We all have to change things up at the gym when we get older, including bodybuilding star Lee Priest. In a recent video shared on December 4, 2024, he discussed why you should listen to your body and avoid lifting heavy weight as you age to prevent injuries.
During his prime, Lee Priest boasted one of the freakiest physiques in the Men’s Open class. Despite his shorter stature, Priest made up for it with jaw-dropping muscularity, fullness, and conditioning. He has bested top-tier IFBB Pros during his career such as former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, who described the defeat to Priest as his lowest moment in the sport.
From battling addiction to suffering from injuries, there have always been hurdles placed in the way of Priest’s bodybuilding journey. While he stepped away from competing years ago, he remains an accessible and influential voice in the bodybuilding community, imparting wisdom to lifters of all skill levels.
Lee Priest Lays Out How to Avoid Injuries As You Age and Why Listening to Your Body Beats Lifting Heavy
Priest would still lift heavy if he was injury-free and has slowly built his strength back up after tearing his shoulder.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“It’s just that when you got injuries, you got limitations. If I didn’t have injuries I’d still be going heavy too,” shares Priest. “It’s not a matter of pussying out, it’s a matter of being smarter. Like now, with my shoulder, I’ve still got the tear there but I’ve progressed back.”
Even though lifting heavy has its merits, Priest emphasizes that if you’re older and incur an injury, it will take longer to heal.
“I’ve almost gotten near the 40-kilo dumbbell again, could I do 50 yeah, but the shoulder might [crackle]. I could be a tough man if I wanted and push it but as you get older too you’ll know that healing injuries takes a lot longer too. It’s just a matter of being smarter, not a matter of pussying out.
It’s just knowing what your body can do and what you feel comfortable doing and not injuring yourself till you feel better.”
He believes listening to the body is crucial for anyone who works out regularly, as it helps determine whether to lift heavier or approach training more sensibly.
“When I wasn’t injured, I just listened to my body and some days yes, I would still go super heavy but then there’s days where you’re warming up getting into it and you’re like, you hear that little voice, today is not the day to be superman, the today is the day to be more sensible.”
“When you’re young you’re like oh fuck it, who cares if it’s clicking or making a noise and hurting,” he adds.
As one of the few bodybuilding icons to leave the sport on top, Priest has a unique understanding of training principles. Although he can still lift heavy today at 52 years old, he trains with caution to avoid unnecessary injuries.
RELATED: Lee Priest Compares Decline Bench Press vs Flat Bench: ‘I Feel Decline In My Chest More Than Flat’
You can watch the full video from the Sam’s Fitness – Gym Equipment YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
