The plight of an old fat fighter
Up till the age of 40 I was always skinny so trying to lose weight was not one of my problems.Soon after 40,however,I noticed for the first time that altho’ I was still skinny I started to have a belly.About that time I discovered the gym and over the next 20 years or so I gradually built muscles and with the help of cardio I managed to turn the paunch into a 6 pack.However,as I aged further my "fat"friend started again to pay me a visit.Knowing that was a sign of slowing down of metabolism I increased the amount of cardio by 100 calories per day and that seemed to do the trick….for a while.The next year the same thing happened,so burning extra 150 calories seemed to keep it in check. The year after that 200 calories was the answer but it was clear to me that as the years went by I had to reduce my caloric intake as well.Some may ask why don’t I build more energy-hungry muscles to "mop up"the extra calories but this is more easily said than done.At my age,67,a lot of muscle cells have already died off and there is a limit to the size increase of the remaining ones. So all I can do now is to eat protein and some carbs up to my limit of 1950 cal plus burning some 700 cal daily to keep my weight gain in check.
What is in store for me ? It is obvious that I will have to continue toiling with this formula of progressively reduced intake /increased burning until such time that I can’t ,whenever that may be. Until then I am grateful that ,physically,I am still allowed the opportunity to pursue it
July 27, 2009 at 8:43 am
I have the same difficulty with respect to building more muscle. Just looking at my ‘old’ pics from 1988 & 90 show that I don’t bulk easily. Each time I’ve intentionally worked on that, I ended up adding BF instead, thanks to my mother’s slow metabolism from the get-go. You’re doing great & an example I strive to follow. Keep charging.
July 27, 2009 at 9:29 am
You ARE a great example, I hate to hear about the MORE cardio though…yuk. Oh well, I know it’s an imminent task for me. Thanks for the post and keep up the good lifestyle.
July 27, 2009 at 9:32 am
Yeah it crazy how with each year we have to step it up on cardio. Makes it a little harder year in and out to bulk up
July 28, 2009 at 11:52 am
Where is the easy button? The bad thng is you don’t khow what works for you until 3 to 4 weeks or much longer has gone by. Not to mention even the years flying by. Thats why I’m on the slowest getting jacked plan of all time. This takes out the time part of my equation.
August 2, 2009 at 5:20 pm
That’s pretty discipliined. I’d say you don’t need more muscle. Youhave perfect symmetry. You inspire me!
August 3, 2009 at 8:52 am
your blog scares me alot. feeling like I wasted alot of time doing nowthing with my youth
August 5, 2009 at 3:12 am
you set high standards for yourself which is great because it allows you to achieve what most people would think is impossible. For a person over 65 to have toned muscle and a six pack, is what most people, scientists and textbooks would say is near impossible to achieve. Your body will continue to change and adapt as you get older, but keep up your high goals for your fitness and you will continue to be exceptional!
August 6, 2009 at 5:39 pm
your sheer willpower is what sets you apart from others. Keep adapting, keep fighting.
Enjoy your journey and the feeling of getting stronger and stronger thanks to the determination with which you pursue your goals…
August 6, 2009 at 5:54 pm
How does everyone get those great abs?