Over 40 Fitness

At this point I think this thread has become a place where us 40-50 and even 60 somethings can come to talk about our journey.
I do appreciate all the advice, but I've come to a place in my life recently where family comes first and my toning up has become second. Its important to note that while today I'm not ready, tomorrow I might be, and this thread has shown me that I'm not alone. I've made some new friends, and hope to make more along the way. I have to get back to yoga 1st, then I'm dusting off Jillian next. Her workouts have always made me feel and look good. From there, I'll bump to some weight training. I was gun ho about begin in shape for summer, but it looks like I'll be a little doughy on the beach this year, but if this is all I have to give up for what I have to do in the coming months, I'll take it.

With regard to "family first", I am here to tell ya, that never changes unless YOU decide to carve out some "you" time. I'm speaking as one who STILL struggles with that so I can't say I've been any more successful at it than you are. A lot of what you are saying resonates with me even though we are decades apart in age. I too am one who has a hard time enjoying exercise. I also set goals like "look good by summer" and then find that the time flies and I arrive at that point NOT being in the shape I want to be in. I think that kind of goal-setting can be counter productive for some of us.

One thing I would suggest (amidst all the great advice that probably has overwhelmed you) is that you find something that will give you the biggest bang for your exercise buck. I'd also suggest that strength training is "that thing".

If you only have a limited time, just get on those machines at the Y and do the circuit. That's how I started (at the Y) and when I was older than you are I got GREAT results. I know many pooh-pooh those machines but for those of us just starting out they are great and DO give results if you continue to challenge yourself by increasing the weights as soon as you can do so. When I got in the best shape I've ever been in I did so at the Y using the track and the machines. I walked (brisk pace) 20-30 minutes on the track to warm up, did 2 circuits of the weight machines (3 rounds once I got stronger and when I had time) and then walked another 20 - 30 minutes. I lost weight and WOW did I tone up. I will add one note though...I used the dumb bells (that were in the room with the machines) to do bicep curls and tricep extensions in each circuit instead of the machines that specifically target those muscles). I just felt the dumb bells were more effective.

Because I was doing both upper and lower body machines in the same workout, I only had to get to the gym 3 times a week. It wasn't always easy to get there (in fact getting there was the hardest part) but once I was there I worked hard and when I walked out I felt fantastic.

Since i stopped going to the Y I have not been able to develop consistency in my workouts. I believe I have a great home workout plan that would be very effective if I did it consistently but I let everything else of the day get in the way. Hmmmm....maybe even if I haven't helped you, I might have just talked myselfl into going back to the Y!!

Anyway...you sound like you are floundering. There are SO many options and opinions about how to get the job done. I hope you can find something that gives you what you need!

I'm 43 and hypothyroid. I'm finishing losing the weight I gained when my body went all wacky bo-bo. What works for me is:
* Eating a lot of protein, more than my carb intake.
* MFP is set to 1500--because that's what Body Media is set for and since they sync, it was easier to have them match. I customized my macros. I often eat 1300-1500.
* I pack all my food and water and take it with me--meals and snacks. No excuse to eat something bad.
* Working out hard. I love the gym and it's stress relief, so that works. And when I don't really feel it--I just have a light day. But going always makes me feel better. I lift heavy, do HIIT and yoga (and I always stretch after working out). Sometimes I do spinning.

In spite of all the icky I've been through to get here, I'm about to pass my low weight of my pre-thyroid self. And I feel like I'm getting in the best shape of my life. Hang in there, it'll happen!

I am 48 and also have hashimoto's hypothyroid. Feel free to friend me. I'm 5'1" and doing about 1100 cals a day and finally losing. From looking at this thread, I really should add more weight training. I walk everyday for about 4-5 miles (about 4 mph). I only have 5 lb weights but should up to at least 10 lb.