Bodyweight Lifting Challenge

It's long been a dream of mine to lift my own bodyweight - but have I left it too late?
My workout plan:
maximusironthumper.co.uk/inde...
For really good information on all aspects of strength training check out:
www.strongerbyscience.com/
/ @strongerbyscience
For really good lifting technique videos and general strength training inspiration check out:
Alan Thrall
/ @alanthrall
If you want to join those supporting my channel (starting at £1!) you can check out my Patreon page here:
www.patreon.com/user?u=37285132
Patrons get lots of exclusive videos and updates on myself and my projects. Thanks to the support of Patrons I am able to make videos almost full-time, but without needing any corporate sponsors.
Many many thanks to all those that have supported me and the channel but please only send money if you have it to spare!
My website: maximusironthumper.co.uk/

[@mattwright3768]

Maximus Ironpumper

[@The22adamms]

Top comment 😂

[@southerndime333]

bigus maximus gainikuz

[@aresiusm621]

All due respect to Max but if I am to add a name I think ‘Maxipumper Ironmass’ might be good lol

[@southerndime333]

@@aresiusm621 ounds like a sanitry pad

[@anthonyhulse1248]

I did. Age 64. Post cancer, chemo, abdominal surgeries, total knee replacement and ankle fusion. I did lots of weights decades ago. But a year ago, I could barely bench 130lbs. Now, less than a year later, I can bench 225.

[@kranson8514]

👏 rock on.

[@owenconnolly3041]

Fair Play to you !! That is inspirational !!!

[@GWW-sb3hq]

You, Sir.. are GREAT!

[@solidthoughtpoker5207]

That's beastly 💪💪💪 awesome stuff

[@user-zz5wk8dr3w]

Love it ma man

[@Jonathanbaker]

55kg is quite respectable Max I don’t think I could lift that. You will get to your goal it’s only 40kg more.

[@sinivalas754]

It all depends on what he's known to lift previously. If he could do it before then it's probable, but if he previous best was say 70kg then 95kg is a big ask especially with his current form being poor.

[@dowtingtomas.695]

@@sinivalas754I completely agree . If he could not lift it before, he won’t lift it at this age without getting on the gear.

[@dowtingtomas.695]

Why not start step 1 by learning technique ? Continuing down this path with this form will not give you a chance in hell of lifting 95 kg overhead in a year. Sure you will get strong , but 95 ? You said „gotta start somewhere „ we’ll start with learning and implementing efficient movement.

[@martinjustice]

Don't put yourself down Max. Most people can't do a chin-up or stand up from a cross legged position without putting their hands down. You'll smash your target. The UK's answer to KZbinr Anatoly..... Let's go Buddy

[@JasonSouthSoundSound]

Awesome! 53 now just started working out first time in my life 2 years ago. I dropped 25 lbs and am stronger than ever, and cardio is like i was in college… congrats on your new journey!

[@PickleThePig]

Get on trt and start loving life 💪🏾👍🏾

[@franciscarabini7660]

Yes you can ..I'm 57 and it took 2 years ..gone past anything I thought possible ..please just be determined and consistent..good luck

[@athleticclubeast8633]

A man with a simple workout plan, with ambitious but reasonable goals, looking ahead over a period of 12 months. This is very, very unusual in the fitness world. Good luck, mate.

[@mceajc]

The kitchen is lookinng fantastic! May your journey be safe and fulfilling!

[@howjackedcaniget]

He who would trade his liberty for safety deserves neither and stands to lose both. May his journey be full of worthwhile risks, challenges, and adversity to overcome, so that he comes out much stronger at the end of it.

[@tomtom4405]

In an internet full of shallow bs, great to see someone with noble goals humbly working towards them. Own bodyweight strict press from a rack (not clean from floor like you) has been a goal I've got so close to a few times but so far eludes me (I'm 50 and a genetic weakling, opposite of an athlete) . But I'm still working on it and still determined. Good luck with your training. Respect to you

[@michaelcrawford2094]

Strength is never a weakness and weakness is never a strength! Great work Max, consistency is key so think about practicing the movement before worrying about the weight you lift. All these guys are supporting you!

[@TheZippyMark]

I look forward to this, I'm trying to become the strongest I've ever been, at 37 years old. Keep going mate, and always remember, TRAAAIIIIIINNNNN UNTAAAAMMMMEED!

[@Farlig69]

HAhahaah spot on, AT is good!!

