[quote]Jillybop wrote:
hankr wrote:
Hey Jilly, you posted in the 35 & Older board. Are you admitting something?
JK —
I do have a serious response, and will post later - time for Yoga class.
Hey, I was officially admitted to this forum just this year! 
I welcome anyone and everyone’s input on the question, I am just wondering about the older perspective in particular. 
[/quote]
Jilly;
If your just 35 keep the same goals as you have for the last few years, once you get closer to 50 alter just a bit. The MAIN thing is do want you feel comfortable with. train more like an athlete, easier on the older joints. Rotate your strength and hyper. days either by weeks or days and you will age perfect.
I’m 53 and have lifted since I was 13 yes 13. My Dad was an old school lifter and he started me way back then Bench Squat and Pull ups that’s all he allowed me for 2 yrs. So just stay active. I still DL no more back Sq but plenty of Front Squats. BE ACTIVE!!!
Jillybop, I’d say, Relax for a while. You’ve been working hard to acheive the body comp you wanted. We can’t go “all out” all the time. Our minds and bodies won’t allow it. Now, it’s time to relax and maybe sort of “coast” for a while. Take your time planning the next big step.
In a couple of months “HIT IT HARD”! Good luck. BTW:If recently means you reached your goal 6 months ago, Get busy girl!
Thanks again for all the responses. I really liked getting a glimpse into this part of people’s training mindset.
I have realized that this is really the first time I am working out just to work out. When I was young I was really into playing sports and when I started working out again 2 years ago it was all about losing fat and getting into shape. Now I’m in decent shape and have no plans to compete in anything in the near future and that leaves me feeling a little lost.
I’d like to focus on getting stronger and simply eating well, but feel a little nervous and inexperienced with the strength work. I’m also a little skittish about going heavier since my surgery. I am going to meet with Eric Cressey a few times starting next week to get me on the right path.
It’s a new mindset I need to adjust to, I guess. I think I will be spending more of my energy and focus on some stuff at home for a while. Balance…
[quote]Jillybop wrote:
I have realized that this is really the first time I am working out just to work out… Now I’m in decent shape and have no plans to compete in anything in the near future and that leaves me feeling a little lost… It’s a new mindset I need to adjust to, I guess. I think I will be spending more of my energy and focus on some stuff at home for a while. Balance…
[/quote]
I’m 55. At this point in my life, fitness is life. Fitness and strength truly are their own reward, and because I realize that working out fills both emotional needs (the need to feel good and feel strong and feel good about myself) and physical needs (fit is healthy), I’m ok with the fact that I work out, “just to work out.” I work out because it makes me feel great and I don’t need any other motivation to keep at it.
That doesn’t mean I don’t set goals, it means that meeting goals is just one of the pleasures I get from training. Meeting goals isn’t the main reason I pick up heavy things for fun.
I am 44 and I’ve powerlifted for over 25 years. My motivation comes from competing with the best powerlifters in the world. Without goals you’ll grow stale and lose your zest for lifting, for me competing and constantly trying to lift more is all the motivation I need. My hope is next year to go over 500 in the bench and pull over 600 in the deadlift @242 and 45 years old. I know powerlifters that are lifting big weights well into their 50’s, and I have seen many women master lifters who look great and lift big. Best wishes and hope you find what will keep you motiviated.
George
Well the real truth is it becomes a habit. I first started training in 1963 many of you weren’t even born then. Read a book called “Lets it right to keep fit” and started eating right as well. Result of all this is that people think I am 20 years younger than I really am. Life starts in the 60s. Go for it.
jilly, enjoy your post. got me thinking about next goal.
thanks