A
female
age
41-50,
anonymous
writes:Hey guys,This isn't exactly a relationship question but I have been feeling badly and could really use your help!Like everyone, I want so badly to be attractive and I desperately want a nice figure and when I see other women with nice figures, I feel really inadequate and inferior. I understand that what's inside counts and all that, but I am so sick of feeling depressed when I look in the mirror! People tell me that I'm not fat but not skinny either and I could be imagining things but it seems like a nice way of saying that I don't have a great figure. The trouble is, I'm 32 years old and worry that it's too late to tone up and lose some weight. Furthermore, I don't know if it's possible because of genes. I guess I'm about 5 foot 6 and wear a size 6 in US sizes but I hate what I see in the mirror. Is this something I can do something about?Thanks if you can help! It means a lot to me!
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female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (13 December 2011):
 So, did you go for that walk? Do you really want to change things or was the post just you idling a few minutes away?
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (13 December 2011): If you're a size 6 then you don't need to lose any weight; if you think you do then your body image is out of whack. You don't have to be stick thin to be beautiful.
Getting more toned, however, is a different story. When I was in my early 30s my metabolism changed, and my body fat (if that's the right word for it--I'm also 5'6" and weighed 128 lbs back then) started distributing itself differently, even though I didn't gain any weight.
If this is what's happening to you, then exercising will help. Walk, bike, and lift weights to tighten up your muscles and reduce the amount of "flab". This also increases your cardiovascular health.
You are never too old to get in shape, even at your "advanced" age! The father of one of my friends started going to the gym regularly just a couple of years ago, and he's in his 70s. So yes, it can be done!
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A
female
reader, Tisha-1 +, writes (12 December 2011):
You're a size 6? Wow, I haven't been that since my 20s. Okay, stop worrying. You can definitely tone up and lose weight (if you really need to, I'm not convinced you do). How do I know? Because in my late 40s I took off 40 lbs by starting to exercise, eat right and change my attitude toward food and movement. I went from a size 16 to a size 8. So it can be done at your advanced age. (We need the humor font.)
I do yoga, weight train and walk. I also try to park far from the door at the stores or mall and walk.
There are a million sites that help people get started on their wellness journey. The first place to start is with your doctor and go from there.
I used to look in the mirror and hate what I saw too. That has changed. It just takes some effort and self-awareness. You don't have to exercise 24/7. You just need to move more, and there are many places/apps/websites/books/youtube videos/DVDs/programs that will help you get started. Many are free, or low-cost. My 80+ year old parents go to the Y 3 times a week and get on the treadmill, bike and circuit train. Neither of them will win a figure competition but they look pretty damn good for their age and have outlived most of their friends. So..... the ancient, fossilized state you've reached at age 32 is pretty much in your head.
Focus on getting fit and the rest will follow. Off you go!
And yes, I walk, in the winter, in the snow. Oh, I forgot I also started hiking, biking and skiing. Being fit is GREAT! Go get yourself there, you'll be soooo glad you did.
All you have to do is get up tomorrow and go for a 30 minute brisk walk. Check back here and let us know how you did.
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