need support from the over 50 crowd

hazymary
hazymary Posts: 190 Member
edited January 5 in Motivation and Support
Hi, my name is Mary and I’m a 55 y/o lady who has been heavy all her life. I’ve lost weight here and there and always gained most if not all of it back. So in September of 2011 I decided to give myself the gift of fitness and health for my 55th birthday. I pretty much gave myself the best gift ever, 50plus pounds lighter and more fit than I’ve ever been. So, why am I reaching out for help? Because I’m still not happy with who I see in the mirror. I’d like to know when enough is enough, is it a number on the scale? When my bat wings don’t flap in the breeze? (Is this even possible) Or the saggy skin on my inner thighs is tolerable….it goes on and on.
I’m looking for ladies over 50, who have similar issues and are approaching maintenance. Hopefully we can support each other.

Thanks for listening

Replies

  • Flamenquero
    Flamenquero Posts: 132
    You look great Mary. Congrats on the progress and that's a nice black dress you are wearing.
  • Healthydiner65
    Healthydiner65 Posts: 1,446 Member
    Well, you already have me! You are an awesome friend!
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    You look fabulous! No one would ever guess your age! To me there is no end game in regards to health and fitness. It's a life long commitment, I'm constantly tweaking my strategy. Over the last few years I've come to realize that I really need to focus on body composition at my age (54). Preserving lean muscle mass!!! Lifting weights and strength training will make a big impact on the shape of your body and help you whittle away those last few pounds (if you need too). So often we're so focused on a number on the scale (those damn last 5 pounds) that we don't realize the results we are looking for don't need to come from weight loss.....it comes from strength training. Of course cardio is important too, let's not neglect our heart and lungs.

    Be happy you are healthy and fit. Big deal...we can't wear skimpy bikinis anymore or our bellies aren't so pretty. I can still kick butt in the gym and look damn fine in a pair of jeans!
  • dawndw
    dawndw Posts: 203
    You look fabulous and love love that dress. I don't care about the flaps here and there or the fact I can not wear a bikini anymore. I am a different person than before. I just know that I can do so much more now. Chin up and enjoy the ride! You should be so proud of yourself we all are :glasses:
  • Marie31450
    Marie31450 Posts: 96 Member
    You are gorgeous! Sometime we older chicks get so hung up on the sags and batwings and wrinkles. At this age..unfortunately gravity is winning the battle..unless we can afford cosmetic surgery..it's all about being the best we can be and accepting who we are as woman! I sent you a friend request.
  • Mylolamia
    Mylolamia Posts: 86 Member
    Hi Mary. As everyone as said here, you are gorgeous and all the little tedious body imperfections, well we all have those and with age, there is no getting away from it, unless we can afford plastic surgery. knowing where you are coming from and having lost 25 lbs. prior to joining MFP (a few years ago) and yo-yoed ever since with the last 25 lbs., we have a similar scenario. It never stops. But this site is great with all the support, being accountable, logging food and exercise. I too have sent you a friend request.
  • hazymary
    hazymary Posts: 190 Member
    Thanks ladies.....awhhhhh shucks. you guys are too kind! ......I've been lifting, started out doing stronglifts 5x5. I feel like I've reached a max. Looking for some other routines to mix things up a bit. I know I'll never wear a bikini.....I abused my body way too much for ever to bounce back that much....I guess I need to know if my expectations exceed my potential and when does effort not equal results. Is it always going to be just 5 more pounds?
  • elizabethis
    elizabethis Posts: 155 Member
    I'm impressed with all you weight lifters! I haven't taken that plunge yet, other than to use 5lb. hand weights with Jillian Michaels DVDs - which, by the way, have improved my strength a lot! I fear not being willing to commit to weight lifting at a gym long-term, which is why I am trying to do body weight exercises at home - something I think I will be more likely to continue as a part of a regular exercise routine. My thinking could change, of course, but that is my rationale for now. I would still like to lose 13 more pounds, but inches (BF%) are really more important. I can just hear people saying that I could get the results I'm looking for by "lifting heavy". That's probably true, but could I maintain it?? Not sure. I want to make this a lifetime commitment, so my goals and expectations need to be reasonable for me. That includes what I expect my body to look like in the end. I'm not planning on doing any bikini wearing, unless it's for my husband in the privacy of my own home - ha! I, too, think you in your little black dress look pretty darn amazing! Congratulations on your commitment to yourself and good health!!
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