As you age, it’s natural for your body to start losing muscle mass. This can be especially true for men who are approaching their late thirties. However, this doesn’t mean that building muscle at 38 is impossible or even difficult. In fact, focusing on strength training and a healthy diet can still greatly benefit your body and help you to build muscle.
Here are some reasons why age shouldn’t hold you back from building muscle at 38:
1. Strength training can prevent muscle loss
Strength training can help prevent muscle loss, which is a common side effect of aging. By engaging in regular exercise, you can help maintain and even build lean muscle mass. This is especially important as you age since muscle is essential for overall health and mobility.
2. You can still make progress with proper training and nutrition
While it may be true that your body doesn’t recover as quickly as it used to, you can still make progress with proper training and nutrition. Focusing on compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, and incorporating progressive overload (gradually increasing resistance and/or repetitions) can help you to continue building muscle.
In addition, a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is also crucial for muscle building. Eating protein-rich foods such as chicken, fish, and legumes can help your body to repair and build muscle tissue.
3. Building muscle can improve overall health
Building muscle isn’t just about aesthetics; it can also improve overall health. Studies have shown that having more muscle mass can help improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
4. Age is just a number
Finally, it’s important to remember that age is just a number. Many people have successfully built muscle well into their fifties and beyond. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your muscle-building goals regardless of your age.
In conclusion, building muscle at 38 is completely possible and can greatly benefit your overall health and well-being. With proper training and nutrition, you can still make progress and achieve your goals. Remember, age is just a number, and it’s never too late to start focusing on your fitness and health.
