Getting started

[uptown]

Ok, I'm 46,have had 3 kids and several ab surgeries(straight up and down incisions which are hell on the abs) I started trying to eat well 15 months ago and began power walking for exercise.I've lost considerable weight and kept it off.I want to try to go further now and have taken up jogging.

I'm thinking adding some light weight lifting to my routine would be helpful.How much improvement can I realistically expect at my age? Also,even though I've accomplished a lot sometimes I look at my scars and such and think what's the use,that no matter how small/toned I get my abs will still be a mess and that I will still look like hell compared to all those young model types walking around.

I lost the weight fairly slowly so I don't have much excess skin and was hoping if I do a ton of ab work/cardio to blast off remaining fat that I could hopefully get toned enough that I won't have to be ashamed of how I look naked in front of my new b/friend.

Please help.

[rottie]

Well the first thing you gotta do is stop comparing yourself to those models. They have no muscle to speak of, not to mention the amount of airbrushing that goes into the pictures to make them look like that. The only person you should be doing this for is yourself.

Now on to your question about weights. I say take it up. As for results, of course your not going to grow muscle as fast as the younger fellers (damn them to hell :) ) with all those hormones coursing thru thier bodies, but you are going to see improvements. From there on its all genetics.

The more muscle you have, the more calories your body uses at any given time... so besides sculpting your body, it helps with fat loss.
And lifting weights feels GREAT! I love being sore after a particularily hardcore session.... a sense of intense satisfaction.

[MsFit]

You shouldn't compare yourself to models. Many model come out the womb and begin their careers. Most have been living a very lean lifestyle all their lives.

You had to make changes, and you are on the right track. You did great by losing the weight slowly! Keep doing what you are doing. Eat quality food, drink a lot of water, do moderate cardio, and add some resisitance training for general muscle tone.

I think your boyfriend will love you no matter what you look like, but I understand that you would like to deminish the scars. All I can offer at this point is topical Vitamine E and Coco Butter. It may help. Apply either one 3 times a day or more.

Your abs will shine through, just be persistent. Make sure your diet is clean, and take a cheat once in a while. ;)

[sara-ana]

I'm 29 and mother of a two year old girl, and I lost some weight. But still have alot more to loose. Right now all I really do is cardo, and just a tiny bit of weights.

Is there someone here who can help with some advice on what else I can do.

[rottie]

Head over to the nutrition forum and post a typical days meals. ask for suggestions.

[MsFit]

Originally posted by sara-ana
I'm 29 and mother of a two year old girl, and I lost some weight. But still have alot more to loose. Right now all I really do is cardo, and just a tiny bit of weights.

Is there someone here who can help with some advice on what else I can do.

Weight loss is the combination of proper nutrition, with added cardio and resisitance training. If you really want to shape up and lose the extra fat, you might want to balance all three factors.