What's going on with my shape? (pics)

[yogsaclotheswoes]

I'm in my late forties. Low BMI, not much has altered since youth as I was never the type to build tone or firmness even when very active but I am obviously less toned now though and my posture is appalling.
I am thankful to be healthy and doubt there's anything 'wrong' with me but maybe I really shouldn't have purchased this, er, particular outfit to practice yoga at home (not in public!)
I honestly did not know how wide my upper thighs were (the pants cut into the flesh and they are the correct size), nor was I aware of the blockish shape my hips make at the back. Unless it's the camera/mirror I look very unfit here. I eat healthy food and am active, but don't do any special fitness stuff. I have just recently decided to try to learn yoga, mostly for posture and flexibility.

I felt dreadful after seeing these, as soon as I stuck those shorts on I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I never wore stuff like that as a teen tbh.
I am 5'5 although for some reason these images shorten my legs. These shots also didn't capture the dimpling jelly at the back of my upper thighs. Perhaps they look odd because my ankles and calves are so small.
Everything feels soft and flabby even though I am not overweight. It's like being slim but not slim. Is it skinny fat? I certainly do not want to restrict calories at 8 stone 2.

My waist is 25inches, chest 32B. You'd never guess looking at these!
Would you suggest any specific toning exercises I could do to just tone the upper arms and upper legs? I don't have an arse to write home about but surprisingly it's quite ok naked.
I'm ashamed to admit I felt depressed seeing these pics, I know there's MUCH more to life but it just makes me want to buy a wide dress and hide for the summer. This chaps, is why I never wore shorts.

and one more photo.

There's nothing wrong with your body. Those shorts are just not flattering, they cut you in the wrong place, you need some slightly longer ones.

You look slim and otherwise very normal OP. If you genuinely are as appalled as your posts suggest, I honestly would suggest you get some therapy.

I think you look great. Honestly not sure what you're seeing that has made you so upset. Really.

Wow, you look fantastic

You look great OP, you really do.

But if you're interested in building more muscle and tone then as you say yoga is a good idea. I'd also suggest some gentle weight training - great for bone health as you age, and will help correct posture.

You look fine

Well, I said I knew there was nothing essentially wrong with me, it's just a shock I think as have not seen myself clothed like this since my swimsuit days!

I would like to have more tone, since i am getting older, this is why I want to begin yoga. I just honestly didn't think I looked like that, so perhaps it is unfamiliarity. I don't look at myself unclothed a lot really.

Would love to hear any at home stuff I can do to firm up as I don't want to loose weight. I've just no idea how to do it! HIIT? Pilates?

Just seen more replies, thank you.

Is there anything you'd recommend, light weights sounds great,, and youtubes that might suit me? Im new to all this.
Where do you buy them? What weight should I begin with?

I'd be ecstatic if those were my pics and I'm late 30s 😆 Honestly, you look great.

As you age the fat distribution does change, NOT that you are fat in any way at all, you look fantastic and very in proportion and fit, but we all need a fat layer and unfortunately can't decide where it goes. It's hormonal and another shit symptom of peri menopause. I've always been a pear with classic small boobs, tiny waist and bigger bottom and thighs and well under 10st with no effort. Pretty much as soon as I hit 50 I grew some boobs and got a tummy and weight started to go on even though I wasnt doing anything different. It was a big shock. I'd got used to dressing for my shape and now didn't know what to wear and had to start thinking about what I was eating.

You might be on the cusp of your body changing shape now and be able to ward it off. It's possible to keep slim and trim through the menopause and beyond but it does take some effort. I'll start tomorrow.. of course.

Part of the aging journey. Slightly longer would be much more flattering 💐

@Playplayaway Thank you. I'd considered meno but don't want to blame it for everything, lol.
With me I think I don't like how short my torso is, and I can't alter that! It seems to swallow my waist even when I am in good shape. I hate elastic waistbands for this reason, they make me look like a brick.
My sister was a slim pear and gained boobs after meno, she looks fantastic.

@Prollynot Thanks:) I doubt we are every truly satisfied, and we don't know what we've got till it's gone!

But NO NO NOOO! Rage rage against the dying of the light!!

I do suit full length Sweaty Betty's!

Good god, woman - you look absolutely bloody terrific.

If you're looking for strength and tone, HIIT type sessions and weight training have worked miracles for my perimenopause body.

Do it to feel stronger and healthier though, because you look like a goddess already.

I think the main problem here is just unflattering shorts. You look great for late 40's (or any age really!).

There is no such thing as toning up though. The only way to get that look is to increase muscle size and lose body fat. You won't get muscle definition without losing body fat.
HIIT, Weights, diet and water.

Easier said than done though, I'm still skinny fat.

You have an enviable figure.

But I do know what you mean, I’m slim but soft (so still a size 8 but with rolls on tummy and under bra strap) now that I’m in my 40’s and I find it hard to deal with. I want my taut, unwrinkled, undimpled, unstretched tummy back and feel like I look horrendous in most stuff.

I'm not too bothered with ageing, so far (!) I can deal with the odd line and some things sagging more, but every now and again, not too often, I get really fed up of feeling flabby. If I reduced calories that would get weird, and make the rest of me look too sparrowlike. I once lost a ton of weight, down to 7st after norovirus and my thighs finally appealed to me but the rest of me looked awful. So i thought toning them the best I can would be a good middle ground.

So is there no way to firm up just a bit? I want to do yoga for other reasons, but would be happy to do some home workouts if anyone can recommend a good vid?

You look great! I think putting on some muscle wouldn't hurt. If you go to the gym, try Body Pump. If you can workout from home, try Sydney Cummings on YouTube.

You’re what’s called ‘skinny fat’. Weight bearing or resistance training will be great as it will build muscle and will firm everything up.

Pilates will improve your posture too.

Thanks, will have a google. Gaining muscle, yes - I would def like to be a bit less willowy and soft, always secretly wanted a strapping equestrian figure!

You look fine. Slim but soft. You lack muscle definition and tone.

Yoga will help but I suggest also weight and conditioning training. Increase muscle mass and strength. Functional strength and fitness is SO important, especially as we become menopausal.

OP start light, but aim to end up doing proper heavy lifts. Back squats, bench press, barbell rows, deadlifts etc. Maybe book PT for 3 or 4 sessions to show you how. You'll be toned and strong and feel great. Fab for your mental and physical health as you age.