HELP! Is it too late for me to really tone up?

evertoolate? · 04-14-2009, 08:16 PM

I really, really want to try and get myself on the right track here, but at 59 and quite a few pounds overweight, and with the skin under my arms and on my calves looking very "loose", I just don't know if there is anything I can do that will really change anything. I have been eating a lot better, trying to stay away from eating too many carbs (but those peanut butter eggs are calling my name!) and have lost a little weight. Is there anything that will really help? I have never had defined calf muscles and would LOVE to, also the whole area under my arms. Mostly though I really want to change some things, seeing way too many people I know with all kinds of health problems. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE to anyone who can give me any suggestions. Also, does anyone know if that reservatol (? Dr. Oz recommended) really works?
I'm glad I found this site!

stikfigure · 04-15-2009, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evertoolate?

I really, really want to try and get myself on the right track here, but at 59 and quite a few pounds overweight, and with the skin under my arms and on my calves looking very "loose", I just don't know if there is anything I can do that will really change anything. I have been eating a lot better, trying to stay away from eating too many carbs (but those peanut butter eggs are calling my name!) and have lost a little weight. Is there anything that will really help? I have never had defined calf muscles and would LOVE to, also the whole area under my arms. Mostly though I really want to change some things, seeing way too many people I know with all kinds of health problems. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE to anyone who can give me any suggestions. Also, does anyone know if that reservatol (? Dr. Oz recommended) really works?
I'm glad I found this site!

It's never too late to support your body with healthy habits.
My opinion about reservatrol is "wait and see". It's too new to know much about it. Personally I don't like taking anything that is processed or manufactured by humans. Your body is a self regulating mechanism and all you have to do is eliminate the barriers to health (inactivity, stress, worry and depression as well as fake/unhelpful/ nutritionally devoid food).

so, get moving - even if it's just a daily walk, a stretching routine. throw away those peanut butter eggs, eat something that is alive vegetables, legumes, whole grains. the more you eat of those things the better you'll feel and the less you'll want the garbage food. love yourself. sleep.

there's a good start.
staying away from health problems is a lot of work though. no magic pills unfortunately.

5kgLifter · 04-15-2009, 03:38 PM

It's never too late to change, even if it's only small changes each week; that's 52 small changes a year, if there are 52 things that need altering, i.e peanut butter eggs (didn't know you could get those, creme eggs are all the rage over here), do slightly more exercise, increase weekly until you get to the desired time length etc.

dianeb · 04-17-2009, 08:27 PM

wow, some great advice - this site really rocks - thanks!!!

ddktt · 04-18-2009, 12:17 AM

Ditto what they said. My Mom is 78 and went on WW a few years ago. Got back to weight she hadn't seen since her 30's. She's very happy and is able to maintain it.

Make a list of realistic goals that you'd like to achieve within 6 months. Then do it. We're here to cheer you on. Kim

Lazylifter · 04-18-2009, 03:45 PM

I agree with what 5kg said, and you know if you have loose skin on your arms you'l want the fat to come off slowly so the skin has time to adjust aswell.

Try just eatting more lean protein as a start, I find thats the best way to stop myself from over eatting (peanut butter eggs soun amazing!).

thecatsmother · 04-19-2009, 05:01 PM

reply to evertoolate...it's never too late
I am also 59...will hit the big 6-0 in August,and I am bound and determined that this year will be my last year of weeping and wailing about my weight,so I am chipping away at the pounds and inches....but it is a lot slower than I would like...and I think that is because of the age thing.
What is working for me this time is my mindset,I am more focused on the diet and exercise than ever before.So you can do it but it is hard work.
I walk every day,do weight training and yoga every day my diet contains no sugar,white flour or alcohol..mostly fruits and veggies.I have lost 19lbs and about 12 inches(as I said SLOW)
So I would encourage you to check out all the articles,tips etc on this forum and other sites and also don't forget the library they have loads of books and videos about healthy living....good luck....you CAN do it

DORKtoDIVA · 05-19-2009, 05:54 PM

I have found some of these photos and stories VERY inspiring:

51 year old woman makes herself a major hottie
61 year old woman gets powerful
90 year old woman goes from wheelchair to martial arts
60+ man goes from flab to steel

All these people made transformations in 12 weeks. (Granted, they are extreme examples of transformations, but still, in 12 weeks you can achieve a LOT).

Combining strength training and cardio apparently makes for best results.

In case you are thinking "eww, I don't want to look like a bodybuilder," first, you don't have to (the women who did that WANTED to do that), and second, ask yourself if avoiding looking like you are strong is a higher priority than getting yourself in shape and looking and feeling good

I don't know if you have that opinion but I've noticed a lot of women are very phobic about strength training - but that's how Michelle Obama gets her gorgeous arms!

Happy · 05-27-2009, 12:22 AM

I agree with the above posters -- NEVER TOO LATE!!! Also, this may have been said, but I must say that you will feel so much better about yourself once you begin and stick to a regimen, that it makes it all the more worth it!!

I wish you the best in anything you take on!!

stikfigure · 05-27-2009, 05:22 AM

love your signature Happy!