There is a certainty related to cause and effect that states, “If you do this, this will happen.” Touch the hot stove top and you’ll burn your finger. Those types of realities exist throughout our lives – they’re givens. But, is there a true cause and effect reality within the realm of physical fitness and the pursuit of better health? I personally don’t think it’s that cut and dry.
It’s not as simple as lifting weights = big muscles. There are variables and learning what those variables are can mean the difference between success and mediocrity. What are these variables? One of them you can’t do a whole lot about is genetics. You’re either an ectomorph, endomorph or mesomorph and that plays a huge part on your end results. Other variables include diet, sleep schedule, form and routine. All of these affect your outcome. However, there is one variable I want to focus on and that’s the variable of age.
At 60, at 70, and even at 80, your fitness expectations need to be realistic. In each of these decades your outcomes are radically different. In your 60’s, you can still gain muscle weight and expect some muscle definition. But, can you realistically expect to lift what you did in your 20’s or 30’s? Of course not! And that’s exactly how we need to approach our fitness goals. Realistically.
Today was Chest and Tri’s.
- Combo One x 4 sets: bench press, dips, dumbbell flies, Russian twists.
- Combo Two x 3 sets: incline dumbbell press, single dumbbell pullover, tricep push downs, crunches.
- Combo Three x 3 sets: skull crushers with ez bar, single dumbbell tricep kick backs, planks.