Late 40s, menopausal and fading

[Swedes2]

I haven't as yet submitted to the full beard and elasticated waistband trousers. But heck, it's hard isn't it? I absolutely love clothes, make-up, and all that shit.... but I am becoming more and more interested in my garden (not a euph). Last night I went to the garage to buy milk in my gardening clothes.

Anyone else going through the same thing? Have you any tips you can share?

I will lose 10lbs, plus the belly flab (refuse to call it a gunt ) < prim >, and I will lift my aese by at least 2 inches (how many square/lunges did you say it takes, Kerry?) < wibbles >

My problem with exercise has been the scoliosis I was diagnosed with when DD was 18m old. Had back pain from when DS1 was a baby but I thought it was just because he was such a huge baby. Then DD the other heffalumps and DS2 came along and it just got progressively worse.
Was told by a physio that 'the worst thing you can do is charge around an aerobics hall,' so stuck with the ineffectual, boring exercise I was prescribed, which kind of eased the pain a bit but it came back if I left off for a while (which I inevitably did, since lying on your bedroom floor stretching is hardly feel-good stuff).

Now I've had the revelation that just going to the gym and strengthening my muscles -nothing fancy - actually helps, and I feel as if I'm doing 'proper' exercise at last. It does still hurt, though, but I'm determined not to let it transform me into someone stooped-over, old-before-my-time, and limited in my activities.

I feel like it's now or never as regards to sorting out my back - nothing's going to get better by itself!
Sorry for the ramble .

I'm already running at least 5k but I will join you in spririt and will go out/to the gym at least 4 times a week. Promise.

Kerry - I've lived will dodgy bowels due to a surgery as a baby and then again in my 20s. Shall I tell you what keeps me regular? Yes, you've guessed it. More running And less wheat. But I struggle with that one.

cyb - yes 17 year-old size 8 dds are a bummer aren't they.

Runnig really makes such a difference to one's mood, aches and pains, sleep patterns, ability to cope with stress, confidence and so on, it really does.
I'm not menopausal at 43 (and even if I was I would never telly anyone, not even on the internet) but blow me, running makes such a difference.

I exercise quite a lot anyway but there is a treadmill in the flat I am in at the moment (abroad with dh) so I do 5km a day (even if it is too bloody hot to do them until the evening-people below must think I am a nutter). A few weeks of that leaves me in fighting form.

So impressed with your fighting spirit - age shall not wither you lot!

I shan't join you on your Couch to 5k quest, having already done it, but all I can say is that the suppport of fellow strugglers on MN was hugely motivating (I can't possibly stop running....gasp....puff.....what will I tell everyone in my next post?).

On the subject of linseed, you can buy it ready-ground at the health-food shop (sometimes sold as flax-seed), and Holland & Barrett do some nice blends with nuts/sunflower seeds that taste nice on yogurt etc. Linseed is a low-carber's friend, as it's easy to get bunged up with all those eggs.

Kerry - I am relieved to report that I still have all my own teeth....I'm on the slippery slope towards bifocals, though.

The meno is a fact of life for all women, nothing to be ashamed of really.

I don't like running so won't be able to join in the couch to 5K. I feel silly running round the streets. Would prefer to walk, then jog once I'm out of sight.

It's not that I'm ashamed of the menopause, just that it has come as an almighty shock.

At a time in my life when I've finally got myself in shape, and my confidence is at an all-time high, suddenly there it is, a reminder that my senior years are just around the corner.

It's the loss of libido that worries me; DH is already starting to take it personally.

OK - I've never been running before. Apart from running shoes (which I've got), and some sort of appropriate kit, how do you manage to carry everything with you? House keys, iphone for the C25K app, water, etc?

Strap an iPod to your arm, tie a key to your lace or buy running tights with a little pocket at the back. You don't need water.

Re menopause, fair enough on an internet forum but I have several colleagues who don't stop banging on about it. I think it is really unprofessional to dicuss your gynaecological issues in the workplace.

Waaaaay tmi.

Running tights?! I'll have to run in the dark otherwise I'll get arrested for looking offensive in a built-up area.

I forgot that I needed a strap for my i-pod. Will have to postpone running outside then..

folk who run outside - what do you wear? I need links

these have a worrying camel's toe-like appearance

Just wear anything!
It doesn't have to be posh.
I've worn the same thing for exercise for about 5 years.
I don't understand people who spend loads on clothes to sweat in.

Re TMI: Sure, not in a workplace, but this thread has been a huge boost for me. I always thought I'd hit perimenopause much later (like my mum) so it was a huge shock to me that my youth was indisputably coming to an end . . . however, the idea that I can train for a 5K run is so positive and I would never have come up with it on my own.

KM, have you tried riding the stationary bike? I have a dodgy knee too and was advised by a physio to do this -- apparently it actually "sands down" (lovely) any rough spots on the cartilage inside.

And they're £95, Corny!!!

I wear something a bit like those Corn but they didn't cost anything like that!#I also have no truck with all the paraphernalia and special shoes and crap like that written on that ad.
'Compression panels reduce muscle vibration conserving vital energy and making your workout more efficient.'

Complete bollocks.

Am going to wear my ancient Nike workout capris, but LadyCorny if you're really worried you can always try

Stationary bike riding.
I could think of nothing more soul destroying.

Being on crutches is worse than stationary bike riding.

rofl at camel tame -ds wants to know why I'm spitting coffee on the keyboard