Melt unwanted belly fat with these classic moves for your abs.<\/p>\n
As most people age, they love to see certain things grow. You know, like their retirement account, free time to spend with friends and loved ones, and their family. Unfortunately, your belly quite possibly thinks it\u2019s on that list, too. Between hormonal changes, muscle loss, and potentially less physical activity, this area of the body tends to put on extra weight.<\/p>\n
We spoke with\u00a0Karen Ann Canham, CEO and founder of\u00a0Karen Ann Wellness<\/a>, Board-Certified Wellness Coach, and Nervous System Specialist, who has almost two decades of experience in the wellness space, and who\u2019s here to help with five\u00a0classic ab exercises<\/a>\u00a0that can help\u00a0shrink your belly<\/a> after 55.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst, it\u2019s important to note that no ab exercise can directly \u2018shrink belly fat,\u2019 because spot reduction isn\u2019t physiologically possible. However, certain classic core exercises can strengthen the abdominal muscles, improve posture, and enhance the appearance and function of the midsection,\u201d explains Canham. \u201cI chose these exercises because they train both the superficial abdominal muscles and the deeper stabilizing muscles that support posture, balance, and spinal health. They also tend to be more joint-friendly and sustainable for adults over 55 than high-volume sit-up routines.\u201d<\/p>\n \tModified Crunches<\/p>\n \u201cModified crunches strengthen the rectus abdominis while placing less strain on the neck and lower back than traditional crunches,\u201d Canham tells us.<\/p>\n Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the mat.
\nLightly place your hands at the back of your head.
\nBrace your core and press your lower back into the mat.
\nTake a deep breath in.
\nAs you exhale, lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor.
\nDraw your ribcage toward your hips as you crunch up.
\nUse control to lower.
\nPerform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.<\/p>\n