Anyone working to rock their body out after the weight loss?

Sparkle7

I'm super excited to have lost the weight and seem to have a decent handle on maintaining the loss.

But, now, I want to lose body fat and build muscle so that I go from a "nice" body that's really pretty soft to a bikini body that's feminine and strong. This isn't going to be easy because I'm not in my 20's anymore and I can't devote myself to the gym. But I think I can find a way to get pretty close.

Has anyone else 35+ done this? If so, I'm eager to get advice and insights on how to do this without expensive trainers or over the top workout routines. I'm willing to make any food changes I need to, go to the gym 5 days a week and work hard while I'm there!

Also, is anyone starting out or on the way to this next challenge? If so, I'd love to add you as a friend or have you add me! We can keep each other motivated!!

losingitseattle

This has served me well!

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/womens-strength-training-guide.htm

5050110

> This isn't going to be easy because I'm not in my 20's anymore and I can't devote myself to the gym

Well, if you do a basic strength training program, you go 3 times a week, not more. You do 3 compound lifts for 5 sets of 5, and you're done. You keep tacking on weight every week.

The key is good form, patience, good diet and consistency.

cparsons_60

I'll be 57 in two weeks. I've lost 55 of my goal of 60 pounds (5'5", 200 to 145), and at this point I'm not focused on losing the last 5. If it happens, fine; if it doesn't, that's fine, too. I'm still logging most days to make sure I don't gain.
I've found this MFP discussion fascinating: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat#latest
I realize I'm in a good place to start strength training and getting what posters call "newbie gains" -- I'm near my goal, eating at a slight deficit, still have some fat to lose, and haven't been training regularly. My YMCA offers lots of TRX and Body Pump classes, such that I can take one or the other most days. I've really enjoyed these and found them challenging. In a few weeks I'll start a lifting program, but these classes are a fun and challenging start. My form and strength have improved in just two weeks. Psych!

griffinca2

Same advice: go to http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10177803/recomposition-maintaining-weight-while-losing-fat#latest and start on page one and follow what it says. I only just started recomp so really am not showing results as of yet (although I am stronger)--per the thread, it is a slow process.

tephanies1234

I am also working on dropping body fat % and building muscle. Add me if you like. I personally went the online trainer route since it is far cheaper than having one in person. I go to the gym 4 days per week. I have a nutrition plan (IIFYM style) and a training program that I got to have input on. So far I have had really good results.

Sparkle7

Thanks for the input everyone! Right now, I'm weight training with a 5 day split and also doing cardio 5 days a week. I'll definitely look at all the links!!

alias1001

I'm 31 and don't go to the gym. I do Mark Lauren's program, You are Your Own Gym, but Insanity, P90X, or Convict-Conditioning are based on body weight training I believe. I've gained a ton of muscle while still losing. Almost at goal.

ptargino

I've lost 70 pounds and, since March, I'm working towards reducing my body fat. Last time I've checked, went from 20 to 12% whislt maintaining my weight (195lbs-ish, 6ft 3). Now I'm thinking about gaining mass.

moesis

I'm working on reducing my bodyfat over the summer months. Being in Minnesota and not being as active in the winter I plan on using my Insanity videos over the winter to keep me active and increase my muscle mass.

Spice1973

I'm 41 and working on building muscle as well. All I do is workout at home with weights and a workout dvd and an incline treadmill and it seems to be working pretty good. I've never been to a gym though so I can't really give you advice on what to do there.

auntstephie321

I'm in the beginning of this new maintenance/muscle strengthening mode as well. I've started doing some bodyweight stuff like squats and lunges, push ups planks, and some light weights. I have a lot of learning to do too but its a start. Good luck to you!

stormyview

Oh, yeah! Me!

I'm at a relatively low body fat % (115, 5'4"), so I think I'm seeing results already. Is that possible? Maybe I'm deluding myself. I do think that after about two weeks, my thighs are looking more defined and jiggle less. I'm sure results will slow down. I'm putting my initial gains down to newbie gains.

giantrobot_powerlifting

Yes. Took 5 years off and went from dad bod to being in best shape of my life and probably almost my strongest. I'm 44.

sunbunny66

You can add me. I've been working on figuring out what my maintenance calories are. Gone from SW 154 to CW 137. I have also started strength training.

just4me123456

Yes! I'm 46 and 5'6 136 pounds after losing 30 pounds. 26.5 inch waist for the first time since my early 20s!

just4me123456

Forgot to add that so far iv

just4me123456 wrote: »

Yes! I'm 46 and 5'6 136 pounds after losing 30 pounds. 26.5 inch waist for the first time since my early 20s!

