Is 41 to old to get back in shape and start highland games?

**mrdad8802** · 27th February 12, 10:48 AM

Thank you to those who have replied. The only Highland games that I know of here in Arkansas is at Lyon's College in the spring. Want to get started training ASAP. Anyone have a good routine to advise me to be trying? I'm not worried about winning, I just like to lift heavy things and want to do as good as I can.

**Alan H** · 27th February 12, 12:32 PM

Start slowish, in the gym. Do NOT immediately start out by pushing big weight, if you haven't been doing it.

Aside from that, you have a whole "off season workout" thread here that describes, in detail, the workout regimes of three athletes. That's a great place to start.

Basic principles.

A.) squat ... front squat, back squat, zercher sqat, whatever
B.) push something...flat bench, incline bench, pushups, whatever.
C.) pull something ... bench rows, rowing machine, whatever
D.) press weight overhead
E.) do rotational core stuff...landmines, russian twists, core crushers, slosh pipe
F.) deadlift ... but don't go nuts with this, or your back will suffer.

There is little point in developing a gigantic 500+ pound deadlift or 400+ pound squat if you aren't well on the way towards that, anyway. Instead, start slow and pick achievable goals.

And move some weight fast! This is important.

snatch...clean... high pulls. Do 'em.

----> AND THROW. The most important thing, is to throw. So buy/make/borrow/cobble together some gear and start throwing it.

Games?

http://tennesseevalleyscottishsociet...h-Festival.htm

http://www.celticalabama.net/ACAevents.html

I don't know if this outfit in Louisiana has athletics at their event...

http://www.celticnationsworld.org/

**mrdad8802** · 27th February 12, 01:10 PM

Thanks Alan H. Can you send me some places where I can go tp find Games implements or to make them?

**Delaney** · 27th February 12, 01:50 PM

I am 43 and training to compete in the Highland Games for the first time this year. The training is an awesome lifestyle choice for one, I love the tradition itself, and there's nothing for me like having a goal that drives me every day. The veteranos on this forum and the athletes I am connecting with here in Minnesota are a very, very supportive and motivated bunch. All of this is to say (to quote Henry Rollins) ... "Don't think about it, DO IT!"

**Delaney** · 27th February 12, 01:53 PM

Good threads here for DIY training gear:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...6/#post1069415

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...7/#post1069693

**mrdad8802** · 27th February 12, 06:22 PM

Thanks Delaney!!

**o1d_dude** · 27th February 12, 09:36 PM

You're never too old to have a happy childhood.

The story Alan related about talking to the older couple at the games? Well, a number of years ago, Frank Lux and I are throwing in a comp and we start talking to this guy on the other side of the crowd fencing who wants to get involved in the Games.

We sent him over to talk to one of the South Bay throwers, Jim Walker, to take in some practices. One thing led to another and that, boys and girls, is how Alan got HIS start.

**GoodGirlGonePlaid** · 29th February 12, 11:45 AM

I started at 37 with zero field or weight training experience.
Granted, I drift from sport to sport, so I was coming for a somewhat athletic background (running, boxing, yoga, walking, hiking, biking, etc.). But, admittedly, this definitely does not come naturally. I'm super sucky but it's so much fun!

I'll admit, it is a bit daunting to see these 20-somethings throw so easily, but that's just the nature of competition I suppose.

**Alan H** · 27th February 12, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by mrdad8802

Thanks Alan H. Can you send me some places where I can go tp find Games implements or to make them?

I don't want to be an arrogant jerk, but have you read through this athletics forum at all?

o1d_dude has posted pictures of his "do it yourself" hammers multiple times in various threads. Theres' a top-level post with pictures of a DIY weight that I made this past Christmas for my nephew. i JUST put up a post about how to train for sheaf. The top level post "so you want to be an athlete" is full of information on how to do this.

It's all right here. You just have to read it.

**denmcdough** · 27th February 12, 08:11 PM

It's never too old to start. If you wanna do it, then give it a shot.

Just returned from Traverse City, MI and the North American Vasa (cross country) Ski Race. This year it was the US Master's Nationals and, man, there were guys in their 60's, 70's, and 80's kickin' butt! It's amazing that one can grow fitter with age.

I was fortunate to finish 3rd overall in the 27K Classic event, and winner of my age group....60+.