Are you in the best shape of your life (age 40+)

[rubberhead]

Just this. I wonder if anyone has managed to really revamp their figure/fitness/ health once they got to late 30s. I would love to be able to really look amazing for my 40th next year. I have a mum tum 🙈

I wouldn't say I am in the best physical shape of my life but I am certainly in the best mental shape and best health - exercising because it makes me feel good, eating well and enjoying food (not restricting), good sleep routines etc. For me it would not be possible to look as I did in my 20s and trying to do that would only lead to internal struggles! So I just do what feels good and that works well.

Erm no. I meant to be, but then lockdown happened and I ate my feelings. I’m happier now than I ever have been even if I do resemble a potato!

Not the best shape, like op mum tum. However, I am slimmer than I have been in about 5 years, hair and skin in good condition. I also have developed more confidence in the things I used to hate about myself. I feel great.

I look the best I’ve ever looked at the moment - I’m 42. In think this is down to getting a dog and walking 5 miles a day.

Yes, weirdly. I'm in my late 40s so I can't stop the sag or that I got stretch marks and had and bf several babies. I had a life meltdown in my mid-40s and started moderately hiit exercising about 18 months ago. I now weigh the same as I did in my late teens which is the only time as an adult I wasn't struggling not to go above a 12-14. I have a flat stomach and toned muscles and I can eat normal foods. I'm a size 10 now. I always wore sunscreen so my skin is still OK. I've not had any tweakments. I'm better with makeup now and fake tanning (when needed) than in my youth, so that helps.

I look good for my age and lots of people are surprised when I say how old I am. So I had a glow up. I've always liked clothes so I also do try and dress in a way I like as well.

I joined a running club at 36 after doing pretty much no exercise since school.

It has changed my life in so many ways. I'm thinner, but far more than that, I'm fitter, more confident, more accomplished, have more friends, a more interesting life, happier. All things that contribute to how "attractive" you are overall, although now, my reasons for running have nothing to do with my looks.

Yes. I am very aware of becoming older. I ordered some expensive collagen drinks, decent skincare, splashed out on makeup and joined the gym. It's paying off. I was flagging. I'm 40 and always looked younger.

I am

I started running in my late 30s, and did a bunch of things to improve my sleep after last DC.

I did a bit of gymming & hiit type classes. Then lockdowns, but our gym put loads of online stuff on so I kind of kept it up.

Then I started going to the gym 3 times a week, and a relatively physical hobby twice a week and now every time I catch myself in the mirror whilst changing I can't resist the urge to flex! 😂

I did start with a bit of a genetic advantage. I didn't need to lose weight. But having said that, it's all come together in the last month or so and I'm really happy with my weight & shape.

It's taken about 5 years so far, and I think it'll be another 2 till I reach my quad goals vague targets.

Meanwhile, DH does have weight to lose and is on a similar journey. We want to go into middle age as fit as we can.

It's definitely possible. AND, I've been surprised at the mental aspect of it. I'm also the happiest/sanest/least stressed I've been since having kids.

I think I was partly inspired by Rebel Wilson's 'year of health' she had just before she turned 40.

Yes me - after 20 years of trying to lose weight and get fit just to look better it took me realising that the menopause was likely to make things 10 times harder and my children are still very young so I changed to be fitter and healthier to deal with all that.

once I focused it only took me 4 months to get me to where I had wanted to be all this time. So annoying I didn’t get into the right mind frame sooner but what can you do! Instead I’m very much enjoying where I am and have no intention of going back.

I’m 41 and Im hitting my peak. I do yoga and strength training. Last week I did the splits for the first time.
It does take longer to get into shape if you’re over 35, I’m one of the oldies in my group but I have got there in the end.
I have such lovely toned shoulders and upper arms now

Yes, turned it around at 55, size 18-20 to 8-10, yoga and strength training. Strong and flexible now.

mid 50s & yes very fit, probably most fit of my life but doesn't mean I look amazing (or ever did or ever could). I still have middle aged proportions.

I just laugh when I see pics of myself.

I as in my best shape 3 years ago age 53. Joined a running club aged 48, fist marathon before 50 followed by others and ultras. Since having Covid a year ago I'm not as fit as I was sadly, but still run/cycle every day. It's easier once your kids are older and you have more 'me' time!

Not me but my mum is, and she’s in her 50s!
She transformed herself with a really good exercise routine she’s stuck to for the first time in her life, and has been paying attention to her eating, upping protein and veg significantly. She looks so incredibly fit and healthy, and it’s shaved years off her, along with the weight. Anyone she’s met since the transformation is shocked to hear her age & that she’s a grandmother. She looks better than she did 15+ years ago.

Yes! I started an online fitness group at the beginning of 2021 and lost about a stone and a half. I’ve put a bit back on but am in great shape! Just turned 44 and a size 8.

it had given me a new lease of life and I feel great mentally too.

Yes. I took up running a few years ago and joined a gym last year. I was never into fitness but now I run 3 times a week and do 3-4 gym classes (combination of strength training, Pilates/yoga and cardio) and I’m stronger and fitter than I’ve ever been, at 43.

I’d definitely recommend it!

I've been the same height, weight, shape and size since I was 18. So, 🤔

Yes I think so, in my mid 50's, running club for 8 years same with gym. Love both and I run ultras now! If you'd said that to me 20 years ago I'd have laughed my head off. Love the company and the fitness is pretty good too.

I'm not quite 40 yet (38), but after the last lockdown my back was killing me due to the inactivity and middle age spread was just starting...

I started cycling to work and eating better, lost 1 stone (now at the bottom of the "healthy weight" BMI) and haven't needed ibuprofen for my back since.

I'm still ugly but at least I'm in good shape.

Yes I am actually! I'm 42 and have three kids (aged 2, 5 and 6) so I'm pretty proud of the fact that I'm in good shape.

I should say though, that I've never been overweight, so didn't have that to 'deal with', but I did binge drink and smoke until about ten years ago. I took up running about 8 years ago and have pretty much kept that up since and started weight training about two years ago. My arms and legs have never been so toned and I'm a size 8-10 (I'm 5'8").

My youngest child was born about six months before my 40th and I did go on a bit of a mission to get in shape. I also got Botox! Generally now I exercise because I enjoy it though.

scottishflower that’s amazing! Well done, how did you do it mindset wise? I need help!

Nope, unless the best shape is round 😵.

Interesting how many of us are runners. But all round it seems to be a commitment to some form of exercise that makes the difference for most of the people on this thread.

I have
I'm 56. BMI 19ish
More muscle definition than I've ever had before
Flat stomach with muscle lines
I feel great
I have more time now DC mainly left home so can spend time at the gym and focus on my nutrition more
Having the time with DH for long country walks at weekends and also after work we do a walk together