Post-40 PRs
Written by C.J. Martin
I am not sure that he will be OK with this, but I would like ask you all to join me in congratulating my good friend and stud athlete, Brad “POS” Posnanski. In the video above he smoothly nails a lifetime back squat PR of 370 lbs. There are a couple of things notable about this:
- It looked really freaking easy and he had a ton of speed on the barbell as he ascended out of the bottom of the squat – which means he definitely has more in the tank; and
- POS is still progressing as an athlete after his 40th birthday.
I am not sure this SHOULD be remarkable, but what percentage of Americans do you think are in the best shape of their lives after they turn 40 years old? I am guessing it’s not a high number. The question is, “Why?”
Most individuals’ progress is limited by their mind long before their body. POS and fellow honorary Invicti Cheryl Brost are great examples that we are capable of achieving our peak athletic potential well beyond our mid-20s. But we have to believe it!
Here are four things I have noticed about them that provide clues into how we all can continue to progress as athletes beyond our 40th birthday:
- Consistency, consistency, consistency. They prioritize their health and fitness. They set aside time to train and stick to their schedule – it’s not dictated by whether or not friends want to get together for lunch, or if they wake up on time . . . they make it happen.
- Keep it fun. Both have a great demeanor toward training. They see it as fun and embrace challenges – there’s never any whining.
- Train smart to stay healthy. All athletes should have a constant dialogue with their physical state. Your body will tell you, through pain or discomfort, that it might be wise to work around a sore joint or muscle. They listen to their bodies and make adjustments instead of blindly training themselves into injuries.
- Eat well, but not obsessively. Both eat way better than most, but they also allow for indulgences and “normalcy” around their food choices. (Well, actually POS allows for a LOT of hot chocolate indulgences . . . he promises that they power his PRs.) Obsessive eating patterns are not fun nor sustainable over the long haul. Understand the most important principles of good nutrition and put them to work, but don’t allow food to be a source of stress.
Congratulations POS, and thank you for inspiring all of us still looking up at 40! 🙂
Nice work POS. Inspiring! I’d love to train together sometime and would love to have you come to the box in Bohemia, or by the looks of it I could always shoot down to Comsewogue after school, I live right around the corner from there.
Brian Strack – Math/Track at Half Hollow Hills
ahhh! that was so awesome!!! you are an inspiration brother!
Kent
YEAH POS!!
You could tell by the way he approached the bar that it was going to happen. Was that even challenging? I didn’t see any sticking points or hesitation. Awesome work.
kick ass pos!
Nice Work!! That looked easy!!
I adore you, POS! You’re so bad ass. Keep up the awesome work and visit us again soon, please!
He swears… when he cuts out the Hot Chocolate, his performance suffers! Something in that Starbucks formula – you just don’t mess with a good thing 🙂 Awesome work!
CJ, was that the right video? Looked like a warmup rep. 🙂 Nice work.
Note to self (and Coach Nichole): I have a new goal for five years from today. 🙂
Awesome PR, awesome blog post.
In High School I was motivated by Albert Beckles in his 50’s and having a battle cry of “consistent and persistent” effort. Also remember Clarence Bass posting new rowing PR’s in his 50’s. Both were “ripped” well into their 70’s. It was rare to see “buff” old folks in the 1980’s but seems rather run of the mill now. I’m happy and thankful to have the ability and access to programming that will allow me to hit some new PR’s as a 40+er.
The Lumleys love POS! He represents our decade well. 🙂
Consistency, is there a better guiding-word in training? I doubt it.
Love it, POS!
I am 42 yo who follows CF Invictus Competition blog programming from afar. POS is one of my inspirations and CF heroes because he is a 100% legit CF bad ass at 40. Congrats man. That was extremely solid 1-RM!