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MyFitnessPal Community

Fit in your 40's (with Pics)

robingmurphy

For most of us, things get harder in your 40's. It's easy to give up because lots of people around you tell you it's impossible to achieve a slim, fit body once you hit middle age. Some people say even if it's possible it's not worth it because you're still not going to look good in your 40's. Prove them wrong! Share your success stories with pictures of your beautiful self in your 40's! I really need the motivation!

Replies

Timorous_Beastie

jaltz_99 wrote: »

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

45 years old, 5'5, about 159 in the first pics, 151 in the second, so still technically "overweight." I run, lift weights (not as often as I should), and walk 2-3 miles a day when I'm not running. I was sidelined a couple weeks recently for a flare-up from my heel spur, but back to running again. I eat about 1800 calories a day Monday through Friday, then eat whatever I want on weekends. Not that I go crazy, but I don't log my food. Gives my brain a break from obsessing... I call it Maintenance Practice.

I don't really see a difference between your pictures except your makeup. But I'm sure you're feeling better! Great job! You must be proud of yourself!☀️

Well, yeah, there's not going to be a huge change. It's only 8 pounds. I compare same pose and lighting to same pose and lighting. I could compare one poorly lit photo to a well lit photo, but I don't think that's an honest way to show progress. Makes for a more dramatic picture, though.

RuNaRoUnDaFiEld

inquilter01 wrote: »

I like seeing all this motivation for 40-somethings. Unfortunately I have fallen into that trap of I'm older so it doesn't matter anymore. I hit it in my late 30's and am now 41. I have tried off and on to do something but that thought still comes back. Any thoughts on what finally made you realize that it didn't have to be that way?

I run half marathons now, in my late 20s I couldn't get off the couch.

You get one life. live it too the max!

MegaTunez11

I see the change. Good job and keep going!!

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

jaltz_99 wrote: »

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

45 years old, 5'5, about 159 in the first pics, 151 in the second, so still technically "overweight." I run, lift weights (not as often as I should), and walk 2-3 miles a day when I'm not running. I was sidelined a couple weeks recently for a flare-up from my heel spur, but back to running again. I eat about 1800 calories a day Monday through Friday, then eat whatever I want on weekends. Not that I go crazy, but I don't log my food. Gives my brain a break from obsessing... I call it Maintenance Practice.

I don't really see a difference between your pictures except your makeup. But I'm sure you're feeling better! Great job! You must be proud of yourself!☀️

Well, yeah, there's not going to be a huge change. It's only 8 pounds. I compare same pose and lighting to same pose and lighting. I could compare one poorly lit photo to a well lit photo, but I don't think that's an honest way to show progress. Makes for a more dramatic picture, though.

Brabo_Grip

inquilter01 wrote: »

I like seeing all this motivation for 40-somethings. Unfortunately I have fallen into that trap of I'm older so it doesn't matter anymore. I hit it in my late 30's and am now 41. I have tried off and on to do something but that thought still comes back. Any thoughts on what finally made you realize that it didn't have to be that way?

A couple of things for me:

1. Like I stated above it started for my son because I was on the fast track to my first coronary in my late 30's

2. I realized it was a lifestyle change. "Dieting" does not work long term. You have to change your relationship with food as well as activity levels.

3. I found my 3rd place -the MMA/BJJ gym. Training and competition is how I express myself. In many ways it is the place I most feel alive and "myself." I can't be at my peak performance if I am eating and sleeping poorly and that is more important to me than eating half a pizza.

4. The disparity in the physical and philosophical types of people my age can be striking. There are guys at my gym in their 40s that have similar transformations to mine. Yet, so many people I know my age are overweight, give off a vibe of having given up, and look older than their age. It takes work and discipline. You have to want it. I wanted it. My friends with similar stories wanted it and made the lifestyle changes to have it. I am not ready to "get old." 42 years have gone by in the blink of an eye. I am fighting the next 42 kicking and screaming.

DX2JX2

inquilter01 wrote: »

I like seeing all this motivation for 40-somethings. Unfortunately I have fallen into that trap of I'm older so it doesn't matter anymore. I hit it in my late 30's and am now 41. I have tried off and on to do something but that thought still comes back. Any thoughts on what finally made you realize that it didn't have to be that way?

After having zero health problems and being fairly active for most of my life, 6 years of inactivity and the good life finally caught up with me. I got out of breath just walking or when public speaking, I felt like a beached whale and could never get comfortable while in bed, looked horrible in clothes and constantly found myself as the fattest guy in the room (I work in a remarkably health-conscious company). And to top it all off I thought I started to see some classic signs of pre-diabetes.

Couple all of that with the fact that diabetes runs in my family and my father died of heart disease and it wasn't that hard a choice.

No pictures for me, but I'm just about 4 months in and am down about 45-50 pounds. ~235 to ~185. I should hit target weight (175-180) in a couple of weeks and will be able to shift to maintenance for the long term.

inquilter01

Thank you everyone that shared what inspired them. Some of them hit a nerve with me when I read them. Thank you

krael65

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

jaltz_99 wrote: »

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

45 years old, 5'5, about 159 in the first pics, 151 in the second, so still technically "overweight." I run, lift weights (not as often as I should), and walk 2-3 miles a day when I'm not running. I was sidelined a couple weeks recently for a flare-up from my heel spur, but back to running again. I eat about 1800 calories a day Monday through Friday, then eat whatever I want on weekends. Not that I go crazy, but I don't log my food. Gives my brain a break from obsessing... I call it Maintenance Practice.

