Melt your \u201clove handles\u201d with these moves a coach swears by.<\/p>\n
Aging and weight gain in the midsection are two facts of life. Excess fat in the waist is the result of muscle loss<\/a>, hormonal changes, and a slowed metabolism at this time of life, and it\u2019s a challenging area of the body to tone. That said, it can be done with just the right strength training<\/a> and a calorie deficit. To help get you started, we spoke with a fitness expert who shares five standing exercises<\/a> that can reduce waist thickening faster than cardio after 55.<\/p>\n Why standing exercises? They\u2019re extremely effective in trimming down your waist by activating the entire core. By standing upright, you\u2019re moving against gravity and boosting the calorie burn. You\u2019ll notice your waist trimming down in no time!<\/p>\n \u201cAfter 55, several physiological changes make abdominal fat easier to gain and harder to lose,\u201d explains Karen Ann Canham, CEO and founder of Karen Ann Wellness<\/a>, Board-Certified Wellness Coach, and Nervous System Specialist who has almost two decades of experience in wellness and corporate leadership. \u201cFirst, sarcopenia\u2014the natural loss of muscle mass with age\u2014reduces resting metabolic rate. With less muscle tissue, the body burns fewer calories at rest, making fat accumulation more likely, particularly around the midsection. Second, hormonal changes, including declines in estrogen and testosterone, tend to shift fat storage toward the abdomen. Many adults notice increased central fat even if their overall weight hasn\u2019t changed dramatically.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition, sleep disturbances and chronic stress can heighten cortisol levels, which are connected to increased fat storage in the abdominal region.<\/p>\n While performing cardio promotes a healthy heart, it typically falls short when it comes to providing stimulus to maintain or build muscle mass<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cStanding strength exercises recruit multiple muscle groups at once, increasing overall metabolic demand and helping maintain lean muscle mass,\u201d Canham says. \u201cWhen adults preserve or build muscle\u2014especially in the legs, hips, and core\u2014they increase resting metabolic rate, meaning the body burns more energy throughout the day.\u201d<\/p>\n