55-65 year old women's success?

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Replies

  • cathy120861
    cathy120861 Posts: 265 Member
    oh dear. i love reading this thread, with its emphasis on success, and taking action. i am rereading some of the posts now, because i am in a whiny self-pitying mood. i am sniveling to myself because i am having one of my not-so-great lung days, when it feels like i am breathing salt water rather than air. and so, i have skipped my pilates class and eaten more than i should have -- exactly the opposite of the things that i know would be helpful. i wish one of you guys was here to shake me or something.
  • sodakat
    sodakat Posts: 1,126 Member
    cathy120861 wrote: »
    oh dear. i love reading this thread, with its emphasis on success, and taking action. i am rereading some of the posts now, because i am in a whiny self-pitying mood. i am sniveling to myself because i am having one of my not-so-great lung days, when it feels like i am breathing salt water rather than air. and so, i have skipped my pilates class and eaten more than i should have -- exactly the opposite of the things that i know would be helpful. i wish one of you guys was here to shake me or something.

    Shake, shake!

    Some days we just eat more, for various reasons. Now that its over with, just carry on. You get to start over you know. Right now! No need to get stressed.

    55835802.png

  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    Cathy120561, I hear you.
    I had dental surgery on Thursday and my jaw is killing me. I am sat still trying to decide whether or not to go to my Zumba which starts in an hour. Or, just cozy up with a big milk shake.

    I think you have just talked me into going to the class. Thanks.
    Cheers, h.
  • 04hoopsgal73
    04hoopsgal73 Posts: 892 Member
    I'm dealing with 2 injuries and limited exposure to exercise...expenditures of calories is not here...so guarding my macros like a Queen. Stay strong ladies!!!
  • SbetaK
    SbetaK Posts: 398 Member
    I notice 3 out of the four celebrity women in the photo post are wearing red dresses. What happened to being able to wear "purple" when you're old? haha They look smashing, I'll try and forget they probably have personal chefs and trainers. We can all do this without the extra luxuries, just need personal resolve!
  • dmdougan
    dmdougan Posts: 2 Member
    Hey all, I'm 51 almost 52 but am post menopausal- can I stalk you guys cuz reading your stories has been greatly inspirational. I do want to loose 75 pounds and am hoping to keep my focus for more than a month. ;)
  • cathy120861
    cathy120861 Posts: 265 Member
    Middlehatch -- so glad you went to Zumba. I went to my 5:30 belly dancing and felt much better for it.

    WOW!! That picture. I would love to see the next one when you get a very well deserved red dress!
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    Oh Cathy120861, I love belly dancing, so glaad you went too.
    I only started zumba because they had stopped offering belly dancing at my rec centre. We do have a couple of belly dance music/move type sections in the Zumba so I am happy.
    I shop for my posh frocks at 2nd hand stores, never wear them enough to pay a small fortune for them. I am going on holiday in March so it is time to shop the post New Year cast offs. If I find a red one I will post it.
    SbetaK, I have just realised I AM a celebrity woman! I am on the Celebrity Equinox in that pic. hahaha
    Cheers, h.
  • dianeEESI
    dianeEESI Posts: 11 Member
    So nice to see so many like minded, and trying to get their *#@* together! I read a lot of the threads and keep going back to the flat belly one, does anyone here understand and want to explain to me the whole "lean mass" and "fat mass" or whatever the heck it is, and lifting weights how much and how long. I just want to lose weight, get healthy, and feel good, but somehow when I read the posts there they are all talking way over my head, and feel like I'm missing the boat! (and they kinda get grumpy so I didn't want to ask there:) Thanks in advance, have a great day!
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    Hi, dianeEES; When I started my weight loss I did a lot of cardio and lost a lot of weight over time, but I was putting in two hours at the gym five days a week. After a few months I knew I wanted to cut back on the gym stuff because I hate exercising, but I know it's necessary to maintain my health.

    I kept reading all the threads on MFP about weight lifting so I started weight lifting instead and cut back on the cardio and the number of days at the gym. It's worked great for me so I'm spending less time in the gym but still getting the benefits of losing weight. I now lift weights three to four times a week for 1 hour, and after lifting I do low impact cardio for 30 minutes two or three times. All those high impact cardio classes were giving me too many injuries (pulled, sore muscles, etc)

    I'm not an expert by any means, but I think you're referring to lean mass VS body fat %. I've read here on the forums and on the internet that as you lose weight you are actually losing fat and lean body mass (muscle). The ideal is to lose body fat while maintaining as much muscle as you can. So you need to do resistance training (lifting weights) to keep as much as your muscle as possible. You don't have to lift heavy weights to do this but without resistance training you run the risk of stuff like osteoporosis, which us old ladies do not want.

