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I was wondering how many guys here are in better shape now than when they were in high school/college. I'm currently 39 and I'm in way better shape than in my late teens, early 20's Back then I was approaching 240lbs of fat, now I'm 210 and close to calling myself muscular. When I hit the big 40 next year, I hope to look more like a 20 year old!

Congratulations! Now keep at it, cuz it is in your 40s when your body is gonna really want to slow down and your metabolism go all to hell. But with your exercising, you may be able to beat that.

I am 44 years old and I find that I am much stronger than I was in high school but not nearly as flexible or quick. I was a wrestler, ran track and throw the shot and discus in HS. I was in good shape but never hit the gym seriously. Natural ability let me coast through school and win a bunch of stuff. Now I have to focus on the work outs and be dedicated but it has paid off. I don't built huge awe inspiring muscle but hey are much stronger. I can still leg press over 800, not bad for a border line geezer.

I will be 41 next month and I feel better now than I ever have in my life. They say now that 40 is the new 20, so I hope and can keep up with the trend.

At 43 I have the same waist as I did a sophomore in high school. I had flatter abs about that time, I think, but I couldn't maintain working out. I was slim at 20, but not muscular. I'm clearly in better shape now than I was at 20.

48 here, I love this thread! Gonna squat 425 lbs. tomorrow, which I never could do 20 years ago.

I was a total wimp in high school in college and many my friends were awesome athletes. Now they are couch potatoes and look years older than their actual age....and I am the one who is in "awesome" shape. And I am a far cry from 40 y.o.

John

Im defintely in the best shape of my life - I have the same waist size I had in my early 20's but it did change for the worse for a number of years due to my slackassery.

I got in better shape a lot faster now than I was able to back then - go figure.

I'm about to turn 39 and am in the "best shape of my life" -- sounds corny but it's true. Just wish I'd started lifting weights 20 years ago instead of 2.5 years ago, but better late than never!

I am 50 years old and in way better shape now then I was in high school and overall in better shape now then I was in my 20s.

Wow, some of the posters so far, I've seen their picture, but never viewed their age and didn't think anything past 35 as their age. More than enough incentive to consider lifetime fitness all over this board. Ofcourse, one in particular, his good looks are timeless.

I'm in a different shape than 20. When I see those post high school pics I was somewhat tall and lean,, but I actually like the more manly filled out look of my later 40's...

Way better shape now - and it just keeps getting better!

If you make a commitment early on (for me it was around 20) to live a healthy fitness-minded life you will definitely reap the rewards later in life because then staying in shape isn't so much a chore as it is a lifestyle. I'm much stronger now, with much more energy, stamina, and endurance then I ever had in my teens and 20's. Regular exercise is a key to staying fit and healthy and keep stress levels at bay.

Yes, definitely in better shape now than I ever was at 20. In fact, I get mistaken for being in my 20's all the time, even though I am twice that.

I'd say I'm 2-3x stronger now, more flexible, and WAY more athletic. At 20 years old, I was a hack at athletics - playing around at martial arts and doing a bit of mountain biking, but as an adult, grew into a multi-sport athlete. I would NEVER go back to being 20. At a party recently I was dancing with a 24 year old who asked my age. I told him and his jaw hit the floor. 40 IS the new 20. And from the look of the guys on RJ, 50 is the new 30. I think we know more, and apply more of that knowledge these days. I can honestly say I'm in the best shape of my life right now. I hope to keep saying that every year until the inevitable decline starts at around....75. :-)

Definitely better :-)

I was 143 lbs in high school and the beginning of college. I had a 29 inch waist and did circuit training and aerobics. I started working out with heavier weights when I was about 23. the first year I gained 20 lbs, the second 10. By the time I hit 30 I was 186 lbs and tottered around 10% bodyfat. After a car accident injury to the neck kept me away from the gym for 5 yrs I am now working on my goal to be a very hard and dense 200 lbs(roughly my current weight).

I dunno, I kinda liked the way I looked when I was 32 at 10% bodyfat. LOL. But I do like that many folks think I'm in my low to mid thirties. My sister asked me if I have had plastic surgery, and I have coworkers at the gym accusing me of botox.

