Unique Challenges of being 40 Something

wowzer

I really appreciate all the support that is given on this site. So many different people and unique stories. However, age is a factor in our personal stories. Being 45 years old, I am interested to hear about the particular challenges and successes others are having at weight loss and fitness training while in their 40's.

mem50

In my 50's and the only change in me is the weight does not come off as easily as it came on. Plus I have to be extra careful how I do my exercise. Pulled a back/side muscle and it took me down. 4 days later it is a little better. Least I'm not close to passing out from the pain.

Fabnover40Kat

I will be 42 this year. I have found that my hormones play a major role in my weight loss! As we age we lose muscle and I have found this to be true...its much harder to get toned! Not saying it cant be done but it takes longer. its very depressing! I look at my body and think UGH!

Fruit4dessert

I'm 42 and female. The challenges I've discovered: I definitely notice that it's harder to lose weight, and SO much easier to gain weight, compared to when I was younger. In my 20's as long as I was exercising regularly, I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain weight. Now I have to monitor closely what I eat to avoid gaining. I'm in maintenance mode right now with my weight, and it requires dedication. I also get injured more easily, again in my 20's I could do whatever I wanted and never got injured! Now I have to pay attention to my joints and my back, and give them more respect!

The successes for me: I've discovered that focusing more on core strength prevents injuries that I never needed to worry about when I was younger. So I've incorporated a lot more core work into my exercise; when I was younger, I threw in a few crunches and called it good. Another thing that prevents injuries is working up to things more gradually, I had to get out of the habit of just jumping into some activity without training. Also, even though it's harder to lose weight, it's not impossible. I do more strength training than when I was young, as well as cardio, and I eat cleaner, and it does work, it's just harder than when I was younger. My highest weight was around 168, and right now I'm at 148 and healthy.