Getting strong from scratch after 40? Possible?

[thebeesankles]

Hi

Im 43. Up to 3 years ago I was strong from my physical job and could happily sling sacks of animal feed and bales of hay/straw all day long.
I struggle to even lift a bale these days . I had a frozen shoulder which meant I was unable to do much. I now have the vast majority of mobility back and I really really want to get my strength back.

I no longer have a physical job and really don't do anything energetic so I really am starting from scratch. I have dumbbells and kettle bells. I would like to aim initially for regaining my strength but would really like to get some definition to my arms, thighs and bum as well as strengthening my core.

I don't eat meat but I do eat fish. Will this hold me back?

Any advice, experiences or directions to websites that may be helpful would be very much appreciated. I really want to do this I just don't know where to start.

[Vivacia]

What appeals? Body weight exercises? Lifting heavy? Kettle bells? Etc.
Google them and include terms such as "women" and "before and after" so you can find the look or change you're after.

I started with Stronglifts but DP dabbled with body weight.

[Vivacia]

I think you'll be fine with fish as your protein source. Fat-free Greek yogurt is a good choice, but I know other posters are against food with reduced fat content.

[thebeesankles]

Thank you Vivacia those search terms were really helpful.

I think I could get quite addicted to weights if my body could look as lean and toned as some as the after pictures!

It really is my age that makes me doubtful but I'm going to give it a go. I am a healthy BMI but in order to maintain that I eat well under the recommended number of calories per day (thyroid issues) so my diet may need some tweaking. On the plus side weights may just boost my metabolism enough that I can get away with eating more. I already eat pretty clean.

Are results reasonably quick or do you have to persevere for months before you start to see a slight improvement? I realise age and diet probably play a part here too.

[Mide7]

I don't think your too old. I've been to a number of weight lifting competitions ( powerlifting) and there are people thee who compete who are in their 70s.

As a beginner you should see some results quite quickly ( assuming your diet is good) as your progress those changes will slow down.

Not eating shouldn't hold you back. Fish is a good source of protein. As are beans. Meat replacement is high in protein to e.g quorn ( Altho I know some people have issues with that). Same with dairy, milk, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese are all decent sources of protein ( again on the assumption your not vegan)

[thebeesankles]

Thanks Mide7

I have always assumed that those older women that enter completions have always lifted weights and always been strong. I don't know why I thought that though.

[sleepwhenidie]

Other great sources of protein are quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, peas, eggs, nuts. Avocados, pasta and porridge also have a surprising amount, though not as high as the other sources mentioned. You can also get protein shakes made from rice or pea protein if you are interested but avoiding whey/casein for any reason.

As for age...here's some inspiration!

[sleepwhenidie]

And she only started training/lifting at 56 !

[thebeesankles]

Just seen that Ernestine Shepherd didn't start training until she was 71 so maybe I'm not that old after all

[thebeesankles]

Oops cross post sleepwhenidie

Thank you for the dietary advice and inspiration.

[BIWI]

I don't think your age should be a problem at all! I didn't start training until I was 52.

But I think it would be a good idea to try and have a couple of sessions with a trainer, so that they can point you in the right direction and also make sure that your technique is OK. So you don't injure yourself.

[brainwashed]

Definitely not too old. I am nearly 46 and only started lifting 18 months ago. I have made so much progress and love it!