How can I regain muscle after 50? (2023)

Is it possible to build muscle after 50?

“It is 100% possible to regain or to build muscle mass at age 50 or older,” agrees Rufo. “To build muscle mass, there should be a major focus on nutrition and diet. Ensuring that you're consuming the proper amount of protein (this is our favorite) is critical to muscle development.

Protein intake can be increased by eating more lean red meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy. If clients struggle with getting more protein in their diet, a supplement can help. They can sip on a whey protein shake after their workout, giving their body the nutrients it needs to help muscles grow.

Eating enough calories and high-quality protein can slow down the rate of muscle loss. Omega-3 and creatine supplements may also help fight sarcopenia. Nevertheless, exercising is the most effective way to prevent and reverse sarcopenia.

According to the research of pro bodybuilder Jeff Nippard, the timeframe to get your muscle gains back is typically around half the time you took off. So, if you had a 2-month break from lifting, it might take just a month to get all of your gains back. Took six months off? You'll need three months to gain it all back.

It's never too late to build muscle and strength. You can build muscle no matter your age. A proven strength training program for building muscle after 50 is to lift two or three days per week, doing 10 sets per muscle and week, with about 8–15 reps per set. Eat a healthy high-protein diet.

To increase muscle mass in combination with physical activity, it is recommended that a person that lifts weights regularly or is training for a running or cycling event eat a range of 1.2-1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, or 0.5 to 0.8 grams per pound of body weight.

Physiologic atrophy is caused by not using the muscles enough. This type of atrophy can often be reversed with exercise and better nutrition. People who are most affected are those who: Have seated jobs, health problems that limit movement, or decreased activity levels.

How many times a week should a 50 year old workout?

If you're in good health, you should get at least 150 minutes of moderate cardio activity a week. It's better when you spread it out over 3 days or more, for a minimum of 10 minutes at a time.

Age-related muscle loss, called sarcopenia, is a natural part of aging. After age 30, you begin to lose as much as 3% to 5% per decade. Most men will lose about 30% of their muscle mass during their lifetimes.

Luckily, the loss of muscle mass is mostly reversible. Numerous experts recommend resistance and weight training as the best ways to rebuild muscle. And in addition to building muscle mass, this type of exercise increases bone mass, which is another key to remaining mobile as you age.

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Make a New Start

The key is to do better now. Changing your lifestyle in your 50s and beyond -- exercising more and eating healthier -- can still make a big difference. You can lower your risk of heart problems, cancer, and bone fractures. It's not too late.

The National Strength and Conditioning Association recommends older adults perform strength training exercises 2 to 3 days a week.

Brisk walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, cycling, water aerobics, hiking, skiing, heavy gardening, jumping rope, stair climbing, tennis, rowing, and kayaking are some types of aerobic activity to consider incorporating into your exercise regimen.

Repeated research has shown that, through weight training, men and women in their 60s and beyond can grow muscles as big and strong as an average 40-year-old.