Women over 40 and already lifting? Let's build a supportive community!

modmom1

Hey gals! I think it would be great to get together with other women over 40 who have a real interest in lifting and want to be actively chatting with each other. Whether you're on your first program, been at it a few months, or even a few years...we can all learn from each other. Let's face it, keeping fit or finding fitness over 40 is HARD!

I'm 46 and have been lifting off and on for about 5 years but have been more committed to it over the last year. Yoga is also a big part of my practice. I come from a lifetime of weight struggles and thyroid issues (I no longer have one) and this road into strength training is creating wonderful changes to my body. My only regret is that I didn't find it sooner in life. I have no desire to compete, just to be the strongest, healthiest me and balance it with life enjoyment (that means don't touch my cookies hahaha)

So shout out! Where are you in your strength training journey? Let's be supportive of each other! Let's hand out the HIGH FIVES for the great days and give support for the low. Let's talk workouts, bucket lists, frustrations, and the best in compression workout clothes to hug that 40+ year old body in and up lol.

If there's enough interest here, I'll start a private group for us

sublimesolutions

I'm interested! I'm 43 Yrs. Been training since 2006 and worked with an amazing trainer that got me 6 pack abs...but after having a kid, I fell off the wagon and got back into training in Aug 2015 and started with a new trainer in Oct 2015. I covete defined shoulders and abs and I'm now working towards getting bikini ready for August. I'm at 21%bf and want to get down to 15%.

What I find works for my endomorph body is circuit style training and intervals. Old school weight splits and cardio alternating every other day is no longer effective for me. I also need to eat cleaner...but my husband is a feeder.

I would love to have more active friends on MFP.

sublimesolutions

I love fashionable workout clothes...black edgy mesh is my favorite but am finding certain brands are better at keeping it together...compression style. Eg love Michi for design...including a good waist band so I don't have to worry about readjusting when I do jumping exercise but find it doesn't have enough compression for a more flattering look on my legs. Heroine Sport is better for pants...style and compression and waist band.

modmom1

I just picked up my first Alo leggings and I love them. They keep everything in and the rise is enough to maintain the love handles yet stylish enough to not hit under the boobs lol.

Defined shoulders are beautiful on gals. You have a great plan for summer.

singingflutelady

I'm 40 and 3 1/2 months and lift!

mom23mangos

Hey, mod mom and others. Almost 41yr old lifter here. I've lifted off and on since college, but pretty much stopped exercising completely this past decade. Put on a few pounds. Started eating healthier and lifting/HIIT in February. Starting to get my six pack back. If only the flabby thighs would go away.

tchrmom04

I am just now 47 as of Thursday and I lift. I was doing Body Pump - but have transitioned over to the Strong program of lifting 3 days a week. I used to do NROF4W and know the benefits - but I had a stressful job in the middle there. Now I'm back to lifting - and love it! I have recently lost the 50 lbs that came with the stressful job and am happy to be lifting again.

singingflutelady

Oh I lifted heavy for 2 years, I became very ill and diagnosed with Crohn's and was bedridden for 10 months and now back at it for 7 months. This time I did SL 5x5 (my muscle memory came back strong and I progressed quickly even though I had to restart with just the bar!), Texas method (3x a week full body intermediate program) and just started PHATthis week (5 days a week upper/lower power hypertrophy intermediate program). I have extreme fatigue so no cardio at the moment

george7527

Hi all you lovely ladies I'll be 51 in 2 weeks slightly older but it's only a number just come back from my holiday and decided while there that it's just what i need to do to tone up especially my upper body. would love to join the group better chance of being committed not to give up. my problem is not seeing results quick enough.

modmom1

mom23mangos wrote: »

Hey, mod mom and others. Almost 41yr old lifter here. I've lifted off and on since college, but pretty much stopped exercising completely this past decade. Put on a few pounds. Started eating healthier and lifting/HIIT in February. Starting to get my six pack back. If only the flabby thighs would go away.

You have great momentum going! Keep it up. If you find the secret to slimmer and less-saggy thighs, please let me know lol. Welcome!

modmom1

tchrmom04 wrote: »

I am just now 47 as of Thursday and I lift. I was doing Body Pump - but have transitioned over to the Strong program of lifting 3 days a week. I used to do NROF4W and know the benefits - but I had a stressful job in the middle there. Now I'm back to lifting - and love it! I have recently lost the 50 lbs that came with the stressful job and am happy to be lifting again.

Happy birthday! We have to kick *kitten* for the second half of our 40s. I've done NROL4W. Great resource, unfortunately I screwed up my knee doing it. I still recommend it though. Congratulations on the weight loss. I'd love to hear how you like Strong.

60to35

Hi! I will be 50 in 4 months and have been an athlete my whole life. Unfortunately, I have had a lot of issues with food. Discovered a low carb high fat lifestyle through my doctor and am the leanest and happiest about food than I have ever been.

Recently decreased my running to 3 days a week with 2 of those runs being HIIT and the third longish and slow. I lift 5 days a week. I love hearing about the successes of women my age- we can still kill it!

modmom1

singingflutelady wrote: »

Oh I lifted heavy for 2 years, I became very ill and diagnosed with Crohn's and was bedridden for 10 months and now back at it for 7 months. This time I did SL 5x5 (my muscle memory came back strong and I progressed quickly even though I had to restart with just the bar!), Texas method (3x a week full body intermediate program) and just started PHATthis week (5 days a week upper/lower power hypertrophy intermediate program). I have extreme fatigue so no cardio at the moment

Wow, you've been through a lot. What a comeback! I'll have to read more about PHAT, sounds really interesting.

modmom1

george7527 wrote: »

Hi all you lovely ladies I'll be 51 in 2 weeks slightly older but it's only a number just come back from my holiday and decided while there that it's just what i need to do to tone up especially my upper body. would love to join the group better chance of being committed not to give up. my problem is not seeing results quick enough.

