Wishful thinking at 45?

[Heatherbell1978]

I'm 45 and I've never felt as old and frumpy as I do now and I suspect this is my due to my weight gain. I'm not overweight but just look dowdy.
In my youth I was a real gym bunny, fit, healthy, size 8. I managed to get body back reasonably well post DS aged 36 but since DD aged 39 it's all gone downhill - too tired, too busy, lockdown etc, lots of excuses to not do much. I'm on holiday now and feel awful in a bikini and just can't be bothered making myself look nice in the evenings. We have a new gym opening near us soon - is it possible to overhaul my body at this age and be fit, slim and motivated again? I'm also peri menopausal which I suspect plays a part too.

Of course you can. If you are overweight too you could combine it with fasting.

I started running at 48 after I had ds at 45.

Now I run 2 x 5k a week, practice martial arts to retain flexibility, and still cycle with my ds.

It took a bit of effort but I feel good and am older than you. It can be done.

Yes. But it is hard work and takes longer. Def combine with intermittent fasting.

also focus on HIT workouts and weights. At 45+ you need a good plan about why and how you are exercising. ‘Next level’ by Stacy sim is good for this

Definitely not wishful thinking!
I'm 44 and had totally given up on myself

Decided to overhaul 6 months ago and I'm probably the fittest and strongest I've ever been through diet and exercise.

It wasn't fun starting fitness 4 stone overweight but I persevered and it's still challenging now at a healthy weight so either way it's supposed to be hard work, but a great buzz and feel like a new woman.

OP, have a read of this thread asking something similar -

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4834849-did-anyone-gain-muscle-with-exercise-in-their-40s?page=1

There are so many inspirational posts from women 40, 50 and beyond who have started exercising and taken control of their health and wellbeing. It's never too late.

It gets much better nearer 50. You are in the mid life slump.

I was the same - a bit older at 50. Absolutely no diet or exercise helped. In the end I did an extreme high protein diet for 6 weeks and lost over a stone. It wasn’t easy but after the first week it was easier as I started to see results. I think as you get older and menopausal losing weight is really hard.

I started circuit training at 50. Never enjoyed anything as much. Suddenly found myself walking faster when heading somewhere. Felt younger..didn't lose a huge amount of weight but lost inches as stomach arms etc tightened up. It's not too late. It will give you time for yourself, help clear your head and improve your self confidence as well as your fitness. Go for it.
And while you are on holidays have a good long walk everyday.

Yes, it's possible! You can do it. I did it at 51 - lost 55 lb. I had a body like porridge from neck to ankles - fat everywhere, size 22. Lost weight and changed shape. Never been to a gym in my life - I live in the middle of nowhere. I just had some weights in my kitchen. I'm 51 in this pic, size 10.

I'm 45 and could have written this about 4 months ago. I'm definitely on a journey

I was the fattest I ever have been and looked so grumpy and dowdy. I was a healthy size 4 on my wedding day. I ate and slept well and exercised for fun.

I have coke a long way and actually shuffled my bum to yoga last night. It was awful. Couldn't get to the end. Everything hurts and I can't even bend at the hip. Awful.

Obviously I need to go back.

I'm slowly reclaiming my self respect. Putting my dietary and health needs on par with those of the family.

I'll expand a bit more but I've lost 8lb and I'm sleeping better.

Good luck.

Get a peloton and use it regularly. Easier when you have the equipment in your house to find motivation, rather than booking classes and getting yourself to the gym. It’s not just spinning, there are strength classes and Pilates/yoga. It’s addictive and much easier to fit into your day. We’ve had ours for nearly 3 years and I have used it consistently 3/4/5 times a week. This year I have added in strength classes too (weights) and this has made a big difference. I am similar age to you and also lack motivation but I find every class really motivating and enjoyable.

@StellaJohanna you are utterly inspirational. And hot!

What a lovely thing to say! Thanks very much.

@stellajohanna wow you look amazing, and I bet you feel it too.

Thanks so much. I was really ill when I was very fat at 50, honestly. I thought I was a gonner. Honestly, women out there, just put yourself first for once, just for a bit of time in the day, to get your food right and do some exercise. You don't need money. I don't have money. Myfitnesspal website was great for me. A great bunch of people there. It's free. I lifted weights, but just walking 5 miles a day alone will get you well on the way to feeling and looking better.

Amazing!! Thank you for sharing that. Soo encouraging. I'm 50 in a fortnight and slap bang in the middle of menopause. At first the weight was not coming off but then I started making good use of my active zone minutes on my Fitbit it's been working. Well done @StellaJohanna !! You mentioning weights had got me thinking 🤗🤗

I'm nearly 70 and superfit. Working out with weights/dumbbells made all the difference. Check out Caroline Girvan on YouTube. Truly life-changing.

Plus a healthy diet. I cut out almost all sugar, alcohol and refined carbs. Eat 2 meals consisting of lots of vegetables and moderate amounts of healthy protein a day, plus small amounts of fruit in between. Mark Hyman's book The Sugar Solution spurred me on to change my diet, and I found it surprisingly easy.

Well done! Menopause is tough - my tip- lift weights to preserve muscle and keep your protein up! 2 Dumbells 6lb each or if you are already strong,2 x 11lb. If you do only 10 minutes a day you can preserve muscle. 2 dumbells and a kettlebell.

@StellaJohanna you look incredible. Would you be so kind as to say your starting weight / current weight? Trying to get INSPO to lose baby weight
thank you
also your arms look amazing!!

Op I am a similar age and feel exactly the same! Thank you @StellaJohanna wise words that I needed to hear.

Hi there, thank you - Starting weight was 200lb plus (14 stone 4) Current weight 140lb (10 stone)

@StellaJohanna absolutely amazing 💐 thank you for answering 😘

I’m so glad I came across this thread!

Wow! Incredible, very well done 💪

It is. This time last year I lost 12kg. I do strength training twice a week, which is plenty to keep my weight as it is. Off on holiday next week a happy size 10/12 and can't wait! You can do it