Women over 40 - best way to get fit quickly?

[Anonymous]

45 years old, about 10 pounds over ideal weight and feeling all that post-winter flab. I'm trying to think about the best/most fun/least miserable way to get fitter relatively quickly. Just general feel better/look better fitness -- not trying to get in shape to run a marathon or anything, just want to shed some blubber and feel more energetic. I don't have a ton of self-discipline and I don't have a ton of free time. Any suggestions? What worked for you?

[Anonymous]

HITT- high intensity interval training- and weights (but not 5 or 8 pounds, you need to work up to 12-20 pound dumbbells, depending on body part) .
Google HITT workouts. You can find printouts, YouTube vids and dvds. If you do it right, going all out with high intensity, you don't need to do long workouts.

[Anonymous]

You know I would say a very important thing is not to do it too quickly.

I went to the gym and because I have strong legs, my trainer put too much weight on my back and I have had a nodule on my left ankle ever since. I am walking and resting and its going but for about 5 weeks it was tender, painful and I couldn't walk much.

And I am 46 - you need to take a little more care and not be fast and reckless with yourself.

[Anonymous]

I don't think they're in the DC area, but Farrell's is a great program--I did it a couple of years ago and it's pretty popular in our neighborhood because it's close. I've seen people dramatically change their bodies. I bet there are similar programs out there:

http://www.extremebodyshaping.com

[Anonymous]

Rock climbing is fun, and works all your body muscles. I do that and some yoga and am fitter than I have ever been. I'm 50.

I think running is probably better cardio, but I hate it with a passion. Climbing is social, makes you think, and is a great workout.

[Anonymous]

Last summer I was in a similar situation, I had just turned 44 and was about 15 lbs heavier/flabbier than I wanted to be.

I did a 30 day challenge with a friend, I followed Wheat belly and did crossfire 3x a week and a tight and tone class 2 days a week.
I lost 12 lbs in that period and went down 2 clothing sizes.
I've kept up with the plan and have maintained it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rock climbing is fun, and works all your body muscles. I do that and some yoga and am fitter than I have ever been. I'm 50.

I think running is probably better cardio, but I hate it with a passion. Climbing is social, makes you think, and is a great workout.

PP, where do you go for that? Is there a gym?

[Anonymous]

Im almost 44 and needed to drop 8 lbs. I started in jan and have managed to shed about 7 - about 2.2 i,e a kilo a month. Things that have worked for me are
- ive cut refined and processed carbs. I eat all fruits and veggies
- I do some exercise every day come what may even it is only 10mins of jogging in my house.

Its been slow and steady for me. After 40 i found that i could lose weight fast but i couldnt keep it off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Im almost 44 and needed to drop 8 lbs. I started in jan and have managed to shed about 7 - about 2.2 i,e a kilo a month. Things that have worked for me are
- ive cut refined and processed carbs. I eat all fruits and veggies
- I do some exercise every day come what may even it is only 10mins of jogging in my house.

Its been slow and steady for me. After 40 i found that i could lose weight fast but i couldnt keep it off.

Slower it comes off longer it stays off - well done!

[Anonymous]

Get chased by a bear. You'll feel really energetic quickly. Kidding.

Steady and consistent is the way to go. Not the PP who mentioned it, but there's a climbing gym in Rockville. Earth Treks, I think.

[Anonymous]

Running 3x/wk and a weight lifting class like Les Mills Body Pump or other equivalent 2x/wk.

[Anonymous]

I hired a personal trainer. Keeps me accountable and gives me a high-intensity targeted workout in a short period of time. At first I started with two training sessions a week, then added two cardio days on my own and have started cleaning up my diet. I've only lost about 7 pounds in 3 months but am seeing noticeable improvement in the way I look and feel. 45 years old.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Rock climbing is fun, and works all your body muscles. I do that and some yoga and am fitter than I have ever been. I'm 50.

I think running is probably better cardio, but I hate it with a passion. Climbing is social, makes you think, and is a great workout.

PP, where do you go for that? Is there a gym?

I climb at EarthTreks in Rockville. There is SportRock in Alexandria and a few other climbing gyms around. If you take an introductory class, you'll usually meet some others to climb with. There are climbing Meet Ups too for beginners to advanced climbers.

[Anonymous]

Heavy weightlifting. Added muscle will make you feel super strong and burn off fat, too. Your continual progress will keep you motivated. If you are short on time it really is the best bang for your buck.

[Anonymous]

I think you have to work with your own schedule and motivation. I knew that it would be hard for me to find classes/training that would fit my schedule, and that I would rather do a little every day than a couple big workouts. This is what I do:

walk 2 miles to work/walk a lot on the weekend
do at least one set of 15-20 pushups everyday
lift weights at home for about 10 minutes a day
stretch at home at least every other day
so some planks while I"m watching netflix
run a couple times a week (not very far or very fast)