Abs at 42
This isn’t supposed to come across as some sort of vain post, but rather an “if I can do it, so can you” sort of thing. But by the time you’re done reading this post, I want you to have an overbearing sense of confidence that you can have the body you desire no matter what age you may be. Yep, this picture below is of me on my 42nd birthday, and I’m here to tell you that you can have the body you want no matter what age you are.
Wait a minute….that first paragraph kind of makes this sound like some sort of infomercial or something, doesn’t it? Sorry about that, but I do get excited when I think about people making the commitment to have the body of their dreams.
Let me tell you some complete and honest truth. I wasn’t born with one of those natural lean and mean bodies, or am blessed with gifted metabolic genetics. In fact, I can still remember back to fifth grade when a diet of chips and pop combined with a pretty sedentary lifestyle led to fair bit of pudge on this frame of mine. It was around eleventh grade when I adopted a healthy lifestyle, but it was focused more on building muscle and not so much on aerobic capacity. Then came my addiction to cycling about ten years ago, and this has been the catalyst in obtaining the body I have today.
So here I am, 42 years old….and I swear that my body is in better shape and I have a healthier heart than I did when I was 24. The coolest part is that I have cycling to thank for it. Yes, lucky for me I found a form of exercise that I am totally passionate about, and this love for the bike has helped me to have abs at 42. But let me tell you this…..cycling has been a huge factor, but I wouldn’t have this body without a focus on clean and smart eating as well. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again….“You can bike your butt off, but if you’re eating like crap it’s still going to show on your body”.
There have been many times over the years where my fitness level has been as strong as ever, but due to slacking in the clean eating department my body wasn’t able to show it. Like I said, I wasn’t born with lean body genetics so I’ve had to work hard and watch what I eat to make it happen. All it takes is slight deviation from this and my body responds in a less than favorable fashion.
So how do you do it?
If having the body you desire doesn’t come easily, let me tell you that I understand….but it doesn’t mean you can’t get there. In my opinion, it comes down to two things: Eating clean and kick-starting your metabolism.
When I say “eat clean” I mean live a lifestyle where you pay close attention to what goes into your body. Don’t diet…those are short-term solutions. Instead, 
make clean eating a lifestyle and something that just comes naturally. Clean food equates to natural choices like lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and minimal carbs. Because there are so many quality methods of eating right, I won’t get into telling you what is best…but find out what is best for you. But eating good clean, raw, natural food is definitely key.
The other key factor is jacking up that metabolism of yours. I love cycling and it’s allowed me to knock out a bunch of miles every week, and in turn I burn off a whole whack of calories. Best of all, it cranks up my “inner furnace” and gets my metabolism burning strong throughout the day. If cycling is your thing, then use it to your advantage. Enjoy Your Ride, but also use cycling (or any fitness) as a way to boost your metabolism and burn baby burn.
I’m passionate about cycling, but I’m also passionate about people living out their dreams….if you want to chat about this, just let me know. My ears are open and I’ll provide you with all the advice and options that I can, so you can see your abs at……
Note: I’m not a nutritionist, so we leave that sort of thing up to Kelli. Be sure to write in with your “Ask the Sports Nutritionist” questions for her at any time. I’m also going to be giving you my thoughts on how vegetarianism and cycling can be a nice match in the near future as well. Watch for it.
Very exclusive write-up at all. I love this review and I got some good information from this site. Thanks for this allocation. 😆
Thanks Martin.
The picture just makes me crack a smile every time man. You look good cause you love life.
When you get that right (like you do Darryl) everything falls into place.
Sometimes I’m loving life more than others….and I’ve been pushing myself to get back to the happy-go-lucky attitude that I like to find myself in. I appreciate you and your awesome comments as always.
I’ve never suffered with abs, even at the height of my military and rugby playing career. Just my body type I guess. But at 47 years of age now I intend to get my early thirties weight & fitness back!
You just bloody well watch me!
I will be watching, Clive….and I have no doubt at all that you’ll reach it. Keep on being an inspiration.
Love this post Darryl. I’m still working hard at achieving similar results. The old saying”Abs are made in the Kitchen” rings true. Finding that balance of the right nutrition and fitness (cycling & moderate weight training) has been great for me so far but alas the abs have eluded me. I’m still keepin on though!
You’ve got that right….Abs are definitely made in the Kitchen”. Keep on trucking, my friend and you’ll get to your goal. Thanks for checking out the post.
Dude, I had no idea you were 42 (and older than I am). You don’t look it and serve as a great inspiration.
Thanks man. I think it’s partly genetics and partly my lifestyle. It might also have something to do with the fountain of youth in my backyard. I appreciate your comments and honestly feel inside like I’m in my 20’s. I don’t force it, I just feel that way.
I’m working on it, Dude! Give me another few months.
(Excuse me now while I go shower off the cycling grime and head out to Pilates!)
Roll on!
Allie
I’ve seen the results you’ve been getting and so happy for you. Keep it going, Allison.
Limits are things that exist in your head.
Great post
Great pic
You Rock
Great advice, my friend. Keep reminding me of that one, okay?
Glad you have an RD columnist! 🙂
Yes, it is so awesome to have Kelli on the team.
Some stomach crunching also has to take place to firm up stomach muscles