Don't be a slave to your ego! How to train after forty and not stop improving?

Ageing gracefully and staying in fantastic shape even in later years is everyone's dream. Bodybuilding legend Lee Labrada, who is now a respectable 65 years old, recently shared his wisdom. Find out what the biggest mistakes aging exercisers make and how you should adjust your routine to maintain your health, muscles and vitality for as long as possible.

In the 80s and 90s, Lee Labrada was an icon in the Men's Open category. Although he never won the Mr. Olympia title, he fought legendary and evenly matched battles on stage with greats like Lee Haney, Rich Gaspari and Samir Bannout. Today, he no longer races (his son Hunter Labrada has successfully taken over the baton), but he still boasts a physique that would be the envy of any 30-year-old. What is his secret? His ability to adapt.

Biggest mistake? Stubbornness and ignoring age

Many bodybuilders and gym regulars make one major mistake as the years go by: they refuse to change their training and eating plan. Trying to train with the same extreme loads and follow the same aggressive diets at forty or fifty as you did in your twenties is a direct path to trouble. According to Labrada, this not only leads to injuries and wear and tear on your joints, but ultimately shortens your "lifespan" in the gym and your overall quality of life.

Change your approach: From aesthetics to health and function

In a recent video, Labrada explained why it's crucial to reevaluate your priorities and focus on longevity as you get older:

"Your goal should be to become the best version of yourself at every age. At some point it's no longer just about looking good, but equally about health, longevity and overall body functionality. This is extremely important and as bodybuilders we need to be able to make that shift as we get older."

Adjusting your routine doesn't mean you should stop training hard. It means training smarter. It may mean less emphasis on maximal weights, incorporating more mobility exercises, listening better to your body's signals, and optimizing your diet for health, not just volume.

Jay Cutler and Labrada agree

Labrada isn't the only veteran who has switched to this approach. Four-time Mr. Olympia winner, Jay Cutler, has also completely revamped his regimen. His main priorities now are prevention, mobility and aging smoothly.

"I try to be as proactive as possible with my health," Cutler said. "The supplements I use today are geared much more toward overall health. In addition to a perfect diet, the training itself and, of course, the sleep has to be flawless."

What can you take away from this for your training?

If you feel like you're taking longer to recover after each workout, or chronic pain is starting to plague you, it may be time to toss your ego aside.

1. Don't push the envelope: deadlift or squat records may no longer be your priority. Focus on muscle feel and technique.
2. Incorporate mobility and stretching: A functional body is a pain-free body.
3. Focus on recovery: sleep and nutrition play a much bigger role than ever as we age.

The goal shouldn't just be to be the biggest guy in the gym, but to ensure that you'll be able to enjoy going to the gym in another ten or twenty years. Listen to your body and remember: longevity is the biggest prize.