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?

[bugrin]

Looks a bit like [bubear]

Cyb-were you doing the walk round Richmond Park-I have done that a few times.
Stopping in at Pembroke Lodge of course.
I still cannot walk properly after gym session with a personal trainer on Friday.

Can I join you, ladies?

46 in October, and have noticed the sudden loss of rib cage and the overhang in the midriff department. VERY depressing ...

Took heart after reading this thread last night and didn't eat carbs or drink wine tonight (a first for far too long). Don't want to sink gracefully into my own middle aged flab: want to go down fighting!!!

Would love to do the C25K with you - but work full time, have 3 kids and their homework to negotiate, and live in a very hot country. And extremely dodgy knees. Come on ... persuade me! I NEED to get trim again.

I am loving this thread! Please may I join you?

I'm 47 and have also noticed my rib cage disappearing under a roll of flab, my stomach is huge and refuses to be contained and my upper arms look dreadful. I've gained a stone and a half in the last twelve months which I'm finding hard to shift, one reason being the same as BIWI's in that my willpower has diminished and the other being that I am feeling really content within myself, I don't care so much what people think and am happy just being me (probably more to do with leaving abusive relationship) I am not happy however with the matronly look I seem to have adopted!!

My periods have gone all funny too, lighter but more often, I'm having two a month at the moment so that means two lots of the monthly munchies which is not helping!

I can't jog but I have just ordered myself a rebounder and will use that for my exercise. I am also going to start low carbing from tomorrow! I also NEED to be trim again!

Have some cake and start tomorrow. HTH. [bugrin]

Well I have wine tonight as it is a bank holiday tomorrow and my boy is back; ds2 - been in Canada at university.

Tis a myth about dodgy knees and running. Generally, if you are doing short distances (less than 5 miles) and wear good shoes, and do other knee strengthening exercises (so you don't strengthen one muscle at the expense of another) tis fine. I've had knee surgery (dodgy cartlidge) and, like pretty much everything else it's better when I run than when I don't.

I should think squats and lunges with weights are pretty hard on the knees.

OhTimeforMe - you've reminded me. My bingo wings need attention before the summer arrives proper.

Saggar what action will you be taking to reduce your bingo wings? Are free weights the way to go? I would love nicely toned upper arms. And a pert bottom but think that's a lost cause.

Inspired by you all I have been to the gym two days in a row

And I have not eaten any of the kids easter eggs. Though suspect I might sneak a glass of wine tonight

I am even thinking ( only thinking mind) of the c25k thing. I already have trainers and sports bra so am low on excuses. My back is miles better now due to weight training ( bang goes another excuse)

If anyone works out how to get rid of bingo wings, please let me know. My arms are really well toned and good muscle definition, apart from the wobbly skin hanging unjderneath when I lift them up [busad]

And triceps dips. And triceps press ups

Dumbells[bushock]

I used to do free and assisted weights at the gym for my bingo wings but I've been a bit lax over the winter.

You can do tricep dips using the side of the bath.

This hurts my arms more than weights

don't let "non-working" arm drop -- it looks like nothing but it BURNS.

I ate pie. [bublush]

All this exercise talk! Used to do 3 times a week in gym and a swim - before kids that is. Now do none. My pelvic floor is shot so anything too vigorous is out. May try yoga - at some point.

You know what - found myself looking at the Cotton Traders catalogue and LIKING stuff that was in it!!!!!!!! Dear god - this is the end!

Cotton Traders!!

Next it will be Country casuals and wide fitting velcroes sandals from the back pages of Sunday supplements.

Get a grip.
Do not go gentle and all that...

I know - I am disgusted with myself............

Hmm...I am v tempted to join in the couch to 5 k thing.My big prob with running outside is that I have a wasp sting allergy and I get worried in the Summer that I will get stung running along-I'm over paranoid about it since having my dds,never worried me before. Do you think its actually possible to lose the middle-chub ? (please someone say yes!)

Tracey Anderson looks interesting - but I must stop my eternal quest for the perfect exercise routine and - you know - actually do some exercises.
Just spent 40 mins stretching for my back but that's hardly going to shift the flab or lift the arse, is it?