How fit can you get starting at 46

You can be as fit as you want to be. It's going to feel like harder work than it did when we were 18, but there is no reason you can't be an absolutely prime specimen.

There is plenty of opportunity for Masters level competition in all kinds of sports - pick what you love, and go for it! I did my first triathlon at 47 and am on track to hit my first triathlon podium at 48.

Good for you!!! My dad will be turning 50 this year and he just completed his first Ironman race, and is planning on competing in more next year! I have also been to a couple of triathlons where 70-80 year old men and women were competing. Your body is capable of amazing things!

46? You're still a kid!:happy:

I ran my first 5K 5 years ago at 52 (I ran my 5th Army Run today and ran the 5K as a way of celebrating the anniversary) and have since graduated to half-marathons & sprint distance triathlons. I wouldn't describe myself as fast but I'm doing things now that I would have never dreamed possible when I was in my forties......

Be consistent and take a reasonable approach to setting goals (we had a thread recently started by someone who wanted to go from 5K to marathon distances in 14 weeks......a real no no), with the right training and attitude the sky is the limit (barring any serious health issues)

I'm 42 and have now lost 48lbs over the last 5 months. From being a sedentary couch-potato I am now exercising every day but mix things up. Myself and my Wife are on the same journey and we swim for a mile every Wednesday evening, Sunday's, Tuesday's and Thursday's we run in a local park (I have just completed 'C25K' and am now concentrating on getting quicker), the remaining days we go to the gym and I do a mix of cv stuff/weights and we both spot each other on a sit-up programme and I've just started doing press-ups (using Runtastic apps)

We realised pretty soon on that you either want to lose weight, or you don't. It is a lifestyle change, but it's most definitely worth it.

If I can do it, you most definitely can!

I'm 48. I just started running about 2 years ago. By the time this year is over, I will have run: 48 miles the week of my birthday; 3 half marathons; 1 full marathon; a 6 mile turkey trot; and (hopefully) a 50k, all during 2013.

You got this, buddy!

Let me inspire you: I'm 49 (50 in January) and definitely can out do a lot of 20 year olds today in fitness and strength.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

I started when I was 46 (I am 48 now) and I am in the best shape of my life. I work out every day, alternating cardio and weight training. I feel better, have more energy and I actually think I look younger than I did before I started exercising. This year I just started running and two weeks ago I ran my first 5k. I am doing another one next month so I am pushing myself harder to do better in that one. I think if you set your mind to it, you can achieve it.

I am forty two and doing things I never imagined. picked up a barbell and never looked back.

On 4/30/12 5 months before my 40th birthday I decided I needed to lose weight and get in shape. I was 306lbs and morbidly obese with high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and most likely diabetic. I had been avoiding going to the doctor for many years so I knew my 40th physical wouldn't be pretty. My goal was to lose 40 pounds in 5 months for my 40th. I started exercising using the Jeff Galloway Easy 5k app. His program uses a run/walk/run interval system to get in shape. When I started I was so fearful of having a medical emergency on my run that I would run laps around our local fire dept so in case I needed help I could yell or crawl for help. Thankfully I never had any problems. In the early days I was running 18 minute miles. Over time I improved my times. I ended up losing 100 pounds by my 40th and ran my first 10k on my 40th. After that I moved onto running my first half this past January. This past Labor Day I ran the Disneyland Half. It was almost 16 months to the day from my first day of running. I ended up finishing the half in 1:53:06 and finished in the top 10% of all finishers. Here is a pic of me from a few weeks after I started and a picture of me after my run yesterday. One thing that has helped in my journey is I have taken a picture when I return home after every run or after every trip from the gym. This has allowed me to see the difference when the scale doesn't show any.

On 4/30/12 5 months before my 40th birthday I decided I needed to lose weight and get in shape. I was 306lbs and morbidly obese with high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and most likely diabetic. I had been avoiding going to the doctor for many years so I knew my 40th physical wouldn't be pretty. My goal was to lose 40 pounds in 5 months for my 40th. I started exercising using the Jeff Galloway Easy 5k app. His program uses a run/walk/run interval system to get in shape. When I started I was so fearful of having a medical emergency on my run that I would run laps around our local fire dept so in case I needed help I could yell or crawl for help. Thankfully I never had any problems. In the early days I was running 18 minute miles. Over time I improved my times. I ended up losing 100 pounds by my 40th and ran my first 10k on my 40th. After that I moved onto running my first half this past January. This past Labor Day I ran the Disneyland Half. It was almost 16 months to the day from my first day of running. I ended up finishing the half in 1:53:06 and finished in the top 10% of all finishers. Here is a pic of me from a few weeks after I started and a picture of me after my run yesterday. One thing that has helped in my journey is I have taken a picture when I return home after every run or after every trip from the gym. This has allowed me to see the difference when the scale doesn't show any.

You look amazing! So much younger and look how big your eyes are when all the fat is off your face. I would never guess you to be in your 40's!

Thanks for the tip about taking pics. My first 5k is next month and I'm going to try what you've done.

Amazing stories...and so much in common! We all see ourselves as more fit and better than ever as we get older. Aging ain't what it used to be!!!

I am 50 and doing a Marathon in 7 weeks.

Fabulous!

Will this be your first marathon? I'm hoping to build up to a marathon and run one next fall.

I thought the same thing - 46 - why bother? This is the way I am now. Over 10 years, I gained 30 pounds. I found myself at 46 exhausted and blah.
My daughter is a nursing student. She came home for the summer and changed my whole attitude. She started getting me to eat better, then I felt better. She introduced me to MFP and even had me running this summer! Now, the running has slacked since she has gone back to school but I am currently doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. I'm on level 3 and I've survived.
I have lost almost 20 pounds in 2 1/2 months. I haven't felt this good in a long long time. I thought the days of feeling energetic and wearing jeans (not MOM jeans) were over. Not so!
You can do this and feel 10 years younger! Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like. Good luck!

I'm a 58 year gay man with 2 artificial hips and an artificial knee and I'm in the best shape of my life. One thing I am thinking about doing in the next year, because I have several friends who do it and it is a cause that is near and dear to my heart, is one of the biggest fuindraisers for the AIDS/HIV community. A 545 mile, 7 day bike ride from SF to LA. I was talking with one of my friends who has done the ride the last few years just last night (before I saw your post). And he told me the oldest rider to complete the ride this year was 82 years old. At 46 you are barely even half his age. How fit can you be? Hopefully as fit as an 82 year old enough to ride 545 miles in 7 days.from SF to LA.