I don't really see a difference between your pictures except your makeup. But I'm sure you're feeling better! Great job! You must be proud of yourself!☀️

Well, yeah, there's not going to be a huge change. It's only 8 pounds. I compare same pose and lighting to same pose and lighting. I could compare one poorly lit photo to a well lit photo, but I don't think that's an honest way to show progress. Makes for a more dramatic picture, though.

I see a difference! You look great.

flowerhouse

[post edited by MFP mods]

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

45 years old, 5'5, about 159 in the first pics, 151 in the second, so still technically "overweight." I run, lift weights (not as often as I should), and walk 2-3 miles a day when I'm not running. I was sidelined a couple weeks recently for a flare-up from my heel spur, but back to running again. I eat about 1800 calories a day Monday through Friday, then eat whatever I want on weekends. Not that I go crazy, but I don't log my food. Gives my brain a break from obsessing... I call it Maintenance Practice.

Hi well your def not a wee cowering timerous beastie - I can really see the difference well done

cargotrailer

KelGen02

In better shape at 48 than I was in my 30's....

amyf2000

41. 5'8" 140 lbs.

RunsWithBees

I'll be 43 in a few days. Went from obese and sedentary to active and healthy after losing 43 lbs 4 years ago.

evilokc

I will be joining the ranks of the fit 40s in November. I'm glad I'm not the only one who knows life nor fitness ends at 40. keep killin it guys.

Nickvipperman

Turned 41 in August. Lost 45 pounds this year.
Best shape of my life.
Resting heart rate now of 42.
Dropped my cholesterol to an amazing level.

middlehaitch

I never feel old but......

I am sat here admiring all the women and men who have posted on this thread, every single one of you- amazing, and suddenly I realized you are my son's contemporaries, not mine!

Keep on doing what you are doing and age with wild abandon.

Cheers, h.

(Old enough to be your mum, 5'1, 100-105lbs maintenance.)

KANGOOJUMPS

proud of u all! 40s are the best years of my life!

musclesandmusic866

monkeefan1974 wrote: »

I'll be 43 in a few days. Went from obese and sedentary to active and healthy after losing 43 lbs 4 years ago.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Great work, you look great!

musclesandmusic866

41 years old...still pushing for more:)

Wiccanandi

I'm 43 in December, 4 kids aged 23, 20, 4 and 2. Never looked after myself but never been huge, a stone or so overweight after having endometriosis and hormone medication. After having my last 2 boys I decided I needed to look after myself and lose a bit of weight and get more exercise. I joined slimming world, but still log food and exercise on here to help me keep on track. I only do a lot of walking, a bit of wii fit and hula hoop but hoping to start the gym to get toned up

kimber0607

44 here but just started my journey
everyone looks ammmmmazing!!
congrats

swebb1103

I don't know how to post pictures here, but last year at age 44 I ran my first 5k after a lifetime of inactivity. This weekend I am running my second half marathon and in April, I am running my first full marathon. I look better than I have at any other age (plus I have that 40+ female don't give a damn attitude!) Seriously, my 40s have been my best years.

Djproulx

I am 5'7" tall. During my adult life, my weight climbed to 235lbs. I finally lost 45 lbs in 2011 and have kept it off for 6 years. This past spring, I dropped another 12lbs to help me get leaner and faster in races. My current weight is 178lbs and I have a resting HR of 42 bpm.

This year, I completed a number of races including the Shamrock marathon, the Patriot Half Iron distance triathlon and the Ironman 70.3 Lake Placid race. Next year, I'm going to step it up a bit, since I'm registered for the full distance Ironman race in Lake Placid next July. This will be my first full Ironman distance race. I should also admit that I don't quite qualify as a fit 40 year old, since next month I will turn 60.

swebb1103

Shutterfly_Share_6.jpg

Not sure if this pic will work - it is my profile picture. The two pictures were taken almost exactly a year apart. The before picture is me with my husband on vacation. The after is me and my best friend/mentor/workout buddy after a 10k run. I didn't realize how heavy I was until I found the picture and realized the dates on them.....

robingmurphy

You guys, I'm so glad I started this thread! You all look so amazing! It's great to see how vital, energetic, and (if I may say this in a way that isn't creepy) sexy you all look at 40+! I'm getting back on the wagon after an injury 18 months ago and my weight creeping back up. It really motivates me to see what one can accomplish! Thanks for sharing!

brookielaw

At present the only pics I can post are from my icon, but 40 is the new awesome. (I'm 43. HW 387, CW 147-152).

Rawr1978

As someone who will be in this age group very soon (I can't write the number...or even say it...it's an issue), seeing these pics helps me realize that people over 39 can still be hot.
I mean, i knew this, but years ago, the idea was that you couldnt be hot in your 30's (and i wasnt, for the majority of them)

Lipsmahoney

Started last year age 46. Never looking back. Bring on the muscles

kellyflan1934

Just WOW.

Lipsmahoney wrote: »

Started last year age 46. Never looking back. Bring on the muscles

lesbarkhouse

Nice work everyone! Just turned 47 last weekend. Left is me in March 2017, right is me now (well 3-4 weeks ago)

brookielaw

Lipsmahoney wrote: »

Started last year age 46. Never looking back. Bring on the muscles

So. Very. Awesome!
GUN SHOW!