Honest Opinions
 

I'm 48 years old and I don't want to become one of those guys who thinks he looks good in a speedo, but he's actually creeping everyone out, LOL.

I've been on and off this board many times over the years. It's been quite a while since I visited last or posted. So I don't know who the current regulars are. I think I recognize Byron.

I've been hitting the weights very hard this year, trying to build up that muscular body I've always wanted. I've managed to put on 20 pounds in the past 7 months. I know some of it is fat and I start working on losing that next week....cutting back on calories and doing cardio. I'll keep up the weights so I can hold on to as much muscle as I can.

We have a Caribbean cruise coming up in a few months. Living in suburbia and working out at home, I rarely have a chance to wear a speedo. That's why I usually workout in one. Vacation is the one time I get to let a little bit of the exhibitionist in me out in public, LOL.

I'd like some honest opinions. Keep in mind I want to trim at least a couple inches off my waist...







If anyone has any suggestions or advice on cutting or losing fat when you're over 40, I can use all the help I can get.
I was always skinny growing up, so losing fat is new to me.

Eat 6/7 meals a day, but "small portion" each time.

Cut salt, sugar, oil, calories. Reduce starchy food/pastry/spaghetti or simple carbohydrate.

Choose food with more protein, whole food, complex carbohydrate, LOW G.I. food.

Drink more water.

Fish/lean chicken salad with low fat/salt dressing. Lean steak. Sushi. Some beans. Nuts/fruits for snacking.

You are going to gain it back on the cruise ;)

Put more time weight training on chest, legs, back compound exercises.

Day1 chest
Day2 aerobic
Day3 legs
Day4 shoulder
Day5 back
Day6 aerobic
Day7 rest

Spend 20 minutes train your abs once every 2 to 3 days.
You may spend one day per week train your biceps/triceps.
Each session one and a half hour, try heavier weights.

What is your current height & weight

THree words "stationary rowing machine"

I am 6 feet tall, currently weigh 190 pounds.

Trust me, I've been lifting super heavy for the past seven months. 200 lb lat pulldowns, 50 lb dumbbell curls, etc. The twenty pounds I've put on this year is mostly muscle.... 3 inches on chest, 2 inches on arms, 2 inches on legs.

I'd love to start running, but not sure my knees are up for it. I already walk the dogs for 30 minutes every day and will probably use my elliptical runner in addition to that.

I'm currently doing a four day split workout, about 90 minutes four days per week. I'd like to build a little more but have been happy with my progress so far. I need to lose some fat and plan to concentrate on that while maintaining my current workout.

workout
 

Hi - yes, over a year by the look of it.
You can wear a speedo well at 48 but I would suggest more frequent abs. exercises than NJH suggests - plus a widenining of delts if possible will put the waistline in a little better proportion.
To complete the exhibitionist in you , at the top keep hair short, no sideburns, and definitely strange tash has to go. Good luck

I've added 3 inches to my shoulders so far. I work abs prior to every workout and plan to continue. I always keep my hair short and I'm not attached to my sideburns, so to speak. Right now they're only half way down my ear, so they're not long. I could certainly get rid of them.

The mustache, however.... I get compliments on my mustache. I could shorten the 'stache, but with the exception of U.S.A.F. basic training, I've had it (in various forms) since I was about 20. I am definitely not going clean-shaven. Too few guys have facial hair these days.

At my age, there's no way I'm going to have a washboard stomach. I'm not a big eater, so it's not like I simply need to cut back on the food. I know I need to loose a few inches on the waist, which is what I'm going to be concentrating on for the next three months. We'll see where I am after that.

I thought I was doing pretty good otherwise. But now I'm not sure sure. :o

I think you look pretty darn good! Another 1-2" off the abs/waist area is something to shoot for, but you are already rockin' that Speedo!

alternate lighter weights and more reps with the heavy stuff...the stationary rowing machine would do the waist trimming for you. not really an age issue as such

Thanks, Swimmboy. I needed a little positive reinforcement about now, LOL.

I know that it's impossible for a guy my age to have the body of a 20 year old. Trying to achieve that would be a unrealistic goal, especially as far as % of bodyfat. I also know it's impossible to target specific areas for fat reduction. Fat loss is achieved throughout the entire body.

I like rowing, but don't have room for another piece of exercise equipment in my weight room. I'll have to make do with my elliptical runner, or alternate between that and my cross-country skier.

I appreciate everyone's feedback and advice. It always helps to get an unbiased opinion.

6 pack abs has nothing to do with age. It is all diet. EAT LIGHT EAT CLEAN

Hope you read whatever I said before again and again. Review and fine tune your workout and diet.

Train more on chest / back / legs compound exercise, less biceps / triceps / isolation exercises.

Do you have time?

Write a detail training plan. Write a detail diet plan for me to see.

I never said it's impossible to get 6-pack abs. I know that's possible. I said it's impossible to expect to have 6 or 8% bodyfat at my age.

courage
 

I admire the courage to put yourself on here and ask for opinions. Lots of great advice. Everyone has an idea. As we all get older there are things we would love to make better and youth we all want back. I am with Swimmboy, I think you look great and should feel very confident in whatever swimwear you decide to wear (and it better be like what you are wearing in these pics). You look great in the photos. Like you, I'd love my college swim team body back, the abs are a bit muddled,,,blah blah blah. Damn lost youth...lol You are working out, you have a fit look, and you make the suit you have on in the photos look great. Be confident, go on the cruise and don't worry! You are def not the fat scary guy in a speedo!

Just one guys opinion.....

STS

Plus One!!!!!!

Does this work with a 23yr old. I am currently a vegetarian so I am bad when it comes to protein intake but...

I'm hardly an expert dietician nor body builder or trainer but I have been a swim coach and assistant and have always been on a swim team or Master's workout group. I think the physical proportions that rock the speedo are what comes from such activities, and a lifetime of them, and keeping the weight under control with smart eating and monitoring of changes. A lot of dryland exercises with or without weights are great for improving this look, for this I very highly recommend a book called "Swimming Anatomy" by Ian Macleod.

not a nutritionist...
 

Ditto for me but are there not sources of protein other than meat to be applied to a fitness regime?

Iv'e tried Rice n beans, & Pistachios and nuts. Eggs seem to do the most for me but even those dont fully do the job.