Older Martial Artists

[Xue Sheng]

Just turned 74 and yeah, muscle mass is a bit down as is strength from when I was 65, but function seems to be holding nicely. By function I mean being able to do MA at a fairly high level, do physical chores and still feeling like I'm in better shape than most healthy 50-year-olds.

I don't squeeze out those last couple of reps like I used to, but that's more of not wanting to drop dead at the gym than major strength loss. Many older high level martial artists have suffered strokes, and I don't plan to be one of them. So, I eased off going for heavy weight and don't push myself as hard. I take extra time between sets and check for my face getting red. This is a flag that should not be ignored, indicating it's time to rest for another minute or two before resuming the workout.

When I walk into the gym, the desk person greets with "enjoy your workout." Like that's going to happen! It's torturous and exhausting and nothing I look forward to. But if I don't do it, I feel like I've let myself down. Definitely a love/hate relationship, but it sure beats giving up and becoming an "old man."

Well, I'm better than I was in my 50s, I spent much of those years in rehab from surgery and dealing with arthritis

I do my workout, I just had to change it up a bit, and it seems to be helping. As for the martial arts bit, it is getting better, but I don't expect my 30 year old self to reappear. Saw my workout in my notes from then, I am pretty sure that wold kill me these days

 

[opr1945]

Every day I find something new that I can no longer do, but I could yesterday.

 

[Kung Fu Wang]

Every day I find something new that I can no longer do, but I could yesterday.

I just finished 3 miles walking with 5 lb dumbbell in my hand and punched 2160 times along with 210 push-ups. Hope next year of this time, I can still repeat it again.

IMO, during old age, if you don't want to lose muscle, weight work out is a must. Most Taiji people don't like to work on the weight. I just don't know how they can deal with the "Sarcopenia" issue.

Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The main symptom of the condition is muscle weakness. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy primarily caused by the natural aging process. Scientists believe being physically inactive and eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to the disease.

 

[windwalker099]

IMO, during old age, if you don't want to lose muscle, weight work out is a must. Most Taiji people don't like to work on the weight. I just don't know how they can deal with the "Sarcopenia" issue.

Depends on the practice — and what it’s practiced for.

Ben Lo’s classes, were very demanding. .
When training is based on traditional methods meeting the requirements.
It can be extremely demanding physically.

In this sense the practice can be matched to ones physical condition and expected outcome.
The question might better framed what is it, that one is training for,,,

 

[Stuarto]

I just finished 3 miles walking with 5 lb dumbbell in my hand and punched 2160 times along with 210 push-ups. Hope next year of this time, I can still repeat it again.

IMO, during old age, if you don't want to lose muscle, weight work out is a must. Most Taiji people don't like to work on the weight. I just don't know how they can deal with the "Sarcopenia" issue.

Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The main symptom of the condition is muscle weakness. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy primarily caused by the natural aging process. Scientists believe being physically inactive and eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to the disease.

That's really impressive, especially at an older age. I do pushups pretty much every workout. I can't do as many as I used to (at least not all at once) but they definitely help with maintaining strength. I lift some weights too but go for lower weight, higher reps. The Kenpo forms and techniques are my cardio.