Middle age spread for women!

[Minxie]

Hi all, Do women get the middle age spread? I am (OK having to tell my age!) 45 this year. Lucky as never had weight problems, but now this line of fat is growing around my stomach! Nowhere else. Who else has this problem, and what exercises can help get rid of it. Have heard the plank exercise is good. All helpful suggestions welcome

[trevHCS]

I guess some people are more likely to get that, although guys seem to be almost guaranteed to get it!

It always seems (and has now been scientifically proven) that the older you get the harder it is to loose fat as your body gets to a certain amount and basically wants to keep it at that level.

As for excersise - hmm, just do general exercise seems to be the key to keeping the fat level down and in theory that should keep things as they are. Oh and don't worry about it as stress causes more problems than anything...

[smurfchops]

Unfortunately if you are not very very lucky, it does seem to happen. I read somewhere it is nature's protection against osteopirosis. Just keep healthy, and make sure there are no underlying thyroid problems which could make you put on weight. I feel for you !

[snook]

First off, stop thinking 45 is old. It�s not� unless you think it is. Do you feel old? No, didn�t think so. It�s true what they say � you�re as old as you feel. If you agonize over your age, you will start to feel old. If you try to fit yourself into a certain age �box�, then you�ll take the shape of that box. Just be yourself! Remember, the alternative to getting older is� well, you don�t want to even think about that, right? So just be grateful for being older, it�s the better of the two options, by far.

As for exercise, don�t be afraid to exercise like a kid, energetically and with a fun attitude. Here�s a few tips:

Exercise regularly (your body really loves regular exercise, but it gets a shock if you hit it with a hard workout every once in a while).

Be sure to include stretching in your workout, both to increase or maintain flexibility and to ensure you don�t suffer sprains and strains.

Train hard! If you just go through the motions you�ll only be fooling yourself and you won�t see or feel any benefits.

Train aerobically, i.e., train fairly fast and with only short breaks, and with deep and exaggerated breathing � this is a real fat-burner! Work up a sweat!

And train in the morning, if you can � it raises your metabolic rate for hours afterwards (plus, it makes you feel really fresh and alive � a great start to the day).

If you do a workout most days, even if only for a few minutes, you�ll be safeguarding your health to a massive degree. And you�ll build up a healthy appetite (you�ll actually want to eat more healthy foods!). Most of all though, try different things and find what you really enjoy doing, �cos you won�t stick at it otherwise.

[mydogsandme]

great answers! Minxie- funny you should ask this as I've noticed it happening to me the last few months and I'm 45, almost 46. I'm very slim all over except for this spare tyre round my middle! Today I went to the gym for the first time hoping this will firm me up. I'll keep you posted!

[sammd]

I'm 25 and that's exactly where any extra weight goes on me! (Is there something that defines where the weight gets put on?)

It is just after Christmas though.... :)

[Minxie]

thank you all for replying. I do exercise fairly regularly, and have done for years. So thats why I was surprised at the "tyre" appearing round my middle! Snook thanks for answering, I just put in my age as I thought it would be more helpful. I do have a very young look (not mutton) and a young outlook on life. The age bit doesnt bother me, its the fatty bits. Mydogsandme thank you. I think you and me have the same problem. Good luck at the gym and yes keep me posted.

[snook]

Minxie, I've just taken a (virtual) look and you're right, you do look young for your age! And you're gorgeous! Just keep up the regular training, and make sure you enjoy it, that's the key. And don't worry about being a few pounds heavier than you were last year or five years ago, it just makes you a little cuter and cuddlier (in a nice way!)... ;c)