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Increasing Endurance With Age


EricMilfeld

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Before I stumbled on the article last night I was already coming to the conclusion that relative to my max strength my endurance seems to be increasing with age. So, for example, the percentage of my max deadlift weight that I can perform for ten to twenty reps is higher than it was in my twenties and thirties. I can't attribute this to a change in training practices, either. I still train high intensity, low volume, and low reps. The article mentioned a shift with age in the ratio of slow twitch to fast twitch muscle fibers. Maybe this is part of the reason I seem to do better at timed hold events. Any of the older folks notice anything similar? I'm 45, by the way.

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Dude you're not even old yet. What are you talking about?

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To which article are you referring? This sounds interesting, and I am starting to notice the same thing myself as I get into my late-thirties.

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Doesn't endurance increase with max strength?

Yes. What Eric is talking about is being able to do more reps with the same % of max (or doing the same number of reps but with a higher % of max) as one ages.

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Doesn't endurance increase with max strength?

Yes. What Eric is talking about is being able to do more reps with the same % of max (or doing the same number of reps but with a higher % of max) as one ages.

Maybe I'm assuming wrong, but since this is grip board I would assume that limit strength is his goal. Thereforth, shouldn't limit strength be increasing as he ages and thus endurace? Sorry I may just not be following you guys.

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Limit strength is not the only goal, but it is the goal most
of the time here on the GB. Really anything strength related is on the
GB. A “few feats of strength” I see here
make me ask why but then I remember the answer is because they can! :chris:

Reps on a hard gripper is another good
goal. I have been just doing max reps on
my #2 with a CCS. My max now is 10 and I’d
like to go up in reps. I have not been maxing out much lately.



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i think grip endurance is probably the most functional and applicable benefit of grip training there is

as a law enforcement professional, i would rather have the endurance of the hand and wrist muscles last enough to survive the onslaught of a violent, drug-frenzied suspect than the ability to put a squeeze from hell but tire quickly

balance is key for me, it's not all about numbers :)

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i think grip endurance is probably the most functional and applicable benefit of grip training there is

as a law enforcement professional, i would rather have the endurance of the hand and wrist muscles last enough to survive the onslaught of a violent, drug-frenzied suspect than the ability to put a squeeze from hell but tire quickly

balance is key for me, it's not all about numbers :)

Good point.

This isn't the original article, but is more informative: http://www.cbass.com/BendingTheAgingCurve.htm

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Before I stumbled on the article last night I was already coming to the conclusion that relative to my max strength my endurance seems to be increasing with age. So, for example, the percentage of my max deadlift weight that I can perform for ten to twenty reps is higher than it was in my twenties and thirties. I can't attribute this to a change in training practices, either. I still train high intensity, low volume, and low reps. The article mentioned a shift with age in the ratio of slow twitch to fast twitch muscle fibers. Maybe this is part of the reason I seem to do better at timed hold events. Any of the older folks notice anything similar? I'm 45, by the way.

Don't worry - this too shall pass :). I think some of this can be explained by efficiency - your groove is simply better and you don't get out of position as often any more but I think we just get "tougher" and able to withstand more as we reach middle age. But never fear, another 20 years will take care of it for you. I'll write up some more about my personal aging journey later - I'm on my way out the door to the Arnold right now.

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For me, this is a very personal topic. I am probably the oldest Gripboard member - age 73.

I began lifting at age 30. Best lifts between age 40-45 in approximately 15 powerlifting meets.

At 198# bodyweight, 5'10" tall, best bench 330#, best squat 450#, best deadlift 525#.

3 years ago, at age 70, bodyweight 195# (my last meet) was a meet for total pounds lifted. (weight x reps) bench 185# x 16 reps, deadlift 200# x 40 reps. (I did not remember those last 5 reps on the deadlift - I think I was hypnotized).

In my case, I think it is more a matter of training. I just don't train anymore for a 1 max. single. In years past, did not train for endurance or high reps. Now everything is more in the 8-12 rep. range - with about 45 seconds time under tension.

P.S. I was also one of those lifters who always trained with straps - resulting in very poor grip strength. This is why I joined the Gripboard - which has been very helpful. I really enjoy reading the comments posted on the Gripboard, and I am slowly making gains in gripstrength.

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P.S. to Eric Milfeld. I would like to be age 45 again.

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P.S. to Eric Milfeld. I would like to be age 45 again.

Well, you certainly have the strength, and then some, of a 45 year old. Those are some really impressive reps you recently posted. Coincidentally, you were posting your best powerlifting numbers around the time I started competing. My first meet was the Texas Cup, directed by Chip McCain, in October of 1982. Also coincidentally, you share a birthday with my oldest daughter. Just a different year. :tongue

Chris, I do agree that I probably lift more efficiently with higher reps today. Lookin' forward to hearing more on your journey.

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i think grip endurance is probably the most functional and applicable benefit of grip training there is

as a law enforcement professional, i would rather have the endurance of the hand and wrist muscles last enough to survive the onslaught of a violent, drug-frenzied suspect than the ability to put a squeeze from hell but tire quickly

balance is key for me, it's not all about numbers :)

That is very true... I often get so wrapped up in the numbers, that forget some people actually actually NEED different strength qualities and their life my very well depend upon those qualities.

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i think grip endurance is probably the most functional and applicable benefit of grip training there is

as a law enforcement professional, i would rather have the endurance of the hand and wrist muscles last enough to survive the onslaught of a violent, drug-frenzied suspect than the ability to put a squeeze from hell but tire quickly

balance is key for me, it's not all about numbers :)

A good reason to do a high volume of working sets with low reps. You get the maximum strength benefit, combined with the endurance to continue performing at that maximum strength.

Of course, if your grip breaks bones, you don't have to worry about holding on for too long. Haha

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