I'm new here and Need HELP

[40something mom]

I'm new to this forum and really need some advice on a new found problem. A little background - I'm 48, 5'7", 120 lbs. and have been a gym rat for the past 20 years. I've always used supplements (MetRX, Creatine..) along with exercise. I had my first (and only child) at 40. I returned to my pre-pregnancy body within weeks of giving birth. Along with pregnancy came a herneated disc, then another and then surgery. I was told not to run (not even on a treadmill), but did so anyway.

In a nutshell after 8 years, and three back surgeries, I absolutely can no longer run safely. I've been substituting 30 minutes (about 4 miles) on my Agile, Smooth instead of running. During the past year, my stomach (which has always been flat as a board) changed - it now looks like a pillow - YIKES! The rest of my body remained tone. Could this be a result of not running? ......is it an age thing???? Nothing else has changed in my diet, or exercise program. Do I need a different supplement? Please help! Is there any other 40 somethings out there with this problem??

[WildChild]

Hormone changes can increase belly fat and it seems to get harder to get rid of. I've been doing more ab work and have got to start laying off the chocolate (sob). I don't know about the supplements you are taking ,there has been research that indicates a problem with multi vitamins. Why not do a diet review and have a blood panel - find out what you really need?

[sourpuss]

Creatine causes you to retain water, you may want to stop taking that and see what happens. But I do think a blood profile would be a good idea. At some point you will have to accept that age is what it is and it's going to catch up with you. Pushing yourself beyond what your body can safely do for the sake of a flat tummy is not a good idea. Focus more on being fit and healthy rather than what your midsection looks like.