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Original poster

50 year old seeks toned bum

77 replies

50but17inside · 26/07/2018 09:45

Long time MN user and serial name changer here!! Will you indulge me as I have started this thread as a kind of motivational diary for myself and hopefully to get some support and advice from the collective wisdom on this wonderful site.

So I have just turned 50, am 5’9, weigh 10 stone 4, body fat is 23%. Last year I was 11 stone 3 but with mindful eating, the couch to 5k app, weightwatchers etc I have managed to get this far.

I know Im perfectly fine weight wise now but I’m really interested in how to improve The muscle tone in my bottom. I am trying to do some form of exercise every day now whether that be swimming, a gym trip, jogging (did a 10K a few weeks ago in 1hr 25m so not exactly Paula R) or whatever.

In the gym I do a mix of Callanetics and weights (machines). I do squats and lunges etc. but my bum still looks droopy and inner thighs squidgy.

I eat really well and get as much protein down as possible every day.

I wonder if I just have unreasonable expectations of what a 50 year old bottom can look like!

So grateful for any advice!!! Has anyone ever really changed their shape at 50??

OP posts:
Original poster
50but17inside · 01/08/2018 18:34

Oh thank you so much everyone for all this fab advice and kind comments. I’m sure you all look amazing if you’re already doing all these exercises!!!

Ps I have just spent a quite lovely few minutes watching a (very) fit young man called Scott doing glute bridges on YouTube So thank you for that 😂😂😂

OP posts:
Original poster
50but17inside · 04/08/2018 12:12

Well that’s interesting .... I’m on day 6 of squat challenge now. Have also been swimming every day and done loads of straight leg kicks up and down pool. So here’s my photo from yesterday which was Day 5 and Day 1 again for comparison. It’s not my imagination is it??

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Jupiter9 · 06/08/2018 23:31

I personally think you looked better on day 1. Sorry.

1wokeuplikethis · 06/08/2018 23:46

Why would you say she looks better on day 1?! Sorry but I'm laughing at that! OP you have a fantastic figure and good on you for working so hard to change something you want to feel better about.

Your bottom definitely looks more shapely on the more recent picture. If that's after less than a week then you will have a bouncing bottom in no time!

stayathomegardener · 06/08/2018 23:59

Pretty sure 48 is photoshopped...

Jupiter9 · 07/08/2018 00:09

Perhaps I should of said you look great in your first picture, I would of thought you were in your twenties. Certainly not 50. Well done.

Original poster
50but17inside · 07/08/2018 06:45

You are very kind but I think the dim lighting is flattering. I promise my legs and bottom really don’t look in their twenties in the sunshine!!!

Hi stayathome - Not sure what ‘48 is photoshopped’ means. I wouldn’t even know how to do it 😂

I have to do 100 squats this morning as part of the challenge and make every single one count. I really do think it’s starting to work.

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Original poster
50but17inside · 07/08/2018 06:49

Oh wait you mean you think the Laura Gordon 48 photo is photoshopped???

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SoaringSwallow · 07/08/2018 06:56

Wow OP I do see a difference there. Was trying to see if you're tilting your pelvis more in update photo. Maybe but the bottom curve is still more!

SoaringSwallow · 07/08/2018 06:57

I'm certain it is. The Kardashians' alter theirs too. Most pictures are at least slightly altered these days.

BigGreenOlives · 07/08/2018 07:04

I wouldn’t trust anyone’s photo on IG especially if they have masses of followers & sponsors

BellaDianne · 07/08/2018 07:17

You can't compare your two photos as they aren't taken in exactly the same way.

To get a more toned bum you need to do weighted squats with a bar. Body pump is great but isn't going to get you quick results.

Every person with an incredible bum does these! It's the queen of all techniques I promise you. Start doing these as well as other weighted exercises every week and you will notice huge differences. Bodybuilding.com have some amazing workouts already put together for you and any gym assistant worth their salt will show you what you're doing

Original poster
50but17inside · 07/08/2018 07:29

Belladianne thank you so much.

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Original poster
50but17inside · 07/08/2018 07:51

so before and after Day 9

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Original poster
50but17inside · 07/08/2018 07:52

And the back view

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HumptyNumptyNooNoo · 07/08/2018 07:57

You can buy a bum from a good plastic surgeon you know . Much less effort !

