Did anyone gain muscle with exercise in their 40s?

[AliceMay55]

I seem to be losing a lot of muscle lately. My arms look quite flabby, my legs look flabby etc.

I never did weights before. Is it worth starting now or is it all downhill from here? I’m just below 45.

Go for it. I lift weights twice a week, love it. You'll definitely tone.

YES
Started strength training at 45
Can imagine life without it now

Yes, Ashtanga yoga! The bomb

You can gain muscle at any age if you do the right thing. Also, great for fitness.

I didn't in my 40s but am doing now I'm in my 60s!

Yup. Go for it. I'm 62 and just got myself some biceps and triceps

Either go to a class for lifting or get a PT. Doing it right doesn't take a lot of time. It's the only reliable way to shape your body post menopause.

Any tips would be much appreciated!

Yessss. I was super fit in my 40s, gained loads and got amazing core and visible abs. Never felt better about myself than my fit 40s. Do it!

It's the best thing you'll ever do for your health and fitness in your 40s. Make sure you're eating well with enough protein.

I train 3 days a week and I feel amazing.

Dear AliceMay…
i didn’t even think about “exercise” in my 40’s.
About seven months ago, I began Squats whilst I was brushing my teeth.
i began with ten, with an ambition to one day achieve thirty… I’d read that at least thirty should be possible and beneficial.
im 68, and was feeling pain in my knees, and I didn’t want to use painkillers.
I achieved the ten, then after 3 to 4 weeks upped it to fifteen, then twenty and so on.
I got to the magic thirty, months ago, and I’m doing at least sixty, some times over 100.
my knees are better, I can lower myself to sit on a six inch high stool without using my hands to support myself.. I couldn’t dream of it before.
An unexpected benefit (as I see it) is that my oh, has told me he’s noticed how lifted my bum looks, and he says it feels fantastic..lol!
so if I can do this at pushing 70 (next year), then a thousand times yes, you can do it!!
second bonus, and maybe the most important, it has so boosted my self esteem.
good luck and may determination be with you.

Yes
Regular weight training and protein.
Over 10 years older than you

Discovered reformer Pilates in my 50’s - absolutely wonderful for building muscle!

That's brilliant!

Yep! Like a PP, my forties were my fit & fabulous decade.

In my late 60s now (bear with me ...) I'm borderline overweight with an illness that prohibits exercise. It started at around 50 and, by 55, I couldn't walk more than a km. Has been getting worse every year. BUT here's the thing - I'm only just, this year, starting to see the muscle wastage and floppy 'extra skin' associated with old age. My bones are in reasonable shape (unlike my teeth, but can't win 'em all!)

The point of this semi-sad little story is that all the work I did between 40 - 50 not only made me more attractive, vibrant & energetic but has protected me against the effects of ill health for a surprisingly long time.

There are no downsides. Go for it! Have fun 😀

Yes, I'm 56 and I gained muscle when I joined the gym at 51.

I'm almost 40 and put on noticeable musle mass, have a visible abs and people often comment on my quads and arms. It's definitely possible but the most important thing is diet. I count macros and have noticed a massive difference after upping my protein.

The simple answer is yes!

this is awesome!! Thank you all very much for this!!

@VeganFromSveden Awesome! I’m a vegan too, probably why everything feels flabby. My diet is quite low on protein. I have digestive issues that don’t sit well with lentils. That cuts out a major protein source for me!

Would you mind telling me what protein sources do you include in your diet?

I’d go and see a proper registered dietician ( NOT nutritionist) to make sure you are getting the proper nutrients. I don’t know any vegans who don’t include lentils - not saying it can’t be done but think you need proper guidance.

On the weights - same as previous posters. Do it.

How or where do you go to do strength training? I keep reading about people doing it but I'm not a gym member - do I need to join a gym?

I am about the same age and have gained muscle without really even trying (gardening and picking up horse poo!). I would imagine the issue is probably your diet. There are vegan sources of healthy fats and proteins, so you may need to find which you can tolerate, otherwise lifting weights won’t do much.

Do it!
I'm 50 and have recently got back into running. I've also started strength training 3 times a week. I'm watching what I eat and have reduced portion sizes and added protein shakes.
Consistency is the key I find. And then it becomes a habit. And now I look forward to putting on my exercise gear.

Hi, you can do lots at home, eg body weight workouts, use dumbbells, use bands etc.
I don't work out in a gym and have improved muscle tone and strength considerably by doing all if the above over the last year.

Yes. I finally got back to body pump after years of it clashing with work / childcare. My arms were filling out after about 4 months. Bum was lifting too.