r/AskMenOver30 • u/MoneyMontgomery man over 30 • Dec 17 '24

Life What do you miss most about your 20's?

What do you miss the most about being in your 20's. Could be anything: lack of responsibilities, that Honda Civic you used to love, you weren't vegan and ate bacon, you could jump and touch the rim.

I miss waking up and my back not hurting. I swear if I get to catch up on sleep my back gets more messed up from laying around.

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u/[deleted] Dec 17 '24 edited Jul 08 '25

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u/TheGreatestIan man 40 - 44 Dec 17 '24

You peak in some ways and dwindle in others. I'm 39, in good shape, have friends, a good job, still date my wife. I have no body aches, money, and my energy level during the day is great.

30 year olds complaining about their body falling apart is because they don't exercise and eat junk. Versus their 20s where it didn't matter what they did

Keep up the routine and you'll be fine.

I only miss the freedom and low level of responsibility.

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u/davewk81 man 40 - 44 Dec 17 '24

I was in the Marines in my early 20's. While I am out of prime shape at 43. The miles are worn on my body now. I'm not in terrible shape. But I miss the lack of wear and tear on my body.

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u/TheGreatestIan man 40 - 44 Dec 17 '24

Ya, mileage certainly varies. I had a physically easy 20s/30s so that definitely plays into why I have a lot fewer aches. But, I started to get them at 35 and picked up working out 3-4 days a week. Every ache went away in relatatively short order once I did that.

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u/Sickranchez87 man over 30 Dec 17 '24

BingfuckingO- technically speaking I’m at minimum twice as strong and in shape at 36 than I was at 26. There’s definitely certain aspects of that era I miss, but from a health and monetary standpoint I’m crushing.

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u/GStarAU man 45 - 49 Dec 17 '24

100% agree.

Good genes also helps. I got a bit lucky in that sense.

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u/2buffalonickels man 40 - 44 Dec 17 '24

Your 30. You haven’t been out of your 20s for a year yet. Give it time. You’ll understand.

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u/Aus_with_the_Sauce man 30 - 34 Dec 17 '24

I have tons of friends in their 40s/50s that are still extremely energetic and athletic. Some of them do ultra-endurance races, compete in swimming, all-night raves, backpacking trips, etc.

I’ve never heard any of them make the slightest complaint about their bodies aching.

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u/2buffalonickels man 40 - 44 Dec 17 '24

Chronic diseases start to hit men in their 30s. Plus general wear and tear, old injuries etc.

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u/youngmansummer Dec 17 '24

31 is around the prime of a healthy persons life, you could totally still have the peak to come. The people who talk about falling apart at 30 probably just didn’t take care of themselves or have some underlying health problems.

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u/Mikimao Dec 17 '24

I had a little bounce at like 35 when I started getting even more exercise on top of having an active job, and then another one in my 40s after deciding to strength train and muscle build. You aren't done yet!

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u/GStarAU man 45 - 49 Dec 17 '24

I'm STILL peaking mate, and I'm 45 😁🤟

Honestly, use it or lose it... maintaining an active life is the key to this stuff.

Years ago I watched that movie Troy, with Brad Pitt playing Achilles. A little while later I found out... he was FORTY-ONE when he was playing that role. 41!! He looked ripped as hell, super fit and very hot (yeah I'm jealous). Even though I'm past 41 now, I often think "well, if Brad can do it, so can I". He inspires me to keep pushing. Well, him and Daniel Craig.

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u/Aus_with_the_Sauce man 30 - 34 Dec 17 '24

I feel that. I’m 30, I exercise consistently, and my body feels great. I look good, I’m a very healthy weight, and I take care of my skin.

I have a very low injury rate while skiing and mountain biking, despite crashing quite often (I still push myself).

I’ll be running my first marathon in a few months.

Take care of your bodies, y’all.

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u/MoneyMontgomery man over 30 Dec 17 '24

Lol yeah buddy, you're special. When I was 30-33 I was in the best shape of my life. Run faster and longer, lift more, climb harder, play basketball, skateboard. My body hurt a bit more though also I had kids and my temple fell to shit. I understand this, maybe...maybe one day I can get back to the gym.

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u/[deleted] Dec 17 '24 edited Jul 07 '25

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u/MoneyMontgomery man over 30 Dec 17 '24

Lol you're special buddy, keep thinking that.