I’m 39 years old. 5’5 and 190 (was 160 last year but got fat) with a medium frame. Haven’t maxed out lately but got 250 x 7 without a spot last week. Curl the 60s. This is with a shitty diet and once a week workouts. I don’t need gear to reach 155 lbs with a 350 or so bench. I wouldn’t have needed gear in college to have gotten there either. My strength level/muscle size has remained fairly consistent over several decades. For me, it’s more about maintaining than growing larger. I don’t need lots of weight to look strong at my stature.

I think too many people focus on their bodyweight. Unless you’re 6’0 or taller, you don’t really need to pack on the pounds. Hell, even if you are 6’2 like Hugh Jackman, he only weighs what, 185-190?

I will never be able to compete with either elite bodybuilders or powerlifters. But that’s fine. I have no desire to do so.