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'm also a runner, 46, and in very good shape and fitness. Size 6-8 and toned. I have 1 or 2 rest days a week and run the other 5-6 days, 30 mins minimum. I've been doing half marathons this year. Along with running I watch what I eat and generally eat whole foods, little processed. I make it sound easy but it really isn't and takes a lot of discipline. But it also makes me happy and is my mental therapy.

I have always been slim and I weigh the same now if not less than when i got married 20 years ago in my late 20s.

No. I am very fit for my age but have a menopausal tummy and am noticeably less fit than the fit 30-somethings I work with. I do weights with 5kg dumbbells though, whereas I used 2-3kg in my 20s and 30s.

Spin classes three to four times a week for three months have done more for my fitness level, stamina and physique than years of running. They're a killer and I come out drenched but you get hooked when you see such quick results. I'm in better shape than my 30's and eating whatever I want and have lost the stone put on during covid that wasn't shifting with running. Have also seen a massive improvement in peri meno symptoms. Some consistent weight training to increase strength is also helping. Good luck OP, it's totally possible to be fitter and stronger.

Oh I really love all your tips!!! Live beside a race track so I have asked my son to come running with me over the holidays. Even if it's a bit of run it'll get me started

Yes, I've always had a great figure but felt it needed more toning as I got older bingo wings appearing, stomach sagging etc.
I go swimming, gym, classes, plus lots of dog walking. Now almost mid 50's and just retired I exercise 4/5 times a week. I'm pretty lightweight with it eg only swim 20/30 lengths, spend 40 minutes max on the machines, use smallest dumbbells, never do the hardcore classes and so on but it still makes a massive difference. It must be the regularity.

I’ve always been slim and shapeless and never stepped foot in a gym until my divorce 4 years ago. I’m mid-40s and acutely aware of time passing. I’m definitely stronger and more toned than I’ve ever been. I do hot yoga which incorporates HIIT classes. The sweating and heat does wonders for my skin.

Aged 50 and in best shape of my life here, or best I can remember 🤣 Pilates 2-3 X weekly has made lifelong back / joint problems easily manageable and toned me up. Going low carb and just focusing on calories for a while helped me lose 10Kg and drop several dress sizes. It really does feel great. And I was just walking up a hill talking to a 74 year old who was in great shape who swore by lots of brisk walking!

Found an exercise I loved
It wasn’t so much about the weight loss, it was more about my health . I was getting older and didn’t want to end up unable to move.
My mother is seventy five and walks daily .

Walking is the best exercise.
When I walked briskly four miles ( five days a week) I looked fantastic.