when is it time to stop competing?

[Falklands]

I love the buzz of competition, I love lifting heavy, my mind says "Don't put yourself through another year of this", but my heart feels like I'm worth one more competition.

When did any of you guys reach the conclusion that it was time to stop competing and just concentrate on enjoying your training?

 

[donsj]

Well funny you should ask that. I do not think I am going to compete anymore for the simple reason that I got so strong that there wasn't much to do except open at 400+ pounds in the squat and dead and about 300 in the bench and those weights are very dangerous for me being that I am now 52 years old and have back problems, arthritis in my hips and such. I love training and will still do it but doubt if I will compete again. I will miss it. But maybe if . . . . . . .

 

[perkele]

I love the buzz of competition, I love lifting heavy, my mind says "Don't put yourself through another year of this", but my heart feels like I'm worth one more competition.

When did any of you guys reach the conclusion that it was time to stop competing and just concentrate on enjoying your training?

After 17 years of training and competing it was quite easy to stop. Few times I thought about comeback but I got through it.

 

[Fast Twitch Fiber]

I think I may be at that point right now. I just came off rotator cuff surgery and I'm so damned weak it's pathetic. I used to bench 405 w/shirt. I'm now reduced to reps with 205. On top of that, my knees are starting to give me problems. They get swollen after each workout.

 

[stilleto]

When you stop enjoying it, stop competing.

and by 'enjoying' i mean mentally and physically. if either becomes too much, then switch goals, even if its just to become stronger but not compete.

 

[Scotsman]

When you stop enjoying it, stop competing.

and by 'enjoying' i mean mentally and physically. if either becomes too much, then switch goals, even if its just to become stronger but not compete.

Great post, couldn't say it better myself. I have seen guys in their 70's competing still so it's completely up to you how and when to stop.

Cheers,
Scotsman

 

[riverrock]

Yes, I think that my days competing are at an end as well. I mean, a combination of other priorities, very delicate knees, and the fact that it doesn't meen EVERYTHING to me like it did before makes me ask if I'll go again. If I compete in some competitions in Jan-March coming up,then thats it. Then its tiime to take my boots off on the platform and walk away.

 

[riverrock]

When you stop enjoying it, stop competing.

and by 'enjoying' i mean mentally and physically. if either becomes too much, then switch goals, even if its just to become stronger but not compete.

Have to spread K, but that is a fine post. Exactly what's running through my mind at present.

 

[Fast Twitch Fiber]

I'll probably still hit a meet occasionally. Maybe one every couple of years.

 

[Hugesquat]

When YOU are satisfied you have reached your genetic potential and you no longer have the hunger to lift.

 

[richspc]

Iam 58yrs.old.lifting most my life as a BB recently turned powerlifter.You dont have to be in formal meets to compeat. YOur PR is you own compeition. I will quit lifting when I a dead, probably on the gym floor. Once you get iron in your blood, it is there forever.