I’m 42, is it too late to rescue my body?

[feesh]

My body is an absolute wreck. I want to do ‘proper’ exercise, but first I need to spend time doing lots of gentle physio type exercises, like the Mutu programme to heal my diastasis, and some stuff to stretch out the incredibly tight muscles in my legs.

So, rather than jump into a proper exercise routine, which is what I’d prefer to do, I need to spend a few months getting the foundations right. And it’s this that puts me off even starting.

My core is fucked, due to diastasis, hence I need to actually finish my Mutu programme which I have been putting off for years.

My legs are in a real mess - I can hardly move due to my muscles being so tight. I’ve had lots and lots of surgery on both legs, and have specific problems such as my abductor muscles having been cut through so many times that they are now non-functioning. I can’t sit on the floor, I can’t kneel, I can’t even do chIld’s pose any more FFS.

I’m also wasting away through lack of exercise; my arms have gone flabby and I have zero muscle tone. I’m very conscious that at 42, I need to rescue my body urgently to protect myself from osteoporosis etc,

When the kids go back to school I can go to the gym every day, but I feel like I have such a gigantic mountain to climb that I don’t even know where to start.

Is there any hope for me? Has anyone else ever let themselves go to this extent and managed to turn it around?

One day at a time.

Could you afford a session with someone who can work out a programme for you as it sounds kick you have specific needs and considerations.

I would not say it’s too late - I have been doing yoga for the last three months and m starting to see the change in my body - especially arms etc and overall flexibility.

Good luck op - you need a plan and it sounds like you are ready to start to do this.

People turn it around all the time. You just start where you can and gradually increase. If you aren’t sure what could help get a PT fit a while. No need to pay big bucks just a few sessions for guidance.

If you want to do it you can do it

I don’t have your specific issues, but I have managed to turn it around at 41, having drunk, smoked and eaten my way through my late 30s! I’d really recommend an excellent personal trainer, as many times as you can afford. I stumbled upon one, in a group situation, who is knowledgeable, cautious and encouraging to those of us with health issues. She’s changed my life, and i’m enjoying exercise for the first time ever. Good luck- you’ll feel amazing once you start.

Pilates. Go for an accredited teacher like Body Control and have a chat with the tutor about your stomach muscles first. Of course you can do it - but I think your 40s are use it or lose it territory so you need to crack on

Op its not to late.
Im no expert but i would say find a personal trainer-consider it an investment.
Sounds like you need a specific training programme.
I have a year before my ds goes to school full time and then I will concentrate on getting me back.
Good luck

Thanks. I’ll do my Mutu programme over the summer and get a trainer in the autumn when the kids go back to school. Feeling inspired now, thank you.

I agree with the advice to get a personal trainer. Also check out the Girls Gone Strong website - I think there are a few articles on there about dealing with diastasis.

Maybe you could start off with swimming.It would be more gentle on your body.

I don’t have your specific health issues , but have turned it round at53. Was obese with a very distended belly, so size 22 waist and size 18 breasts and hips,
I’m now a 14 all over( work in progress) but the revelation to me is my core. I finally have core strength and it’s like a corset of muscle. 5 years ago I weighed less than I do now, but my figure is much better currently. I’ve done Blood Sugar Diet( aka Fast800) and an e revise called TRX where even when you exercise your arms or legs, it works your core.

Thanks @ohyesiam, your story is an inspiration! My husband actually has a TRX, any ideas of websites which teach you how to use it please?

I rescued my body in my 50s, I'm 59 now and probably fitter than I've ever been, and lost 5 stone in the process.
Because of your health problems I think you should get some professional advice, but after that then go for it. Being fit and active really feels great.

I think just deal with small short term goals to improve your general condition. Try not to overwhelm yourself with the bigger picture. Finishing your current regime is a start. Plan what comes after that and then after signs of progress the next thing. Build yourself up that way. It took you 42 years to get here so you already know it won't be an overnight miracle but surely the fact that you're commited to a programme of self improvement will give you the boost and encouragement you need to persevere.

When I had pretty bad sciatica a few years ago I was finding whatever exercise I tried to do made it worse. So I bought one of those electronic muscle exercisers that make your muscles twitch. That got me to a state whereby my sciatica was much better and I could move around better.

From there I did low intensity aerobics and then running. I actually thought I would not be able to run but tried this technique and found I was fine running for half an hour from first try. Here's:

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2khySLE

Now I run just about everyday and my core has improved so much I can do a plank quite easily! 🙂

Very inspirational posts - thanks!

I’d recommend a cautious and careful approach to some strength training. If you can afford it, a personal trainer to teach you good form and help you develop a set of exercises which you can mix and match into a varying routine. But at 42, just aerobic exercise (such as running) or just Pilates/yoga won’t cut it. Strength/resistance training is the way to go. And isn’t so heavy on your body as you gradually get fit.

Good luck!!

42 is NOT too late at all.

YES there is hope. The body has amazing power to recover. It is important to know that as you set out.