Like others in this thread, however, I have never been stronger in my life than I am right now.

At 48 I am in about the same shape as I was 30 years ago. Have always worked out and hopefully will continue to for years to come.

Definitely in better shape than my early twenties. I can still wear the same clothes from high school ( yes, I still have my favourites), my body compostion and aerobic fitness has improved.

I think it just takes a few years of learning and training to progress. Still learning a little all the time. I just selectively choose advice now.

I totally agree! My 30th high school reunion is next year and I have gone from 250 in my twenties to 190 at 47! I go to the gym almost everyday, have learned to love cardio (music helps!) and lookin forward in the next year to seeing ABS!

Agree totally. I was 140 as a senior in high school. I gained 25 pounds in my freshman year in college and never looked back. I think I still look pretty good, but I will never be the kind of guy who turns heads, and I'm fine with that.

I can honesty say, that I am in much better shape today, than I was in my 20's.

I was so ultra skinny, with no definition to speak of.

With diet and exercise, I was able to transform my upper body, and have it match with my thighs and calves.

Getting older does have its benefits. WOOF

I hit my peak at 35, lifting wise. Why I never pushed the weights after that? Boredom, small injuries from other sports, ect.

But now at 46? I am the ripped muscle dude that the kids in their 20's wish they were. I am now bigger, stronger and more ripped than any 20-something.. But I am 46. So, if age is a thing, it rules me out. If being with a huge muscle guy is the thing, I am it. But I get it. I never wanted to be with a 40 year old when I was 20. But if they want to be with a guy with a real, not roid, muscle.guy.... I am it. But, then again I am an "old" guy at 46. lol

I see 20-somethings that look frankly like shit. Guys I would never sleep with. 20-something with a body that is shit. So, some yng guys would not sleep with me and some yng guys I would not sleep with.

I am definately better now physically than back then but I am also in a much better place emotionally and mentally. I have tried to learn the lessons that life has given me; succeding at most but failing at others.

None of my college friends could believe when they saw my Facebook pics last year. and as we continue to find one another, it becomes clear to each of them that I have been busy.

Now, I attempt to continue on the path of progress. I have been on a plateau for 2 yrs, but have recently made inroads. I am very proud of myself for the work that I've done and realize there is still a way to go.

I must accept that I am an ectomorph-for-life. I just want to be the best damned ectomorph that I can.

At 51, I have more muscle and stamina (endurance) now then when I was in my 20's.

More importantly, I'm much more emotionally and spiritually matured. Men in their 40's and 50's are way more attractive to me then any 20 year old could hope to be. There is just so much more substance there. Too bad, gay culture doesn't seem to embrace that. But I know some of us get it, so that's ok with me!

Definitely, I'm in way better shape...in my early 20's i was 6 foot, 132lbs...drank like a fish, did loads of drugs, and smoked 2 packs a day....I cleaned up in my mid 20's ...and finally 3 years ago I started getting myself in shape...now i'm 182lbs, bike 10 miles a day...and even take tap dance classes...yeah. I'd say i'm better off at 46

39 here, hittting 40 in November and probably in the best shape of my life and strongest point in the gym. Just did not have the muscular frame and leaness at 20 that I do at 40. Then I was just scrawny. Im sure alot of us on here have done quite the transformation over the years

I think its very tough to guys in the early to mid 20s to where some guys on here in their 40s are. Its a whole learing experience in the gym to see what work, what doesnt, what to eat, when to rest. Once you start figuring it out in your 30s then all it seems to come together.

Again being gay we have to the time in our lives to concentrate on the gym or physical activities, whereas straight men the same age are consumed by their wives, kids and general more responsibilities. Ever see the guys you went to school with on facebook or in real life. Its amazing to see how many of these guys if not all are out of shape but really its got to be tough for them because after all their responsibilities are done at home they have little energy for the gym

I've been lifting weights and running for the past 25 years. I've bulked up some, but more importantly have "frozen" my body and looks into what it was 25 years ago. I hear from college friends that they are amazed I have hardly changed. It is a lifestyle like CuriousJock said to be healthy. A lot of hot, older jocks on this site, which is why I like it. Good inspiration.

