I started gaining at 45 or so and that's when I started riding. I am ten years past menopause, and at 59 (on Sunday), probably in the best shape of my life. Not too skinny and not fat, either. When it started getting harder for me to maintain, I added in boot camp type classes 2x a week, in addition to the cardio stuff I do (riding, nordic skiing, snow shoeing). I hate being inside, but it's made a huge difference. I've ridden less this year, but I guess it's a trade off. I also am really strict about bread and upped my protein. I still have a glass of wine almost every day and am a bit lax over the weekends, but no junk food, ever.