Edit to add I've been at this weight plus or minus three pounds for about a year now. Makes me think this might be my settling point, even though my original goal was a bit lower.

pobalita

I'm 48 an working on the same. I really enjoy running, so that keeps the weight off pretty well, but have been trying to build a little more muscle. I go to some core workout classes at the Y - they are really fun and keep me motivated. I've been a little intimidated to use the weights at the gym, but know I need to get myself in there.

tkphotogirl

Yes! Add me if you like. I'm 43, only about 1/3 of the way to goal#1 but trying not to lose muscle on the way there. In a few more months enough fat will have gone that I will be able to see better what I've got to work with

galprincess

Feel free to add me im 30 had 3 children slowly getting there

kristinels

Hi - please feel free to add me. I'm 44 and have 10 lbs to go to get to goal (SW 169 CW 145 GW 135 Height 5'6") I'm excited for the exact same reasons as you. I was going to wait until I get to goal, but why not start now? No time like the present, right?! I have been working out daily since February doing various different body weight and light hand weight workouts and cardio/HIIT workouts. Most recently I've been doing the CardioSculpt program on DailyBurn.com - but tonight I'm headed to my first 'On Ramp' class for CrossFit. I want to start lifting and have been lurking on that recomp thread a few others have shared as well.

KarlaH9801

I am 32, but definitely trying to rock my body. After 4 babies, there is no bikini on my horizon, but some killer arms sound fantastic. An above poster mentioned TRX- I LOVE TRX! It is as easy or as hard as you want it to be, and it is one killer workout. If anyone has a chance to try it, I highly recommend it.

Sparkle7

Love all the posts! You've given me great ideas for adding variety to my workouts. I especially like some of the options that I can do at home. I'll be less motivated to go to a gym when snow comes.

If you said I can add you, I'm doing so now. If not, and you want to add me, feel free!!

joemac59

I am 47 have gone from sw 230 to cw 145 in 1yr 5 mos. Looking to start strength training program and try to tighten up what i can. Looking for friends on the journey

CarlydogsMom

I'm 53, lost the weight (75 lbs, from 220 to 145) about 4 years ago using mostly cardio, maintained the first 3.5 years with mostly cardio/mountain biking. Felt the same as you, wanted to increase muscle mass and strength, so I started lifting free weights (compound lifts), progressively heavier program using a personal trainer. Worth every penny, and now I'm on my own cutting this summer then going into a slow bulk or re-comp come fall/winter.

The thread recommended is great; as is "HALP! Lifting Made ME SUPAH Bulky" to see before/after photos of women weightlifting. It's inspirational and there are many in their 30s, 40s, and 50s (and older!) in that thread. Good luck, weightlifting will rock your world!!!

joemac59

Hi, this post has motivated me to start strength training. I joined Anytime Fitness today and will meet with a trainer to set up a program tomorrow. Excited to start this journey and hope to share with new friends along the way. I really need to tone up and increase my strength now, that I have lost the weight.

115Everest

I'm really worried about using free weights at the gym because I don't trust myself on form. But lifting as hard as I can on machines doesn't worry me as much. In light of my concern, a very knowledgeable friend told me that if I don't plan to ever get a trainer (which I don't) in addition to the machines, I should lift some heavy but not crazy heavy free weights too because machines are confined to a certain range and don't go outside that range, whereas with free weights, you'll work all of the muscles and can move in different directions. Made sense to me, but I haven't tried doing that part yet. Too early to know how much of a difference it will all make. I expect it to make a pretty big difference.

griffinca2

Does the gym have personnel that can assist you w/form?? Or do they have personal trainers that you can use or you have any gym pals you can ask for assistance??? Free weights are good; I mix mine up (free weights & machines); keeps the muscles guessing.

barbecuesauce

35 and starting my recomp today. I think I'm also going to find a new cardio activity, because running hurts right now.