[@rollo6038]

You'll be fine lad, don't let them tell you men go down hill after 30! I'm 39 and stronger than ever, learn to handle your bodyweight well enough and pick heavy stuff off the floor keeping your back strong and in my opinion your set. Good luck too ya

[@johnfisher7757]

Good luck with it all man, it looks like you've got it sussed. I'm in my 50's and started lifting again about 18 months ago (after a 20 year layoff 🤣). Nearly 10 Kgs heavier now and much stronger! Really enjoying it 👍

[@Truerealism747]

How much are you lifting now

[@TimothySilvesterplus]

Cold plunge pool and Sauna project is imminent 😉

[@pritchardsreach]

If it's any good to you dude there's another excellent yt channel called Squat University with really good guidance for both physio and technique, really helped me with a bad back after a lot of other options hadn't. Keep up the good work!

[@maximusironthumper]

Thanks, I'll check them out!

[@paulriggers1558]

i blew my back out at 35 [slipped doing a heavy gearbox], i was in massive pain for 10 years, spent loads on chiropractors, acupuncture, tens machines etc, no joy then, my wife ordered 8 tons of topsoil, came home to 18 tons on my driveway... it took a month, with a wheelbarrow every night, to move that extra 10 tons [up 2 flights of 6 steps] into my back garden, absolute agony for 2hrs every night at the end ,it slowly dawned on me that, although tired, my back was ok !!! turns out, due to the [back injury] movement pain, i had wasted away my lower back muscles by doing nowt every night... i'm 60 now, backs been ok for 15yrs, but the rest aches after lying under cars for 9hrs a day, back to the gym perhaps... or retire... keep it up young man

[@howjackedcaniget]

I know a man well into his seventies who still lifts and wholeheartedly.

[@Nickpaintbrush]

Are you doing any physio?

[@paulriggers1558]

no, joints ache in winter at work, would just aggravate them more@@Nickpaintbrush

[@gigi3242]

Max, you're a blacksmith, you lift heavy stuff all the time! I know you will make your goal, because when you put your mind to something, you achieve it. Best wishes, and thanks for sharing this journey.

[@dheath3697]

Ohh that makes sense now, I was very surprised with how well he did on his very first attempt, better than the vast majority could do, I thought he must have had a foundation already. Still I'm keen to follow his progress, I'm about to start a similar quest, being a couple years older, I'll see if I can keep up lol.

[@gigi3242]

@@dheath3697 Best wishes!

[@mjack1935]

best of luck for achieving your goal. respect!

[@The3rdchip]

I feel like I haven't seen you in ages but like a good friend im happy yo be seeing you now and wishing you every success in your new challenge!!!

[@NathanTallack]

Ok. Now you've done it. I am just past 49 years of age, and I'm in just about the same, maybe a little bit worse, shape than you. Going to join you on your journey. Keep it up so that we can be motivated to succeed with you!

[@Adam-ig2vi]

Unrelated, but the new kitchen looks really nice! All the best with your weightlifting journey! I really enjoy these more "lifestyle" videos.

[@marcduthie4327]

Well done. All the best with your challenge. Marc from Australia 🇦🇺

[@user-db2ep5tu6k]

Best of luck Max with this brave endeavor, full faith in your determination and stamina. Stay safe.

[@---Kevin-J-Ripley---]

Good luck with your progress,and hope you achieve your goal.

[@dandandan389]

Hello Max! I've been looking forward to watching this for a long time as you know as soon as I get home from work kettle on and watching this 😊

[@martindennehy3866]

This is brilliant. I started my own stren journey at 49 but with a bit more tech. I have gone in 14 months from 65kg max bench to 112 and similar for seated overhead press. I only train twice a week for the same reasons as you. I think you will be surprised how fast you make progress. Took me 8 months to get over the 100kg, then the fun starts!

[@spec-dad7824]

Good luck with the journey, and good on you for even starting it, I'm closing in on 50 🤫 and I've recently started my own so watching someone else doing something similar is inspiring, I wish you nothing but luck and success 👏🏻💪🏻

[@doncairns9275]

Fantastic! 55 isn't a bad starting point, and your early gains will come easy. Keep the faith. Oh, and steak and eggs is the diet of champions! 💪

[@benstaniforth2591]

This is so awesome! I never expected to see this on your channel!

[@brandonemmons4937]

Good luck to you buddy. I started kinda the same goal for myself and I'm a month in and feeling great. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. Stick with it man!