At 48 i am in the best shape of my life. Might just be this point in my life now and concentrating more on me. Also have the drive to keep up with it that sometimes is not there at a younger age.

Kudos to all of you guys who are in better shape now than back in your college days. I'm not able to say that..........I was in my absolute prime back then - from all the H20-polo work outs. Those were the years I was in my best condition. In my 30's, 40's and now past 50, I've tried to stay in the best condition possible through work outs with weights and swimming laps, and I'm very happy with how I'm holding up now. I eat better than I did then, though! (No Jack in the Box or McDonald's now!)

Good God yes. At 20 I was 5'10" and 130 lbs. Definitely not jock material...

At 49 (almost 50) I'm close to being in the same shape I was in my 20's...I let myself go downhill between about 35 and 45...and my goal is to turn 50 in the best shape of my life!

Having just turned 50, I'm definitely in better shape now than in my 20s. I may be in the best shape of my life. In my 20s, i was at least 40 pounds heavier than I am now. I also smoked nearly 2 packs of cigarettes a day (quit cold-turkey 20 years ago), ate tons of fast food, drank a lot of beer and never exercised.

I was all XL shirts back then...now I rock mediums.

Realizing that vegetarianism and an allergy to milk products were bad for me really helped all aspects of them life. From seasonal allergies, to weight loss, to skin and mood.

52 now. Far better shape than I was at 20, 30, and 40. Sure I'd wish I'd started when I was 20. I wish I'd done a lot of things differently, but hindsight is 20/20.

Better late than never.

I think people get smarter as they get older. Once you pass a certain age...the drinking and partying staying out all night loses it's appeal. Lifestyle choices are healthier now than in our 20's or 30's because they have to be, so of course there will be rewards for that. I just don't buy 30 is the new 20, 40 is the new 30 or all of that. Who cares...forty is forty and just some are in better shape than others. I don't feel the need to justify saying 48 is the new 38 just because yes, I feel better and have a better outlook than I did at 28 or 38. But it's still 48...and that's ok. 28, and 38 was fun and I don't need to relive it or pretend it's still that way. I wish we all could just embrace what it is, taking care of ourselves because it's the right thing to do rather than thinking ok...I'm really the new 38 or whatever.

I'll be 40 in about 9 days and I know I am in better shape than I was back then. I just wish my metabolism would slow down so I can gain some weight.

growingbig saidI'll be 40 in about 9 days and I know I am in better shape than I was back then. I just wish my metabolism would slow down so I can gain some weight.

at the risk of being a kill joy...I have the same issue with my metabolism...i'm 46 and it's roughly the same as it was 30years ago...I have to eat around 4500 cals a day to pack it on...ugh...I'm soooo tired of eating!

CuriousJockAZ saidIf you make a commitment early on (for me it was around 20) to live a healthy fitness-minded life you will definitely reap the rewards later in life because then staying in shape isn't so much a chore as it is a lifestyle. I'm much stronger now, with much more energy, stamina, and endurance then I ever had in my teens and 20's. Regular exercise is a key to staying fit and healthy and keep stress levels at bay.

fitguyatl mentioned what CuriousJockAZ said "It is a lifestyle like CuriousJock said to be healthy" and I was also thinking that CuriousJockAZ had summed it all up pretty well there. Its a lifestyle being fitness minded and living as healthy as you can, the earlier the better. My history seems similar to CuriousJockAZ's in this respect. It all comes down to forming good habits and then its not such an ordeal to exercise and eat right, it becomes your nature to do so.

so far, so good here...43 years young

Ok, so can I just say all of you are guys are amazing. I just turned 26 and over a year ago I managed to get my ass on a regular basis and get my body in shape. I am slowly making gains.

So, to all of you guys 40+ on here....I hope to be as drop dead sexy as you all when I hit 40.

Oh, I'm definitely in better shape now than I was when I was younger. There's a "before and after" photo with my profile pics to show it.

I just got really serious about working out about 4 years ago; more so in the past 2 years.

In fact, I'm WAY better EVERYTHING now than I was back then, lol.