HeavenHelp · 07/08/2018 08:06

Personal trainer here! You aren't going to see much in 9 days unless you have perfected your diet, and are doing heavy squats - if toning is what you are looking for. There is this funny notion that men are muscly and women are toned, but that's just not the case. Any sort of toning is simply just muscle building, so you need to look at your body as I it was a machine and ask 'what do I need for this machine to function in the way I want it to?'

List of things you need:

  • lots of water!!!!
  • exercise your whole body, I really suggest asking someone to write you a set workout plan you stick to every week, or finding one online (bodybuilding.com have written loads of great articles, livestrong have a few too. Have a look around)
  • weight section - don't be scared to use the weight section in the gym. It's usually full of blokes but they are usually busy admiring themselves so won't notice you in the slightest
  • stop focussing on how much you have changed in a handful of days. You will end up giving up. Take two weekly or monthly photos.
  • hard work. You really do need to commit to working hard. You mentioned someone below who has an amazing bum and inspires you... why can't you be like this woman? Why can't you have a bum similar to hers? Why can't you have an insane body that people stare at in awe? Well the answer is, you can! You just have to work damn hard for it.

All the best OP! And for what it is worth you have a wonderful figure and to a personal trainer like myself I would be excited if you came to see me!

HeavenHelp · 07/08/2018 08:08

Completely forgot to mention diet, and that's one of the biggest factors here! You aren't going to build muscle without fuelling your body correctly. You need protein! You don't need to go overboard and be eating 5 steaks a day, just make sure you have a good portion of protein, lots of green veg (leafy is best!) and not too many carbs/sugar. No need to starve yourself of sweet treats - a client of mine eats super healthy al throughout the week and has a Sunday as her 'day off' and eats whatever she likes (in moderation). Her results have been amazing even when she hasn't trained much (and she is a similar age to you!)

stayathomegardener · 07/08/2018 08:16

Yes I'm sure it's photoshopped.

My dd is a photoshopper and you can tell by the skin tone, it's a look.

On the basis that 48 is I believe open to changing her skin tone it's not difficult to lift or round certain areas.

Be careful of trying to achieve the unobtainable.

Ps I think there is a difference in your two images.

Original poster
50but17inside · 07/08/2018 08:20

Heavenhelp thank you so much for your really helpful and inspiring posts!! I do get as much protein down as I can and am really mindful of everything I eat generally.

I have been in contact with the lady in these photos who is a local fitness pro and evident superhuman to arrange training. Hopefully she will teach me the perfect weighted squat technique!!

50 year old seeks toned bum
OP posts:
HeavenHelp · 07/08/2018 08:24

@stayathomegardener agreed. I'm a personal trainer and have worked with a handful of people who like to post their photos online. Never once come across a person who looked that perfect (just had to google her). Notice that she's doing the same pose in every photo? It's amazing how much a certain pose can change the way you look...

HeavenHelp · 07/08/2018 08:26

@50but17inside that's great to hear! Hopefully she will be able to meet with you or offer you a little advice. Are you a member of a gym? There are usually assistants in gyms that whilst aren't always trained to the highest standard, do know how to do basic things like squats etc. How many days a week can you get to the gym?

Original poster
50but17inside · 07/08/2018 08:28

Oh those photos are interesting!!! I can get to gym every day

OP posts:
HeavenHelp · 07/08/2018 08:42

If you can get to the gym every day, I would suggest starting on a 4 day routine, so for example:

Day 1: Legs
Day 2: Off
Day 3: Back and biceps
Day 4: Off
Day 5: Chest and triceps
Day 6: Shoulders and core
Day 7: Off

All weighted and throw in a bit of cardio after. You don't need much cardio to start off with, just enough to get your heart rate up and keep it up for 15-20 minutes. You can find workouts for all body parts above online, with a lot of the exercises being pretty standard (especially for beginners). Ask someone who works in your gym to help you if you're completely clueless. If you can afford it, you can pay for a personal trainer, and if not, you can pay for a one off training plan to be written for you. Or, you can do your research and write your own which once you've done a bit of reading I have no doubt you'll have trouble doing :)

joggingon · 07/08/2018 08:43

Barbell glute bridges. Also important to google glute activation exercises before you squat as you may be quad dominant.

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