So great to meet you! Yes its only a number...especially when you're taking care of yourself. **High five**

modmom1

60to35 wrote: »

Hi! I will be 50 in 4 months and have been an athlete my whole life. Unfortunately, I have had a lot of issues with food. Discovered a low carb high fat lifestyle through my doctor and am the leanest and happiest about food than I have ever been.

Recently decreased my running to 3 days a week with 2 of those runs being HIIT and the third longish and slow. I lift 5 days a week. I love hearing about the successes of women my age- we can still kill it!

Thanks for joining in! Sounds like running is very important to you. Were you a track athlete?

modmom1

sublimesolutions wrote: »

I'm at 21%bf and want to get down to 15%.

Sublime, how are you measuring your bf? I've been looking at getting calipers, but I've never used them so I don't know if they're accurate. I would like to know my bf.

mom23mangos

I keep meaning to go get a Bodpod or dexa scan done. They have places by my house. But I keep putting it off.

modmom1

That would be a neat experience

Psychgrrl

45--at the gym now. I check the forums during my rest periods between sets. Helps me not rush.

Count me in!

modmom1

Have a great work out! What muscles are you hitting today?

modmom1

Good morning ladies? What are your plans for today?
Pretty relaxed day for me. Leg day and some yoga is on the plan. Then taking the family to the driving range so I can get a bit of practice in before a company golf tournament next week. Oh man I am NOT a golfer hahaha.

MaddyT122

Count me in! I've been lifting off an on for the last few years. I've never been an athlete but have started doing the C25K program and am on week 5. I',m super excited because I've never been able to run more than a minute or two and can now do 8 without stopping. Looking forward to doing a 5k. But I've also been doing Strong Curves and have noticed considerable changes when doing heavy lifting. And loving it! I know I can keep at it as I am enjoying it. Have no interest in competing but would like a more athletic look than I have now.

This morning I did W5D2 of C25K. It's a rest day for weights as I lifted last night so I will be doing some gardening. My legs are feeling last night's workout for sure. It's a good feeling.

mom23mangos

Hubby and I rode bikes to the park and did HIIT sprints. Rest day for weights. Heading to the beach with the fam!

modmom1

Hi Maddy! Great to meet you! I love Strong Curves. Great information and workouts in that book. Good luck doing the C25k!! I've never been able to run either so I completely understand how thrilling that must be.

Enjoy the beach mom23mangos. I'm totally envious that you have beaches nearby

sublimesolutions

Modmom. My trainer puts me on a machine...I know it's not as accurate as calipers but it's useful for benchmarking and measuring progress. I use to get measured by calipers by my trainer and was as low around 11% many years ago, so I know my goal of 15% is realistic for my lifestyle. I would recommend getting your bf measured by calipers by someone who is experienced first. Also get your peak shape measured by a professional so you always have that as a your benchmark.

Congrats on the photo shoot! If that's you in your profile picture, you already look great!

luluinca

I just turned 66 and have been lifting for about 2 years. I'm on my third trainer and having a blast.

A couple of injuries set me back a little this year but I'm climbing my way back up. I was doing SL 5X5 when I hurt my shoulder and had to completely stop OHP and bench but after 10 weeks of therapy I'm back.

I may try something a little less strenuous on the shoulder than OHP though....LOL

I also run and swim on off days from lifting. We heated our pool overnight so I could swim for 2 days even though the weather is a bit gloomy.

Tomorrow is a leg/shoulder day at the gym for me!

I love meeting other lifters!

amyn73

I'm 43 and just starting ...5 x 5 stronglifts (week 2). Does anyone know what my caloric intake should be? I'm still losing weight (about 15 pounds to go) and at around 1500 calories. Thanks for any input!!

60to35

@modmom1- I was a volleyball player and alpine ski racer growing up. Interestingly, I hated having to run for conditioning. Then when I hit college, it was the cheapest thing I could do to stay in shape. I now really enjoy it.

Leg day today.

fitagent68

I am interested. I just turned 48, not lifting much, just beginning the Body for life program to get back into fitness. I have a lot of weight to lose also. After researching, the body for life program is something that will fit into my work schedule. I have about 65 lbs to lose. A community would be great.

Jen2133

49 years young and just started lifting in the last 6 months.

I still enjoy running a bit (30-40 minutes), but strength training has been the turning point in my weight loss plan. My profile pic is from May 7th this year (3 weeks ago) and is from my first Figure competition where I placed 2nd!

modmom1

luluinca wrote: »

I may try something a little less strenuous on the shoulder than OHP though....LOL

I'm working through an injured rotator cuff right now. Man, shoulder injuries are painful!! I'm off the OHP but I find that upright rows are very doable. Let me know what substitutions are working for you.

Thanks Sublime, I'll look into finding someone with experience

amyn73 wrote: »

I'm 43 and just starting ...5 x 5 stronglifts (week 2). Does anyone know what my caloric intake should be? I'm still losing weight (about 15 pounds to go) and at around 1500 calories. Thanks for any input!!

Hi amyn73! Have fun with stronglifts! You can calculate your TDEE to help you with your calorie intake. Check out www.IIFYM.com for the calculator. Very useful even if you don't want to track macros.

Jen2133 wrote: »

49 years young and just started lifting in the last 6 months. My profile pic is from May 7th this year (3 weeks ago) and is from my first Figure competition where I placed 2nd!

Wow!! Congratulations!!

fitagent68 wrote: »

I have a lot of weight to lose also. After researching, the body for life program is something that will fit into my work schedule. I have about 65 lbs to lose. A community would be great.

Welcome! Finding a program that fits into your schedule is half the battle.