How many of you compete?

[BBruce]

I’m trying to get stronger and if get as strong as I would like I would like to compete in bench and DL, knees if messed up so squats are out unfortunately.

 

[Meetketchup]

I’m trying to get stronger and if get as strong as I would like I would like to compete in bench and DL, knees if messed up so squats are out unfortunately.

You've been around for a while now. Should throw up a pic.

 

[Syntha Claus]

58 yo and Im still competing and will continue until either the desire has gone or the bod doesnt want to. Currently just started prepping for this season and on to Masters Nats, either in Vegas or Anaheim. Haven't decided yet. This year the approach will be quite a bit different. Were adding more slin than have in the past. Ive got to bring my wheels up a bit. We shall see how the overall growth is. Doesn't get easier the older we get. But my drive and ambition is still there. This year marks my 14th year competing.

I started back at 55 in 2018 to “prime the pump”, did a show then set my sights on the 2020 season. COVID hit and I kept going the hardest I could.
I was in for a rude awakening, twice. First was that these local/regional shows are what I now call “no-shows”, because no old guys show up. Tampa Pro/Am had only two 50 year olds sign up and the other dude bailed after weigh in. I was really sour about the whole thing but a few things helped me change my perspective. Like when the judges said they had me in 3rd in the group. They had me do comparisons with the 35 and 40 year olds. This definitely lessened the sting.
But I showed up in shape, and that’s what mattered.

Second eye opener: a month later I went to the North Americans. This show was the largest turnout to date with nearly 1500 competitors. Eighteen people showed up for 50+ Light Heavyweight. This was where it became clear that the gap between 50 and 57 was very significant. Finished 13th and cherish the experience and lesson.

I decided that 60 would be my time. So I have pushed myself and now I will look much different than 4 years ago. Unfortunately, my birthdate means I will be closer to 61 at this year’s 60+ pro qualifiers.

You are so close to 60, I’d suggest you use this time to improve anything and everything you can and then compete at 60. The Masters Pacific USA is very competitive for 50s guys.
I have asked them to add 60 to the show but the Manion/Udit mafia is keep these opportunities in Pittsburg.

Whatever you choose, best of luck!

 

[Tresto]

Raw Bench only meet later this year. Full power hopefully if I bounce back from this L5 debacle.

 

[Syntha Claus]

The only other competing I have done was racing superbikes. Started at 46. It was the most enjoyable thing I have ever done. I got my pro card but never raced a pro race. Fate decided that wasn’t going to happen. Ended at 47 by almost ending me.
This is why I came back to bodybuilding.

 

[BBruce]

You've been around for a while now. Should throw up a pic.

237lb in that picture.

 

[GetnBig]

I started back at 55 in 2018 to “prime the pump”, did a show then set my sights on the 2020 season. COVID hit and I kept going the hardest I could.
I was in for a rude awakening, twice. First was that these local/regional shows are what I now call “no-shows”, because no old guys show up. Tampa Pro/Am had only two 50 year olds sign up and the other dude bailed after weigh in. I was really sour about the whole thing but a few things helped me change my perspective. Like when the judges said they had me in 3rd in the group. They had me do comparisons with the 35 and 40 year olds. This definitely lessened the sting.
But I showed up in shape, and that’s what mattered.

Second eye opener: a month later I went to the North Americans. This show was the largest turnout to date with nearly 1500 competitors. Eighteen people showed up for 50+ Light Heavyweight. This was where it became clear that the gap between 50 and 57 was very significant. Finished 13th and cherish the experience and lesson.

I decided that 60 would be my time. So I have pushed myself and now I will look much different than 4 years ago. Unfortunately, my birthdate means I will be closer to 61 at this year’s 60+ pro qualifiers.

You are so close to 60, I’d suggest you use this time to improve anything and everything you can and then compete at 60. The Masters Pacific USA is very competitive for 50s guys.
I have asked them to add 60 to the show but the Manion/Udit mafia is keep these opportunities in Pittsburg.

Whatever you choose, best of luck!

You have definitely given me something to consider that is for sure. But even now my competitiveness keeps me going and showing. It will be tough to wait another year and a half to compete again but definitely worth the discussion with my coach. Thanks for the insight!!!

 

[Syntha Claus]

You have definitely given me something to consider that is for sure. But even now my competitiveness keeps me going and showing. It will be tough to wait another year and a half to compete again but definitely worth the discussion with my coach. Thanks for the insight!!!

Twas my point.