    After I read all that stuff and tried the Body Pump (weight lifting) classes at my gym I realized that I actually liked lifting weights and thus hated exercising less than before. It's a miracle. I started with just the weight bar at first and have progressively increased the weights from zero up to 15/20lbs. so far.

    A bone density test revealed that I had osteopenia and that I needed to do resistance training. So there you go. My bones are fine now and I even have muscles showing in my arms now that most of the fat is gone. Go figure.

    Sorry for the long post.
  • dianeEESI
    dianeEESI Posts: 11 Member
    Wow ! Thank you so much for that Trina and congratulations!... I don't belong to a gym but have a treadmill and dumb bells and I know I won't "go" to a gym but I go to my basement every morning at 5:30, is it possible to do the weight lifting at home or should I suck it up and join a gym? Thanks again for the awesome answer!
  • griz164tp
    griz164tp Posts: 1
    Good morning. New to fitnesspal. I'm 62 years old and retired. I do a little direct selling and work in my local church in two critical positions. It keeps me busy. Over the holidays, I have put on some extra pounds by mindless eating. Trying to get back on track. I think I can get some results with this program/site.
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    Hi, dianeESSI -- you can use your dumb bells - I go to the gym because I'm on Silver Sneakers and have a free membership (Medicare). Gotta love Medicare for that alone.
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    Hi, griz164tp -- you can use MFP for your weight loss, no need for anything else. It's great.
  • sun_fish
    sun_fish Posts: 864 Member
    dianeEESI wrote: »
    Wow ! Thank you so much for that Trina and congratulations!... I don't belong to a gym but have a treadmill and dumb bells and I know I won't "go" to a gym but I go to my basement every morning at 5:30, is it possible to do the weight lifting at home or should I suck it up and join a gym? Thanks again for the awesome answer!

    You can absolutely resistance train at home! I started out with bodyweight stuff and dumb bells, and progressed to using a barbell and plates. Depending on your goals and preferences, you can use a bodyweight program like You Are Your Own Gym or Convict Conditioning, or use dumbbells without ever needing a barbell.
  • sun_fish
    sun_fish Posts: 864 Member
    trina1049 wrote: »

    A bone density test revealed that I had osteopenia and that I needed to do resistance training. So there you go. My bones are fine now and I even have muscles showing in my arms now that most of the fat is gone. Go figure.

    This gives me hope - I also have osteopenia and am counting on resistance training to prevent it from progressing to osteoporosis.
  • bestfriendroo
    bestfriendroo Posts: 4 Member
    Just found this thread. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I was feeling alone. I joined a gym, but most people there are young and in shape, or relatively in shape.
    Thank you for the community :)
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    sun_fish wrote: »
    trina1049 wrote: »

    A bone density test revealed that I had osteopenia and that I needed to do resistance training. So there you go. My bones are fine now and I even have muscles showing in my arms now that most of the fat is gone. Go figure.

    This gives me hope - I also have osteopenia and am counting on resistance training to prevent it from progressing to osteoporosis.


    Resistance training is a heck of a lot better than taking the meds they give you for it. It's worth it to do the work outs. The osteopenia took a while to recede so you may have to take the meds until that happens and it may not work for everyone, but I've had two good bone density tests over the last couple of years. I guess that means I'm stuck exercising forevery, ugh.
  • lovesretirement
    lovesretirement Posts: 2,661 Member
    dianeEESI wrote: »
    Wow ! Thank you so much for that Trina and congratulations!... I don't belong to a gym but have a treadmill and dumb bells and I know I won't "go" to a gym but I go to my basement every morning at 5:30, is it possible to do the weight lifting at home or should I suck it up and join a gym? Thanks again for the awesome answer!

    I did it at home for years when I was working and got up at 4:30 to do it. I was so motivated. Then I just got tired of getting up and life just got in the way or I let it get in the way. My daughter took me to a Zumba class at the gum several years ago and I was hooked. When my knees started to bother me from all the twisting, I switched to aquazumba. Since I retired in 2013, I have been in the gym for pool classes. I just started with a personal trainer for strength training. I love it! There are more Baby Boomers than we think at the gym! I train for 30 minutes before I do the 60 minute pool class. With the trainer, I am pushed to do my personal best! It is well worth the money to me, and I am glad to give that gift to myself. I have my eating under control now, and I just feel this will be the year I get rid of this weight for good.