I am in waaayyyyyy better condition now at 41. I was a narrow shouldered, skinny armed, pear shaped 20 year old who frowned at the very mention of anything sports or exercise related. I didn't start working out and participating in sports until I was about 35. I completely transformed myself into an athletic, defined, more confident person. Since then it has become part of my lifestyle.

I recently moved from London to New Orleans and do not have access to a gym yet so am feeling incredibly guilty for the several months I have been away from it. It's amazing how the concept of fitness goes beyond skin deep and affects more than just your pecs and bicep size...

yes i'm in the best shape i have ever been! What's funny is I get hit on now more than I did in my 20's- 30's. What's weird is they are 19-24 year olds. Not a lot of guys in there 30's or guys my age hit on me I wonder why??

Much better now in every aspect of my life-still able to beat the 20 year olds on and off the court!

I'm defintely in better shape today than when I was in my 20's I weighed 240 then and now a lean 172.

I just turned 35 and I have to say that I'm in far better shape physically and mentally than I ever was in high school/undergrad ...thank goodness!

Yeah, Hit 45 last month. In as good a shape as ever, just hurts sometimes more now and then. I agree with what a few others said. Once I hit 40, the 25yos started hitting on me, didn't happen when I was 25, or even 35.

I'll take a hot 40yo guy every time!

Definitely better

When I was in HS and college, I was really scrawny

Now LOTS stronger and in way better shape, no comparison

49.

A picture is worth a thousand words, they say.

I can vouch for this.

I'm in better shape at 40 than I ever was at 20.

I'm still on the slim, probably always will be, just my natural body shape.

I have more energy and endurance now than I ever had.

I've been told that I look 27, which always good, and the reaction of people when they find out I'm 40 is hilarious.


The best part...the people that made fun of me for being so skinny in high school and college, are the same people who are envious of me now. LOL

I'm almost 39 and feel much better (and look better, IMO) than I did in my 20's. This summer, I attended HS and college reunions and I definately looked better than all the other people, especially those who looked great in their 20's. Unfortunately, they didn't age well.

I am looking forward to turning 40 and know that it will be a really good decade for me.

Definately here. Same weight as in HS just a lot better toned!! Can't bulk up since puting on weight has always been a problem for me!!! Eat like a horse, 7 to 8 small meals a day but lose if I don't.

20..that was in another life , don't remember.
but i'm better now than at 40, which was better then 30.. so extrapolation is possible.
i only committed to gym like 6 or 7 years ago, before it was just bike bike bike. It made a difference.

Body weight same, mentally i'm 100% better but I still miss my 20's and youthful indiscretions.

So far so good! Almost 40 here myself and this is the first time ever I can see abs. Even when I swam in high school and ran my ass off in my early 20s there were no abs. ??? Now I'd like to just get a little more size!

I was a goofy, funny looking, scrawny 145lb weakling when I was in my twenties... AND thirties! Now at almost 47 I'm lean in the way all the guys I went to high school with can only look back to in memory.

What seemed like a raw deal genetically, at the time, turned out to be a great gift in the end.

I'm in much better shape than I was then.

I am for sure. But where are the guys my age that are buff and want to date....i'll up for 40 year olds too.

Honey, sweetie, sweetie, honey, you are too modest. Beefy body, beguiling eyes, silken red locks, you don't look a day over...31.

I'm 38 and definitely in way better shape than I was when I was younger. When I graduated college, I weighed 128 pounds and I am 6'1". You can imagine how awesome that looked--haha! Now I'm 180 and feel fantastic.

Like a lot of other guys who have posted, I was a partier when I was younger and I continued that trend through most of my 20s. In my 30s, I tried to run around the block with a new boyfriend, and I couldn't do it. I took it as a challenge, and I started training for a half-marathon. Since then, I've run a full marathon and started weight training religiously. I haven't had a single cigarette in over two years, and I definitely get more attention from other guys than ever before (despite my receding hairline--ugh).

I agree that we as gay men have opportunity to better ourselves more than dudes with little kids and stuff. It's just easier for us to find the time, so we are lucky.

My 20th high school reunion is next weekend, and I am excited to be showing up in my current condition!

Absolutely better now than in earlier decades.

