Did anyone transform their fitness at 40?

[sorepaw1]

I'm 40, fatter and unfitter than I have ever been (size 20) and do not recognise myself. I've never been fit, but i was slim in my younger years. Looking for people to inspire me, tell me how you turned it all around later in life and give me hope that i can do the same! Is it possible?

I really don’t fancy the fasts thing. I’m usually finished eating by 6pm though so I suppose I’m doing it by default.

I am on my way to doing it. Age 54 now, after Christmas found myself tipping the scales in the obese bmi category and very unfit.

Finally plucked up the courage to join the local gym and start hiit classes x2 per week in Jan.

Then started eating much leas sugar and upfs in Feb.

In March started the C210k app and now on week 9. Just ran my first 5k in about 10 years.

Feeling so so much better for it.

Half a stone to go to get in the healthy bmi range.

This thread is really inspirational and uplifting.

I lost 15kg in my mid 40s by cutting out upf, reducing starchy carbs and sugar and upping protein. My hba1c went down from 38 to 28 and waist size from 30" to 24". I never counted calories and eat to my appetite within a 11 hour window generally 7am to 6pm.

I also started strength training with Caroline Girvan last August and upped daily steps to at least 8000. I was pretty sedentary before. I still don't have much muscle but feel stronger and can lift heavier.

Well, I can't say I've lost a lot of weight since I started training, but my upper arm muscles seem to be re-appearing and I've moved on to bands with more of a resistance.

Now using 2X3kg weights for arm raises an a 4kg medicine ball for sit-to-stand. A new start was able to begin with a 4kg medicine ball today, but she's 30 yrs my junior. (I'm 64.)

I've realised that I'm now walking more normally, rather than that weird moving from side-to-side gait that you see with people who have knee problems. I still have my knee problems, but at least my thigh muscles are stronger.

I'm only allowed to walk on the treadmill - I can get up to just over 6km per hour at a walking pace and I'm also using an elliptical machine, albeit without an incline. (Not allowed the incline because of my knees.)

My late husband started Karate in his late 50s. Got his black belt at 64. Would have had it a year sooner, but had to wait to have a stent fitted - turned out he had a hereditary heart condition.

A heart attack took him in the end, but he made it to 82.

Yes! I started c25k at 39. Also weight lifting and other cardio soon after. Now I regularly run anything up to half marathons (done 2 full marathons too). I'm 3 stone lighter than I was 9 years ago (I'm 48 now).

It's hard work but you can do it!

I took up tennis lessons at 41, really enjoyed them but had to stop due to getting tennis elbow and it not going away(physio said it was probably my one handed back hand that caused it) and covid happened, I also joined a gym at the same time, not really thinking I'd stick to it. Lockdown was hard but I made myself go for a daily run so I kept on doing the exercise.

5 years later I'm in the gym 5/6 days a week, I may not be slim since perimenopause but I'm getting there again, I'm toned and can see my muscle definition.

It's absolutely possible to turn things around and regain your health and fitness later in life! Many people have done it, and their stories can be incredibly inspiring. Here are a few key tips and insights from those who have successfully made this journey:

1. *Start Small and Stay Consistent*: Begin with manageable changes to your diet and exercise routine. Small, consistent steps over time can lead to significant improvements.

1. *Set Realistic Goals*: Set achievable goals that align with your current fitness level and lifestyle. Progress may be slower than when you were younger, but every step forward counts.

1. *Find What Works for You*: Explore different forms of exercise and dietary approaches to find what you enjoy and can sustain long term. It could be anything from walking and swimming to yoga or strength training.

1. *Seek Support*: Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage and motivate you. This could be friends, family, or even online communities of people on similar journeys.

1. *Believe in Yourself*: Your mindset plays a crucial role. Believe that you can make positive changes and be kind to yourself throughout the process.

1. *Celebrate Your Progress*: Recognize and celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. It's important to acknowledge your achievements along the way.

1. *Be Patient and Persistent*: Transforming your health and fitness is a journey that takes time. Stay patient and keep moving forward, even if you face setbacks.

Remember, everyone's journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. The key is to find what works best for you and to stay committed to your goals. You can do this!

You can also practice Zumba, calisthenics, Cardio, Yoga, or mallakhamb.

I can relate to this. Super unfit when I hit 40. Spent my 30 getting fatter and fatter. I started running 5K's during Covid but found it harder to sustain once back to real life. I've now moved countries and have daily access to a pool. I've been swimming consistently four times a week 40 lengths for six months now. I now want to get into lifting weights. A really inspiring thread 😁

43, weight crept up to 59kg.

1200 cals a day and spinning 4 times a week.

52.3 kg within two months.

Still having a drink, eating good food etc, but feels good to be slim again.

Me. 45yrs old... obese, blood tests came back as pre-diabetic. Wake up call as l am a nurse in Theatres and l see an awful lot of limbs bring amputated due to patients not taking responsibility of their health at my age.

So joined weight watchers and started C25K.

I truly thought l was going to die.... took me far far longer to complete the running programme.... but l did it!

3yrs later...

I continue to run (well plod...I'm never going to be fast !). Swim twice a week. Attend two weight classes for strength and toning. Attend a Les Mills Combat Class.

I have done all that very gradually though.

Getting fitter has been a lifestyle change for me (as l sit here eating chocolate...) but l really fear for our future if we don't take responsibility for our health as l really believe that the NHS will place more and more restrictions on what will be available in the future

I started running at 50. I'm overweight and have a long term health condition. I've done 3 half marathons and still regularly do 5km. I'm over 60 now.

How are you getting on @sorepaw1 ?