But wasn’t it you who said you reverse the usual pattern, and gain during the week but lose on the weekend? Sounds to me like you’re setting yourself up for success! 
It’s very unlikely for any person to gain 2 pounds of actual fat in a day - it’s probably just water retention and natural variation 
I didn’t gain weight around the middle - it’s just that things shifted to settle around the middle. Much of the shift for me has to do with a, uh, more relaxed posture. I just find it harder to keep a strong core (and thus stand up straight). I’ve lost a lot of muscle tone - things are just softer. I have to work harder to keep the muscle tone.
I like to think it’s 2 lbs of brain fat. 
Very Happy- re: physically fit before menopause, then question of weight gain post-menopause
In my case, the main issue isn’t gaining weight, it’s not having abdominal muscle tone. I was fit enough to have a flat stomach without abdominal exercises. Only “exercise” came from walking or climbing stairs. Nothing formal or disciplined.
Since menopause, I look bloated. No weight gain. I’m similar to SlackerMomMD, except my posture hasn’t changed.
I need to really exercise, beyond walking more, which I’m doing.
THEREFORE–
Searching for some form(s) of exercise to keep my bones strong, stomach flat, and legs firm. Would also love to have better balance and stronger upper body.
Any recommendations? Not certain whether this or the D/E/H/W thread is the place to ask.
What about push-ups and pulls ups (if you can’t do them outright, there are programs that gradually get you there - they really work)? They help with upper body strength and core strength.
MB, Pilates would be perfect for you. It emphasizes core strength. Add to that some cardio stuff, like the machines or walking.
“Once you reach menopause, do you gain weight around your middle if you don’t increase your activity even more…”
Here is one theory I have heard. Part of fat tissue redistribution to the midriff is actually due to lack of core stability. Because of that, as the spine bends and deforms with age, the body pads the middle to keep it upright. Work your core muscles! How many ladies here can do 20 pushups - good form? For reference, RBG is over 80, and she can.
Just make sure you use proper arm positioning for your pushups. Our old lady shoulder muscles aren’t as tolerant as they once were.
@ManhattanBoro - For bone strength, weight-bearing exercise or resistance/strength training are needed. Here are some resistance exercises:
Thank you All for the Suggestions and responding So quickly:
re: Push-Ups & Pull-Ups… I never could do either. Even as a child, never could do those ring things on the playground, where you swing from ring to ring, like a monkey going from branch to branch… maybe I did some “girl” push-ups… I probably could have been athletic in high school, in that I fenced a bit, however, I was too old to have the benefits of Title IX as a child.
LasMa- that link looks like my level.
Bookworm- Pilates sounds great, but seems a bit intimidating. Maybe after I try some resistance-based exercises.
I welcome any other suggestions… there must be others like me!
I also thought I just naturally did not have upper body strength, since I was a kid. I couldn’t do even a knee push up.
I started this program a year ago: http://scoobysworkshop.com/zero-to-100-pushups-for-complete-beginners/
I started with the counter push ups. It took me a year but I can do A push up now (getting towards the end of the knee push up phase). My muscles on my arms and stomach have visibly grown.
I really had the worst upper body strength of almost anyone I know. But take it from me, it may take a while, but it’s not impossible! If you stick with it, it works!
I also recently started a pull-up program.
I teach Pilates. If there is a studio around and you can afford it - Pilates on the big apparatus is a lot of fun. If you can’t swing that I would suggest videos from Stott. Real Pilates has an emphasis on posture , breath and form. Some of it is really gentle. @SlackerMomMD it would definitely help with that core.
I have a little kyphosis (hump back) and a little lordosis (sway back) Pilates has helped so much.
I took some Pilates class and I don’t think it helped me much because it’s hard to do it right. I had lots of help. So I ended up with doing the plank in yoga, or modified version of it.
I don’t think a pilates plank and a yoga plank are any different.
Does anyone do spin? I have added a class a week to my cardio routine of Zumba and walking. Spinning gets my heart rate up and makes me sweat like crazy. Occassionally my Zumba teacher throws in a toning class with light weights which I like. I am another post menopausal woman that knows I need to add more weight training to my routine.
I LOVE spinning. I do not currently belong to a gym and the one independent place charge $18 a class–and I would try to go 2 times a week so a no go. But my 65th >:/ is in August and then I can join either 24 hour fitness or LA fitness free as a Silver and Fit member that my insurance pays for and look for a spinning class. My strength is my legs and H’s his upper body, he is a swimmer–does a mile at a time without stopping and still loves to beat most younger guys in the pool–he hated the spinning classes I took him to–the same amount I hate swimming laps.
I lost 1lbs of brain fat yesterday. I did move around quite a bit and only snacked at lunch. I plan to move around more today so hoping to lose the second pound. Lots of lifting of bags, decomposed granite and tan bark.
Going up or down a pound or two in a few days does not consist of either “gaining” or “losing” weight.
I know it’s fluctuating. I want it to stop the oscillation and just go down a straight line.