Who says you can't get in shape at age 47?

nossmf

When I graduated school, I was the stereotypical nerd: thin and gangly, big glasses, socially awkward, zero luck with the ladies.

Fast forward 15 years, I had somehow found a woman who chose to marry me and together we had four children; that's me and the youngest in the photo. My wife thought it was a wonderful photo of a father playing with his daughter; I was mortified at how out of shape I had become! I had gained 70 lbs through a combination of laziness and a diet full of sodas and fried foods.

This photo spurred me into doing something about my weight, which at first simply meant starving myself and killing myself doing cardio. Sure, I lost 50 lbs, but was pretty miserable. Then I discovered the magic of weightlifting instead of cardio, plus learned more about how to properly handle nutrition, including the concept of bulking to gain muscle, then cutting the fat surrounding the muscle to really make it pop out.

Over the next 15 years my weight went back up 35 lbs of muscle (at least, that's what I told myself). However, my cuts were usually only loosely structured (I did NOT want to go back to that crash course starving mode from before!), and a lot of what I had gained was not, in fact, muscle. A few friends I had made here on MFP pointed out to me I needed to cut more fat before my next bulk phase, and that same day is when I discovered the Winter 5% Challenge here on MFP, a community which promised structure and accountability. I figured there's no way I would lose 5% of my bodyweight in just 8 weeks, but why not give this thing a shot anyway.

By the end of the challenge I had lost almost 9 lbs in those 8 weeks, along with two inches off my waistline. And without the fat hiding it, my muscles are starting to look the way I've always wanted to be! What do you think?

I have already signed up for the Spring 5% Challenge with a hope of duplicating, or even exceeding, the progress I made during the winter. The accountability of the group holds me true to my goals when temptation strikes (just say no to office breakroom donuts!) while everybody offers friendly advice and cheers for one another. The community is open to welcome in new members…will you be the next success story?

SafariGalNYC

Way to go @nossmf !

47 is not old at all. Is it weird to be able to lose weight in 40s? To some people that’s prime age.

The late 40s people I know, are mostly spritely travelers who are fit and some just beginning to have kids. (My family included..)

There are multiple people at my gym in their 60s and above that are fit and energetic..

of course you can get fit in your 40s! Bravo! inspiring no matter the age!! Awesome dedication.

Fursian

Props to you, nossmf! Whatever you're doing, it's working. 👍️

I agree with your wife, it is a wonderful photo, truly precious!

I had a photo taken of me with one of our dogs, we were snuggling on a chair together, it was beautiful, but all I could see at the time was the most gruesome double chin on me that I ever had in my life. I can look back and see that moment for what it was, but I totally get how you were spurred into action.

AnnPT77

Kudos for all those great results, even though I gotta say you are kind of a young whippersnapper in my world 😉. Forty seven and a physically depleted, sedentary lump is about where I started working on getting more active/fit, too, though in my case weight loss didn't happen for another decade plus.

IMO there is no "too old", and all joking aside, you're a great example of that.

I also appreciate all the good support you give others here in the Community, so knowledgeable and level-headed.

nossmf

Oh, I'm fully aware I have not even reached my halfway point in life, as I intend to hit the century mark and still be able to live independent. I mostly referenced the age because of the plethora of new members joining with a variety of "can I get fit at age «insert number»?"

Plus my kids constantly remind me how old I am. To which I remind right back how they just got pwned in the gym by an old man. lol

Dianedoessmiles1

@Nossfm LOLOL My GD the SILLY WOMAN (she's an adult with 2 children) told me "You are so old now." Hmmm mid 60s I quickly told her to look in the mirror "Hon, you are not getting younger!" GRIN!! KIDS WILL BE KIDS No matter how old they get. My GGS age 7 was quick to say "Grandma, but you are old." SWEET Child. With his remark, I could only grin. "Yes hon, that's why you have to listen to Grandma."

Alatariel75

Way to go nossmf!! I'm finally getting into shape in my mid-40s, I've lost weight before but have never done the fitness/muscle work to go along with the stupid diet, and the difference is amazing.

You look great, and that earlier pic is also adorable!

ninerbuff

Rocking it BRO! It's always great to hear when dudes past 40 put in work and get in better shape than when they were younger. Keep it up and get ready for this year's FFL!!!!

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer

IDEA Fitness member

Kickboxing Certified instructor

Been in fitness for 40+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

nossmf

@Dianedoessmiles1 lol you reminded me of a story I read online, where a gentleman in his 60s said to his sister, "don't tell mom", showing some things never really do change with age.

@ninerbuff thanks my man, I still need to keep working it if I want to look as good at your age, bro! And don't worry, I'm already figuring out how I'm going to spend my winnings in FFL…

Madame_Butterfly25

well done 👍 I don’t think many people realise until 40 ish how much you need to look after your diet and exercise or your body just starts malfunctioning.

plus your wife is right it’s a beautiful pic and memory 🥰