Anyone who ACHIEVED a great body:

[mizach]

Originally Posted by scrappindad

My cholesterol and A1C numbers are good, I'm training for my first 1/2 marathon and I can do big girl push ups 25 at a pop. So while my body won't be modeling bathing suits anytime soon, I'm happy.

Debbie

Have a great 1/2 marathon! Enjoy :-). I'll sign up for another one in the Fall. You have always been stunning Debbie!

VFers rock!

jplain and KelleyMarie,
Let's be healthy thru old age!

[Anny]

Thank you!

And woo hoo re Unschooling!

[Ann1964]

Very inspiring thread.
I lost 8 pounds at the end of 2009, and have gained them all back. Got to relaxed in my serving sizes, and working hard to get the 8 off and 5 more. Its all about diet for me, and small portions. AT barley 5'2 and 46 yrs old every pound goes to my middle. Yuck!

[RedPanda]

Originally Posted by Liz N

Personally, I think the 40 s is a great time to get a banging bod! We're usually done with having kids and not quite menopausal.

Here's a vid I did for LL Bootcamp 14 a week or so ago. Not letting shoulder surgery or a glute tear slow me down.

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMAERWk5vBQ

Keep on keeping on is my motto!

Thanks for sharing, Liz! Sorry to hear about your injuries, but yeah - it doesn't look as though they are slowing you down one bit.

[Debbie S.]

I'll be 54 in September and even though I don't have a perfect body, I can honestly say that I have a great body for my age thanks to working out hard and eating in moderation.

I have been well over 200 lbs. three times in my life; during my two pregnancies, and during the three plus year period that I struggled with my back and back surgeries. The weight fell off with after the birth of my first child, a bit longer with my second, and I carried that extra weight for a good three year period with my back issues.

I did write about my journey back to fitness a couple of years ago, and since then, my fitness level has improved even more thanks to introduction of bodyweight circuits into my routine.

Today, my weight is what it was during my teens and 20s (128-130 at 5'7"), my bodyfat level is averaging 16-17% which shows all of my muscle definition that I work so hard for. During the time period that I was struggling with my back issues and when I first started my journey back into fitness, achieving this fitness level didn't even enter my mind, because I honestly thought that I would never reach an advanced level of fitness again let alone having the physique that I have today.

[Lucky Star]

Debbie your physique sounds pretty perfect to me. Congratulations!!!

[Liz N]

Originally Posted by Debbie S.

I'll be 54 in September and even though I don't have a perfect body, I can honestly say that I have a great body for my age thanks to working out hard and eating in moderation.

I have been well over 200 lbs. three times in my life; during my two pregnancies, and during the three plus year period that I struggled with my back and back surgeries. The weight fell off with after the birth of my first child, a bit longer with my second, and I carried that extra weight for a good three year period with my back issues.

I did write about my journey back to fitness a couple of years ago, and since then, my fitness level has improved even more thanks to introduction of bodyweight circuits into my routine.

Today, my weight is what it was during my teens and 20s (128-130 at 5'7"), my bodyfat level is averaging 16-17% which shows all of my muscle definition that I work so hard for. During the time period that I was struggling with my back issues and when I first started my journey back into fitness, achieving this fitness level didn't even enter my mind, because I honestly thought that I would never reach an advanced level of fitness again let alone having the physique that I have today.

You can definitely see that you "walk the walk" from your profile photo Debbie!
I find all of us 40 and 50 somethings who love fitness quite the inspiration really!

[Debbie S.]

Thank you Gina and LIz. It's not perfect and it never will be. I'm just so darn happy that I beat the odds, which was pretty low in 1998 when I started my journey back into fitness.

Liz, yes, VF is full of very inspiring individuals. There is always someone on a daily basis that motivates me.

[aunatural]

I'm the same way. I lose weight much better when I don't exercise. But, it's become a habit now. Not exercising is unthinkable and throws me off mentally unless it's a planned rest day.

Originally Posted by Demeris

...
In fact, it would be easier for me to keep the weight off through diet alone than with diet and exercise.

[Michelle]

Originally Posted by Rozy

Thanks Sophie! I credit alot of my success to VF! The motivation here is priceless!

Rozy, your determination and perseverance are absolutely awe-inspiring. Your blog is great, I look forward to reading more.