, but there's no comparison to the speed I had in my 20s. For distance, my I can no longer maintain 6:15 to 7:00 minutes miles, like I did when I ran a lot of 5K's, 10K's, and some longer races. Over the last few years, I've generally trained for one 5K a year and been able to maintain about an 8 minute pace after an eight week training cycle. I would guess I could get down to maybe 7 minutes if I dropped weight and ran more miles, but certainly no lower.
So, except for my deadlifting, my personal experience pretty much supports the article's contentions about fast/slow twitch muscles. Let's face it, at some point, you have to lose ground...although guys like us fight like hell before we'll give up one inch.
I'm going out of town, so I don't have time to contribute more on this subject, but I will definitely join in the fray again when I return, as it is near & dear to my heart.
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Post by Ken ONeill on May 2, 2008 21:21:49 GMT -5
Some of you might enjoy my article on Frank Zane peaking last year at age 65. Finally, Frank got the whole story told about how he trains. Photos in article are by his wife, Christine.
best regards,
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Post by al on May 3, 2008 16:03:45 GMT -5
I'll continue to watch Iron Man for your articles every month, Ron.
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