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Original poster

Inch or two off waist?

19 replies

TheOrigRights · 15/02/2023 21:44

I do not need to lose weight.
I exercise a lot.
My hips and bust are as usual.
But my waist is getting bigger.
I am 52 and in perimenopause.
Are there specific exercises I can do to trim it up?

I mainly run, do one strength/core class a week and swim and cycle. And walk. Fast.

If I do more core etc it def tones me up but make me look more solid if you know what I mean. I am naturally lean.

Thanks

OP posts:
OffYouPopNow · 15/02/2023 22:17

Are you on HRT?
Its what helped stoped my middle age spread, I did also reduce calories. Getting down to the bottom of my BMI sorted the extra inches that had started to stick to my middle.

Original poster
TheOrigRights · 15/02/2023 23:38

Thanks for replying.
No, I'm not on HRT. I don't have symptoms I can't manage at the moment.
I already am at the very low end of heathy BMI, so I don't think reducing calories will help my waist.

OP posts:
Askingforafriendly · 16/02/2023 18:43

Why do you want to? It is a very normal and natural part of ageing for women (and often men also)

We have got to stop chasing this insane concept that we stay the same shape we were when younger. It’s impossible for most.

The changes will keep going- breast flatter, bum volume loss, skin will sag. It’s age and it’s normal.

You are slim and so long as you are also internally ‘fit’ ie good diet and exercise then just focus on that.

icefishing · 16/02/2023 19:51

I kind of agree with @Askingforafriendly but I find Pilates shaping without being bulky.
My middle age pudge is due to not having the metabolism I once did.

Original poster
TheOrigRights · 16/02/2023 20:24

Why do you want to? It is a very normal and natural part of ageing for women (and often men also)

Thank you. You've made me think.
I think that if I don't do anything about it I will get a big, round belly. I don't think I'm ready to accept that. Or maybe I will just get softer all over and settle into a post menopause body. It's the uncertainty that unsettles me.

OP posts:
GNR2022 · 16/02/2023 20:29

What’s your waist measurement? I always try to keep mine underneath the recommended size for women. I also lift heavy weights, that helps keep things trim.

Mudandpuddle · 16/02/2023 20:44

I'd like to know too. My BMI is 19 but don't seem to have a waist until it goes down to 18.5 which seems a bit of an extreme way to get a waist. Maybe should try pilates. I was always quite square.

Scottishflower65 · 16/02/2023 21:05

Pilates did it for me. Also lots of twists. Not tried hula hoop but that seems to work too?

lazarusb · 16/02/2023 21:11

Could it be bloating rather than weight loss? I'm 51 and have developed a belly. I recently began taking probiotics and they have reduced my belly/waist within days by a couple of inches.

BambooWhoosh · 16/02/2023 21:18

@lazarusb Please could you tell me which probiotic you are taking?

Paq · 16/02/2023 21:29

Diet (as in, what you eat as opposed to how many calories) rather than exercise. Cut carbs and alcohol for a few weeks. Drink loads of water.

Original poster
TheOrigRights · 16/02/2023 21:31

lazarusb · 16/02/2023 21:11

Could it be bloating rather than weight loss? I'm 51 and have developed a belly. I recently began taking probiotics and they have reduced my belly/waist within days by a couple of inches.

Possibly. I have noticed a change in my digestion patterns in the last few years.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheOrigRights · 16/02/2023 21:35

Paq · 16/02/2023 21:29

Diet (as in, what you eat as opposed to how many calories) rather than exercise. Cut carbs and alcohol for a few weeks. Drink loads of water.

I rarely drink alcohol. Could def drink more water. I've never cut anything from my diet - I try to eat a balanced diet.
Do carbs cause podge around the waist?

OP posts:
Original poster
TheOrigRights · 16/02/2023 21:37

GNR2022 · 16/02/2023 20:29

What’s your waist measurement? I always try to keep mine underneath the recommended size for women. I also lift heavy weights, that helps keep things trim.

I think it's fine for health purposes, it just that it's more than I want it to be.

OP posts:
samthebordercollie · 16/02/2023 21:44

Carbs can cause water retention, as does eating salty food or drinking alcohol. I'm low BMI and very fit, very little tummy usually but if I eat or drink those (e.g crisps and wine at the weekend) I always have water bloat and a bigger tummy the next day.

Paq · 16/02/2023 21:55

I don't know the science but basically the interaction of food with your hormones can affect where you store fat. Which is why post-menopausal women can lose their shape. Diet and supplements can help. Or you can just buy spanx!

Original poster
TheOrigRights · 16/02/2023 21:57

samthebordercollie · 16/02/2023 21:44

Carbs can cause water retention, as does eating salty food or drinking alcohol. I'm low BMI and very fit, very little tummy usually but if I eat or drink those (e.g crisps and wine at the weekend) I always have water bloat and a bigger tummy the next day.

Hmmm, interesting. I've never really been one to have bloat problems, aside from a few days before my period.

I suppose it could be changes in metabolism due to my age.

OP posts:
lazarusb · 16/02/2023 22:15

I've always had a flat belly (even after 3 children) but menopause has caused bloating and affected how I digest food. I now find I have to eat more carefully and avoid carbs, cheese, spicy food, alcohol etc. Frustrating.

Cranarc · 18/02/2023 17:38

Stress and the related cortisol can also cause fat build up in the belly region in particular.

In your position I would try tweaking my diet to reduce carbs, increase water intake, reduce stress if possible/necessary and I would do core strength exercises. You may just have to live with the fact that you look a bit more solid around the middle than you would ideally like and dress accordingly. Another exercise option would be to work hard on glutes to build more muscle there and thus give more of a contrast to the waist area. But that is essentially body-building and is a long term project and hard work.

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