[@casto-]

Good luck max, I reckon you’ll get there💪

[@boastyy]

Good for you mate! Keep with it and you will reach your goal.😀

[@soapmode]

Amazing, you got this!

[@markpettifer5541]

Can't wait to see your progress, you will smash it, no doubts here

[@lawolsten]

Fantastic video! Followed and looking forward to this

[@tcjonesmusic]

Nice work, Max. Kettlebell training changed my life. If these sets get old, I can't recommend them enough.

[@GunMetalDale]

This is great, look forward to sharing this journey, i recently started at the gym at the age of 37...i thought i'd left it a little late but 9 month on i really look forward to working out

[@donniegrande9186]

49 yrs old here all natural bench 295, deadlifts 415, squats 370, OHP 190! I do compound workouts, isolation, and circuit training! it's really hard to find a gym bud my age to workout! I keep on going 💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@Bouwentjes]

49 Here as well. Wish we could train together (live in The Netherlands, so not likely). I aim for training twice a week, all muscle groups in one sitting. No idea how much I can bench to be fair… bench mostly dumbles now up to 40kg for a few reps. Helps that I am 6’6” at 120kg.

[@AK47_.]

This is fantastic information Maximus.

[@howjackedcaniget]

A friend sent me this, and I very much enjoyed it. I'm really impressed. You're going to do really well. 50 kg strict press and 55 kg push press on day one. There are quite a few gym bros who can't do that. You're very humble. I lift 4x/week. I'm 23, been lifting for around 4 years, and at ~77 kg bodyweight @ 5'8.5"/174 cm, I can probably strict press 62-65 kg right now. That said, I'm training like a bodybuilder, so I don't wanna make myself stronger through skill and such at the moment. I wanna get the muscle stimulus with the least amount of weight. Clean and press is a good choice, but I would really recommend separating these two into shoulder press where you just go down to the front rack position and then press it again (primary muscle builder) and power cleans, where you work on your form for cleans. There's a lot to be gained with efficiency here. You leave a lot of air between yourself and the bar on the cleans. That makes the bar heavier. You squat down to start the clean, when really, you should step up to the bar, bend at the hips, let the knees bend only as much as they do automatically, get your grip, flatten/firm up your back, and then begin. It's a lot like Alan Thrall's 2022 deadlift tutorial. I'm glad you've found him, because he's great at explaining form, especially. The clean is just the extended deadlift. Training power cleans has made my deadlift form much more efficient, and I'm much more in control of it. It's a shame we're gonna have to wait so long for the next update, but maybe if you do really well, you'll want to share it sooner? :) One can only hope.

[@chrisplayz253]

Ok I subscribed for this journey. Good luck man, don't push too hard tho, be in it for the long haul!

[@OneBoysDreamFilm]

thanks for the tips on running, just ran my first full 1km not much but a start, your tips helped

[@Harry_16710]

Great challenge! Consistency is key to progress. Good luck!💪

[@FretboardToAsh]

I applaud you on setting goals and working towards them. That said, fitness is not a destination, it's a journey and it only ends when you stop.

[@daebreaker6212]

You 100% will get this mate. Get after it. Good on you.

[@samueltwinn3575]

Awesome video man enjoy your lifting

[@martynmurray8927]

Keep smashing it 💪🏻

[@LS430VIP]

Thanks for the inspiration! This might just be the kick I need to get back into the gym, after a good few years off. I'm in my 40s now and miss the big exercises (deadlift, squat, press etc), but wasn't sure if I would stick the gym again. Setting a similar goal should be just what I need. Good luck Max

[@HeavyMetalDetectingPassion]

Must show this video to my wife,.., :)) Cheers from southern Europe!

[@coreyreedhill]

Awesome amigo. Just a couple of thoughts. Fab up a couple of spring keepers for barbell ends and get a few rubber mats to cushion weights on those HEAVY lifts when you may drop them sooner than intended.

[@WillKrepelin]

Love it. Great goal. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnlong3214]

Taking it to the Max. 👍

[@benbowen821]

A worthy goal. Very excited to see how this goes.

[@losttapes1705]

Go easy, don't get injured! Best of luck!

[@liamharris7625]

Never too late to excersize. Just got back to it myself after injuring my lower spine and shoulder Snowboarding. I'm 34 and I thought I was too old but in the last month I've seen my strength improve drastically already. Ran my first 10Km on the weekend and if someone said to me I was going to do that just 3 months back I'd have laughed at them. Keep at it champ, look forward to seeing your progress.

