Originally Posted by
jimbo
most people gain weight as they get older, period. That's because there is a point where you can no longer train to the same degree. How many people, do you think, can train the same degree in their 60s and 70s that they did in their 20s and 30s? There may be a rare exception here and there of a 60-something who can out-train athletic, hard-working, talented 20-somethings. Even then, i think if they're honest about it, such a rare exception would admit he can't train as much/as hard as he did in his 20s/30s.
The body changes as you get older. Injuries can take a toll, too, which can also affect your motivation to train as much. If you're young you may not think so, but it will happen to you, too. Look at most former pro athletes such as boxers, etc. Take george foreman...he still looks great in his 60s, but he can't and doesn't look like he did in 1973. Few ex-fighters his age have aged so gracefully. Look at most retired pro wrestlers, who tend to become fat, even though they worked their @sses off and were "ripped" in their prime. I've noticed karate men in particular, including most of the famous ones, gain lots of weight as they age. Moreso than kung fu men.
I had gained over 30 pounds the last few years due partly to getting older, but mostly due to an injury that affects my ability to train as much as i'd like to. In 8 months, i lost over 30 pounds (from 196 to 164), and am back down to my ideal weight, where i plan to stay. In fact, i plan to drop down a bit lower. It takes willpower and determination. And more self-discipline than before. If you like to eat, guess what? As you get older, you'll have to eat less, because your metabolism slows as you age. Slower metabolism/less rigorous activity/same eating habits=gaining weight. Those who never gain weight tend to be those who naturally eat small amounts.
This doesn't even take into account that most 20-somethings have/have had fewer responsibilities in life besides training.
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