    Connie
  • trina1049
    trina1049 Posts: 593 Member
    Good for you Connie! Keep at it. I love retirement too.
  • Jewels211
    Jewels211 Posts: 184 Member
    I am so happy to find this thread! I'll be 54 next month, about 5' 6 1/2", and am in the midst of menopause. Hot flashes aren't constant, but just about time I get complacent and think they're gone, BAM! Aaand the mood swings. And the BRAIN FOG! Ugh.

    I've been heavy basically almost all of my life. I've had periods of success, but I've probably never been smaller than a size 12. I've been on MFP off and on for probably 2 years or so, but a diagnosis of diabetes the beginning of December made me determined to log everything, every day. At this point, I'm using diet and (theoretically) exercise to manage my blood sugar, and I'm trying to get off of 2 b/p meds and avoid cholesterol meds.

    I'm one of those people that really has to be fairly regimented about things, because I'm an all or nuthin' person--I either do it precisely, or I don't do it at all. The diabetes actually helps with that--my dietitian stressed that I NEED to eat about 45 grams of carbs at each meal, and 15 grams at each snack--need to eat about every 3-4 hours to keep the blood sugar even. But I also want to eat healthily and low cholesterol, so I try for the divided plate thing she suggested-- 1/2 the plate full of veggies, with lots of green ones, 1/4 lean protein, and 1/4 starch/higher carb foods. I log each meal as I go (have the MFP app on my iPhone) because the stupid menopausal brain fog keeps me from remembering how many carbs foods have. I try to make the "starchy" carbs whole grains for the most part, and have at least 2 fruit servings a day. All this comes out to usually about 1350-1400 calories a day. But the dietitian warned me that I wouldn't probably be able to get the calories much below that. And she emphasized that "activity" (a kinder word than "exercise" for an exercise despiser like me :smiley: ) is vital. It's important to fight the effects of diabetes, and it's important for general health as we age.

    Since early December, I've lost 13 lbs, and since I started sorta trying in August I think it was, I've lost almost 30. I still have probably 75 or 80 to go to reach my ultimate goal, but even 60 would have me jumping for joy. We got a treadmill last week, and I'm slowly adding that to my days. Started out only being able to do 5 minutes, now I'm up to between 20 and 30, and working on upping my speed gradually. Reading this thread has encouraged me to start adding strength training to my schedule. I just need to figure out what that can be here at home.

    I'm thin-skinned, so to speak, and a whole lot of less-than-kind remarks throughout my life by even strangers has left me with almost a pathological fear of anyone seeing me do any form of exercise (even my husband, who hasn't been exactly supportive most of our marriage). So at this point, in my house by myself is it--no gyms, no walking in the neighborhood.

    But it's so nice to see so many of you with great success stories to show that this can be done!
  • lovesretirement
    lovesretirement Posts: 2,661 Member
    Jewels211 wrote: »
    I am so happy to find this thread! I'll be 54 next month, about 5' 6 1/2", and am in the midst of menopause. Hot flashes aren't constant, but just about time I get complacent and think they're gone, BAM! Aaand the mood swings. And the BRAIN FOG! Ugh.

    I've been heavy basically almost all of my life. I've had periods of success, but I've probably never been smaller than a size 12. I've been on MFP off and on for probably 2 years or so, but a diagnosis of diabetes the beginning of December made me determined to log everything, every day. At this point, I'm using diet and (theoretically) exercise to manage my blood sugar, and I'm trying to get off of 2 b/p meds and avoid cholesterol meds.

    I'm one of those people that really has to be fairly regimented about things, because I'm an all or nuthin' person--I either do it precisely, or I don't do it at all. The diabetes actually helps with that--my dietitian stressed that I NEED to eat about 45 grams of carbs at each meal, and 15 grams at each snack--need to eat about every 3-4 hours to keep the blood sugar even. But I also want to eat healthily and low cholesterol, so I try for the divided plate thing she suggested-- 1/2 the plate full of veggies, with lots of green ones, 1/4 lean protein, and 1/4 starch/higher carb foods. I log each meal as I go (have the MFP app on my iPhone) because the stupid menopausal brain fog keeps me from remembering how many carbs foods have. I try to make the "starchy" carbs whole grains for the most part, and have at least 2 fruit servings a day. All this comes out to usually about 1350-1400 calories a day. But the dietitian warned me that I wouldn't probably be able to get the calories much below that. And she emphasized that "activity" (a kinder word than "exercise" for an exercise despiser like me :smiley: ) is vital. It's important to fight the effects of diabetes, and it's important for general health as we age.

