Two weeks ago, my 40th birthday came and passed. I don’t make a big deal about birthdays so I treated it like any other day. I trained hard in the morning and was busy coaching athletes at night. When the day was done, I can honestly say that I didn’t feel any different from how I felt 10+ years ago. I’m still training hard and striving to better myself each day. Turning 40 doesn’t faze me. I plan to keep going hard for as long as I’m alive. I won’t stop until I’m six feet under.
Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
If you follow me on social media (@rosstraining), you probably saw the video below. It’s a short clip that I filmed after turning 40. And in case the middle finger confuses you, it corresponds with the following caption:
For the haters who used to tell me, “Wait until you’re 40…” Well I’m 40 today and still going strong!
For years, I’ve had idiots telling me to wait until I’m older (suggesting that I’ll be run down and inactive). I suppose such comments come from the misery enjoys company crowd. Unfortunately, I’m not looking to join the group. Life is much more enjoyable when you are active. And by active, I mean physical activity, not randomly telling others how they’ll feel when they are older.
Think Young
Ironically, since filming the video, my inbox has been flooded with questions about how to stay healthy and active as the years pass. It’s actually comical to me that people are asking for my opinion about growing older. I’m still a big kid at heart. I surely don’t feel old enough to answer anything related to aging.
Perhaps thinking and feeling you’re still young is one of the keys to staying young. I can only speak for myself, but it seems to be working. As Satchel Paige once said, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”
I certainly wouldn’t guess that I am 40.
Use it or Lose it
Aside from thinking that I’m young, I believe consistency has been my greatest weapon against aging. I still train similarly to how I trained in my 20s and 30s. My goals may change from time to time, but the consistency and intensity that I apply remain the same.
I am also physically active every day of the week. Even if I’m not training on a given day (which is rare), I still get up and move. I’m a firm believer that the body was designed to move. We didn’t evolve to sit around on the couch all day playing video games. I’d much rather make a point to challenge myself physically and mentally each day.
Lighten Up
In addition to staying active, I believe that regular laughter is essential. As hard as we work in the gym, we also spend a lot of time joking with each other. The laughter does not hinder our hard work. On the contrary, I’d say that it helps. The intense work always seems a bit more manageable when we sprinkle in some fun along the way.
If you act miserable all the time, it’s inevitable that you’ll become miserable. You can’t expect to feel young and vibrant if you’re always in a bad mood. In some way, we are all a product of what we repeatedly do. As I’ve stressed before, first we make our habits and then our habits make us. I’d much rather make it a habit to laugh and joke as opposed to hanging my head whenever I’m faced with an obstacle.
Contrary to what some believe, hard work and laughter can coexist. There is no reason for these qualities to be mutually exclusive. It’s possible to work hard, laugh, and enjoy yourself all at the same time.
Final Thoughts
In summary, I really don’t feel qualified to offer advice about aging as I still consider myself quite young. With that said, I’ve received loads of questions since turning 40 so hopefully this entry proves helpful to those who have asked.
And for those looking for more age-related inspiration, check out the archives below. You’ll find several impressive displays from individuals in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. It’s almost impossible to not be inspired by many of the stories. As you’ll see, the human body is an amazing creation when treated properly.
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“Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes
Looking at your photo next to katie taylor, I ask myself: but how old is Mr. ross enamait? I assumed may be 38 or 36 years old, I did not dare ask you your age at that time, with a little patience, I did not need to ask your age to get the answer. Very good article. Good day ross enamait.
Hi Ross, another good article. I have just turned 66 and am as excited about training and life in general as i have ever been. As you have always stressed the body is made to move and for activity. Being active creates a demand for good nutrition, the two together build health and vitality. If there is a fountain of youth it is train hard, move often and eat clean. Maybe you will not live longer but you will sure live better.I know several people who are still training and having fun in their eighties and they make me feel like a young un.My grandfather used to say “There is nothing worse than old age and poverty.” He lived into his eighties training till the end.However i would say “There is nothing worse than old age and illness,” Regards, Peter.
I’ve followed you for about 9 or 10 years now….back when it was just Rossboxing.com. You have always inspired me and my physical achievements and all those age related post gave me hope. I’m a personal trainer and I’ll turn 43 this year. These kids from 18-25 that frequent the gym can’t come close to achieving all the strength and stability movements involved in my workouts. Keep up the outstanding work ethic and be that shining example of the human body! Your the man Ross!!!
Hi Ross good article, let me tell you you’re still a child, I started training at 13 tying house bricks to my feet and trying to run, been doing (silly things) like that for the last 68 years, I’ll be 81 soon. I,m not an old doderer talking crap I’m still serious about my training, you won’t change it’s impossible, i like your training style but mostly I like and admire your phylophysy.
Regards Tony
I turned 50 lat year end next month I become 51 and I’m still going strong. I even feel stronger compared to when I was 40.
Most of my schoolmates are having problems with there body’s and life’s and some even have mental issues.
Stay strong and active is the best way in life.
Happy B-day by the way 😉
Hey Ross,
again an awesome thought, and so inspirational, and completely agree with all your thoughts.
Ross, you´re one of the fittest meanest 😉 40 year olds without a doubt.
F U the haters. Thanks for all the inspiration over the years.
It´s a lil bit late but happy birthday and i wish more powerful and healthy years for you and yours.
All the best Brother
Maybe I gravitated to this site over time because of your philosophy on physical fitness and no excuses or I learned that from this site over time, but either way, it is a way of life that is cheap, healthy, and much more likely to make growing older a hell of a lot more fun. An attitude and frame of mind that is probably one of the sanest ways to live on this here planet earth.
It’s the modern “juice bros” that perpetuate the myth about “lowering T in 30s, can’t build muscle no more bruh”. If we look at the way people lived in the past (or even modern rural area dwellers) – men in their mid-fourties have always been the strongest group, the creme de la creme. In fact, 45-ish is the peak time of our strength and stamina.
Keep rocking Ross! <3
Age is just a number. I crossed the 40-year old bridge a few years ago. Did I feel older? Hell no. Did my metabolism slow down? Well, yes, that did indeed happen. Oh well. I work out harder and eat a little smarter. I am working towards the same goals. Actually, in the last year, I have made it my mission to get back to strongman competitions and I am making that happen.
Good article Ross
Your blogs always inspire
Im 58 now and still train with rheumatoud arthritis. Ive just had to adapt my training protocols slightly.
Its great to see so many older individuals are now enjoying increased quality of life, still pushing their physical limits. I intend to remain one of them.
Stay strong
Keep up the good work
Shaun Thomas
Awesome. Thanks for the nice article. You’re a fitness machine!
Excellent post. I aspire to be the same exact way when I’m 40. It’s the same when I was going through schooling. People would say just wait until you’re in medical school, you won’t be able to train. They said the same thing about being a resident.. yet I’m still training. Consistency is key!
Thanks for the inspiring article. I crossed into my 40’s a couple years ago and it hasn’t slowed me down one bit. Keep up to good work!
Fantastic article ! I remember people saying the same thing to me and I fell for it for a while. I believed them and felt that getting out of shape was part of “growing up”. Well- not anymore! Now I’m well into my 40’s and training harder than ever ! I’m playing catch up for the years I slacked off but I will never eve again stop training! All the best and please keep up the great work and inspiration