Shoulder, chest, and triceps workout to grow muscle naturally at nearly 50
In September, I began training twice weekly for every muscle group, incorporating and alternating more basic exercises to allow adequate muscle recovery time. For each workout, I prioritize one or two muscle groups with a higher number of sets and train the rest of the muscles targeted on the same day with fewer sets but keeping a high level of intensity for all of them.

Here is one of my current workout routines for training shoulders, chest, and triceps

Regardless of the workout plan, I always start with at least 5 minutes of warm-up and stretching exercises.

1. Shoulders workout (prioritized muscle group)

Exercises: Seated Dumbbell Overhead Press and Cable Lateral Raises

Seated Dumbbell Overhead

Set 1: 20 kg (~44 lbs) × 15 reps
Set 2: 24 kg (~53 lbs) × 12 reps
Set 3: 26 kg (~57 lbs) × 8 reps [Failure]Set 4: 26 kg (~57 lbs)  × 5 reps [Failure]
[Failure] = reaching the point where one more repetition was impossible without a spotter's help.
 I find the Seated Dumbbell Overhead exercise to be great for training shoulders when you're over 40, or nearly 50 like me, for the following reasons:

a) delts are worked more efficiently due to the better stability of the back and shoulders which reduces the need for involvement from the core, allowing you to lift more with a correct form;
b) more flexibility in adjusting the movement than barbell overhead press to avoid joint injury;
c) it allows me to have a good stretch of the shoulder;
d) I get a great pump and DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) in the front delts almost every time on the second day.

Cable Lateral Raises

Set 1: 15 kg (~33 lbs) × 12 reps
Set 2: 20 kg (~44lbs) × 12 reps
Set 3: 20 kg (~44lbs) × 12 reps

Some benefits of Cable Lateral Raises I've noticed so far are:

a) it gives a balanced shape to my shoulders and makes them appear broader;
b) it allows for a greater range of motion compared to dumbbell lateral raises and it provides constant tension on the muscle throughout the movement;
c) Cable Lateral Raises have low injury risk as long as you aim for 8-12 reps per set with a correct form;
d) by changing the cable's angle or pulley's height, you can target more or less different areas of the side delt and find the motion that feels good for your joints, avoiding abnormal pain which can be a risk injury indicator.

2. Chest workout (prioritized muscle group)

Exercises: Flat Bench Dumbbell Press and Incline Barbell Bench Press

Flat Bench Dumbbell Press

Set 1: 20 kg (~44 lbs) × 15 reps
Set 2: 26 kg (~57 lbs) × 12 reps
Set 3: 28 kg (~62 lbs) × 8 reps
Set 4: 28 kg (~57 lbs) × 8 reps

Some of the benefits of the Flat Bench Dumbbell I got in my training:

a) allows for a greater range of motion compared to the barbell bench press;
b) more natural movement patterns, minimizing shoulder joint stress and reducing injury risk;
c) less pressure on the elbows;
d) promoting symmetrical muscle development (my right pectoralis was a little smaller than the left at the beginning of my after-40 fitness journey, now, after 12 months of consistent training, they're almost perfectly even).

Incline Barbell Bench Press

Set 1: 50 kg (~110 lbs) × 12 reps
Set 2 [Drop Set]: 70 kg (~154 lbs) × 4 reps PLUS 5 reps with 50 kg (~110 lbs)
Set 3: 60 kg (~ 132  lbs) × 6 reps [Failure]

Benefits of Incline Barbell Bench Press in My Training:

a) it increased my shoulder stability by strengthening the anterior deltoids;b) improved upper chest development;c) less stress rotator cuff.

3. Triceps workout

Seated Overhead Tricep Extension with an E-Z Curl Bar

Set 1: 8 kg (~18 lbs) × 50 reps [Warm-up]
When I feel like I need it, I first do a warm-up set with a very lightweight and many reps to get the blood flowing into the joints to prevent injury.
Set 2: 38 kg (~84 lbs) × 10 reps
Set 3: 38 kg (~84 lbs) × 6 reps
Set 4: 38 kg (~84 lbs) × 6 reps
Set 5: 38 kg (~84 lbs) × 6 [Failure]

Seated Overhead Tricep Extension with an E-Z Curl Bar benefits in My Training:

a) E-Z bar lets my wrists and forearms assume a more natural position than a straight bar;
b) excellent for stretching the long head of the triceps;
c) I got a bigger and stronger triceps with this exercise;
d) I get DOMS every single time I do this exercise.

Full Workout Video


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Hi! My name is Daniel. I am 49 years old. I started this website to share my natural after-40 fitness journey.

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