Why Barbell Training Can Be a Pain
Alright, mate, let’s dive deep into why barbell training might not be the best fit for us blokes over 40.
Look, I get it.
You might have been hitting the gym for years, throwing around heavy barbells and feeling like a proper alpha male.
But as we age, our bodies start to change, and what worked for us in our 20s and 30s might not be the best approach anymore.
Or, you might be new to this fitness game and ploughed straight in with some barbell training and hurt yourself.
Either way…
This is why I want to take a closer look at why barbell training could be doing more harm than good for us older guys.
Why Barbell Training Can Be a Pain (Literally)
Wrist and Joint Pain: The Bane of Our Existence
First up, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: injuries.
As we get older, our bodies don’t recover as quickly as they used to, and we’re more prone to those nagging aches and pains, especially wrist and joint pain.
And when it comes to barbell training, the risk of injury is even higher. Think about it – you’re putting a heavy load on your joints and muscles, often in unnatural positions. One wrong move, and you could be looking at a torn rotator cuff, a blown-out knee, or a tweaked back.
And let’s face it, as we age, our bodies don’t bounce back like they used to. Heavy barbell exercises can lead to all sorts of injuries, like:
- Wrist sprains
- Elbow tendonitis
- Shoulder impingements
Trust me, you don’t want to be dealing with that kind of pain when you’re just getting back into training.
Or when you’re trying to keep up with your kids or grandkids.
Time-Consuming Commutes: Ain’t Nobody Got Time for That
But it’s not just about the risk of injury.
There’s also the fact that barbell training can be incredibly time-consuming. Think about all the time you spend getting to the gym, waiting for equipment, and then slogging through your workout. And then a long drive home. Who’s got time for that?
It’s a big commitment, and as we get older, our time becomes even more precious.
Between work, family, and all our other responsibilities, finding a couple of hours to dedicate to the gym can be a real challenge.
And let’s be real – barbell training can be pretty boring. Sure, there’s something satisfying about moving heavy weights around, beating your best records. But after a while, it can start to feel like a chore.
You’re doing the same exercises, day in and day out, and it’s easy to lose motivation.
Plus, as we age, we might not be able to push ourselves as hard as we used to, which can make progress feel slow and discouraging.
We’re busy men, juggling work, family, and all sorts of other responsibilities. Spending hours each week just getting to and from the gym is a huge hassle.
Micro Workouts Throughout The Day
One of the biggest advantages of bodyweight training at home is the flexibility it gives you.
With traditional barbell training, you’re pretty much tied to the gym’s schedule.
You’ve got to carve out a big chunk of time to get there, do your workout, and then trek back home.
And let’s face it, with everything else we’ve got going on in our lives, that’s not always easy.
But with bodyweight training, you can break your workouts up into smaller, more manageable chunks throughout the day.
Let’s say you’ve got a busy day ahead of you – meetings, errands, family obligations, the works.
Instead of trying to squeeze in one big workout, you could do a quick 15-20 minute session first thing in the morning, maybe focusing on fat burning and strengthening your heart.
Then before lunch, you can blast out 10 to 20 minutes working your abs and some flexibility work.
Then in the evening before dinner, you can work on your chest or delts.
Think about it – no one in their right mind is going to drive all the way to the gym two or three times a day.
It’s just not practical.
But when you’re training at home, you’ve got loads of options.
You can fit in a quick workout while the coffee’s brewing, or while the kids are napping, or even while you’re waiting for your mrs to get ready for date night.
And the best part?
These shorter, more frequent workouts can actually be more effective than one longer session.
When you break your training up throughout the day, you’re keeping your metabolism revved up and your body in a constant state of repair and recovery.
Plus, you’re less likely to get bored or burned out, because each workout is short and sweet.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – won’t I have to sacrifice intensity if I’m only working out for 15-20 minutes at a time?
Not necessarily.
With the right exercises and progressions, you can still get a killer workout in a short amount of time.
Think high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, or even just busting out a few sets of challenging bodyweight exercises like pistol squats or handstand push-ups.
The key is to focus on quality over quantity.
Instead of slogging through an hour-long workout where you’re just going through the motions, you’re making every minute count with targeted, efficient exercises that get your heart pumping and your muscles burning.
.
.
So, if you’re struggling to find the time and motivation to stick with a traditional barbell training program, consider giving bodyweight training a try.
Not only is it more convenient and flexible, but it can also be just as effective (if not more so) for building strength, burning fat, and improving overall fitness.
And who knows – you might even find that you enjoy these shorter, more frequent workouts more than your old gym routine. After all, there’s something to be said for the satisfaction of knocking out a quick, intense workout and then getting on with your day, knowing that you’ve already done something good for your body and mind.
At the end of the day, the best workout plan is the one that you’ll actually stick with.
And for us busy older guys, that might just mean embracing the power of short and sweet bodyweight training sessions throughout the day.
The Barbell Boredom Trap
Same Old, Same Old – The Monotony of Barbell Routines
Another problem with barbell training is that it can get pretty boring and repetitive.
Sure, you might see some gains at first, but after a while, you’ll find yourself doing the same old exercises, day in and day out.
And let’s be honest, who wants to spend their precious free time feeling like a hamster on a wheel?
Variety is the Spice of Life – Bodyweight Training to the Rescue
With bodyweight training, there’s a whole world of exercises and variations to keep things fresh and exciting.
From classic moves to more advanced variations, you’ll never run out of challenges to keep you motivated and engaged:
- Push-ups and squats
- Pistol squats
- Handstand push-ups
- Planches
- Gymnastic rings training
- And so much more!
Plateaus and Core Strength – The Unsung Heroes of Fitness
Breaking Through Plateaus – GTW Bodyweight Training Keeps You Progressing
Speaking of challenges, let’s talk about plateaus.
If you’ve been doing barbell training for a while, you might have noticed that your progress starts to stall. That’s because your body adapts to the same old routine, and it gets harder and harder to see results.
With bodyweight training, you can constantly switch things up and keep your body guessing.
By adjusting leverage, changing angles, and adding new variations, you can continue to make progress and avoid those frustrating plateaus.
Core Strength and Stability – The Foundation of a Healthy Body
Finally, let’s not forget about the importance of core strength and stability. As we age, maintaining a strong and stable core becomes even more crucial for preventing injuries and keeping our bodies functioning at their best.
The problem with barbell exercises is that they often focus on major muscle groups while neglecting the core. But with bodyweight training, core strength and stability are built right into the exercises:
- Planks
- Mountain climbers
- Hanging leg raises
- L-sits
You’ll be engaging your core in every movement, helping to keep your whole body strong and resilient.
The Bottom Line: GTW Bodyweight Training for Big Wins
So there you have it, mate.
A few solid reasons why barbell training might not be the best choice for us men over 40.
But don’t worry, that doesn’t mean you have to hang up your trainers and resign yourself to a life of pints and pies.
With bodyweight training, you can get all the benefits of a killer workout without the drawbacks of barbells.
So why not give GTW Bodyweight Training a go?
Your joints will thank you, your schedule will thank you, and who knows, and you’ll have a ton of fun in the process. Cheers to that!
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CEO & Founder
Grey Top Warriors
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