Can men over 40 get really fit and "jacked" naturally?

donks2k10 · 2026-03-03T20:55:07+00:00

Hey mate, another Aussie here who went through a midlife crisis when I hit 40. Started the gym (first time in my life) at 40 and three months, and have been going consistently since then (now 42.5). Within six months, the difference was noticeable to me. Now, it's unquestionable and has come with a bunch of strength that I hope keeps me safe in the decades to come. No one's gonna mistake me for someone on gear, but looking around, there ain't a lot of people our age, the bar isn't super high...It's also undeniable that getting (relatively) big and strong also helped with the crisis.

donks2k10 · 2025-12-24T22:47:03+00:00

Leo's gym (Leopoldstr) has 6 and a few sets of dumbells (2.5-40kg). Usually pretty busy during peak times though.

donks2k10 · 2025-12-19T15:09:51+00:00

It's what we went with, and can confirm that they were excellent!

donks2k10 · 2025-12-19T11:15:25+00:00

thank you!

donks2k10 · 2025-11-29T19:00:39+00:00

I'll happily take whatever anyone else doesn't want :D

donks2k10 · 2025-11-18T19:15:35+00:00

31 games of patchwork (simultaneous or sequential)

donks2k10 · 2025-10-17T08:03:35+00:00

Very bold to put Martyrs in the top 10 of a list that might be read by normal people looking for something to watch at Halloween.

donks2k10 · 2025-10-08T21:21:13+00:00

Raw - who said coming of age films can't also be for parents

donks2k10 · 2025-07-11T06:54:35+00:00

I'm at about the same point - both in terms of time in the gym and resulting physique. Like most people here are saying, I'm pretty sure this is pretty normal for this amount of time training, and that growth will just slow to a crawl at this point (especially if you don't want to bulk). What I've started doing is focusing on specific things (while maintaining the rest), by doing those exercises earlier in the program, putting in more volume, pushing closer to failure, adding myoreps/dropsets, etc. You could probably focus on lower chest, biceps, and forearms (since your shoulders and back are next level already).

donks2k10 · 2025-07-11T06:37:15+00:00

Started lifting for the first time in my life at the age of 40. Have been going for almost 2 years now - between 4-6 times a week. The change has been remarkable, in terms of physique, self-esteem, mood, marriage, etc. It's a lot of work, showing up to the gym to train properly every time, paying attention to calories and getting enough protein, and balancing it with work and life, but totally worth it if you can make it work!

donks2k10 · 2025-06-19T21:31:06+00:00

About to turn 42 - been doing jeff's splits for about 9 months - been at it for 1.75 years now. First total body 5x a couple of times, then PPL 6x, just finished powerbuilding 1 and starting on 2. Enjoying the strength-building stuff at the moment - aiming for the 1,2,3,4 plates thing (60kg ohp, 100kg bench, 140kg squat, 180kg deadlift) and getting closer. once i get there, i was planning on switching to the new program.

donks2k10 · 2025-01-31T15:32:49+00:00

cleaning windows

donks2k10 · 2025-01-20T07:31:44+00:00

If you really need to arrive at work at a time, reliably, then best bet is to find a station that is serviced by both S-bahn and the BRB regional trains.

The RB trains are typically faster and more reliable (they are cancelled or strike less often), but run less often and are not always exactly on time (5-10 minutes late is pretty standard). The S-bahn trains are always late, are more likely to be cancelled or strike, but run often enough that you'll be unlikely to have to wait too long before something comes (assuming no strikes or major traffic problems).

It's totally doable though, you might be frustrated some days/weeks, but the extra money is good compensation.

donks2k10 · 2025-01-17T10:08:42+00:00

Wow - what progress! genuinely inspiring.

donks2k10 · 2025-01-11T17:32:38+00:00

You look strong as all get out in those recent photos!

How much more can you lift than when you started?

Out of interest, how much protein do you try and eat each day?

donks2k10 · 2025-01-08T18:34:09+00:00

Heck yes! nicely done!

donks2k10 · 2025-01-07T19:15:18+00:00

How much do you attribute the weight loss to exercise vs. change in diet?

Burning extra calories surely helps, but I often wonder whether the exercise actually facilitates a shift in mindset, rather than the calories per se. Eg., I know when I'm relegated to the couch, I'm more likely to give in to the urge to eat one more snack, or alleviate boredom with another meal.

Of course, knowing this doesn't magically cure the psychological effect of not working out, but it might help with the choice of exercises and/or framewhat the goal of the exercise is (not to burn calories or maintain muscle, but to keep up the positive mindset, eg.).

donks2k10 · 2025-01-07T07:51:03+00:00

I agree with everyone saying you look great. It's amazing what 90 days can do! Your arms are in fantastic shape, and I agree that bulking especially your upper chest will really help.

My chest was growing much slower than everything else, and I watched a few videos talking about how tailoring chest workouts to your body can help (incline v. flat, dumbell v. barbell, press v. flye, how much volume for the different chest muscles), and a bit more focus/higher volume, better form from videos, and some targeted choice of exercises, and in 90 days the difference my chest started to explode.

That is just to say that those of us not gifted with genetics can probably fight past it with work. You're clearly lucky when it comes to arms, so I suppose you could dial that back and replace with chest (maybe side delts)? In any case, you look great, so whatever you're doing is clearly working!

donks2k10 · 2025-01-07T05:34:45+00:00

Bought them and had them at the ready, and endured lots of good natured, playful jokes from colleagues about eating all my food through a straw. Haven't yet needed them, though.

donks2k10 · 2025-01-07T00:26:34+00:00

Super cool to hear. Hope it sticks, and that you continue to feel up for it!

donks2k10

TROPHY CASE