Do most women post 40/45 yrs dislike their body?

[Existentialtimes]

I'm 54, post-menopausal. I'm not overweight, but despite working out a lot, I don't look particularly muscly. I have a little belly and a biggish bum because of all my glute work, and thighs that have cellulite and a little thick. I was overweight in my teens, hit my fitness stride at 29, lost tons of weight, looked my absolute best and thinnest in my thirties...and then had kids etc...

That's the background.

Today, I went to find a new swimming costume. Looking at a three way mirror in M&S, I could have cried. I just hated what I saw. I'd love to practise self-love but I just can't. I hate being so shallow. I want to be grateful that I'm fit and well, but Instead all i feel is self-loathing.

This! ^^

You don't need to love your body or hate it. Google "body neutrality".

Exactly @Ames74 - self hatred is such a waste of energy

Weirdly, I look identical at 53 to what I did at 18. I’m short with hips and cankles. I remember in sixth form being jealous of every one else with longer limbs and more regular shape.
Now, I’m the identical dress size (10ish) and scrub up ok. My body suits my age, I think.

Those who looked better than me then, I imagine, have seen more change. People with long fine limbs continue to look good but in a different way, or they out in weight in the middle.

Thanks @Roadaheadclear for answering.

No. I am all about the self love. Self loathing is toxic and I left that behind in my youth. I am far from perfect but relatively fit and strong in my 50's. My body does what I need it to. My mum is heading for a wheelchair and I'm honestly just grateful I have my mobility and strength.
Oh I never ever try clothes on in shops, that will make anyone feel bad, those mirrors are hideous. I just use the mirror I like best at home with my soft lighting

No.
I'm 45, child free and I'm satisfied with my body.
Not arrogant, I have flaws, but why put myself down?
Not classified as overweight and definitely not skinny.

I did hate my peri menopausal body for a few years. I started working out for an hour a day and restricted my calories. It's taken 2 years to lose 3 stone and I'm delighted. I'm no longer embarrassed by my body. I still have another stone to go, I cannot wait to be a size 10 again. You can do it, it's never too late. 💪 💪 💪

Bodies are brilliant. They do all kinds of amazing things all the time - most of which we don’t know about or notice, to keep us alive and active. Who cares what they look like when they are so fabulous!

I spent my entire life until about 5 years ago absolutely hating and fighting my body into submission - starving, bingeing, keeping myself at an artificiallly low weight.

Then I decided I was done with all that shit and got fat. But I love my body. I refuse to feel anything other than love for it, because it's more healthy than anyone of my age that I know. I am extremely fit still, because I love exercise and walking, and I do both almost daily.

So I would advise changing your focus from looks to function, especially as you exercise.

A also think give it a few years and the menopause 'couldn't give a fuck' hormone balance will hit, and you will effortlessly feel loads better.

Thank you, all. I'm grateful for the boost and the reminder that we are all here for a fleeting 5 mins and self-loathing is a total waste of time.

Thank you. And fuck M&S mirrors. I feel like writing to them, telling them how wrong they've got it.

Also @AstonMartha - I do Caroline Girvan weights on youtube and Pilates on 'instructor live' (also youtube) its in collab with the NHS. The instructor is called Sam (female). 0I do the pilates as a warm up and then the weights. Both have really helped with tone, posture, back pain. I'm mid 50s and these are really helping me feel not too bad about my body.

"Pilates was the thing that changed me the most."

Please tell us more.

I loath the M&S mirrors. many a time I have wanted to cry.
I was hanging in there body wise till my mid 40s then fuck me, the perimenopause kicked me in the teeth. I've always been very motivated to exercise but I've lost the will to live. I've gone up another dress Size, and I was already too big. I know that diet is my issue but again, lost the will to live. A lot of the weight is my own fault, I've never been disaplined. I'm paying the price now I think.

I shall assume you’re not being sarcastic 😁

It’s the strength it requires and the overall work out it gives. I run a lot but Pilates added definition to my legs, my abs are now visible, my shoulders and arms defined. I use weights doing it now, but the fact it’s easy to do every day I think is the key. I do 12 mins (12 x 12 exercises) every morning and 2 classes a week, so quite a bit to be fair, but I’ve built the moves up so now it’s with weights and it’s changed my physique. It’s not overnight, 2 years in but only 1 class for the first year.

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/styleandd_beauty/5032620-please-share-your-dimple-busters-peri-menopausal-cellulite-woes

I went through the same woes after trying on a suit in M and S earlier this year and catching a back view of a big, white, dimply bum when I was getting changed. I'm mid fifties, size 8 and go to the gym regularly. DH had to take a photo of my bum in the end to reassure me! It's not you it's them!

Thanks. It was a genuine question. I know people who do it once a week and they haven't had any transformation so I guess it's the frequency that makes the difference.

Good god no, never try swim wear in a shop. Order online in all sizes and shapes.