Hi! I am 55 and I am really trying to get my body back into shape!

I feel like I am getting the food part licked. But I also want arm muscles and sleeveless shirts. Healthy thighs and actual shorts - not capris! I don't have to have a bikini stomach but a one-piece stomach would be great! A picture of myself with no extra neck and puffiness! Is it possible???? Of course I'm all for health -- aren't we all -- but vanity is me also.

Is this a possible goal after years of neglect??

I need inspiration! Calling all 50+ success stories! Tell us your positive stories (or point me to your success stories on this site). Thanks!

I've found success stories and pictures by CountingDown and JayEll and MBN!

You are so inspirational!

Hey, thanks Kris! Welcome! We'd love to have you join in on the Active Folks thread! And of course, post anywhere you'd like on 3FC.

I've got great arms, I'm happy to say! And that CountingDown, well, she is amazing! And MBN runs! There are just so many folks here who have done big turnarounds, and of course lots of others with smaller goals, but still truckin' just the same.

Yep, it is possible! You can do it!

Jay

Edited to add: Aha! I see you found Active Folks already. heh.

Thanks kris and Jay!

kris - Jay is an awesome maintainer! She has been an incredible inspiration to me on my journey. Her commitment to exercise put me to shame. I wish I had her drive and tenacity when it comes to working out!

MBN is also amazing. My knees are shot from carrying too much weight for too many years. She just amazes me. I wish I could run like she can!

If you check out the maintainers, you will find several other 50+ folk that have successfully lost weight and maintained. Meg and Mel are both incredible maintainers!

We are all here to tell you that you absolutely CAN do this after age 50. DH reminds me regularly, that I look better now than I did when I got married (and weighed 128) I was SHOCKED that I could roll back time and regain an hourglass figure - I figured that this post-menopausal chickie that refused to go on hormone therapy was doomed to an apple shape from here on out.

Exercise really is a key component. I'm not radical or obsessive - I use walking and DVD workouts - LOTS of different stuff. Variety is a key for me - I bore easily and I can't stand repetitive workouts. I love aerobic dance, pilates, yoga, weights, stretchie bands, zumba, Tae Bo - the more the merrier. I also like my Wii - "My Fitness Coach", "Gold's Gym Shape Boxing", "Wii Sports".

So - stick with your eating plan - and work in as much exercise as you can. When something stops working for you - look for something else to take its place.

You ABSOLUTELY CAN do this! And, I can't wait to read your progress posts

CD (Laurie)

I can tell I'm in the right place. You guys are such "Can Do" people. Just what I needed. Thanks for inspiration! Any more stories out there?

aw shucks, now I'm blushing!

I have to admit, though, I am a youngster lurking in this forum ... I don't turn 50 until next Monday! I just couldn't wait to get promoted!

It absolutely is possible to get in better shape, even after years of inactivity. I think it doesn't matter so much what you do, the key is finding something that you like to do. It may be hard at first, but it's amazing how quickly you'll improve at an activity if you just keep at it consistently over time.

Here's another inspirational story -- my 78 year old mother weighed 205 pounds 18 months ago. Motivated by my weight loss, she changed her diet and started walking daily. Despite age, meds and physical limitations, she successfully lost weight and now weighs 134. She moves and feels better than she has in years. She is willing to go out and do things again, where before it was just too hard. We still "weigh in" together every Friday via email, and now my two sisters have joined in our little weight watchers group. I have to say, if SHE can do it, truly just about anyone can. She is now my inspiration!

You can do it too!

I've read all three success stories and they are very inspiring!

MBN, the story about your mom is really terrific! It just goes to show that we are never too old to do something to improve our health. I know you are so proud of her.

Today getting to the gym was soooo hard for me; I really, really, REALLY didn't want to go, but I did. I'm walking 2 1/2 miles around the track each day, which is 45 laps, and it generally takes me 45 minutes. But today I felt like I was crawling around there - everyone was lapping me, even people who normally don't - but one gal (who'd done a 10K yesterday) was so encouraging. When I told her I had to drag myself there she said "But you're HERE, and that's what counts." As it was it took me 50 minutes instead of 45, but I thought surely I'd been there 90.

But it felt so good to do it, and to know that there will be better days!

of course you can get fit after 50! I was down to my goal weight last year. Because of some medications I was on, and some health issues, I gained 10-15 lb. But I am steadily losing it again. And I've got to tell you, my arms were great! We had went to a picnic with family members I hadn't seen in some time. I wore a sleeveless top and MANY people were commenting on my arms, especially after they found out my age. You're never too young or too old to get healthy and fit!

So, keep up the good work. and the gal who encouraged you at the tract was right, the important thing is, you were there! And you get faster...and fitter...and thinner...and......

Thanks for all the encouragement! I think walking is a good way to start out but as you get a little more fit you might want to branch out into a Zumba class or rock climbing or bike riding or whatever it is that you ENJOY doing! Not everyone enjoys walking around a track but it is a good place to start to get comfortable moving again. Find something you enjoy!