My tummy has turned to blubbery much - post 40 is there anything I can do about it?

[rookiemater]

Went clothes shopping today - big mistake for the January sales to be so close to Christmas . I seem to have acquired a new mushy padding around my middle.

I'm 43, BMI of 25 ( which I do try to reduce through 5:2 but unfortunately eat too much on the other days).

I do exercise quite a lot to counterbalance my overly healthy appetite - I'm currently training for running events next year so go running 2-3 times a week, plus usually do a metafit class and go to the gym oh and do quite a lot of walking.

Is this mushy tummy a 40s+ phenomena? Will it go away when I lose the Christmas flab? Should I pack away my bikinis? Or is there any exercise that is recommended to help with that particular part of my body?

Pilates is good for tummy firming.

I did try pilates once, but it wasn't for me - too slow, thanks for the recommendation though.

I second Pilates. I've been doing it for a year, now, and have rediscovered bits of my tummy that I'd long forgotten about. However, I still have quite a long way to go!

Sorry - x posted with you OP.

Try sit ups?

the solution would depend partly on the problem, it could be:
lack of underlying muscle tone
excess subcutaneous fat
excess intra abdominal fat
excess skin from sagging and/or stretching over time

Well it could be all of the above !
Seriously though its the texture thats new- kind of dimply, dont know if this is just a middle aged thing.

I third Pilates. It is slow but it will certainly fix your issue as long as you persevere !!

Sigh ok will see if I can get on pilates class at the gym. Will once a week make any difference - am loathe to sacrifice any more from my cardio/strength work or can I get a DVD ?

Callenetics works on tummies, and I too struggle with Pilates and yoga - find my fingers tip tapping:)

You might find a book on ebay or look at you tube for the stomach excercises.

The other option is to try the low carb boot camp on here, twinned with Gillian michaels 6 pack in 6 weeks DVD or download on iPad. There is a thread for it in exercise:)

Adding inches to the tum often happens in the years before / around menopause. Even if weight does not change much, the % body fat may rise and the % muscle drop.

This may be the more dangerous visceral fat, which you have to address via diet and exercise together.
OK , you are doing 5:2, which can be very effective to handle the nutrition side.

We discuss fat and menopause quite a bit in the 5:2 exercise thread 52Exercise and recommend modifying your exercise routine towards more HIIT and heavier lifting.

Another vote for Jillian Michaels Six Week Six Pack, it's a pretty intensive workout that should help your core strength and burn fat over your whole body. Plus any other HIIT- other Jillian DVDs like Shred or Ripped in 30, or try the 7 minute workout (google it).

5:2 is great for slimming down, but if that is your aim you will need to watch what you eat on non fast days. I'd also recommend cutting down on starchy carbs. I could never low carb (a life without pizza- never!), but reduce the amount of carbs you have as a side and replace some/all with veg. Plus try to cut down/out snacks, and if you must snack try to make it protein based rather than carbs.

I have signed up for pilates - my friend is going to come too so we'll see how that goes.
I have the shred - I have never managed to do it on 30 consecutive days but it's a good back up work out for days when I can't run or go to the gym. I will order the six week six pack too I'm a sucker for getting shouted at by Jillian !
I guess the other question is,whilst I am happy to do what I can is this an inevitable part of the aging process that my body sinks and sags and do I need to come to terms with it?

It's not inevitable, I'm 47, I've a flat firm belly, no sagging

I am 43 next month and lost 2.5 stone and my pregnant-looking tummy with 5:2, then low carb and 16:8 and Shred then 6 week 6 pack. I now have a 6 pack and have gone from size 34 jean waist to 26.

So it is possible, it took me 6 months.
Good luck.

Seriously impressed Trucks!
visible abs are not easy to achieve!

Here's a brilliant and dead easy muffin busting exercise (it works!!)

1. lie on a firm flat surface (it can be on your bed I do this 3 times before bed and 3 times when I wake up).

1. Arms by your sides; put them above your head flat though if you want to increase the difficulty.

1. Slowly Lift the upper part of your body KEEPING YOUR HEAD IN LINE WITH YOUR SPINE ONLY 4 cms above the bed. hold to the count of 4 or 5.

1. Slowly release.

You can feel the belly muscles activate and I do belly pulling in exes through the day (like PFE's) no one knows you're doing them!

Thanks ppeatfruit - that's something I can fit in easily !

I also do 'twists' sitting down on a stool or the loo etc. I just keep below the waist facing front and look round behind me as far as poss. Keep the belly pulled in while you do the ex. Oh bend your arms above your boobs or swing them to follow your chest if you've the space!