Success stories women in their 50's who have toned up

bgardiner49

Very inspiring. I keep reading bout weights on MFP ... One day I will get it together to give it a go!

fatolelatdy

bump

Sierrasdawn2

Bump

SJackson50

Does 49 count?
All Jillian Michaels, nothing but Jillian Michaels! Went from an 18 to an 8 (right now)...goal is a 6!
Good luck with your goals!

bunnymum150

thanks ladies - I am on the waiting list for NROL4W at the library. I will check out the stronglifts 5x5 and starting strength.
I have a bum hip at the moment and am getting geeked about all of your suggestions for lifting as this is likely something I will be able to do safely.

you all look amazing and at 51 I am working on joining you all in your success and my quest for best health!

gatorginger

I'm almost at my goal weight of 135 (5'10" tall) with 2 lbs left. I've been firming up with light weights and strength workouts. That seems for me at least to be doing the best for me. i don't have any pictures right now but I'll see what I can get. (Oh, and by the way, I'm 58, almost 59.)

What kind of strength work outs do you do and thanks can't wait to see the pictures

I have a DVD that my daughter gave me from I don't know when by Women's Health called "Look Better Naked". It has a strength workout and a metabolism workout. The strength one is my favorite but I do the metabolism one off and on also. The strength has really worked wonders at toning up. I have issues with my stomach area in particular after 3 babies, 1 c-section, and 3 intestinal surgeries ... and it's actually starting to flatten out (amazing). It's also toning up my arms. I'll look at the DVD tonight and get the actual information on it for you when I'm home.

Thanks I really appreciate that as I am so new to all this stuff, never lifted weights, basically only thing I ever done was walking and i still do that but now I am motivated to tone up and you guys are very motivating

I only use 5 lb weights too ... and started with just 2 1/2 lob weights ... so it's not like a huge amount ... and it could be less if you want. She gave me the weights, but you could even start by using a soup can or something like that for a lower weight. I didn't think I could do it, but she encouraged me and since she is a dancer (and has been since she was very little) and her mother-in-law is a dietician, she is a terrific source for me.

Hang in there ... you can do it ... even if it's small amounts.

I'm using 3 pound weights and boy do I feel it when I work out. I do find that since I started the Jillian Michaels no more trouble zones getting up after sitting for a bit on the couch I don't ach as much as I used to so I am definitely seeing so small results. (What I'm talking about is how I felt like an old person when I would go to get up from the couch after watching TV how my body didn't want to get going lol) Thanks

snowmanluv

You look great. What is 5x5?

gatorginger

I'm 50 now and lost 45 pounds 2 years ago. I have always been a weight lifter, but I put on weight in my 40s and decided to do something about it. I just followed the guidelines here on MFP, ate my exercise calories, and cleaned up my diet - lots of lean meats, veggies, fruits, and occasional treats now and then. I cook most of my food from scratch, and pack my lunches for work. I believe in the theory that about 80% of your diet should be for nutrition, and about 20% for whatever you want, within your macros. It's worked for me.

At our age, I think the biggest factor is patience. The weight doesn't always come off quickly, and sometimes you have to mess around with your calories and exercise types to find that "sweet spot" that gets you the body you want. It can take me three months to lose 5 pounds, but that's the way it is when you're whittling off those last few pounds of fat.

As for exercise, I do Wendler's 5/3/1 strength program for powerlifting. I was a powerlifter in college, and once I hit my goal weight and needed something to work towards, i decided to get back into the sport. So now I'm competing in the Master's division (50-54) and loving it! In fact, I have the Florida State Championship meet in a month, so I'm training my *kitten* off and eating super clean. I don't recommend doing the 5/3/1 program unless you're seriously trying to build strength. It's designed for experienced lifters who really hit the iron hard. I'd recommend 5x5 or one of the other programs already mentioned. They're all good programs and you'll get great results if you put in the work.

Honestly, I'm in better shape than most women half my age, and that's pretty sad. Age is no excuse. Good luck!

Thanks for the advice. I'm actually at my goal weight right now and don't want to lose anymore so basically I just want to tone up. Good luck with your championship meet.

gatorginger

Hi! I'm 54 and 5'1" tall. I started out at 171 and ended up at 113. It took about 6 months to get there. How did I do it? Run, spin, run, weights, run, run, and oh did I mention? RUN!


Fat Me by WasFat_NowFit, on Flickr



November 10 2012 001 by WasFat_NowFit, on Flickr

You look awesome thanks for the inspiration. I am down to 125 which is where I want to be and like you I lost the 23 pounds pretty fast but now I just want to tone up

mhollyj

Thanks for sharing. This is great motivation for me.

gatorginger

Does 49 count?
All Jillian Michaels, nothing but Jillian Michaels! Went from an 18 to an 8 (right now)...goal is a 6!
Good luck with your goals!

Yes 49 is good and looks like you've done great. Going from an 18 to an 8 is fantastic, great job.

Alkirra

Back in a sec, I'm just going to put the relevant pic in my profile. I started at 48 though, I'll be 50 at the start of May. I hope that counts!

