Yep, That’s my story…I blame Kelly Ripa for this, or maybe Robin Roberts! Have you seen the arms on either of these chicks? They are gorgeous! I dream of being able to sport sleeveless tops in the summertime showing off the tight cut between my biceps and my shoulders – uh, huh…and then she woke up.
But not being the type to give up without a fight, I headed off to the gym this week with the intention of getting back into lifting some weights. (I’ve been a bit of a slacker since Christmas.) So with Kelly and Robin and summertime in the back of my head – weeeellllll, let’s just say I went a bit crazy. Just for the record, I kept hearing the trainer in my ear, whispering “Finish Strong!” And strong I was – a little bit too heavy on the weights, a few too many reps and now…
I Can’t Bend My Arms!
No seriously…I’m not exaggerating here! Not only won’t they bend all the way, they won’t straighten out either! You can’t even believe the problems this causes! I struggled to get my makeup on, because my hands couldn’t touch my face! I couldn’t do my own hair, and had to get the hubs to take out my pony tail! And just let your imagination run wild while thinking about putting a bra on the sisters! My triceps are actually swollen! Puffy elbows – Now there’s a look we all strive for!
It got me wondering if there’s ever a time when a boomer girl should simply give up and accept what the good Lord gave her. I’ve seen plenty of pretty classy looking retired ladies who seem to be fairly content in their own skin. Am I being vain because I want to be able to rock those outfits that I see in the mall? Or am I just afraid of aging and I’m trying (perhaps a bit to hard) to get and stay healthy for as long as possible? And, of course, there is still the whole dressing question to consider…”When do I have to stop dressing ‘too young’?” I don’t feel 50+…I feel about 30. I think I just don’t want to grow up!
So tell me your experiences with this slippery slope of body image, health, fitness and wardrobe. I’m curious about how others have navigated this part of the voyage!
An Encore Voyage 
Ahh…. I want to see other’s replies! I’ve never been in shape. Ok, maybe not since sophomore year in college when I played sports and was serious about the training. Or maybe the year in my mid-20’s when I got too depressed to eat. No, that wasn’t in shape, although I lost 20 pounds (and gained it all back when things got back to normal).
I think I have just come to accept my 50+ year old body…flabby arms, thick thighs, humongous calfs and all. I find having clothes I like to wear (in the right sizes even if I hate the number on the label) works. I have a few friends who are (nicely said) big girls…and they wear awesome clothes and look great. It’s in the attitude and liking what you wear. I don’t wear old lady clothes, nor do I wear 25 year old clothes. I wear awesome jewelry and colors I feel good in. My upper arms only see the light of day at the beach. I have found that cute (tight) pencil skirts can even make thick thighs and huge calfs look OK. (And I’ve been told I have a great butt when I wear them… does that count?)
LikeLiked by 2 people
It takes a loooong time to get Midlife arms in shape, or back in shape! I have always had muscular arms (years of competitive swimming). So for years as a runner, I did not work out my arms hoping they would look smaller. It didn’t work, and when I inevitably gained weight in my mid 40s, I started working out with the eliptical. This got my arms in shape even if back to looking a bit muscular. It’s a great goal. You can do it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My experience is simple: I started to work out with weights and eat clean 27 years ago, and I still work out with weights and eat clean. That’s all. No magic bullets or revolutionary diets.
LikeLike