Menopause and out of shape ( with pics☹️)

[Sallysister68]

I am 56 and went through the menopause last year. I am 5ft2 and weigh 8st now.I have put on about half a stone in the last year and I seem to get rid of it .I eat a very healthy diet, stay away from sweets, biscuits etc and don’t drink alcohol. I walk a lot but have never been a gym person, can anyone offer advice?

You carry your weight on your middle- you can tone your core but you’d still need to loose the fat over it iyswim. Is that what you wanted advice about? Do you want to be a gym person?! I believe lifting weights is recommended post menopause for every woman

I do feel that I need to loose weight around my stomach and top of my legs. Possibly a diet along with some toning exercises. I would be happy to try some weights but don’t think would ever go to a gym.

You have a great figure!! Maybe try some core exercise videos at home? There are lots online, including NHS ones.

You look fabulous.

She really does!

Also don't discount the idea of a gym; I started going for the first time last year aged 55, never thought I would, but I love it! Try to find a nice informal one with all ages/abilities.

Definitely a gym would help. You could see a PT and tell them your goals. They can advise a specific exercise (and sometimes diet) plan. A mix of cardio and strength/toning plus stretching. They’d also normally weigh you on special scales that can track your body fat and muscle % over time (plus lots more).

You have already posted this. Why have you posted it twice?

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/styleandbeauty/5318922-menopause-and-out-of-shape-with-pics?page=2&reply=143700025

And you are clearly not out of shape for goodness sake! And you are 8 stone! Seriously! Why do you keep posting this?

I was advised by a poster on my other thread to post on the exercise section, she obviously thought the people on here could give me good advice @BatchCookBabe .

She carries weight on her middle?! There's barely anything there. She is 8 stone!

This is true - she has a fabulous figure. Do you think she's just showing off or fishing for compliments? 👀

She said she’s gained half a stone (that’s a lot for her height/weight!) and I bet it’s all gone on her middle. She’s lost her waist looking at the photos? I would want to do something about it too- isn’t that just what happens in menopause?

This. It kind of feels like a stealth boast

If I have your body at 56 I’ll be absolutely thrilled! Well done on maintaining a lovely, healthy, figure. If you want to train I’d work on some strength training as it’s overall good for older women and will help to tone.

Your body looks lovely for your age. It’s natural to soften up a bit and to be honest I think very thin or muscular women look a bit wiry past a certain age - and it almost always shows ( negatively) in the face. I think you should just practice some acceptance that we all change - many people far, far more than you look to have. You don’t have a teenager’s body but you’re not a teenager. Be kind to yourself.

Really?! Come on OP. Kindly, you look great. I am the same height as you, years younger and over 13st.

I think you're a healthy weight for your height and in good shape - I don't think you need to diet! I'm same age and height and just over 8 stone.

I've worked out with kettle bells 2-3 times per week, for approx 15 years, as I enjoy it, can do it at home and not interested in going the gym. Kettle bells are a great combination of strength and cardio training. Deadlifts, squats, lunges, kettle bell swings, press ups etc would all work on those areas you want to improve. I follow Lauren Brooks - On the Edge Fitness, for kettle bell workouts. She's based in San Diego, is no-nonsense, knows her stuff and was streaming content way before COVID. Or you could book some sessions with a PT or try a local gym for some kettle bell instruction.

I walk when I can and do a bit of Pilates/yoga at home and recently got a balance board which I use approx 3 times per week. Apparently, as well as improving your balance and core strength, it's good for your brain/neuro plasticity too.

Lifting weights would increase your muscle and consequently your metabolism would increase, even when at rest. You'd be stronger and have increased protection from Osteoporosis. Some Pilates/yoga or stretching exercises would maintain your flexibility too.

I may be misunderstanding OP reason for posting but I don’t think doing a Pilates class or joining a gym would make her look wiry or age her. I think they’d be positives!

but if OP is after validation for an undies pic (!) then I agree- you look great as your are ☺️

You have long legs for someone 5 2, . I’m very envious.

You’re nasty aren’t you? I saw her post on the other thread and she was advised to try here. I’m 53 and in the same boat so looked for her post here. Thanks @SmallmerciesI didn’t know about the NHS videos will definitely check them out today . Good luck OP x

Although you don't need to loose weight you look to me like your goal should be body recomposition, gaining a bit of muscle and loosing a little fat.

I do weights at home which really helps with this. Strength training is vital as you get older as your body naturally looses muscle unless you use it and NHS guidelines are for 2 sessions a week.

You only need a couple of dumbells to get started. I suggest the Caroline Girvan iron programme on you tube. I started with 5kg upper body and 8kg lower body but you could try first with just body weight and see how you get on.

Looks really slim to me

I posted the pictures @purpleme12 because I have gained weight around my stomach and the tops of my legs. I got some really good advice on here.

Ok

I still have the same opinion

Strength work is one of the most important things you can do for your general health.

There's loads of options for gyms, classes or youtube videos. It's easy to progress, start with light or bodyweight and increase the weights gradually as it begins to feel easier. If at home, lighter weights are quite cheap, the price goes up as they get heavier.

It's also worth doing a couple of sessions a week of something cardio that gets your heartrate up, and feeling out of breath.