Alkirra

sorry its not in the thread

Alkirra

:drinker:

JOYOUS62

I am nearly 51 and losing the weight but need to start toning otherwise I am going to have flab everywhere :laugh:

gatorginger

sorry its not in the thread

Couldn't see the picture in your profile either but thanks for wanting to share

blacknivory

Well done for you. You look great. I have just finished New Rules of Lifting for Women Stage 2 and finally getting a bit more energy after having fatigue issues for years. I'm reading Rippetoe at the moment.

blacknivory

"Thanks I really appreciate that as I am so new to all this stuff, never lifted weights, basically only thing I ever done was walking and i still do that but now I am motivated to tone up and you guys are very motivating "

______________________________________________________________________


You might want to have a look these MFP groups:
New Rules of Lifting For Women (NROL4W)
Women Strength Training
They are great for advice and encouragement.

DebbieLyn63

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

Check out this 52 year old! She is awesome!

dreamer722

I'm almost at my goal weight of 135 (5'10" tall) with 2 lbs left. I've been firming up with light weights and strength workouts. That seems for me at least to be doing the best for me. i don't have any pictures right now but I'll see what I can get. (Oh, and by the way, I'm 58, almost 59.)

What kind of strength work outs do you do and thanks can't wait to see the pictures

I have a DVD that my daughter gave me from I don't know when by Women's Health called "Look Better Naked". It has a strength workout and a metabolism workout. The strength one is my favorite but I do the metabolism one off and on also. The strength has really worked wonders at toning up. I have issues with my stomach area in particular after 3 babies, 1 c-section, and 3 intestinal surgeries ... and it's actually starting to flatten out (amazing). It's also toning up my arms. I'll look at the DVD tonight and get the actual information on it for you when I'm home.

Thanks I really appreciate that as I am so new to all this stuff, never lifted weights, basically only thing I ever done was walking and i still do that but now I am motivated to tone up and you guys are very motivating

I only use 5 lb weights too ... and started with just 2 1/2 lob weights ... so it's not like a huge amount ... and it could be less if you want. She gave me the weights, but you could even start by using a soup can or something like that for a lower weight. I didn't think I could do it, but she encouraged me and since she is a dancer (and has been since she was very little) and her mother-in-law is a dietician, she is a terrific source for me.

Hang in there ... you can do it ... even if it's small amounts.

I'm using 3 pound weights and boy do I feel it when I work out. I do find that since I started the Jillian Michaels no more trouble zones getting up after sitting for a bit on the couch I don't ach as much as I used to so I am definitely seeing so small results. (What I'm talking about is how I felt like an old person when I would go to get up from the couch after watching TV how my body didn't want to get going lol) Thanks

DVD: "Look Better Naked" by Michele Promaulayko; editor-in-chief of Women's Health with Maura Rhodes (2010)

My daughter let me borrow hers.

gatorginger

I'm almost at my goal weight of 135 (5'10" tall) with 2 lbs left. I've been firming up with light weights and strength workouts. That seems for me at least to be doing the best for me. i don't have any pictures right now but I'll see what I can get. (Oh, and by the way, I'm 58, almost 59.)

What kind of strength work outs do you do and thanks can't wait to see the pictures

I have a DVD that my daughter gave me from I don't know when by Women's Health called "Look Better Naked". It has a strength workout and a metabolism workout. The strength one is my favorite but I do the metabolism one off and on also. The strength has really worked wonders at toning up. I have issues with my stomach area in particular after 3 babies, 1 c-section, and 3 intestinal surgeries ... and it's actually starting to flatten out (amazing). It's also toning up my arms. I'll look at the DVD tonight and get the actual information on it for you when I'm home.

Thanks I really appreciate that as I am so new to all this stuff, never lifted weights, basically only thing I ever done was walking and i still do that but now I am motivated to tone up and you guys are very motivating

I only use 5 lb weights too ... and started with just 2 1/2 lob weights ... so it's not like a huge amount ... and it could be less if you want. She gave me the weights, but you could even start by using a soup can or something like that for a lower weight. I didn't think I could do it, but she encouraged me and since she is a dancer (and has been since she was very little) and her mother-in-law is a dietician, she is a terrific source for me.

Hang in there ... you can do it ... even if it's small amounts.

I'm using 3 pound weights and boy do I feel it when I work out. I do find that since I started the Jillian Michaels no more trouble zones getting up after sitting for a bit on the couch I don't ach as much as I used to so I am definitely seeing so small results. (What I'm talking about is how I felt like an old person when I would go to get up from the couch after watching TV how my body didn't want to get going lol) Thanks

DVD: "Look Better Naked" by Michele Promaulayko; editor-in-chief of Women's Health with Maura Rhodes (2010)

My daughter let me borrow hers.

Thanks I'll look into it. A friend of mine gave me Jillian Micahels 30 day shred. I'm not gonna do that yet as I want to keep doing the one I started for now, but I think down the road I would like to do different ones just to change it up some.

gatorginger

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/californiagirl2012

Check out this 52 year old! She is awesome!

She looks awesome, great inspiration. Thanks for sharing