[@adriansmith8213]

That is a monumental goal!! Really suprised that you did 50kg+ so cleanly. Can't wait to follow this journey. I imagine lugging around all that metal over the years also helped the "farm strength" lol

[@zogworth]

Great stuff Max!

[@tima5673]

Excellent Max. I didn't start until i was 49. In my case i had the benefit soon after of a PT. For me this was life changing as he kept me motivated and drummed in the importance of correct form etc. 10 years later i still trt to train 3 times a week and whilst i no longer strive to hit the maximum lifts i could do in my early 50's, all the important knowledge i gained in the early years and stood me well. Always remember that muscle size vs strength is not all it seems and good form will often stand you for a longer period. I'm sure you know this as such a smart bloke, but i wouldn't set your initial 1 rep max as your benchmark. We can all push ourselves beyond the limits of what is good for our current physical comfortable capability... This could result in quick injuries that then set you back for months. Another common method is to "train to failure"... Basically less weight but more reps... Until you can do no more. (Drop sets etc). Less likely to hurts your body but still encourage the muscles to grow. Sorry... I'm waffling

[@dandandan389]

I have to say im bloody impressed at the ring chin ups, they are not easy. Also not a lot of guys can press 55k overhead standing

[@jethrobradley7850]

Seconded. It's a pretty solid starting point!

[@thegodof8ball]

Get into it! Good work

[@petersipos4728]

Keep going! Good work.

[@therogers8393]

I look forward to following your progress. As someone else mentioned building a squat rack or squat stands might be a good idea and a nice little project. Pressing from a standing position will be alot safer for your back as the weigts increase. Standing push press in itself is prety much a full body exercise that utilises leg, core and shoulder strength. You'll smash your goal regardless 💪

[@brianshishnia3278]

Good for you, showing up, getting started and sticking with a program, this gets you about 80% to your goals. As an older powerlifter I like maximum lifting also at times but make sure to maybe have a light/medium weight day where you get more repetitions and can work on form/technique and add different exercises without risking injury. Always impressed with older people with goals and a plan to get there. Never too late!!

[@mopedmarathon]

You’ve got this easy I reckon. Seeing you move that landrover chassis around as easily as you did shows you have pretty respectable levels of strength. I mean you’re a blacksmith! You’ll smash this I’m sure.

[@harlequin991]

Good start . Keep it going. I'm 57 started lifting 6 months ago. Now I can lift 180kg deadlift .squat 150 and bench 100 . And all going up .all be it slowly .I too train in my garage .I'm lifting more now than I did in my 20s

[@PhoenixBerry1988]

cant wait to see the growth!

[@gbentley8176]

Slow and steady Max. Long past 70 now but still able to pull up chin to a bar ten times. Keep weight sensible and have a good varied diet. Good luck. Thank you for posting.

[@oliverbristow7379]

Good for you sir. Good luck.

[@Chilled_Mackers]

The Ultimate Warrior was my favourite! This is a good plan Max, I am on the same journey!

[@royworks28]

I’m 53 , I have weight trained almost all my life. You are definitely wise to be weight training. I’ve always wanted to add weight training to my videos. You’ve inspired me to try it. Hey I recommend listening to the Peter Attia podcast. Thanks for the video

[@tima5673]

Peter Attia is great 👍

[@letmelooktv]

Go Max💪🏆

[@stickleback73]

Great content and personal challenge! I'm sure you will receive a lot of advice but this is the most important at our age....Include core exercises too! Look after you back Maximus! I'm now 51 and just popped a disc in my lower back again!! Despite doing sit ups and yoga exercises. I started working out again in my 40's. Best mix for me is HIIT punch bag, 3-5 mile walks/run, weights and chin ups. My goal was a chin up because I just couldn't do it, I can now do 3 sets of 4! I also discovered intermittent fasting and it is AMAZING! look into it and persevere, it has so many health benefits, cognitive and anti inflammatory. Keep going and good luck!

[@almor2445]

Can't wait to see your progress. I used to lift and hurt various body parts for years but recently started carnivore and found I'm able to exercise again. I think I'll try the same goal as you since we weigh about the same.

