Muscle Tone vs. Spandex: What Will It Be?

 

We all know that exercise is good for us, but even at 50 and beyond, your primary motivator is “looking good.”   Most women carry their weight in their thighs, hips, buttocks and stomach (sigh, not a pretty sight) and it seems to be a genetic flaw that we are stuck with it.  So, whether from a few extra pounds or not enough muscle tone (yes, thin but saggy) an exercise program emphasizing the lower body might be in order.   

 

Many exercise videos or training sessions include the words “muscle definition, ripped, sculpted, body shaping,” and the like.  At 50 you still find these words interesting and doable but your attention is being drawn more towards titles that include the words “strong knees, senior fitness, fall prevention workouts and anything that says easy-does-it.”  It doesn’t matter which programs draw your fancy, you still want to look good as well as reap the medical and physical benefits of exercise.

 

What brought this to mind was an article in the Wall Street Journal (Thursday, November 5 2009) by Rachel Dodes called “Shapewear Has Women Bent out of Shape.” It seems the corset or a reasonable facsimile is back and I am wondering what you think?  Easier than an exercise program, perhaps….but do you really want to go the way of corsets and girdles again?  The trend now is for flesh-toned underwear that extends from the bottom of the bra line to mid-thigh.  Undergarments for women who want a bulge-free silhouette while wearing tight clothes.  Shapewear has been seen under everything from tight cocktail dresses to form-fitting exercise garb.  Feeling like a sausage and the problems that occur when trying to go to the bathroom were mentioned as disadvantages but what are a few minor inconveniences when it comes to “looking good.”   Besides, being uncomfortable has never stopped the fashion industry before.  Manufactures at this moment are introducing upscale garments with lace and vivid colors to appeal to women everywhere.  Some companies are developing apparel with built in shapewear.  Even jeans can be found with lift and tuck technology that can make wearers drop a size.

 

Is this just another excuse for not wanting to eat sensibly or to exercise for a few minutes a day?  If it keeps you from being a slave to dieting it might be a good idea, but I certainly don’t think that is should replace the healthy benefits derived from exercising.

 

 

Comments

[laser varicose vein treatment]

I think Muscle is the key ingredient to great health, and also a great body. Very well written blog. Keep up the good work.

[Hydrazide]

Thanks for the amazing post, Now I will read time to time that...

[excessive sweating]

Impressive distinguish out between the Muscle Tone vs. Spandex.I definitely go out with an Muscle tone it's keep your entire tight and healthy..

[somanabolic muscle maximizer]

I just keep training as i have done for so many years in many sports, I feel lazy when i dont do something
Motivation has always been an image of my fat lazy couch potatoe father
I love feeling fit at 49 and many folk cant believe im past early 40s, Yes vanity i suppose but it will help me live longer and not be a dependant old aged pensioner