Lifetime of Weightlifting

Teens

My weightlifting focus was on size and strength. I followed the routines in “Iron Man” and “Muscular Development” magazines. My weightlifting role models were Bill Pearl and Dave Draper. My athletic focus was on High School basketball.  My diet was protein orientated and generally excellent.

Training Frequency: Three days a week.
Training Model: Full Body - One exercise per muscle group, 3 X 8.
Size: 15 – 15½” Arms
Strength: 100 lb. One-Arm Press

Twenty’s

My weightlifting focus was on size and strength. I followed the routines given me by Bill Pearl at his Manchester Gym. My weightlifting role models were Bill Pearl and Steve Reeves. I had no primary athletic focus. I was a College student at USC and Cornell and my diet was horrible – beer and fast foods.

Training: Splits three to five days a week.
Training Model: Full Body - Three exercises per muscle group, 3 X 8.
Size: 17 - 17½” Arms
Strength: 315 lb. Bench

Thirty’s

My weightlifting focus was on strength. My weightlifting role models were Arnold and Franco. I was competing as a Bodybuilder and mostly as a Powerlifter. I was winning Powerlifting contests. My primary athletic focus was Marital Arts. I was married with children and I was a restaurant owner. My diet was excellent.

Training Frequency:  Splits every day.
Training Model: Powerlifting periodization training.
Size:  18½ - 19” Arms
Strength: 600 lb. Deadlift 1st Powerlifting Contest

Forty’s

My weightlifting focus was on general fitness. I had no weightlifting role models. My job was intense, and I made little time to train. My athletic focus was on Martial Arts. I was married with children and I was a Bank VP. My diet was acceptable.

Training Frequency: Three days a week.
Training Model:  Full Body - One exercise per muscle group, 3 X 8.
Size: 17½ Arms
Strength: 315 lb. Bench

Fifty’'s

My weightlifting focus was on size and shape. I had become a Fitness Trainer and a Martial Arts instructor. My primary athletic focus was Martial Arts. I was married with children and I owned a fitness studio and a martial arts school. My diet was very good.

Training Frequency: Splits five days a week.
Training Model: - One or two exercises per muscle group, 3 X 10 or less.
Size: 17” Arms
Strength: 275 lb. Bench

Sixty’s

My weightlifting focus is on general fitness and on lowering my fat percentage, which is currently 8%.  My athletic focus is Tai Chi. My son and I have finished 90 days of P90X. It was hard but well worth the effort! (9/14/11). Now on to Free Weights in the gym and maybe P90X2.

Training Frequency: Splits four days a week.
Training Model: - One or two exercises per muscle group, 3 X 10, 5 X 5, 2 X 15
Size: 16” Arms
Strength:  240 lb. Bench Machine