[@alexisjohnson9608]

Great start to your journey Max. Keep it up and stay Strong 💪. Remember to OUT when you press the weight 🏋

[@Marks2Chill]

You're a great inspiration to me. I'm 30, keep pumping iron!

[@mtdnelson]

Very impressive. I'm 43 and only started going to the gym a few months ago. I like your choice of target. My current target is to be able to do proper pull-ups comfortably, run 10km regularly, and to improve mobility, flexibility and balance. I've never tried a clean and press but I'm 100% sure I couldn't get near 55kg. It's a target I'll save for later - maybe next year!

[@phildxyz]

Inspiring Max

[@steviecoles1532]

Less than 6 months looking at your start point. The rings will be a great help as they are unstable so will be a big help with stability. Don't forget more muscle means slower running. It's a balance! Good luck.

[@LennonZA]

You can achieve anything with consistency. Fair play to you, Max.

[@bfowler8260]

Consistency trumps all. To a point, more important than what you actually do. Just my humble opinion.

[@LennonZA]

@@bfowler8260 I have no idea what you meant by that.

[@archstanton9627]

Not something I’ve ever considered doing…until now. Thanks, Maximus.

[@lukasvilim8499]

This is some serious weight over head! You have a very good starting point.

[@jamspastic]

Good luck on your goal buddy 👍

[@danstennis1817]

I can't wait to see your next update.

[@MrNineCherries]

Well you might not believe it but you just inspired me to get off my bum and see what i can do. I'll be 50 this year and about 6/7 months ago i started some gym work but i think i tried too hard too quick and knackered myself. Spring is just about here (well lighter nights anyway) and i'll give it ago too. I wonder what ill get on my first go? Keep up the good work, and from a video point of view, id be interested to hear how you get on initially and potentially monthly (even just a short vid) it might be just what me and others need to keep motivated 👍🏻 🏋🏻‍♂️

[@I_hate_roads]

Hell ya dude I'm stoked to see how strong you can get! Onwards and upwards!

[@tractors-plant-machinery]

Sounds interesting, I might try this too.

[@reidycruise]

Awesome sir 👍👍

[@PDLiggett]

Get it, Max!

[@davidmurray2829]

Brother I am on a similar journey and I wish you all the best 👍 👍👍

[@mikey7326]

Well done.

[@Finn11233]

you are naturally a strong build, you are doing very well so far. Some older folks I know who are very strong, solely just do the body weight excersices EG Multiple sets to failure push ups, pull ups and just body weight squats . They all used to be big body builders who lifted lots of weights etc - " calisthenics " Yeah thats the word I'm after :) !

[@grantchanin2878]

Just subscribed, glad I did.

[@maxwiz71]

Fab challenge. I'm confident you'll do it if you keep up that regime. I reckon you might lift 95kg by the 6 month mark.

[@GWW-sb3hq]

I gaurantee, you can get this doing a leg assist pushpress very quickly! Very glad you are watching Allen! Yes, he is about the best for explaining (and a great dude!). You could get 250 lb+ in a year and a half. NICE!!

[@1961kickboxer]

Take it easy max you will get there ,slowly wins the race.

[@farcry5299]

Maximus Ironthumper… got the perfect wrestling name already! Don’t forget to warm up and stretching…especially shoulders.

[@KeiteiVentures]

💪 step by step 💪

[@leatonveg]

Good effort for a first session. At 50 myself I also train but recovering from hand surgery at the minute. If you train 3 - 4 sets, 6-8 reps at 70% of your max you will get stronger.

[@rnp497]

good luck with this I'm sure you will do it. So much so I think you will be redoing your training plan after a few months as you get stronger

[@Gabi-bv9ux]

Good luck on your journey. I would recommend getting a notebook or using your phone etc to note down the date and what you lift on each workout. The reps, the sets and the weights along with notes saying how you feel, if you think you need to repeat or do more reps etc. Also noting down reps differently if you felt your form go during them. Speaking of which. Start lighter, get your form dialed in and do not push to hard to soon. Then when the form is good slowly increase the weight. Some weeks you may not be able to increase the weights or reps especially as you are specializing heavily in what you want to do. I would recommend adding a bench and generally doing a more well rounded workout and allowing yourself more then a year to reach this goal if needed. As if it takes two instead of one that is still an incredible accomplishment.

[@user-on2if8wr8p]

Really nice stuff Max,hope you achieve your goal. Try watching some videos of weightlifting and train on your technique,it will help you lift better and safer.