    Since early December, I've lost 13 lbs, and since I started sorta trying in August I think it was, I've lost almost 30. I still have probably 75 or 80 to go to reach my ultimate goal, but even 60 would have me jumping for joy. We got a treadmill last week, and I'm slowly adding that to my days. Started out only being able to do 5 minutes, now I'm up to between 20 and 30, and working on upping my speed gradually. Reading this thread has encouraged me to start adding strength training to my schedule. I just need to figure out what that can be here at home.

    I'm thin-skinned, so to speak, and a whole lot of less-than-kind remarks throughout my life by even strangers has left me with almost a pathological fear of anyone seeing me do any form of exercise (even my husband, who hasn't been exactly supportive most of our marriage). So at this point, in my house by myself is it--no gyms, no walking in the neighborhood.

    But it's so nice to see so many of you with great success stories to show that this can be done!

    Hi Jewels! Like you, I'm all or nothing, too...almost to the point of being obsessive! But that is what it takes for me..different strokes for different folks, huh?

    You mentioned eating and balancing your foods groups. I have been on and off diets for my entire life and I may have stumbled on to something that is working for me without leaving out any food groups. It's called the One One One diet. It's having one carb, one protein, and one fat at each meal...3 meals and 2 snacks a day. I eat about every 2-3 hours, am never hungry, and most importantly, my macros are in balance. I have it set on MFP at 40/30/30 carbs/fat/protein. Anyway..since eating this way, I am always in the green and well balanced every day. The exception is sodium which I have set lower than MFP recommends.

    I certainly understand the need for privacy..I had to call on a lot of courage to put a swim suit on for the pool!
  • dianeEESI
    dianeEESI Posts: 11 Member
    Thanks for all the great answers! Sounds like we're on our way, heck we're halfway thru January and still here!
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,486 Member
    Jewell211
    Look up nerdfitness.com it offers a body weight routine for beginners. Saying that makes me say- when you see it don't be discouraged.

    Start small with one exercise, and try to do it, if you can't manage it, don't worry, try again later or the next day. When you have got the hang of one, add another etc etc.

    With regards to any exercise it is better doing a bit rather than sitting and thinking you should. Also, don't take on too much at once, be the tortoise not the hare.

    I too loathed exercise, I never grew up doing sport, so I have found it hard to do it now. I do it but still don't love it; maybe like it, only maybe.

    Glad to see the pounds are coming off.
    Cheers, h.
  • Datarn
    Datarn Posts: 79 Member
    I am so glad I found this thread! You all inspire me - I have been working since July - and lost 20 lbs. I have another 20 to go - and have been thinking about Zumba - is it hard to start doing? I don't know how coordinated I am in that and the classes I have seen seem to go at a RAPID speed- so I have not been brave enough to try it. I belong to a local YMCA and their classes are during the day - and I work full time. Any ideas??
    - Thanks for inspiring me!
  • bos10fit
    bos10fit Posts: 80 Member
    Datarn wrote: »
    I am so glad I found this thread! You all inspire me - I have been working since July - and lost 20 lbs. I have another 20 to go - and have been thinking about Zumba - is it hard to start doing? I don't know how coordinated I am in that and the classes I have seen seem to go at a RAPID speed- so I have not been brave enough to try it. I belong to a local YMCA and their classes are during the day - and I work full time. Any ideas??
    - Thanks for inspiring me!

    My clients do a lot of the classes at the YMCA. Some of their favorites are pump & tabata. Tabata is definitely super hard and I do no recommend to those new to fitness.

    The Y here, has some morning, lunch, and evening classes.

    I recommend trying some that fit your schedule. You never know if you like it or don't until you try!! Plus, you'll meet some awesome people who can turn into gym buddies!
  • ksturr957
    ksturr957 Posts: 1 Member
    This is great inspiration. I'm 48, perimenopausal. I have been the same weight since I married 13 years ago. I was always thin until I quit smoking (about 15 yrs ago). I gained 30 pounds. The weight never came off. I adopted a Vegan lifestyle a year ago. Instead of losing weight I have gained about 5 pounds - go figure. It is probably carb related but I find the food tastes so incredibly good that I know I am eating way too much. There are so many great recipes to try! But I've also noticed changes in my body and it's slowing down. I have been good about exercise - I have better energy with the Vegan lifestyle. There are probably a few things going on. I hope fitness pal helps. I see hope here for older women losing weight and that's all I need to keep going. Thanks!
  • mnsakaras
    mnsakaras Posts: 2 Member
    DaTarn,
    I am 58 and 70 lbs over weight and love Zumba! You don't have to be perfect, it makes me laugh when I find myself going in the wrong direction! It's a fun class. You should really give it a try.

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