Its not a "feel good" statement so that I can feel better about being older now. After years of learning about fitness, nutrition, healthy lifestyle and tailoring exercise and new routines into my life, the results have paid off. Big time.

When you add life expereinces, financial stability, knowing how to wear clothes, good skin care, learning from the mistakes of other older gay men, good friends, you develop a winning style that just radiates confidence about being your own man. Basically, you rule.

At my age, I have more opportunities and get more attention from people of all ages, gay or straight. You bet I'm bragging.

I wish other men had the balls to do the same!

most definitely!!! I could not even do 10 complete/correct pushups when i was in high school and had zero endurance. that continued up until 5 years ago when i finally got it together and really worked on the fitness aspect of my life.

im 19 and do what you guys waited another 15 or so years to do, ill be a total stud when im 40.

Leonidus saidim 19 and do what you guys waited another 15 or so years to do, ill be a total stud when im 40.

hahaha, that cracked me up.
wait till lunch with the boss, happy hours, corporate dinners, stress and mortgage payments and other belly inflating factors kick in.

--

well at 20 i thought i looked like crap.
at 52 i find i look like shit,

so, yeah, there's improvement.

KissingPro saidAbsolutely better now than in earlier decades.

Its not a "feel good" statement so that I can feel better about being older now. After years of learning about fitness, nutrition, healthy lifestyle and tailoring exercise and new routines into my life, the results have paid off. Big time.

When you add life expereinces, financial stability, knowing how to wear clothes, good skin care, learning from the mistakes of other older gay men, good friends, you develop a winning style that just radiates confidence about being your own man. Basically, you rule.

At my age, I have more opportunities and get more attention from people of all ages, gay or straight. You bet I'm bragging.

I wish other men had the balls to do the same!

Age often does make you more wiser and smarter, simply because you have experience. There's nothing better than experience. Experience is the best teacher.

"I agree that we as gay men have opportunity to better ourselves more than dudes with little kids and stuff. It's just easier for us to find the time, so we are lucky."

This is not necessarily true as a blanket statement. Dudes with kids often spend time with those kids on the basketball court, on the football field, at the pool or lake, on the bike, on the track, on the hiking trail and at the gym, rather than sitting in front of the pc or tv, eating junk food. Spending time with kids can also better ourselves and them. There are just as many fit dudes with kids as dudes without kids. I see no correlation with fitness and having kids or no kids.

As much as this topic just seems an opportunity for we 40-somethings to fish for compliments, I guess I'll do just that! LOL I'm 45 and in better shape (I think) than I was as a scrawny 20 year-old. Staying active and hitting the gym a couple times a week can help anyone in their 40s stay in good shape, I think. And like some other posters, I have to admit I get attention now from some hot 20-somethings that wouldn't have given me the time of day 25 years ago. At any rate, I feel good now, and hope I can stay in reasonable shape for at least a few more years!

I see no correlation with fitness and having kids or no kids.

Did you know that being in a relationship with children lowers a male's testosterone level?

That's right, better 40 than 20!
I can say i like the way i look now than back then, when i was 98 lbs, super scrawny. Thank God i'm not that way anymore.

Better at 40 than 20, because I was in college, living in a closet, working crazy late hours on classes, the school paper, and internships as well as partying way too much and not knowing WTF I was doing with life. It took some major life changes to get myself together -- broke the heart of my college sweetheart who I loved and married but divorced for obvious reasons, went through some rough times emotionally while still trying to maintain my climb at the ladder at work, lost nearly all of my long-time friends mostly due to my own poor handling of life at the time. I went from being slightly overweight to slightly underweight and then back over again.

It took a long time to get mature and smart about my health and my body but I'm so committed now. Starting late, yes, so I have a long way to go. But I've never been more proud of what I've done and more committed to my goals. And my awesome boyfriend is just as committed as I am so we're motivating each other. I'm not bragging, you can see from my pics that I have a long way to go. But I'm positive many of you would shake your heads if I posted some "before" pics. They are not the same person -- in so many ways.

Well I'm only 27, but I am in better shape than when I was 21 lol, but damn you guys are some sexy beasts at 39 +, I guess it's "The older the berry the sweeter the juice".