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Original poster

Running & swimming to change shape in 40’s

32 replies

fatteratforty · 19/11/2022 21:15

I’m early 40’s and the weight has piled on in the past three years.
My diet needs to be tighter, but my shape has really changed, previously size 10 curvy hourglass…now spreading out to a large 14 who resembles a flabby rectangle with an unfortunate tummy!
I’ve always exercised, but go through stages of liking different formats. Currently I’m swimming (40 lengths x 4 a week) and running (6K x 4 times a week). Not overly strong or fast at either, but I am steady.

is this enough / right to loose weight & improve (reduce!) my shape ?

OP posts:
Namechangeforthis88 · 19/11/2022 21:45

Joining in as I'm 46, carrying a fair few COVID kilos but inspired by taking up a sport and loving it to wonder if it's too late to get in great shape.

KangarooKenny · 19/11/2022 21:39

You’re heading towards peri menopause territory, so it will be harder to shift.
I always think that if you want to change yourself, you need to change up,what you are doing. I’d add in some weight training.

Swissnotswiss · 19/11/2022 21:39

samthebordercollie · 19/11/2022 21:37

I'm a runner 50+ miles a week) plus cycling and swimming and never lost any weight.
I had a foot operation so can't run, have taken up Pilates and have lost 3kg in 4 weeks. I'm not so hungry.
Weight loss is 90% what you eat. And weight training, core body strength is far more important once you get to 40 plus then cardio.

Is that mat Pilates or the machine-based type?

samthebordercollie · 19/11/2022 21:37

I'm a runner 50+ miles a week) plus cycling and swimming and never lost any weight.
I had a foot operation so can't run, have taken up Pilates and have lost 3kg in 4 weeks. I'm not so hungry.
Weight loss is 90% what you eat. And weight training, core body strength is far more important once you get to 40 plus then cardio.

MaraScottie · 19/11/2022 21:33

It's all about the weight training. You have to do targeted weight training - especially in your 40s! Cardio will help you stay aerobically fit but to maintain strength, bone health and to help keep your metabolism high, you need to start resistance training!

Even a couple of 30 minute sessions a week will make you feel and look amazing.

Cotswoldmama · 19/11/2022 21:26

That's quite a lot of exercise. I'm sure you'll start to see results soon. I'm 38 and started running 2 years ago. I've always been naturally slim but not really fit. I would say my shape is the same but firmer. For me introducing HIIT workouts was what really helped with the toning up of my body. I try to run twice a week for fitness about 10k each time then I fit in 2-3 workouts of 30-40 mins and I do about 3 Chloe Ting homeworks from YouTube for those. Her ab workouts are amazing.

Swissnotswiss · 19/11/2022 21:18

I started running 5k three times a week (2 years ago) plus a bit of weight training more recently - I haven't lost anything!

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