Thread: When is a good age to start professional classic physique bodybuilding?

1. I'm not even sure if I have the genetics for it. But I can try.
2. I am 19 years old, and nowhere near bodybuilding shape. I've been trying to balance lifting, running, and calisthenics for the army and it is just not working. This summer will be simply lifting and running. (I am not in the army yet. I'm set to go to basic and OCS next year, currently at the Citadel.)

I've got two paths in the army. (Assuming I get out without retiring at 20, 20 is still an option)

1. Infantry, selection, go all-in.
Sounds a lot more motivating, something to take pride in.

Only problem is, I wouldn't get out of the army until I'd be 28-29 and I wouldn't be in bodybuilder shape. Granted, I would be in excellent shape, but I would have to pack on the muscle. Probably be like 31 or so before I compete.

2. Non-combat job.
I could bodybuild on the side here. Not as efficiently as a civilian, but still pretty good. Only issue is the jobs sound pretty boring. Probably get out at 25-26 and start going hard into bodybuilding.


The decision about the military career isn't yalls problem, just the age part. This is some background into the choices I am dealing with. If I ever want to consider getting my IFBB Pro card, what age is "too late"?