Back in 2017, I wrote about flying into my 40s (see here). The entry came a few weeks after my 40th birthday. The gist of the post was quite simple. In short, I wasn’t going to slow down because I hit 40. Naturally though, it was easy to make that statement only a few weeks into my new age bracket. Thus, here’s a follow up that comes two years after the original post. I now have some legitimate experience in my 40s so I’m more qualified to speak on the subject.
2018 Training Recap
For starters, I am happy to say that I have fulfilled my vow. I haven’t slowed down one bit. I honestly can’t say that I feel any different today vs. how I felt five, ten, or fifteen years ago. I don’t sit around and analyze what may or may not have changed. Instead, I just continue to wake up each day and move. That’s my only secret.
Consistency
I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, consistency remains my greatest weapon. Or, as an old saying suggests, first we make our habits, and then our habits make us. I am a testament to those words. There’s nothing fancy or flashy about how I train, but you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who is more consistent.
A day rarely passes without me training or moving in some fashion. And it’s that type of consistency that has allowed me to feel no different today than I did many years ago. I’ve always felt that when you consistently do something, you never notice much of a difference from day to day, even as the weeks and months pass. Conversely, perhaps the fastest way to notice your age is to take an extended break from action and then be forced to start again.
Forget Age
When you keep moving forward each day, you don’t have time to think about whether you’ve regressed. Your focus is positive instead of negative. The only proof I have of my age is what’s listed on my driver’s license. It’s not as if I remember the day my mother gave birth. And as crazy as that might sound, I live with that mentality. I don’t wake up each day worrying about age. I’m too busy living to take notice.
In fact, the only time I mention age is when I’m writing on this blog in hopes of possibly inspiring someone who’s reading. And while that may seem insignificant, I’ve never understood those who constantly remind us that they’re getting old. Yes, we all technically age with each second that passes, but to harp on it only speeds the process. Your age is irrelevant to enjoying the moment.
Training Without Ego
Another important piece of the aging puzzle is to put your ego aside. When I train, I’m not worried about doing better or worse than anyone else. I’m also not concerned about constantly smashing personal bests. Instead, I’m happy to include lighter days when needed. I’ve actually come to enjoy such work.
In many ways, that mentality is new to me. When I was younger, my competitiveness often got the best of me. Whatever I did was never enough. I always wanted more. I craved the rush of smashing through a goal. Now that I’m older and wiser, I appreciate more that I’m able to move freely without pain, injury, or illness. That doesn’t mean I still don’t push myself. I’m just focused more on the process rather than the result. I’m happy doing my thing and I won’t lose sleep if a keyboard warrior doesn’t approve.
Final Thoughts
In summary, I certainly don’t view myself as an aging expert, as I still consider myself young. All I can do is share my own experience, which in my eyes is nothing special. There’s nothing glorious about waking up and grinding each day. It’s a lifestyle. It just so happens that such a lifestyle has helped to keep my body and mind strong and sharp as the years have passed.
Use it or lose it.
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“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” – Satchel Paige
Anyone who asks advice on fitness I immediately direct them to you. I’ve done this for years.
In my opinion there is no better, more honest, genuine and experienced voice out there.
Long may you continue to educate and inspire my friend.
Thank you!
Ross,
I turn 40 this coming November and a year ago after reading this set out to do one thing – be consistent.
You give the absolute best advice. Just read through “infinite intensity” and excited to put it into practice.
Thank you!
Best,
Os
Keep up the good work Ross !
You are always an inspiration !
As someone whose 40s have long since disappeared in the rear view mirror, I very much agree with your thoughts on consistency. I plan to just keep on keeping on until my number is up.
I also agree that age is just a number. One of my favorite quotes: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”
Been a subscriber for over 10years now, left boxing behind in my military days and now just strongman/powerlift but your videos always still inspire me to get the road work/rope work done (no one needs inspiration to get the heavy bag out :)!! ) keep doing your thing Ross age is just a number , what you did yesterday can be done today, easier
Hi Ross, I’m Stefano and I take care of the athletic training and conditioning of boxers in an Italian boxing gym.
I always try the training routines on myself before proposing them to the athletes. When I turned 45 I thought I was too old to support certain training rhythms, but in the end I discovered that it is enough to “listen” to my muscles to understand when to slow down for a moment.
Thanks for the continuous inspiration and for the books that are really effective.
Great article, Ross. I agree 100% with your approach – consistency, variation and discipline are key. I’m in my mid 50’s and still keeping up with my kids, thanks to your routines! Infinite intensity is the BEST resource on the planet. Thanks for keeping us oldies inspired & motivated.
Very good.
A melhor empresa de SP para Montagem de Stands, Ṣo Paulo РSP
Solid post Ross (but then aren’t they all).
I was hitting plateaus towards the end of 2018 so figured I’d take a break and come back with a bang.
BIG MISTAKE!!!
I slowed down training in November and completely stopped in December. It’s now February and the first training session I had since was last week. It totally wiped me out.
As you keep hammering home, consistency is key. That’s the part of the equation I missed out. Thanks for bringing back the fire. My focus for the next few 6 weeks will be bringing that consistency back.
Try becoming fifty! 🙂
Another winning post. Been training for almost 60years now and love it just as much as ever. Some people wake up and think oh i have to train today,i wake up and think great i get to train today. A couple of years ago i was asked how i was able to still do the things i do,my reply was because i have always done them. Another person asked me if bothered me that i could not lift as much as i used to, my reply was it only bother if i could only lift what they could.Consistency is indeed the key and enjoying what you helps to be consistent.
Regards,Peter.
I totally agree, 40 is the new 20. At 57 I don’t feel any different to how I felt at 30. I have been training in powerlifting, bodybuilding, and martial arts pretty much all my life and have noticed no decline in strength, speed, power or physique over the years as long as I stay consistent with my training. of course, diet plays a big part as well.
Followed you since 2006 Ross, when I was only 24 years old… now I turned 40 this year and turned to this post for a kick up the (sometimes lazy now) arse! i fucking refuse to let age win or define me!