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Menopause and out of shape ( with pics ☹️)

88 replies

Sallysister68 · 20/04/2025 19:24

I am 56 and went through the menopause last year. I feel completely out of shape, I’m 5ft 2 and 8st now. I have put on about half a stone in the last year and can’t seem to get rid of it.
Can anyone offer advice? I eat a very healthy diet and walk a lot but have never been a gym person.

Menopause and out of shape ( with pics ☹️)
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Menopause and out of shape ( with pics ☹️)
OP posts:
Sallysister68 · 20/04/2025 19:26

Here are my pics

Menopause and out of shape ( with pics ☹️)
Menopause and out of shape ( with pics ☹️)
OP posts:
furusato · 20/04/2025 19:27

You look perfectly fine.

Doyouthinktheyknow · 20/04/2025 19:29

You look great to me!

To tone up though if that’s what you want, I know people who do exercises at home with dumbbells and do really well!

So many videos on instagram or you tube to get started.

LadyKenya · 20/04/2025 19:30

I am a bit smaller in height, and weigh around the same as you. I would not dream of trying to lose weight.

MauraLabingi · 20/04/2025 19:31

You look just fine. But if you want to look different, what do you want?

If you want to reduce body fat, you need to address your diet, however healthy it currently is. I suggest posting a new thread on the weight loss board outlining what you currently eat and people will help.

If you want to increase muscle/tone, you need to exercise the right way. Post a new thread on the exercise board and explain what you want to achieve (bigger glutes, more toned arms, flatter abs, whatever you think you want).

Sallysister68 · 20/04/2025 19:37

Body fat and tone @MauraLabingi . I will do that thank you.

OP posts:
BirdIsland · 20/04/2025 19:38

Your figure looks a lot like mine, similar height and weight too. I would agree with pp, you don’t need to lose weight but you might want to get stronger and more toned.

I started weight training last year and I’m focusing on getting strong and building muscle mass. It’s making me feel much better about my body (although I still need to work more on my diet - I like crisps and chocolate too much!).

Missj25 · 20/04/2025 19:45

Doyouthinktheyknow · 20/04/2025 19:29

You look great to me!

To tone up though if that’s what you want, I know people who do exercises at home with dumbbells and do really well!

So many videos on instagram or you tube to get started.

You look great to me too ..
Like Doyouthinktheyknow has said , great exercise vids on line you can do at home if you want to tone up ..
I know you say you are not a gym person, I always thought I wasn’t either , I gave it a shot though & you know something, it’s actually fine 🤷🏻‍♀️
Other side of it with me though is , I bought exercise mat & bands , etc , I was only going up to my room here & there to exercise though, whereas with the gym , once you go in , you’ll do what you went there to do … Hardest part with the gym , is getting out that door to go there …
I mean you might be very good at home unlike me …
You actually do look great though , but I know it makes no odds what people say to us . If we think something ourselves & aren’t happy ..
Best of luck OP x

Missj25 · 20/04/2025 19:50

MauraLabingi · 20/04/2025 19:31

You look just fine. But if you want to look different, what do you want?

If you want to reduce body fat, you need to address your diet, however healthy it currently is. I suggest posting a new thread on the weight loss board outlining what you currently eat and people will help.

If you want to increase muscle/tone, you need to exercise the right way. Post a new thread on the exercise board and explain what you want to achieve (bigger glutes, more toned arms, flatter abs, whatever you think you want).

Hi PP , I’m sorry if I sound stupid, but how do you get onto the other boards to ask advice ? I’d like to get some fitness advice ..

Allseeingallknowing · 20/04/2025 19:50

If that’s out of shape, I want to be out of shape!

Screamingabdabz · 20/04/2025 19:55

I wish my menopausal figure was as “out of shape” as that! You look fine.

tootsfan · 20/04/2025 19:56

honestly, that is not out of shape.

MauraLabingi · 20/04/2025 19:59

Missj25 · 20/04/2025 19:50

Hi PP , I’m sorry if I sound stupid, but how do you get onto the other boards to ask advice ? I’d like to get some fitness advice ..

Click on 'Talk' somewhere at top left probably, and you can see a list of all boards/topics. The Exercise board is under Health.

henlake7 · 20/04/2025 20:14

You appear to have a lovely figure but if you want to tone up I'd recommend doing yoga or pilates a couple of times a week.
Also if you aren't weight training yet you Def should be.....it's a must for all of us as we get older. Can be easily done with just a couple of dumb bells and body weight exercises.

Missj25 · 20/04/2025 20:15

MauraLabingi · 20/04/2025 19:59

Click on 'Talk' somewhere at top left probably, and you can see a list of all boards/topics. The Exercise board is under Health.

Thankyou …

Daisy03 · 20/04/2025 20:16

Weight training, either in a gym or at home, bring consistent will sort it out

W0tnow · 20/04/2025 20:18

100% weight training. It’s so important. Also, get your bone density checked.

Sallysister68 · 20/04/2025 20:19

W0tnow · 20/04/2025 20:18

100% weight training. It’s so important. Also, get your bone density checked.

No I haven’t . How do I have that done?

OP posts:
harriethoyle · 20/04/2025 20:25

This wins the award for thirstiest thread of recent days. Well done OP! 🙄

consistentlyinconsistent · 20/04/2025 20:27

The cynical side of me feels like this is a 'gosh look how out of shape I am' knowing full well you aren't. Or you have body dysmorphia.

Sallysister68 · 20/04/2025 20:30

I am not sure what you mean by thirstiest?
No , just looking for advice about how to tone up and look better at my age @consistentlyinconsistent .

OP posts:
JosieRay · 20/04/2025 20:30

I’d also be interested to hear how you can get bone density checked. My mum had osteoporosis but my GP has told me that I can’t get checked out without first having a fracture! Crazy!

consistentlyinconsistent · 20/04/2025 20:32

@Sallysister68 muscle toning actually isn't a thing, you probably want to build and strength muscles. Try yoga, pilates or basic weights at home - plenty of workouts on youtube.

Crikeyalmighty · 20/04/2025 20:34

You look great - I’m aiming at this post WLI !! ( except I’m bigger up top)

Justalittlehotpotato · 20/04/2025 20:54

Allseeingallknowing · 20/04/2025 19:50

If that’s out of shape, I want to be out of shape!

I agree! Although I am 5ft4, 10 stone 2, and having lost a stone recently after shedding the last of my baby weight…I am feeling that I look great and am perfectly happy with my weight right now. I am sure you look amazing at 5ft2 and only 8 stone something!